1 Year, 342 Movies, 12 Months of hard work, 7 Minutes.

I was perusing YouTube today and I found this little diamond in the rough. User keesvdijkhuizen (you can hit his page up here) created a retrospective of the year in film 2009 that can only be called a labor of love. Enjoy my peeps!

SayAnything’s Top 10 Albums of the Year & Best of 2009 Mix

Here it is, finally, and just in time: SayAnything’s Top 10 Albums of the Year. I have to say, this year has been filled with great music. My expectations were at times shattered and at times surpassed by this year’s releases. However, only a select few made it onto my list. Remember, this list was compiled according to my own personal taste and an objective critique of the cohesiveness of these albums as a single work so feel free to disagree. However, I hope that you’ll give these albums a listen. They might impact your life in ways too subtle to even imagine. Without further ado:

Honorable Mentions

I present to you the albums that missed the Top 10 by that much.


15. M.O.F.- Monsters of Folk


14. David Gray- Draw the Line


13. Robin Thicke- Sex Therapy


12. Blackstone Heist- EP


11. Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavilion

SayAnything’s Top 10 Albums of the Year


10. Magen Melancholy- The Short-Lived Life of Magen Melancholy

I owe my friend Vanessa for introducing me to this gem of an artist. Magen Melancholy’s debut EP blends Hip-Hop, World Music beats, and Electronica among other things into what Medium Troy probably envisioned when they coined the term Bohemian Dub. Melancholy’s sultry voice raps, speaks, and sings over a collection of surprisingly fresh tracks, spreading a message of dissatisfaction with the state of the world that, while melancholy, never borders on the desperate. Trust me guys, this album is the embodiment of the best the indie hip-hop scene has to offer. Don’t be surprised if The Short-Lived Life of Magen Melancholy is rereleased with more fanfare in the near future.


9. Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse- Dark Night of the Soul

Danger Mouse, the reclusive Sparklehorse, and David Lynch. ‘Nuff said, right? Problem is this album may never be released due to a legal dispute with EMI and that’s a damn shame because this album is an experience. Dark Night of the Soul, featuring guest vocals from a variety of artists including the likes of Julian Casablancas, Nina Persson, Vic Chestnutt, and The Flaming Lips, is meant to be paired up with a 100+ page book of photographs by Lynch which is supposed to be a visual narrative of the music. The book is being sold with a blank CD-R and a note saying: ‘For Legal Reasons, enclosed CD-R contains no music. Use it as you will,” clearly encouraging the consumer to obtain the music by any means necessary. This ambitious work has been on display at the OH WOW gallery during Art Basel 2009 and other such places where people have been lucky to experience it. However, don’t let the controversy overshadow the work. This might be Danger Mouse’s most influential album since he turned the Beatles’ White Album and Jay Z’s Black Album into the Grey Album.


8. The Lonely Island- Incredibad

I went on a road trip across the Southern US this year with two of my closest friends and this album was how we started each morning’s drive. The Lonely Island consists of SNL cast member Andy Sandberg and his best buds, SNL writers Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone. Believe me when I say that the title track cements the trio as the heirs to the Beastie Boys in the comedy album realm. Their parodies might be better than the subject of the parodies themselves, but they had help from a variety of guest artists in getting there. I mean, how awesome is it that T-Pain’s best work may just be the parody of his own songs?


7. The xx- xx

If there’s one person I trust when it comes to music, other than my favorite Mexican Cuatita (Under the Counter must come back to the Blogosphere Anita. Trust.), it’s my boy “Captain” Eric Dorman (Check out his Blog Truth. One. Love.). He introduced me to the xx and good lord was he right on the money. This British quartet of 20 somethings (now a trio since the keyboardist quit) that met at Elliot School, which boasts alumni the likes of Four Tet, Burial, and Hot Chip, have put out an album that shows a maturity and musical knowledge well beyond their years. This is a study in restraint and minimalism, from Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim’s male/female vocal stylings to the straight forward beats used in the album. xx is a tender yet firm whisper telling us in no uncertain terms that the future of music is incredibly bright now that the xx are involved. Elliot School has no other choice but to boast about this group of alumni as well.


6. Mos Def- The Ecstatic

Well look who’s back. Not since Black on Both Sides has Mos Def shown why he is one of the best MCs we have in the rap game right now. This album is a pan-global collage of music. You have Latin rhythms paired up with jazz, soul, funk, and anything else you can imagine. It’s a special treat to hear him go back and forth with Talib Kweli again; so special in fact that I was screaming for a Black Star reunion. I’m glad to see Mos Def come back as a musical force with the message that hope has its work cut out in a world that needs changing in the most urgent way.


5. Phoenix- Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

I have a news flash for you guys: French band Phoenix has been around for over a decade. This is not a retro-pop debut album no matter how many car commercials have been using 1901 to sell their wares. While the album is a catchy mofo, it’s the incredible polish and production value that caught my attention. Once you get past the indie pop you’ll realize that Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix has deep pockets full of anthems, instrumentals, and carefully orchestrated melodic structures. I was blown away by just how much more I liked this album on repeat hearings.


4. Pearl Jam- Backspacer

I’m a Pearl Jam guy. For me Tens > Nevermind. So I must say I was pleasantly surprised when my boys from Seattle followed up 2006’s Pearl Jam with an album that not only is heavily influenced by New Wave, pop music, and dare I say it, U2-like guitar riffs, but is also their shortest album to date. Make no mistake about it: This is the funnest Pearl Jam record out there; they finally sound like they enjoy being in a band. After so many years of protest and dissatisfaction, Pearl Jam is cranking out some kick ass rock and roll and it sounds like something you can sink your teeth into.


3. Paolo Nutini- Sunny Side Up

The first time I heard of Paolo Nutini was a few years ago. Rob Thomas was plugging his first single, "New Shoes," on his website. While I enjoyed the song, I didn't really get into his album, "These Streets," at that point in time, though it did grow on me. When Paolo came back with his sophomore effort, "Sunny Side Up," he forced me to recognize the immensity of his talent. This Scottish singer/songwriter of Italian descent has a scratch in his voice that recalls but never imitates greats like Rod Stewart, Ottis Redding, Joe Cocker, and Wilson Pickett. The tracks on this one are not only crafted with tremendous skill, they also make you nostalgic for the music that influenced their creation. There’s no greater tribute than that.


2. Nouvelle Vague- 3

As a karaoke whore I love, love, love covers, and nobody does covers better than Nouvelle Vague. For their third studio effort, Nouvelle Vague expands their skill set a bit by adding bluegrass and country to their bossa nova and reggae interpretations of well beloved classics as well as signing some duets with the original artists. I’m not going to say much more about this album except that Nouvelle Vague has a special gift: They take the songs we care about and make us fall in love with them all over again. It’s what they do.


1. The Swell Season- Strict Joy

Wow. We’ve reached my top album for 2009, and what an album it is. This album means so much to me on so many levels. Watching Once introduced me to Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová and, by proxy, the Frames. The songs from that soundtrack are among my favorites of all time. When I heard that The Swell Season was putting out a new album and that they were coming stateside to tour for that album, I said to hell with it and booked a ticket to Boston for their Berklee Performance Center concert. Real life lovers, Hansard and Irglová told the story of how they came together through their music for the Once soundtrack and in Strict Joy, they tell the story of how they came apart. Strict Joy documents their break up with the bombast of a full backing band courtesy of all the former members of the Frames and the influence of Hansard’s Holy Trinity of Music: Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Van Morrison. If you’re lucky to get your hands on the two-disc special edition, you will be treated to live performances of The Swell Season’s earlier songs, too. Strict Joy tells the world that love doesn’t end, it evolves into different feelings; that passion and lust can turn into respect and well wishes for the future without caring ever leaving the equation. There’s no greater proof of that than the fact that Hansard and Irglová still tour together, exuding an authenticity that comes through in their performance because they have lived what they now sing. I’m grateful for this album because it delves knee deep into a side of love that doesn’t get that much attention; because every now and then, it’s on my mind.

As a special bonus, I’m putting out my track listing for my end of the year best of mix. Enjoy!


SayAnything’s Best of 2009 Mix

1. Mos Def- Supermagic
2. Magen Melancholy- Divide and Conquer
3. M.O.F.- Dear God (Sincerely M.O.F.)
4. Animal Collective- My Girls
5. Blackstone Heist- Space Debris
6. David Gray- Fugitive
7. Paolo Nutini- Pencil Full of Lead
8. Phoenix- 1901
9. Pearl Jam- The Fixer
10. The Lonely Island- Boombox (feat. Julian Casablancas)
11. Robin Thicke- Meiple (feat. Jay-Z)
12. Camera Obscura- French Navy
13. Nekko Case- This Tornado Loves You
14. Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse- Revenge (feat. Wayne Coyne)
15. The xx- Islands
16. The Swell Season- I Have Loved You Wrong
17. U2- Magnificent
18. Miike Snow- Animal
19. Nouvelle Vague- Blister in the Sun

SayAnything: A Decade of Love Mix

The 2000's are coming to an end and I felt compelled to do... something... to commemorate the event. I owe this decade much; you see, this is the decade where I learned that love is a verb and not a noun. I learned what it was like to love a woman, selfishly and unselfishly. I learned that once love ends, it can be found again. I learned that my friends and family and the love we share are the very reason I am standing before you today as the man I am.

So, back to the point at hand. This decade's coming to a close and I thought that the best way to commemorate the occassion was to compile a Love Mix and send it out to my peepulation in some form. However, this was not to be just any Love Mix. I ambituously tried to define love in all its forms in one mix. Funny thing is, I didn't know what I wanted to say until I embarked on what can only be called a journey into the recesses of time, space, memory, and love. In order to do that, I realized I wanted this mix to be as universal a possible and my own tastes limit the possibility of the message I am trying to convey. I ended up asking a bunch of my friends one question: "If you had to pick ONE song that sounds like love, what would it be?" It was they who created the Lazarus pool of songs that were reborn into an entirely new narrative entity of love.

I'm not going to get into my philosophy of the mix-tape. Disclaimer: Obviously this is not the "Be-All Love Mix Of All Time." What I will tell you is that I found exactly what I wanted to say while I put these tracks together for you. Above all else, love is desire; the longing to be part of something greater than ourselves. We strive to become better than what we are through our ability to connect with others. Here now, is Say Anything's Decade of Love Mix. Thank you for inspiring me to be the best version of myself I can be. I'm not saying I'm there, but I am saying that I'm trying, because of you and the untapped reserve of love this world has yet to unleash. Without you, I am nothing because I'd have nothing to strive for. Happy Holidays. :)

SayAnything: A Decade of Love Mix:



1. U2- One
2. The Beach Boys- God Only Knows
3. Mazzy Star- Fade Into You
4. Kath Bloom- Come Here
5. Juan Luis Guerra y los 4.40- Burbujas De Amor
6. Eva Cassidy- Songbird
7. Carla Bruni- Le Ciel Dans Une Chambre
8. Phish- Waste
9. The Beatles- I'll Follow The Sun
10. The Smiths- There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
11. Ricardo Arjona- Tocando Fondo
12. Rachael Yamagata- Be Be Your Love
13. Adriana Calcanhoto- Vambora
14. Ellis Paul- If You Break Down
15. PFC World Ensemble- One Love
16. John Cale- Hallelujah
17. Bill Withers- Ain't No Sunshine
18. Peter Gabriel- In Your Eyes
19. Stars- Violent
20. Café Tacvba- Eres
21. Glee Cast- Somebody To Love
22. Thicke- When I Get You Alone
23. Travis- Flowers In The Window
24. Katrina & The Waves- Walking On Sunshine

Don't Panic! Uruguyan Film Producer Yoshimi's a Hollywood $$$ Deal!

Hello loyal peeps! I'm back! I'll explain my extended absence in a later posting. As a matter of fact, I wasn't planning on writting another post until I finished Say Anything's Top 10 Albums of the Year article, but I just had to turn you guys on to this little gem. Unknown Uruguyan film producer Fede Alvarez put up $300 to finance a five minute short called "Ataque de Panico" (Panic Attack), which finds Montevideo, Uruguay under attack from giant robots. The short went viral and has received 1.5 million hits on YouTube so far. We all know that if something becomes a viral hit, Hollywood's going to jump on it. Alvarez told the BBC, "I uploaded 'Ataque de Panico!' on a Thursday and on Monday my inbox was totally full of emails from Hollywood studios." Sam Raimi's Ghost House pictures won a bidding war and Alvarez now has a $30 million dollar deal sitting on his lap. A sci-fi thriller set in Argentina and Uruguay? Count me in. It's nice to see a fresh idea get some recognition. Enjoy!

Muppet Phone Conferences Are The Best

You guys have probably already seen this. Truth is, life events have kept me from updating the blog as much as I used to. Once the Jigsaw pieces start falling into place, I hope to be a better blogger. That being said, this post is for those of you who have not (seen this). I want to make you all fully aware that there is a Muppet Studio page on youtube that right this moment is bringing us new Muppet adventures in HD. How cool is that? Do yourselves a favor and suscribe. If you need a reason to suscribe, allow me to present this little gem:



MANAH MANAH!

POW: Marimba John Williams

I came across this video on Youtube today, and, I gotta tell ya, I was blown away. 14-year-old Maikel van den Boomen from Someren Heide in Holland has some mad skills on the marimba; team that with his love for John Williams and you have this week's POW. Enjoy!

Would You Believe They Put a Man on the Moon?

You know, I knew it was a "great success" on my part to follow Stephen Fry on twitter. Check him out here. Today's validation came in the shape of this video that Stephen made his followers privy to. A really sweet, inventive little film. Interestingly enough, this film was created almost as a sort of ad for Rick Stroud's "The Book of the Moon." Click here for the link. My how I love short films, animated ones especially. Enjoy!

Who Says Mayer's Gone?

He's back ladies and gents. I have a feeling this is only the tip of the iceberg with Battle Studies. Curse you John Mayer. You're always throwing a wrench into my Top Ten Albums of the Year lists with your late entries.

The Titans are Coming

Hello peeps! Sorry I've been away for so long. I will discuss recent events at a later date. For now, I want to renew our relationship with some light-hearted yet awesome news. Do you guys remember this?:



It was 1981 and the legendary Ray Harryhausen's stop motion magic allowed this film to take Greek mythology to a Star Wars level. Almost 30 years later we are getting a remake, and the following trailer fills me with a sense of excitement:

Click here for the HD version.

Sam Worthington is poised to become Hollywood's new posterboy. He has been the new face of the Terminator franchise and is about to star in James Cameron's long awaited Avatar. Let's see if he can fill Harry Hamlin's sandals. Also, any movie featuring Liam Neeson deserves a viewing.

Bike Hero Rocks!

I really don't have the words. Amazing. Thanks to Eli PDG for putting this on her twitter. You can check out her twitter stream here.



I wonder what it would be like on Expert...

POW: The Cool Cats do Boston

I'm off to Boston, MA tomorrow because your boy has tickets to see the Swell Season! Woot! I was racking my brain trying to figure out how to pay tribute to this occasion when I realized that I hadn't put up a POW post this week. Boston, performance of the week, seeing a band. All of that came together in ye olde noggin and now I'm proud to present The Cool Cats' air band performance of Boston's "More than a Feeling." For those of you who are not among the ranks of the conoscenti, let me explain.

According to wikipedia, "Playing air guitar is a form of dance and movement in which the performer pretends to play rock or heavy metal-style electric guitar, including riffs, solos, etc. Playing an air guitar usually consists of exaggerated strumming and picking motions and is often coupled with loud singing or lip-synching. Air guitar is generally used in the imaginary simulation of loud electric guitar music." An air band expands the concept of air guitar and applies it to a complete ensemble performance. You think this isn't the real deal? There are contests held around the world that judge performers' aptitudes in this subtle art. Creative, innovative, and totally fun. Enjoy one from the golden days of Scrubs. I'll see you next week!

Obama and Climate Change

Prepping for my upcoming Boston trip, I came across this little website. Way cool. Check out Obama-weather! Thanks to Kristen for leading me here.

The US, Pakistan, and Debt Bondage

For those of you who thought debt bondage was a thing of the past, think again. Sources at the US embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan say that at least three landlords are currently holding around 170 peasants at gun point for failure to pay back $12 US dollar debts, that were deemed an illegal way to force them into indentured servitude btw, since September of this year. This is happening as Hilary Clinton visits Pakistan as the Secretary of State for the first time. You can read E. Benjamin Skinner's story on the matter for TIME.com here.

I personally feel that it's important not to compromise or back down from an issue of this magnitude when our entire foreign policy is currently being restructured and we are repositioning ourselves as protectors of human rights. It's going to be crucial to see how the US's rhetoric on human rights is going to be tested here. Remember that this is all going on at the same time that the war in Afghanistan is reaching a delicate point.

Happy Halloween from Hoobastank

In my teen years, I used to really like Hoobastank's first album. Eventually, though, I stopped listening to their music. Way to make me remember why you guys rock Hoobastank! Check this out!

Creepy and Bizarre Halloween Pumpkins.

Keeping with yesterday's Halloween theme I came across this video that showcases some pretty morbid, yet undoubtedly awesome Halloween Pumpkin carving. Enjoy!

Top 5 Awesome Halloween Costumes

With Halloween around the corner, I thought it'd be cool to share the 5 most creative costumes I've seen lately while on my online forays. While I'm a fan of the "Sexy/Slutty Insert random profession or animal here" costume ideas for women like any other man, they don't really get my respect so you wont see them on this ramshackle list. Unless you're a sexy Jawa. that's pretty bad ass. Without further ado and in no particular order:

SAY ANYTHING'S TOP 5 HALLOWEEN COSTUMES FOR 2009



OK. Yes, I'm a bit John Cusack obsessed, but this Lloyd Dobler costume wins points in the creativity department because once wearing it your hands are free the whole night, but you never stop holding up the boombox. Props.



What I love about these Spy Vs. Spy costumes is that it takes couples costumes to a new level. Gone is the blatant sexuality of the "Light Socket & Plug" costume. The war of the sexes has never been so subtly put forth on display.



Pet costumes cannot be ignored. A chihuahua dressed as a luchador? No brainer. Nachooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Now if only he had a Greyhound dressed as Eskeleto.



Couples costumes are not only for those romantically involved. There's nothing sweeter than a parent teaming up with their child to create Halloween magic. While cynics might find this a bit creepy, I say shhhhh and enjoy the WALL*E and Eve goodness.

I lied, there is an order. There is one costume to rule them all. Wow. I love the commitment. Drum roll please!



I hope you guys enjoyed my list. What's yours?

POW: U2 on YouTube

Simply amazing. Last night YouTube and U2 joined forces to live stream U2's performance as a global webcast from their concert at the Rose Bowl in CA. Click here for the story. You know what? Why don't you just see for yourself? Click here to see the concert in its entirety when they rebroadcast it. If you weren't watching last night do yourself a favor and check it out. Do not kid yourselves, this is a historic event. We just witnessed the first global concert broadcast on YouTube... for free! :D What a concert!

Do Not Overlook Paolo Nutini, You'll Regret It

The first time I heard of Paolo Nutini was a few years ago. Rob Thomas was plugging his first single, "New Shoes," on his website. While I enjoyed the song, I didn't really get into his album, "These Streets," at that point in time, though it did grow on me. When Paolo came back with his sophomore effort, "Sunny Side Up," he forced me to recognize the immensity of his talent. This Scottish singer/songwriter of Italian descent has a scratch in his voice that recalls but never imitates greats like Ottis Redding, Joe Cocker, and Wilson Pickett. I recommend that you guys click here to learn more about Paolo Nutini.

Check out the video for his new single, "Pencil Full of Lead," an awesome throwback to big band jazz:



And if you're like me and can't do without your acoustic performances, check this version of the song out:



Enjoy!

Coldplay: First Class all the Way

The UK's Royal Mail service is selecting 10 classic rock album covers to feature in a series of First Class stamps. Coldplay's cover art from a Rush of Blood to the head was confirmed as one of the selections. Click here for the story. I find this unbelievably cool, what with my new found love for vinyl. I wonder what the other 9 selections are going to be.

8-bits of Swedish Rap... or is it 16-bits?

I've got to credit my boy Steve Strait with this one (No, not the guy from 10,000 B.C.). Great find. In his words, "For all those who love Swedish Rap and can name a stupid number of 8 and 16 bit video games from sight alone (hello childhood), your match from heaven has come down to Earth." Not only are the featured rappers talented, but the ending of this video does what I've wanted to do for years. I hate that dog. You'll see what I mean. How can i not give this video airplay?!

Enjoy!

POW: Maximizing Office Space

Part of me thinks this is a new viral campaign by Apple to promote it's MacBook, but if it is I totally want one. The Backstreet Boys were never as fun as this, and I'm counting their "Everybody" performance in the VMAs over a decade ago. If this is what it means to work in an office, count me in. I hope you guys enjoy the lip synching goodness!

Inigo Amescua: Photographer, Poet, Bohemian, and Original AEIOU Champion.

Ever since I revamped the blog, the question that I get most often is, "Wow, what a great pic of the boombox! Did you take it?" The answer is no. I wish, but I cant claim that. The one responsible for that bit of awesomeness is my very dear friend and much much shorter brother :p Inigo Amescua. Inigo and I met in grad school where we hit it off immediately. He's from Spain, I speak Spanish with a lisp, we were bound to become friends.

It didn't take long for me to realize that aside from being an incredibly warm and compassionate human being, my friend was also incredibly talented. His photography is some of the best work I've ever seen. In my opinion his work is comparable to Bruce Davidson's.

Here's one of Bruce's photos:



Here's a link to one of Inigo's photos.

The reason I'm writing about my friend today is that he's recently published a new set of photos about NYC and it really is something to behold. Click here to see that I'm not exaggerating.

Here now, are a bunch of links:
His Flicker
His Studio Blog
His Poetry Blog

Congratulations buddy. You really are a talent.

2010 World Cup Breeds Unrest in South Africa

The world is about to be taken over by World Cup fever once again. With the qualifiers all but over, the anticipation for the return of "el jogo bonito" to the world's center stage is palpable. However, we must be aware that soccer has changed over the years. Perhaps I have a romanticized view of what futbol used to be due to countless Sunday afternoon's spent on my grandfathers couch listening to the history lessons that accompanied every contest we saw together, but it seems to be more of a business now.

My cousin Christian has been calling for a boycott of the 2010 World Cup. When I asked him why, he had this to say:

"I'm disgusted with FIFA, they're a bunch of liars who claim to help children and the poor. Damn politicians are taking advantage of an event like the World Cup to displace and even kill poor families and FIFA would rather stay quiet and rake money into their pockets. $70 million US has been invested and the people there are hungry without a roof over their heads, when all you need is a ball to play such a beautiful game. What a world."

Apparently, thousands of South Africans are being displaced from their homes as finishing touches are put on the Durban stadium in preparation for the World Cup. On Saturday, October 26, a group of 40 armed men ran amok in an informal settlement in Durban's Kennedy Row, destroying at least 30 shacks and killing at least 2 people. Click here for Democracy Now's story on the matter.

Most of us will watch the World Cup and have no idea what price was paid by those who could least pay it for our entertainment. While I personally feel that a boycott would be ineffective, we need to be aware of what's going on. This story isn't being covered by the media here. Show FIFA that we know that they know. Perhaps we could influence them to stop these illegal and immoral displacements of South Africa's poor.

Watch the following video starting at minute 48:35 in order to see the World Cup story:

Thanksgivings

This one was a poem I wrote as a thank you to a friend for her kindness towards a member of my family. My friend Inigo, a fellow bohemian, a true artist, and tomorrow's featured performer, reminded me that I hadn't put it up and that I should. Here you go, enjoy the Haikuiness.

Thanksgivings

Amber Polaroids
framed by snapdragon petals
document the Falls

spent flying, fighting;
atop Baba’s woods crowing
at the smirking sun:

“Que onda, Guero?!”
as light rays engendered the
freckles on your thighs.

7 Love Letters, 7 Different Brands of Endearing Wackyness

New York, I Love You opens today in limited release and in honor of the occasion I want to share 7 different expressions of love with you guys. Click here for a good read. The Star Wars love letter is my favorite. Thanks to my friend Carrie for bringing this to my attention. A friend of mine teased me the other day about being in love with love. I think there are many forms of love and that there's nothing wrong with being a romantic. So go get in touch with your romantic side and go watch New York I Love You... when you're not watching Where the Wild Things Are! Great weekend for movies!

John Stewart, Al Franken, Haliburton, and Gang Rape in Iraq

I can't say enough about this topic. Alex Leo of the Huffington Post wrote a story about an incident that happened in Iraq a few years ago:

"In 2005, Jamie Leigh Jones was gang-raped by her Halliburton/KBR co-workers while working in Iraq and locked in a shipping container for over a day to prevent her from reporting her attack. The rape occurred outside of U.S. criminal jurisdiction, but to add serious insult to serious injury she was not allowed to sue KBR because her employment contract said that sexual assault allegations would only be heard in private arbitration--a process that overwhelmingly favors corporations.

Former SNL alum and new junior-senator (D-MN) Al Franken proposed an amendment that would deny government contracts to defense companies that asked for rape disclaimers. The amendment passed but 30 senators, all Republicans, voted against it. You can read Alex Leo's story on the matter here.

Wow. I could go on a rant about how outraged i am, but I think Jon Stewart said it best. Take a look at this:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Rape-Nuts
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Ron Paul Interview

Rape as a Weapon of War

I was sent this link by my cousin and I find it my moral duty to share it with you. However, I will post this disclaimer: The images you are about to see when you click the forthcoming link, despite some censorship, are incredibly graphic. The Asian Tribune is running a story on the use of rape by US forces as a weapon of war in Iraq. The editor begins the story with a specific case:

"In March 2006 four US soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division gang raped a 14 year old Iraqi girl and murdered her and her family —including a 5 year old child. An additional soldier was involved in the cover-up."

However unpleasant it is to think that OUR side can be responsible for such atrocities, we cannot turn a blind eye to these proceedings. Are we to believe that in order to fight "agents of evil" it is necessary to become evil?

Click here for the Asian Tribune's story.

elipdg5 &The PEN Story

Mornin' folks. Here I am bringing you the stop-motion animation goodies again. This one was a pleasant surprise. Thanks to my friend Eli PDG for bringing this to my attention. Check out her own videos on her youtube page. I hope you guys get as much of a kick out of this as I did.

PS: Eli just informed me that you can download the song for free here. Bonus! Didn't we just blow your minds!? :-p

Summer Olympics at Coors Field

I'm not much of a baseball fan, but this play by Rockies' rookie Dexter Fowler was something to behold. Click here for yahoo's take on the play. The Rockies went on to lose the game 5-4 after a miraculous comeback by the Phillies which also lead to the end of the Rockies' post season hopes. However, this play is still nothing short of amazing. Click here for the video.

POW: The Swell Season's Strict Joy

Once is one of my favorite movies. It's a beautifully simple little tale about connecting with another person through music. The duo behind the music of the film, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, otherwise known as the Swell Season, are about to drop their new album, "Strict Joy" on October 27th. My friend Josh came across this concert the other day, and I gotta tell you, you're in for a treat. Enjoy.

Rest in Peace Zambo

The Peruvian singer Arturo "Zambo" Cavero, one of the greats in Peruvian creole music, passed away this afternoon from septicemia, a generalized infection in the body that was aggravated by his obesity. Click here to read Isabel Guerra's report on the Living in Peru website. I grew up with el Zambo's music playing in my house, one of the last links to my country of origin left to us after emigrating to the US. I didn't really appreciate el Zambo until later in life. I want to share with you one of his greatest songs, "Nuestro Secreto (Our Secret)." Truly an amazing song by an artist without equal. The Peruvian waltz is basically the Viennese waltz on 'roids. What these guitar players can make their guitars do in 3/4 time is out of this world. My uncle Jorge played "Nuestro Secreto" at family gatherings. I truly hope that el Zambo can find the peace in death that eluded him in life. What a day for news.

Obama: Nobel Peace Prize Winner

I awoke this morning to watch the lunar missile, and was greeted with news that President Obama had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. I agree with most critics when they say the young president might not have had time to do enough to merit this award. However, I honestly think that after 8 years of Bush, Obama could have slapped Mahmoud across the face with his shoe and still won the Nobel Peace Prize. This is indicative that the world has high expectations from Obama, and perhaps this serves as motivation for him not to be derailed by the divisive politics and infighting within the government that has recently marred his administration's tenure. You can read all about it, including the reaction from some world leaders, here. I for one will take this news with optimism and expect better things in the coming years. Congratulations, Mr. President. I don't know if you deserve it, yet, but I hope that you earn it.

To Wong Kung Fu

Two thugs were walking the Kingsway Swansea in Wales and decided to attack two transvestites who were glammed up for a night on the town. Turns out the two transvestites were cage fighters. You can read the Mail Online's story here as well as watch the video of the incident. It doesn't pay to commit hate crimes folks. The seemingly inoffensive tranny your prejudiced self wants to pick on:



Will go Road House on your ASS!:

POW Guns 'N Strings?

Came across this little gem earlier today. Adam DeGraff, the violinist/fiddler from Pianafiddle is seen here warming up before a concert with his version of "Sweet Child O' Mine." Pretty sweet. Enjoy!

Tweeting during a Protest now Punishable by Law?

Elliot Madison, a 41 year old NYC social worker and self-described anarchist, had his home raided and was subsequently arrested by Pennsylvania state police for using electronic means to help coordinate protest during the Pittsburgh G-20 summit. What this means is that he tweeted the locations of police officers in order to help protesters evade them during the G20 summit in Pittsburgh. You can read the Huffington Post's story on the matter here.

Why is this important? First of all, I'd like to quote my cousin referencing the incident at the Obama speech a few weeks ago: "Damn, right wingers can show up to protests carrying loaded weapons, but an anarchist tweeting about police activity during the G-20, now that's an arrestable action!" My cousin also linked me to a website he follows that explores this matter further. Click here for an alternate perspective. I'm more specifically concerned with two factors:

1) The Internet is supposed to be this new communication arena free of regulation. However, with police monitoring new social networks such Twitter, Facebook, or even texts, is the foundation of the Internet about to change? What does this mean for the future of communication? I'm of the idea that in order to prevent crime we must do what is necessary to keep people safe. However, what Madison was doing is not a crime. The constitution clearly states that our first amendment rights include "freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

2) To me this rings of hypocrisy. When a similar situation was occurring in Iran during the presidential elections not so long ago, the same type of criminalization of protest was condemned by most Americans. The American government even provided Irani dissidents with advanced satellite technology so that they could keep Twittering information that would help protesters avoid retaliation from the Basij forces and sending info outside of Iran so that the rest of the world would be aware of what was happening as it happened. If the Iranian people had that right, why don't these people also have that right?

What concerns me is this disconnect. If the US is so eager to become a moral leader in global affairs, it has to practice what it preaches. This is not the way to do that.

The 'itis Commercial

Wow. Just wow. Jimmy Dean has officially put out one of the most borderline racist commercials I've seen in a long time. While my first impulse was to laugh, we need to be aware of why we find certain things humorous. See for yourself.

Run this Town SON!

Timothy DelaGhetto's youtube channel is pretty sweet. However his remix of Run this town featuring KatBadar just took it to a new level. Nice skills, meng. Check it out:

What's in the Boooooooooooooooooooox?

I had seen this film while I was in Burbank a few months back, but a friend's recent interest in it reminded me that there's no good reason why I shouldn't share it with you all. Amazing little short film that leaves me wanting more. Enjoy!

Click here to see what's in the box...



And for funsies:

COMBO!

Recently, I have been delving into the world of time-lapse/stop-motion/animation/live-action etc. videos. It just so happens I've made a few friends recently who share a passion for telling short, intimate stories in varying formats that allow for freedom of artistic expression. Plus it's pretty cool too. The video I'm about to share with you is a collaboration by artists Blu and David Ellis. The music is by Roberto Lange and it was produced by Studio Cromie. You can tell that a lot of love went into the making of this video. I hope you enjoy.

POW: Slow Dance

This week's POW still counts as a performance. A friend of mine had this video on her facebook page and I was amazed at the beauty of the choreography and the feeling these two dancers put into their performance. Consequently I began learning this song on Penny Lane for 2 days straight. John Mayer's Slow Dancing in a Burning Room never looked so good. Enjoy!

My Birthday Gift to You: BattleCat

Happy birthday to me! Normally, I get really excited about my birthday, but this year has been a little rough. Lucky for me I happened upon a video that reminded me of one of my favorite birthday gifts of all time: BattleCat. When I turned 3, or maybe 4, my parents helped me complete my He-Man collection by gifting me with He-Man's trusty companion BattleCat. Thanks to them, He-Man lead the charge against Skeletor and his minions mounted on his trusty tiger of justice. In 2006 artist Robert Burden began doing a series of oil paintings about his favorite childhood toys. He recently put up a time-lapse video of himself painting BattleCat. Click here to see more of Robert Burden's work. The track that accompanies the video, Space Debris by the Blackstone Heist, is fantastic. Here now, is my birthday gift to you: You can download the Blackstone Heist's self-titled EP here for your own price. It really is a fantastic EP so feel free to donate whatever you can. It's important to support artists that are coming up in the world. However, times are tough, and the boys of Blackstone Heist were kind enough to make their music available for free. I'm indebted to Robert Burden for reminding me of what makes birthdays so special. As a milestone, birthdays allow you to look back on all aspects of your life, and even though I've forgotten to recently, I'm starting to look at the positive aspects as well. BY THE POWER OF GREYSKULL!

Sarah Kruzan: This is not Justice

Sarah Kruzan was sentenced to life without parole at the age of 16 for killing the man who raped her at age 13 and then pimped her out. I do not believe that taking a life is justified but there are extenuating circumstances in any case. In her position would I do the same? Maybe. I would deserve punishment for it, yes, but I'd probably do the same. Where were the authorities when a 13 year-old Kruzan needed their protection? How was this man G.G. not punished for what he did? If she hadn't killed him he'd probably be out there violating other children. Bottom line, this case points to structural problems within the justice system, one of which where the law states that any minor who commits murder can be sentenced to life without parole. I don't necessarily disagree with this law, but it lets prejudiced judges make calls based on their own biases instead of what is right. Bottom line, Kruzan, along with all the other children in similar situations, deserved better from a society that was supposed to protect them. This is not justice. Please put the word out in hopes that this decision can be overturned. We deserve redemption if we take the trouble to earn it.

Dr. Horrible Emmy Winner

Neil Patrick Harris has done the impossible. He made a banal show like the Emmys fun to watch! I know, right?!! After last years reality host debacle, I never thought the Emmy's could have dug themselves out of the hole of of mediocrity... actually that's being kind. Mediocrity was something to aspire to. In his role as co-producer, Harris had a hand in crafting a witty, hip, and entertaining show that helped remove the cloud of the Juanes' Cuba concert for peace that took over the Miami airwaves. Imagine what it did for the rest of the country! Try to catch the broadcast on Hulu and you'll see what I mean. I leave you all with what in my opinion was the highlight of the night, Hammer meet Neil!

Top 10 Break-Up Foods

I had more than a few discussions lately on the topic of relationships. However, the most interesting one linked relationships to food. It's amazing how intertwined these two seemingly different concepts are. It's a rom-com staple to have a woman who just got out of a relationship chowing down on chocolate chocolate Häagen-Dazs while dancing around a living room table with 3 of her girlfriends in PJ's as Aretha Franklin blares from her sound system. Food makes you feel good. That's why many people comfort eat. I present to you the Top 10 Break-Up Foods according to Shine from Yahoo!. Click here for some foodie goodness!

Sodom and Gomorrah

I wanted to share this news story that my friend Ana of Under the Counter fame linked me to the other day. Click here for the Frontline article. I'll let you read the article for yourselves, though I will say this: We must be very aware of the transaction costs of our day to day lives, which includes using the internet. I'm not saying to deprive oneself of anything, I'm saying that every action has a reaction and that we have the power to channel that reaction in a productive way.

POW: Ziggy and the Galagas

This Performance of the Week installment features the Arcade Fire rocking out to their badass song Wake Up with none other than David Bowie! It's a really moving performance that leaves one nostalgic for the carefree days of one's childhood. I can't wait for Spike Jonez's Where the Wild Things are!

Oh What a World, What a World...

I woke up this morning in a pretty good mood. My life, though difficult right now, could be worse. I have my health, my family, and the immediate future is lined with possibilities. Yes, you could say I was feeling pretty hopeful. Then I came across these two news articles:

Grandfather Gets Life; Killed 6-Year-Old Over Watermelon

Cracker Barrel Beating May Be Hate Crime

What is it about the world right now that breeds such hatred and lack of civility in all of us? Can we blame the economy for this? Lately it seems that the news is filled with stories of parents committing infanticide, of racists committing hate crimes, of Kanye West dissing Taylor Swift? Perhaps we lack perspective. It's enough to make one lose hope. I was talking to a friend of mine who restated a lesson I had recently learned: If you expect from others what you expect of yourself you're going to be constantly disappointed to the brink of nihilism. However, is it too much to expect a bit of human decency from our brethren? I'm of the opinion that we all contain the capacity for both good and evil. It is the daily choices we make that determine the type of person we are. How hard is it to decide to let go of our fears and hate and then be free of our fears and hate?

Yes the world sucks right now. It's sucked before, and tomorrow it will probably still suck. We might not get the jobs we want, the other guy might get your girl, your sister might inherit the house instead of you. We are responsible for the choices we make and sometimes there's no excuse, tough childhood be damned. To the bigot at the Cracker Barrel and the murdering grandfather with a thing for watermelon I want to say this: there's no excuse. Your actions have consequences. In the future I hope you make a better choice. I hope, when pressed, we all do.

Nobody puts Swayze in a Corner, not even Cancer

I grew up watching Patrick Swayze kick ass in Road House, Dirty Dancing, and most iconically of all, in Point Break. My cousins and I have recreated the scene where Keanu shoots the sky instead of Patrick hundreds of times. Swayze passed away today from pancreatic cancer. This hits home for me for a variety of reasons. My aunt recently passed away, also suffering from pancreatic cancer. I can tell you that it's not the easiest way to go. Lately it seems a lot of my childhood heroes have been moving on. By all accounts he was a good man; he overcame a bout with alcoholism and apparently took his new lease on life seriously. His career renaissance included such films as Donnie Darko and Powder Blue. Tonight, I'm going to have myself a nice double feature in honor of the man: Dirty Dancing and Road House. I offer his wife my deepest condolences and thank him for his contributions to my life. Click here to have the time of your life.

MJ Medley

I saw this video today and I just had to share. In the wake of the circus that has put up tents after MJ's death, it's refreshing to see some people concentrating on what brought him to the dance in the first place, his music. My one question: Is this split screen magic or has someone had Von Trapp septuplets?

Michael Jackson remix @ Yahoo! Video