Treats
Every Monday, look here for a song, movie, television show, poem, cartoon, book, or another thought-provoking treat for you. Some
will be light-hearted, others may be difficult to process or even controversial, but each will reawaken a part of you and make you think.
will be light-hearted, others may be difficult to process or even controversial, but each will reawaken a part of you and make you think.
7-12-19: What the last Nuremberg prosecutor alive wants the world to know (video) https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-the-last-nuremberg-prosecutor-alive-ben-ferencz-wants-the-world-to-know-60-minutes-2019-06-30/
6-24-19: Want to help people suffering from diseases around the world for free, in the easiest way possible? Then join World Community Grid. World Community Grid is an effort to create the world's largest public computing grid to tackle scientific research projects that benefit humanity. Launched on November 16, 2004, it is co-ordinated by IBM with client software currently available for Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android operating systems. From cancer to Zika to HIV/AIDS and studying bacteria and autoimmune diseases, all helping takes is for your computer or phone to be on. The program runs in the background and your donate your device’s spare computing power to help scientists solve the world’s biggest problems in health and sustainability, ones that require crunching large amounts of data, too big for one team to handle by itself. By helping with your device, "you can help scientists get results in months instead of decades. With your help, they can identify the most important areas to study in the lab, bringing them one step closer to discoveries that save lives and address global problems."
https://www.worldcommunitygrid.org/about_us/viewNewsArticle.do?articleId=590
https://www.crunchersansfrontieres.org/ongoing.html
6-17-19: 12 Best Nonviolent Video Games (Appropriate Alternatives to Fortnite) https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/12-non-violent-video-games-150014734.html
6-10-19: a) Regardless of religion, this is a beautiful thing; a Christian husband celebrates his Sikh wife in emotional song in her language https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GojJnrqpeE b) Watch and marvel at Taeyeon's pure emotion channeled through her masterful voice, live (and in Japanese, a language she does not speak). Her songs are the type that will make you tear up, because even if you don't understand the lyrics, you can FEEL them, a tangible quantity missing in so much modern music.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uy-RxGygXyM
6-3-19: a) This is a timely lesson for anyone and now would be the time to start applying it. David Brooke: "Road to happiness lies in ‘we’ — not ‘me’" https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/books/the-road-to-happiness-lies-in-we--not-me-1.64214762b) Happy (early) Eid Mubarak to my Muslim readers and their families! Especially for you: Best Eid Recipes: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/mouthwatering-appetizer-recipes-you-must-try-this-eid/articleshow/69632478.cms Simple Eid Henna Designs and Latest Mehndi Images for Eid Al-Fitr 2019: Apply Easy Mehandi Patterns to Celebrate Eid (Watch Video Tutorials to Learn) https://www.latestly.com/lifestyle/festivals-events/simple-eid-henna-designs-and-latest-mehndi-images-for-eid-al-fitr-2019-apply-easy-mehandi-patterns-to-celebrate-eid-watch-video-tutorials-to-learn-897925.html
avoid black mehndi, it has hair dye https://www.samaa.tv/latest-news/2019/06/this-eid-avoid-black-mehndi-it-has-hair-dye/
c) On 4th June, China killed up to 10,000 of its own citizens protesting for freedom and Democracy in Tiananmen Square.
They faced down the tanks in Tiananmen Square. Now they want their children to forget it Due to the Communist Parties Dangerous Tactics https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/02/asia/tiananmen-anniversary-forgotten-generation-intl/index.html
China bolsters AI surveillance ahead of Tiananmen Square Anniversary https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/China-bolsters-AI-surveillance-ahead-of-Tiananmen-anniversary
It has been three months since Chinese Folk rock musician Li Zhi disappeared from public view after speaking out about Tiananmen Square https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3012782/outspoken-folk-rock-singer-li-zhi-disappears-china-tightens
d) Canada's Inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women issues final report with sweeping calls for change across government and police lines https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mmiwg-inquiry-deliver-final-report-justice-reforms-1.5158223
5-27-19: God bless the troops who have fought, been injured and died to protect our country and others. As they say (and it's true) "All gave some, some gave all."2019 National Memorial Day Concert | Full Broadcast | PBS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMmp0ENoJUY
The True Meaning of Memorial Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK0T4pVHP28
Memorial Day tribute to fallen soldiers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KguRxcHpOL8
5-20-19: 10 Middle Eastern & West Asian Authors You Should Know from Turkey, Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia/Algeria
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/04/10-middle-eastern-authors-you-should-know/
What Can Twins Tell Us About Life in Space? https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2019-04-11/what-can-twins-tell-us-about-life-in-space?int=-rec
Weki Meki "Picky Picky": From Soompi.com "In the music video for their title song “Picky Picky,” which features a funky and upbeat melody, Weki Meki play various roles in a school setting. There is rock-and-roll fan Suyeon, top-ranked student Elly, student body president Yoojung, social media star Doyeon, narcissist Sei, perpetually late Lua, student athlete Rina, and queen bee Lucy."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1taLXjVxB4U
5-13-19: WayV 威神V '无翼而飞 (Take Off)' MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irXZve4QRos Kpop collective NCT's Chinese version, WayV, with Chinese, Thai, Macau, Taiwanese and Hong-Konger members, returns with their energetic first original single, "Take Off" about not being held back by other's expectations and how they will accomplish unexpectedly great things.
오마이걸(OH MY GIRL)_다섯 번째 계절 (SSFWL)(The fifth season) (SSFWL) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phXzu7GQAPc "I'm dreaming with my eyes wide open," is a wonderful way to describe their magical kpop dream world and soaring vocals.
WORLD ORDER "BLUE BOUNDARY" in Nagoya Blue Note https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG5b38_AoGs Japanese dance/music collective returns with a live performance featuring their continued
TAEYEON テヨン 「VOICE」 MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35sE0gp72SU Kpop's queen and leader of their Nation's Girl Group, Girls' Generation, returns with a Japanese single, "Voice," where she unravels herself and searches for her independence in her heart and her life after the end of a meaningful relationship.
MEIQI - 'JIANG' M/V (d-ft. Hyojin Choi Choreography) Chinese member of kpop group WJSN/Cosmic Girls placed first on the Chinese version of the group survival show, Produce 101, and released her first solo Chinese single about finding the inner courage to keep going and pursuing one's own path no matter the obstacles, with powerful lyrics like "Endurance without fear is tenacity," especially in a Communist country where women don't have equal treatment.
Prayers to Americans experiencing the devastation of flooding and Pakistan for dealing with the aftermath of yesterday's terrorist attack at the Islamabad hotel.
5-6-19: Ramadan Mubarak to my Muslim readers! If your neighbors were being hunted down and came to your door begging for help, would you risk your life to save theirs?
The "No. 4 Street of Our Lady" documentary tells the remarkable, yet little-known, story of Francisca Halamajowa, a Polish-Catholic woman who rescued 16 of her Jewish neighbors during the Holocaust, while cleverly passing herself off as a Nazi sympathizer. https://vimeo.com/80085717
Let's also pray for those affected in the Gaza, Palestine/Israel conflict; those killed or injured in the Russian jet crash; those killed or injured in the Indiana plant explosion and those affected by flooding in the US or Cyclone Foni in India and Bangladesh.
4-29-19: The ASIAN BOSS YouTube Channel Gave $25,000 to a Korean Grandma Making $2 a Day
To help Madame Yoo directly, donate here https://kr.give.asia/grandmayoo
To help other elderly Koreans, give to the Korean Legacy Committee here: https://kr.give.asia/campaign/asian-boss-x-klc-support-korea-s-povertized-elderly
4-23-19: From everyone's favorite Jewish group, the Maccabeats is their song commemorating, what else?--Passover! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZgDNPGZ9Sg
Passover how-to guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4kNmFnecEg
4-15-19: Need some fun date ideas for your next night out?
4-8-9: For any med school students out there, New York University's med school is free for all med students, regardless of background or nationality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYdUMzZprL4
History Channel series tells Jesus’ life story according to those who knew him--Jesus: His Life, starting TONIGHT at 8/7c
6-24-19: Want to help people suffering from diseases around the world for free, in the easiest way possible? Then join World Community Grid. World Community Grid is an effort to create the world's largest public computing grid to tackle scientific research projects that benefit humanity. Launched on November 16, 2004, it is co-ordinated by IBM with client software currently available for Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android operating systems. From cancer to Zika to HIV/AIDS and studying bacteria and autoimmune diseases, all helping takes is for your computer or phone to be on. The program runs in the background and your donate your device’s spare computing power to help scientists solve the world’s biggest problems in health and sustainability, ones that require crunching large amounts of data, too big for one team to handle by itself. By helping with your device, "you can help scientists get results in months instead of decades. With your help, they can identify the most important areas to study in the lab, bringing them one step closer to discoveries that save lives and address global problems."
https://www.worldcommunitygrid.org/about_us/viewNewsArticle.do?articleId=590
https://www.crunchersansfrontieres.org/ongoing.html
6-17-19: 12 Best Nonviolent Video Games (Appropriate Alternatives to Fortnite) https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/12-non-violent-video-games-150014734.html
6-10-19: a) Regardless of religion, this is a beautiful thing; a Christian husband celebrates his Sikh wife in emotional song in her language https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GojJnrqpeE b) Watch and marvel at Taeyeon's pure emotion channeled through her masterful voice, live (and in Japanese, a language she does not speak). Her songs are the type that will make you tear up, because even if you don't understand the lyrics, you can FEEL them, a tangible quantity missing in so much modern music.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uy-RxGygXyM
6-3-19: a) This is a timely lesson for anyone and now would be the time to start applying it. David Brooke: "Road to happiness lies in ‘we’ — not ‘me’" https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/books/the-road-to-happiness-lies-in-we--not-me-1.64214762b) Happy (early) Eid Mubarak to my Muslim readers and their families! Especially for you: Best Eid Recipes: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/mouthwatering-appetizer-recipes-you-must-try-this-eid/articleshow/69632478.cms Simple Eid Henna Designs and Latest Mehndi Images for Eid Al-Fitr 2019: Apply Easy Mehandi Patterns to Celebrate Eid (Watch Video Tutorials to Learn) https://www.latestly.com/lifestyle/festivals-events/simple-eid-henna-designs-and-latest-mehndi-images-for-eid-al-fitr-2019-apply-easy-mehandi-patterns-to-celebrate-eid-watch-video-tutorials-to-learn-897925.html
avoid black mehndi, it has hair dye https://www.samaa.tv/latest-news/2019/06/this-eid-avoid-black-mehndi-it-has-hair-dye/
c) On 4th June, China killed up to 10,000 of its own citizens protesting for freedom and Democracy in Tiananmen Square.
They faced down the tanks in Tiananmen Square. Now they want their children to forget it Due to the Communist Parties Dangerous Tactics https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/02/asia/tiananmen-anniversary-forgotten-generation-intl/index.html
China bolsters AI surveillance ahead of Tiananmen Square Anniversary https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/China-bolsters-AI-surveillance-ahead-of-Tiananmen-anniversary
It has been three months since Chinese Folk rock musician Li Zhi disappeared from public view after speaking out about Tiananmen Square https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3012782/outspoken-folk-rock-singer-li-zhi-disappears-china-tightens
d) Canada's Inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women issues final report with sweeping calls for change across government and police lines https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mmiwg-inquiry-deliver-final-report-justice-reforms-1.5158223
5-27-19: God bless the troops who have fought, been injured and died to protect our country and others. As they say (and it's true) "All gave some, some gave all."2019 National Memorial Day Concert | Full Broadcast | PBS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMmp0ENoJUY
The True Meaning of Memorial Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK0T4pVHP28
Memorial Day tribute to fallen soldiers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KguRxcHpOL8
5-20-19: 10 Middle Eastern & West Asian Authors You Should Know from Turkey, Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia/Algeria
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/04/10-middle-eastern-authors-you-should-know/
What Can Twins Tell Us About Life in Space? https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2019-04-11/what-can-twins-tell-us-about-life-in-space?int=-rec
Weki Meki "Picky Picky": From Soompi.com "In the music video for their title song “Picky Picky,” which features a funky and upbeat melody, Weki Meki play various roles in a school setting. There is rock-and-roll fan Suyeon, top-ranked student Elly, student body president Yoojung, social media star Doyeon, narcissist Sei, perpetually late Lua, student athlete Rina, and queen bee Lucy."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1taLXjVxB4U
5-13-19: WayV 威神V '无翼而飞 (Take Off)' MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irXZve4QRos Kpop collective NCT's Chinese version, WayV, with Chinese, Thai, Macau, Taiwanese and Hong-Konger members, returns with their energetic first original single, "Take Off" about not being held back by other's expectations and how they will accomplish unexpectedly great things.
오마이걸(OH MY GIRL)_다섯 번째 계절 (SSFWL)(The fifth season) (SSFWL) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phXzu7GQAPc "I'm dreaming with my eyes wide open," is a wonderful way to describe their magical kpop dream world and soaring vocals.
WORLD ORDER "BLUE BOUNDARY" in Nagoya Blue Note https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG5b38_AoGs Japanese dance/music collective returns with a live performance featuring their continued
TAEYEON テヨン 「VOICE」 MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35sE0gp72SU Kpop's queen and leader of their Nation's Girl Group, Girls' Generation, returns with a Japanese single, "Voice," where she unravels herself and searches for her independence in her heart and her life after the end of a meaningful relationship.
MEIQI - 'JIANG' M/V (d-ft. Hyojin Choi Choreography) Chinese member of kpop group WJSN/Cosmic Girls placed first on the Chinese version of the group survival show, Produce 101, and released her first solo Chinese single about finding the inner courage to keep going and pursuing one's own path no matter the obstacles, with powerful lyrics like "Endurance without fear is tenacity," especially in a Communist country where women don't have equal treatment.
Prayers to Americans experiencing the devastation of flooding and Pakistan for dealing with the aftermath of yesterday's terrorist attack at the Islamabad hotel.
5-6-19: Ramadan Mubarak to my Muslim readers! If your neighbors were being hunted down and came to your door begging for help, would you risk your life to save theirs?
The "No. 4 Street of Our Lady" documentary tells the remarkable, yet little-known, story of Francisca Halamajowa, a Polish-Catholic woman who rescued 16 of her Jewish neighbors during the Holocaust, while cleverly passing herself off as a Nazi sympathizer. https://vimeo.com/80085717
Let's also pray for those affected in the Gaza, Palestine/Israel conflict; those killed or injured in the Russian jet crash; those killed or injured in the Indiana plant explosion and those affected by flooding in the US or Cyclone Foni in India and Bangladesh.
4-29-19: The ASIAN BOSS YouTube Channel Gave $25,000 to a Korean Grandma Making $2 a Day
To help Madame Yoo directly, donate here https://kr.give.asia/grandmayoo
To help other elderly Koreans, give to the Korean Legacy Committee here: https://kr.give.asia/campaign/asian-boss-x-klc-support-korea-s-povertized-elderly
4-23-19: From everyone's favorite Jewish group, the Maccabeats is their song commemorating, what else?--Passover! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZgDNPGZ9Sg
Passover how-to guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4kNmFnecEg
4-15-19: Need some fun date ideas for your next night out?
4-8-9: For any med school students out there, New York University's med school is free for all med students, regardless of background or nationality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYdUMzZprL4
History Channel series tells Jesus’ life story according to those who knew him--Jesus: His Life, starting TONIGHT at 8/7c
3-18-19: For my Christian brothers and sisters, here is an excellent, inspiring read about Lent. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/12/magazine/letter-of-recommendation-lent.html
Given everything going on in the world, it seems a fitting occasion to highlight this:
"In 1939, 20,000 Americans rallied in New York’s Madison Square Garden to celebrate the rise of Nazism – an event largely forgotten from American history. A Night at the Garden, made entirely from archival footage filmed that night, transports audiences to this chilling gathering and shines a light on the power of demagoguery and anti-Semitism in the United States.
A Night at the Garden was directed and edited by Marshall Curry and was supported and released by Field of Vision. The film was nominated for a 2019 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short; it was also an official selection at the Sundance Film Festival and was part of a special screening and panel discussion at the New York Film Festival. It was released on 22 Alamo Theater screens across the country and at The IFC Center in NYC."
Watch it here for free. https://anightatthegarden.com/
3-11-19: The World's Most Unusual Sights and Where to See Them
3-4-19: Want to learn to code for free? Whether you're a student, teacher or adult, this site will show you how!
Given everything going on in the world, it seems a fitting occasion to highlight this:
"In 1939, 20,000 Americans rallied in New York’s Madison Square Garden to celebrate the rise of Nazism – an event largely forgotten from American history. A Night at the Garden, made entirely from archival footage filmed that night, transports audiences to this chilling gathering and shines a light on the power of demagoguery and anti-Semitism in the United States.
A Night at the Garden was directed and edited by Marshall Curry and was supported and released by Field of Vision. The film was nominated for a 2019 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short; it was also an official selection at the Sundance Film Festival and was part of a special screening and panel discussion at the New York Film Festival. It was released on 22 Alamo Theater screens across the country and at The IFC Center in NYC."
Watch it here for free. https://anightatthegarden.com/
3-11-19: The World's Most Unusual Sights and Where to See Them
3-4-19: Want to learn to code for free? Whether you're a student, teacher or adult, this site will show you how!
2-18-19: Looking for the best apps for kids of all ages and yourself? Perfecting timing!
Android: Top 15 Apps for Kids by Age: https://www.allprodad.com/15-top-android-apps-for-kids-by-age/
iPhone: Top 15 Apps for Kids by Age: https://www.allprodad.com/15-top-apps-for-kids-by-age/
Adults https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-educational-apps/
2-11-19: 5 surprising things you didn't know you could recycle.
2-4-19: Museo Nacional del Prado (The Prado Museum) is the main Spanish national art museum, located in central Madrid, is widely considered to have one of the world's finest collections of European art, dating from the 12th century. Travel there virtually and check out their exquisite, extensive collection for free.
1-28-19: Little bit of rebellion against homogeneous, political evil to kick off your week. And happy bicentennial, Singapore!
Android: Top 15 Apps for Kids by Age: https://www.allprodad.com/15-top-android-apps-for-kids-by-age/
iPhone: Top 15 Apps for Kids by Age: https://www.allprodad.com/15-top-apps-for-kids-by-age/
Adults https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-educational-apps/
2-11-19: 5 surprising things you didn't know you could recycle.
2-4-19: Museo Nacional del Prado (The Prado Museum) is the main Spanish national art museum, located in central Madrid, is widely considered to have one of the world's finest collections of European art, dating from the 12th century. Travel there virtually and check out their exquisite, extensive collection for free.
1-28-19: Little bit of rebellion against homogeneous, political evil to kick off your week. And happy bicentennial, Singapore!
1-21-19: In honor of the great, prescient, wise Martin Luther King, Jr., here are ways to uplift your week by his inspiring words. And remember, today is also a national day of service in his honor, so if you're able,
Lessons about Overcoming Problems and Personal Deficits
Ultra rare footage of Martin Luther King, Jr., speaking to students at Barratt Junior High School in Philadelphia on October 26, 1967, where he delivered his speech "What Is Your Life's Blueprint?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmtOGXreTOU
Experience of God https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia-RSTHW0lY
'Rediscovering Lost Values' February 28, 1954 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCyNCUSiWi4
BBC "Face to Face" Martin Luther King Jr Interview (1961) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df4fycfda10
1-15-19: For my Eastern Orthodox readers, no matter what denomination, happy New Year to you!
To anyone with ears, religion aside, I implore that you take time to listen to these soul-wrenching pieces, to reset yourselves as needed:
Aramaic rendition by the Assyrian Eastern Orthodox Church of the "Our Father" that moved the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in Georgia
Father Serafim - Psalms 16 (Assyrian Eastern Orthodox)
O Trisagios Ymnos - The Thrice Holy Hymn (Mount Athos Version) Pl. 1st
The Resurrection of Christ Russian Orthodox
Lessons about Overcoming Problems and Personal Deficits
Ultra rare footage of Martin Luther King, Jr., speaking to students at Barratt Junior High School in Philadelphia on October 26, 1967, where he delivered his speech "What Is Your Life's Blueprint?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmtOGXreTOU
Experience of God https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia-RSTHW0lY
'Rediscovering Lost Values' February 28, 1954 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCyNCUSiWi4
BBC "Face to Face" Martin Luther King Jr Interview (1961) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df4fycfda10
1-15-19: For my Eastern Orthodox readers, no matter what denomination, happy New Year to you!
To anyone with ears, religion aside, I implore that you take time to listen to these soul-wrenching pieces, to reset yourselves as needed:
Aramaic rendition by the Assyrian Eastern Orthodox Church of the "Our Father" that moved the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in Georgia
Father Serafim - Psalms 16 (Assyrian Eastern Orthodox)
O Trisagios Ymnos - The Thrice Holy Hymn (Mount Athos Version) Pl. 1st
The Resurrection of Christ Russian Orthodox
1-7-19: BBC Culture’s 100 greatest foreign-language films from 24 countries, and in 19 languages including French, Mandarin, Italian, Japanese, Belarusian, Romanian and Wolof.
12-31-18: Happy New Year everyone! I hope the coming 2019 brings positive changes, contentment, good health and prosperity to everyone and your families and friends too.
New Year's Eve Celebrations: USA (Los Angeles, New York City), Brazil, Russia, China, Japan, Italy, Macau
12-31-18: Happy New Year everyone! I hope the coming 2019 brings positive changes, contentment, good health and prosperity to everyone and your families and friends too.
New Year's Eve Celebrations: USA (Los Angeles, New York City), Brazil, Russia, China, Japan, Italy, Macau
12-24-18: To whom it may concern: Merry Christmas Eve! May everyone have a safe, restful and exciting holy day with your families, friends and yourselves.
1) First, a helpful tip: Recycle wrapping paper, but not the ribbons: Holiday recycling do’s and don’ts
2) If you're in need of a playlist of a different holiday flavour for your holidays goings-on, I've got you covered with a playlist of Christmas songs from around the world (mostly different than last year's, for long-time visitors).
1) First, a helpful tip: Recycle wrapping paper, but not the ribbons: Holiday recycling do’s and don’ts
2) If you're in need of a playlist of a different holiday flavour for your holidays goings-on, I've got you covered with a playlist of Christmas songs from around the world (mostly different than last year's, for long-time visitors).
12-17-18: Yesterday, 16th December marks South Africa's Day of Reconciliation, on which apartheid--when it was illegal for blacks and whites to interact socially and in love and marriage, education, jobs, economically, and majorly limited blacks from owning land--ended, in the hopes of fostering reconciliation and promoting national unity for the country
What People Can Learn About the Day of Reconciliation and What is Means to South Africa Today
Rabboni Centre Ministries Service from Pretoria, South Africa Celebration (previously live broadcast)
Comedian/"Daily Show" Host Trevor Noah on Being Mixed Race in South Africa
Trevor Noah Chats with His Grandma About Apartheid and Tours Her Home, “MTV Cribs”-Style from "The Daily Show"
"Miracle Rising South Africa" Documentary (must-see, really)
To help put you in the holiday spirit:
a) Here are some fantastic light displays!
Tallahassee, Florida Tour of Lights San Diego, California (video)
b) Here are some of the best Christmas movies: (As always, please buy or rent from legal sources if you're able in order to support the creators of these works.)
What People Can Learn About the Day of Reconciliation and What is Means to South Africa Today
Rabboni Centre Ministries Service from Pretoria, South Africa Celebration (previously live broadcast)
Comedian/"Daily Show" Host Trevor Noah on Being Mixed Race in South Africa
Trevor Noah Chats with His Grandma About Apartheid and Tours Her Home, “MTV Cribs”-Style from "The Daily Show"
"Miracle Rising South Africa" Documentary (must-see, really)
To help put you in the holiday spirit:
a) Here are some fantastic light displays!
Tallahassee, Florida Tour of Lights San Diego, California (video)
b) Here are some of the best Christmas movies: (As always, please buy or rent from legal sources if you're able in order to support the creators of these works.)
12-10-18: No matter your religion (or not), if you live in a place relatively free from daily gut-wrenching violence and genocide, put a prayer up in gratitude and thanks, regardless of the other ways you may be suffering. This is the musical Aramaic rendition of the "Our Father" that moved the (Catholic) Pope in Georgia in regards to the suffering of Syrians and Iraqis. "It is generally agreed by historians that Jesus and his disciples primarily spoke Aramaic (Jewish Palestinian Aramaic), the common language of Judea in the first century AD, most likely a Galilean dialect distinguishable from that of Jerusalem." (courtesy of Wikipedia)
12-3-18: Two for this week. The first is in remembrance of George H.W. Bush, 41st president of the USA. Regardless of how you felt about his politics, those whom he worked with recount a man of deep convictions, gentleness and humility, and those are admirable traits, particularly in these modern times.
And below are some Hanukkah songs to get you in the mood for the "festival of lights!"
And below are some Hanukkah songs to get you in the mood for the "festival of lights!"
11-19-18: Hyoyeon, also known as DJ HYO and dancer/singer in the ubiquitous girl group Girls' Generation, released her newest single, Punk Right Now, in both Korean and English, which she co-wrote. Female DJs are still a rarity in South Korea, so for her to be doing this, which flies counter to her idol image and doing it in a country where this is so unusual, really makes her a meaningful figure and artist for many. Enjoy her newest songs and buy them on iTunes if you can!
11-12-18: A sincere and deep thanks to all US veterans and their families who sacrificed so much in order for our country to be able to have the liberties that we can so easily take for granted. In honour of Veteran's Day, here is a wonderful set of The Moth Radio Hour true stories told by the veterans involved. From the moth.org, "After returning from active duty in the Middle East, a marine searches for new meaning; a 97 year old woman describes training young men for WWII combat as a WASP; a father being deployed to Iraq must find a way to explain it to his children; and a WWII soldier from Wisconsin serves with the segregated 93rd Infantry Division in the South Pacific."
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11-5-18: A picture being worth a thousand words saves me from wasting paragraphs. Instead, just check out the remarkable achievements in nature and beauty in the impressive work of the year-end winners for wildlife and astronomy photography.
Stunning Winners of the 2018 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Contest
Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2018
Also, for any writers out there, there is a Wattpad/National Geographic #PlanetOrPlastic Writing Contest
Wattpad has teamed up with National Geographic to wake the world up to the potential impact of single-use plastics. In 500 words or less, we're asking you to share a story-real or fiction-inspired by actual photos of this global issue. Writers must be 13+ years old, entries must be in English, and the deadline is 30th of November. Click here for more details.
10-29-18: Due to events from the last week, today's "Treats" are divided into two drastically different sections:a) Learning about Jews and Jewish culture (since people with the worst comments generally don't know any Jewish people) and combating anti-Semitism
b) Many spooktacular Halloween songs to get you ready to celebrate this Wednesday
Stunning Winners of the 2018 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Contest
Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2018
Also, for any writers out there, there is a Wattpad/National Geographic #PlanetOrPlastic Writing Contest
Wattpad has teamed up with National Geographic to wake the world up to the potential impact of single-use plastics. In 500 words or less, we're asking you to share a story-real or fiction-inspired by actual photos of this global issue. Writers must be 13+ years old, entries must be in English, and the deadline is 30th of November. Click here for more details.
10-29-18: Due to events from the last week, today's "Treats" are divided into two drastically different sections:a) Learning about Jews and Jewish culture (since people with the worst comments generally don't know any Jewish people) and combating anti-Semitism
b) Many spooktacular Halloween songs to get you ready to celebrate this Wednesday
Now onto a lighter topic: Halloween fun!
10-22-18: Enjoy the brain-teasing challenge of a crossword puzzle? Get a free one every day here.
10-15-18: Happy Durga Puja, Hindu readers!
For something motivating, inspiring and enlightening, the 90 Neighborhoods, 90 Good Stories Podcast (radio and online) introduces you to people in the greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area (USA), who make their community a better place to live. And most episodes are between 4-15 minutes, so you can fit in a bunch on your morning commute, while working out, in the background at work, etc.
10-8-18: Sometimes older is better and a classic is best. With that in mind, here is Disney's 1941 movie Dumbo, suitable to watch as a family or yourself for kids of all ages. And here is Dumbo En Espanol. As always, please purchase it from legitimate retailers if you're able to do so.
At other times, a new, creative take reveals an interesting point-of-view on a well-known favorite. Whether you love her or don't, there is no denying Lady Gaga's humility, incredible vocal, acting, and songwriting talents on her new musical, A Star is Born. Here, she sits down for a truly wonderful interview. THIS is what happens when two people set aside time to actually listen and respect each and their craft.
10-15-18: Happy Durga Puja, Hindu readers!
For something motivating, inspiring and enlightening, the 90 Neighborhoods, 90 Good Stories Podcast (radio and online) introduces you to people in the greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area (USA), who make their community a better place to live. And most episodes are between 4-15 minutes, so you can fit in a bunch on your morning commute, while working out, in the background at work, etc.
10-8-18: Sometimes older is better and a classic is best. With that in mind, here is Disney's 1941 movie Dumbo, suitable to watch as a family or yourself for kids of all ages. And here is Dumbo En Espanol. As always, please purchase it from legitimate retailers if you're able to do so.
At other times, a new, creative take reveals an interesting point-of-view on a well-known favorite. Whether you love her or don't, there is no denying Lady Gaga's humility, incredible vocal, acting, and songwriting talents on her new musical, A Star is Born. Here, she sits down for a truly wonderful interview. THIS is what happens when two people set aside time to actually listen and respect each and their craft.
10-1-18: Singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne returns after a forced five-year hiatus. She nearly died after suffering for years, while doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong with her. Finally, they diagnosed her with Chronic (Persistent) Lyme Disease, an autoimmune disease which falls into the category of illnesses that most doctors don't consider "real," although there are blood tests for it (but which most won't order, since they "don't believe it real," and file under the category of "women being hysterical and making up stuff that's only in their heads," although more than 30,000 cases are reported to the CDC each year of this 'nonexistent, made-up' disease.) Healthy, wiser, and armed with her powerful voice and medical information, Avril has released her new song, "Head Above Water," which includes the lines, "So pull me up from down below/'Cause I'm underneath the undertow/Come dry me off and hold me close/I need you now I need you most," and the refrains, "God, keep my head above water/Don't let me drown, it gets harder/I'll meet you there at the altar/As I fall down to my knees/Don't let me drown," and "God, keep my head above water/I lose my breath at the bottom/Come rescue me, I'll be waiting/I'm too young to fall asleep," written when she was certain she was dying and was finally accepting what appeared to be her inevitable fate. Avril was a church-going girl before she shot to fame with "Complicated," and after her health ordeal and nearly dying, she's truly and honestly embracing her faith again, which is heartwarming to see. Please support her and show her record label that this kind of positive music can still sell well, especially in this day and age, and buy it on iTunes.
9-24-18: Unprecedented flooding hit Tunisia, and the country needs your help. If you can, please donate:
Islamic Relief Fund
A severe windstorm and two tornadoes unleashed destruction in Ottawa, Canada. There are helping options for out-of-towners and locals:
a) Kanata Food Cupboard: Donate online, or drop off food donations from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They will coordinate delivery to the locations “most in need.”
b) Salvation Army thrift stores: Clothing, furniture or other household items in Ottawa can drop off donations or request pickup of larger items by calling 1-613-247-1435 ext. 228.
c) In Gatineau, donate clean clothing in good condition, personal hygiene products and non-perishable foods at the former Sears location at the Galeries de Hull on Boul. Saint-Joseph.
Today, we're exploring some of the best songs, singers, performers, and bands from around the world, in the languages of thirty-one+ countries: USA, Japan, India, Nigeria, South Korea, Iceland, Russia, Iraq, Thailand, Israel, Australia, Germany/Mali/France, Colombia/Lebanon, Egypt, Nepal, England, South Africa, Greece, Vietnam, Brazil, Pakistan, China, Kenya, Canada, Macedonia/Cuba/Spain, Mali, Mexico, Italy, Taiwan, Morocco, Belgium.
Let's begin our sonic journey, shall we?
Islamic Relief Fund
A severe windstorm and two tornadoes unleashed destruction in Ottawa, Canada. There are helping options for out-of-towners and locals:
a) Kanata Food Cupboard: Donate online, or drop off food donations from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They will coordinate delivery to the locations “most in need.”
b) Salvation Army thrift stores: Clothing, furniture or other household items in Ottawa can drop off donations or request pickup of larger items by calling 1-613-247-1435 ext. 228.
c) In Gatineau, donate clean clothing in good condition, personal hygiene products and non-perishable foods at the former Sears location at the Galeries de Hull on Boul. Saint-Joseph.
Today, we're exploring some of the best songs, singers, performers, and bands from around the world, in the languages of thirty-one+ countries: USA, Japan, India, Nigeria, South Korea, Iceland, Russia, Iraq, Thailand, Israel, Australia, Germany/Mali/France, Colombia/Lebanon, Egypt, Nepal, England, South Africa, Greece, Vietnam, Brazil, Pakistan, China, Kenya, Canada, Macedonia/Cuba/Spain, Mali, Mexico, Italy, Taiwan, Morocco, Belgium.
Let's begin our sonic journey, shall we?
Dawn Richard "Blow" USA
GFriend "Memoria" in Japanese
Arijit Singh "Tum Hi Ho" from the film Aashiqui 2, India
Yemi Alade "Oh My Gosh" Nigeria
Dreamcatcher "What" South Korea
Bjork "Utopia" Iceland
Pussy Riot "Police State" Russia
Russian protest art-punk rock group based in Moscow, Russia, whom Putin vehemently hates because they call him on his KGB, Russian oligarch ties that he uses to kill, "disappear," and poison his political opponents and anyone who speaks out against him, including one of their members, Pyotr Verzilov, last week. Speaking truth to power under constant fear of death or permanent jailing? THAT'S real punk rock, in its purest form. Let's pray the group stay safe, untouched, and vocal--the world, especially Russia, needs them--even if most Russians don't know it yet.
Russian protest art-punk rock group based in Moscow, Russia, whom Putin vehemently hates because they call him on his KGB, Russian oligarch ties that he uses to kill, "disappear," and poison his political opponents and anyone who speaks out against him, including one of their members, Pyotr Verzilov, last week. Speaking truth to power under constant fear of death or permanent jailing? THAT'S real punk rock, in its purest form. Let's pray the group stay safe, untouched, and vocal--the world, especially Russia, needs them--even if most Russians don't know it yet.
Noor Alzain, Ghazwan Alfahd "Jinak Bhaya" Iraq
Bodyslam "Krai Keu Rao" Thailand
Oren Lavie "Her Morning Elegance" Israel
Silverchair "Emotion Sickness" Australia
Aya Nakamura "Djadja" She is German and Malian and immigrated to France.
Shakira "Ojos Así" (She's Colombian and Lebanese, hence the video)
Hassan El Shafei ft. Abla Fahita "Mayestahlushi" Egypt
Rajan Raj Shiwakoti Ft. Deepak Raj, Dipa Shree, Priyanka "Surke Thaili Khai" Nepal
Radiohead "Idioteque" England
Babes Wodumo ft Mampintsha "Wololo" South Africa
Bo feat. Dawn Richard "Di Di" Greece
Superbrothers x Karik x Orange "ELSE!" Vietnam
A Banda Mais Bonita da Cidade "Oração" Brazil
Hania Amir and Husnain Lehri "Mere Rashke Qamar" Pakistan
Boy Story "Enough" (boys are ages 11-14!) Chinese
Sauti Sol "Live and Die in Afrika" Kenya
Wintersleep "Search Party" Canada
Sosa Eriksen Ovalles "Aber Dojde Donke" Macedonian folk song performed by Ovalles, a Cuban living in Spain
Tinariwen (+IO:I) "Sastanàqqàm" Tuareg musicians from the Sahara Desert region of northern Mali
Christian Nodal "Adiós Amor" Mexico
Ludovico Einaudi "Una Mattina, Live a Fip 2015) Italy
Jolin Tsai feat. Namie Amuro "I'm Not Yours" Taiwan
YouNess "I Love You" Morocco
Stromae "Papaoutai" Belgium
9-17-18: Two different areas to touch upon this week. First off, helping your fellow man via disaster relief: Please dig deep and give, if you're able. America and the Philippines need your help.
Hurricane Florence:
Please donate to LOCAL, VETTED organizations (NOT the Red Cross, here is why). The following are highly-recommended groups where you can feel safe to send your money or volunteer:
Louisiana Cajun Navy
Salvation Army
United Cajun Navy
Charleston Animal Society
Harvest Hope Food Banks in Columbia, Lexington, Greenville and Florence, South Carolina.
Loaves & Fishes Groceries for locals in-need
World Vision Christian Organization Works with churches to “provide urgent relief including food, clean water, personal hygiene items, temporary shelter items, flood cleanup kits.”
Mennonite Disaster Service Nonprofit volunteer network of Anabaptist churches helps repair homes after disasters.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Typhoon Mangkhut aka Ompong in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China:
Global Giving (local projects listed)
Doctors Without Borders (Medecins San Frontieres)
Catholic Relief Services
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
United Methodist Committee on Relief
Hurricane Florence:
Please donate to LOCAL, VETTED organizations (NOT the Red Cross, here is why). The following are highly-recommended groups where you can feel safe to send your money or volunteer:
Louisiana Cajun Navy
Salvation Army
United Cajun Navy
Charleston Animal Society
Harvest Hope Food Banks in Columbia, Lexington, Greenville and Florence, South Carolina.
Loaves & Fishes Groceries for locals in-need
World Vision Christian Organization Works with churches to “provide urgent relief including food, clean water, personal hygiene items, temporary shelter items, flood cleanup kits.”
Mennonite Disaster Service Nonprofit volunteer network of Anabaptist churches helps repair homes after disasters.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Typhoon Mangkhut aka Ompong in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China:
Global Giving (local projects listed)
Doctors Without Borders (Medecins San Frontieres)
Catholic Relief Services
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
United Methodist Committee on Relief
Although the Catholic Church is undergoing its continued reckoning over its sexual abuse crisis, the highest officials at the Vatican categorically ignored it since the 1950's. Let me be clear--every religion and sect around the world has sociopathic predators who prey on the young, poor, weak, or those without social or familial support. In fact, "religious leader" is one of the top ten careers that sociopaths choose, due to its power, influence, and access to money, important individuals, political and social policy, and...young children. So this happens in all faiths and is NOT an attack on Catholics or the Church; I respect their traditions and teachings. But it IS a call-out to anyone, at any level, up to the Holy See, who deliberately turned a blind eye to the suffering of its students, children, and parishioners, and anyone who feigned ignorance or helped cover it up. Refusing to go to the police and insisting that these matters be handled "internally," so as not to "damage the Church," is vile, and I'm glad evil is getting called out. However, it took WAY too long to take victims seriously, which abetted this abuse and allowed it to continue, unchecked, for decades. So it is for victims; their families, friends and loved ones; anyone from any religious or spiritual group across the world that is enduring similar treatment; and for anyone who cares about the decency of humanity and the sullying of God's name with these inhumane and cruel acts that I post these three documentaries today (four, if you include a Spanish-language version).
As always, please purchase these videos through legal channels if you can, but if you're unable, the documentaries are provided below.
To the victims, I hope and pray for your continued healing and that you receive adequate justice.
(Parental advisory: sexual situations, vulgar language, violence implied. Kids, I'm sorry, but these aren't for you to watch, unless what I've described above is happening to you and people are touching or hurting you in your private areas or making you touch them on their private areas. If this is so, watch, learn, and tell a trusted adult or community leader and the police [so long as you're from a country where it isn't the police doing these things.] And please accept my hugs to you, and remember none of what they do or did is ever your fault.)
As always, please purchase these videos through legal channels if you can, but if you're unable, the documentaries are provided below.
To the victims, I hope and pray for your continued healing and that you receive adequate justice.
(Parental advisory: sexual situations, vulgar language, violence implied. Kids, I'm sorry, but these aren't for you to watch, unless what I've described above is happening to you and people are touching or hurting you in your private areas or making you touch them on their private areas. If this is so, watch, learn, and tell a trusted adult or community leader and the police [so long as you're from a country where it isn't the police doing these things.] And please accept my hugs to you, and remember none of what they do or did is ever your fault.)
Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God
Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God (en Espanol)
Deliver Us From Evil (2006) (with Spanish subtitles)
9-10-18: Need a laugh? Sure, who doesn't! Enjoy these (fairly, say 13+) family-friendly, yet hysterical moments of hilarity from shows and comedians around the world.
^Please don't actually give anyone sleeping pills without their knowledge and consent; I think this should go without saying, but...
^Tim Conway destroys his castmates during a live "Mama's Family" sketch on the "Carol Burnett Show" by ad-libbing and refusing to let the scene continue until he can finish a story about a circus elephant. Unedited!
^Rated 18+ for language
^Rated 18+ for language, drug-related scenarios
8-27-18: (This is NOT a political post; it's an appreciation of a war hero and a fairly consistent, straight shooter who put his beliefs over political convenience and politically correct niceties.) Passionate, mercurial U.S. Senator John McCain, of Arizona, died on Saturday, August 25th. He dedicated his entire life to serving his country, in one way or another, and was a courageous naval aviator and war hero and who survived five years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, and served three decades in Congress, honorably.
(Note: The quotes interspersed below are the late Senator's own. R.I.P. to him and prayers to his family and friends.)
(Note: The quotes interspersed below are the late Senator's own. R.I.P. to him and prayers to his family and friends.)
“Fear is the opportunity for courage, not proof of cowardice.”
His father being an admiral allowed McCain early release, but he refused, as military protocol states that captors are to go home in the order in which they were caught.
"Courage is the enforcing virtue, the one that makes possible all the other virtues common to exceptional leaders: honesty, integrity, confidence, compassion and humility."
For this, he endured more frequent, brutal beatings and torture, like being hung by ropes from his two broken arms, and another five and a half years in the "Hanoi Hilton."
“War is wretched beyond description, and only a fool or a fraud could sentimentalize its cruel reality.”
After being released, and injured so severely he was unable to return to the military, McCain married again. His second wife's family were well-off, which helped boost his presence and get him elected to the House of Representatives, in Arizona.
“I believe in evolution. But I also believe, when I hike the Grand Canyon and see it at sunset, that the hand of God is there also.”
He then inherited his Arizona Senate seat. Later, he ran for the GOP nomination against George W. Bush, enduring a disgusting South Carolina smear campaign (he was crazy, a traitor, fathered a black child--one of his daughter's is a dark-skinned girl adopted from Bangladesh). He served in Congress for a total of thirty-five years.
"I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else's. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency, for its faith in the wisdom, justice, and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again. I wasn't my own man anymore--I was my country's."
McCain ran for president a second time in 2008, nearly running out of money and slumming it in budget hotels, while he and his campaign staff lived off of canned tuna fish from Costco. He regained his traction in the New Hampshire primaries and became the Republican's nominee.
His father being an admiral allowed McCain early release, but he refused, as military protocol states that captors are to go home in the order in which they were caught.
"Courage is the enforcing virtue, the one that makes possible all the other virtues common to exceptional leaders: honesty, integrity, confidence, compassion and humility."
For this, he endured more frequent, brutal beatings and torture, like being hung by ropes from his two broken arms, and another five and a half years in the "Hanoi Hilton."
“War is wretched beyond description, and only a fool or a fraud could sentimentalize its cruel reality.”
After being released, and injured so severely he was unable to return to the military, McCain married again. His second wife's family were well-off, which helped boost his presence and get him elected to the House of Representatives, in Arizona.
“I believe in evolution. But I also believe, when I hike the Grand Canyon and see it at sunset, that the hand of God is there also.”
He then inherited his Arizona Senate seat. Later, he ran for the GOP nomination against George W. Bush, enduring a disgusting South Carolina smear campaign (he was crazy, a traitor, fathered a black child--one of his daughter's is a dark-skinned girl adopted from Bangladesh). He served in Congress for a total of thirty-five years.
"I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else's. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency, for its faith in the wisdom, justice, and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again. I wasn't my own man anymore--I was my country's."
McCain ran for president a second time in 2008, nearly running out of money and slumming it in budget hotels, while he and his campaign staff lived off of canned tuna fish from Costco. He regained his traction in the New Hampshire primaries and became the Republican's nominee.
He continued to show his strong character, even during his own cantankerous campaign town halls. When supporters criticized Obama with conspiracy theory nonsense that had been thoroughly debunked, he DEFENDED his opponent, calling him a "Decent family man with whom I have some strong political disagreements."
.“Glory belongs to the act of being constant to something greater than yourself, to a cause, to your principles, to the people on whom you rely and who rely on you in return.”
He continued his commitment to service by continuing his work as a leading voice for veterans' issues, as well as diverging from his party when he felt it was right: immigration, torture, health care, pork barrel spending, and many more.
"An American president does not lead the Free World by congratulating dictators on winning sham elections. And by doing so with Vladimir Putin, President Trump insulted every Russian citizen who was denied the right to vote in a free and fair election."
“Frankly, I would never accept an award from Vladimir Putin because then you kind of give some credence and credibility to this butcher, this KGB agent, which is what he is.”
A continued voice of independence, he railed against political opponents in ways he felt necessary to right America's and refocus its place it the world.
“Our shared values define us more than our differences. And acknowledging those shared values can see us through our challenges today if we have the wisdom to trust in them again.”
And, just last year, less than a week after learning he had an aggressive, deadly form of brain cancer, glioblastoma: "We are getting nothing done, my friends. We are getting nothing done!"
...Chastizing his fellow Senators for being so entrenched and partisan.
John McCain received the 2017 Liberty Medal for his lifetime of sacrifice and service to the nation. Here is his speech, delivered just a couple months after being diagnosed with his fatal cancer. Anyone who needs a boost, or a reminder what America can be, needs to watch this.
He continued his commitment to service by continuing his work as a leading voice for veterans' issues, as well as diverging from his party when he felt it was right: immigration, torture, health care, pork barrel spending, and many more.
"An American president does not lead the Free World by congratulating dictators on winning sham elections. And by doing so with Vladimir Putin, President Trump insulted every Russian citizen who was denied the right to vote in a free and fair election."
“Frankly, I would never accept an award from Vladimir Putin because then you kind of give some credence and credibility to this butcher, this KGB agent, which is what he is.”
A continued voice of independence, he railed against political opponents in ways he felt necessary to right America's and refocus its place it the world.
“Our shared values define us more than our differences. And acknowledging those shared values can see us through our challenges today if we have the wisdom to trust in them again.”
And, just last year, less than a week after learning he had an aggressive, deadly form of brain cancer, glioblastoma: "We are getting nothing done, my friends. We are getting nothing done!"
...Chastizing his fellow Senators for being so entrenched and partisan.
John McCain received the 2017 Liberty Medal for his lifetime of sacrifice and service to the nation. Here is his speech, delivered just a couple months after being diagnosed with his fatal cancer. Anyone who needs a boost, or a reminder what America can be, needs to watch this.
[And he caused many long-time GOP-ers to come to his defense (although barely anyone currently in office did, notably, as they are afraid to speak out, in fear of their future careers, which says a little something about their characters, does it not?)].
“To argue against the global economy is like stating opposition to the weather--it continues whether you like it or not.”
He also had a wicked sense of humor.
He also had a wicked sense of humor.
“America's greatest strength has always been its hopeful vision of human progress.”
Here is his life, in photos:
Ending with his own words, the ones he said were the most important in his book, Faith of My Fathers: A Family Memoir.
"Nothing in life is more liberating than to fight for a cause larger than yourself.”
Here is his life, in photos:
Ending with his own words, the ones he said were the most important in his book, Faith of My Fathers: A Family Memoir.
"Nothing in life is more liberating than to fight for a cause larger than yourself.”
8-20-18: Loona is a very interesting group. Their company brought them together by holding auditions and casting girls beginning in October 2016. A new girl was introduced nearly every month, each releasing a song, CD and music video, and sometimes a live, acoustic performance; later, three sub-units (portions of the group with only select members), 1/3, Odd Eye Circle and yyxy (youth youth by young) also released music. One of the most intriguing elements about the groups is their videos and MV teasers, chock are full of lore and set in the "Loonaverse": sci-fi, religious parables, time travel, an android, love, and more, and each builds on the one before it, so watching in order is essential to get the full story. They also release mini LoonaTV episodes which allow people to get to know the girls. Their music is extremely varied, so there's much to enjoy (and hit the "cc" button if you want the English lyrics). Like grandiose, orchestral flourishes? Try "Sonatine" or "Let Me In." Electronic, slightly experimental offerings? Crank up "Singing in the Rain" or "Girl Front." 90's-style pop? "Everyday I Love You" or "Rain 51db" are right up your alley. Want a completely age-appropriate song with Broadway-esque musical stylings about making a someone wait if you aren't ready to kiss them? Play "Kiss Later." Gorgeous ballads? Listen to "Around You" or "Egoist." Cute pop? You'd like "Heart Attack" and "Love4Eva." Enjoy Christmas songs in August? Give "The Carol" or "The Carol 2.0" a go. The full group debuted today, so in honor of their "Loonabirth," it's "High" time to be finally introducing....Loona and their debut single "Hi High"!
8-13-18: A documentary, a TED talk, and three songs to start the week off right:
1) First up is the insightful, provocative documentary Welcome to Leith. (As always, please buy it if you can; if circumstances don't permit it, watch it here.) Given world movements and a recent "march" that I shall not name (and failed miserably, I'm so glad to see!), it's important to see how our rights and laws can be twisted to inform people and groups to know how to get away with everything, past the line of morality and right up to the line of criminality. It follows a town grappling with what to do with the inflexible white supremacist who moved into their North Dakota (USA) town--and started inviting others of his ilk.
2) Then let's hear a talk from a man who descended into that hell of hate--and emerged.
1) First up is the insightful, provocative documentary Welcome to Leith. (As always, please buy it if you can; if circumstances don't permit it, watch it here.) Given world movements and a recent "march" that I shall not name (and failed miserably, I'm so glad to see!), it's important to see how our rights and laws can be twisted to inform people and groups to know how to get away with everything, past the line of morality and right up to the line of criminality. It follows a town grappling with what to do with the inflexible white supremacist who moved into their North Dakota (USA) town--and started inviting others of his ilk.
2) Then let's hear a talk from a man who descended into that hell of hate--and emerged.
3) We'll continue with three songs from some unexpected soloists (all available on iTunes--support the music you love):
a) Jin (of BTS) "Ephiphany"
b) James featuring Sooyoung (of Girls' Generation, who doesn't speak English fluently, but is singing entirely in English!) "Let's Get Away"
c) Taeyeon and MeloMance (Taeyeon is ALSO from Girls' Generation <3) "Page 0"
a) Jin (of BTS) "Ephiphany"
b) James featuring Sooyoung (of Girls' Generation, who doesn't speak English fluently, but is singing entirely in English!) "Let's Get Away"
c) Taeyeon and MeloMance (Taeyeon is ALSO from Girls' Generation <3) "Page 0"
8-6-18: Two different angles for this week.
1) If you have additional funds that you can spare (and every little bit helps), there are a bunch of people going through natural disaster hell right now who would appreciate a hand up. There are (unfortunately) many disasters to choose from, both domestic and international. The charities and campaigns listed are vetted and local, so you know you're donating to agencies that understood the community's needs and may even personally know those affected.
Donate to aid Marshalltown, Iowa tornado victims
Duck Boat Survivors Eleven family members went on a family vacation when a horrible boating accident killed nine family members, including Tia’s husband Glenn, their three children Reece, Evan and Arya. This page is to Support Tia Coleman.
AHEPA, HALC Mobilize for Greek Wildfire Emergency Relief
Information if you're unfamiliar with the deadly fires in Greece.
California Fire Relief
The Redding Fire Department has set up a missing person hotline for the Carr Fire. If your loved one is missing, call (530) 225-4277 (country code is "1").
(Again, below are all local organizations or branches. Please do NOT donate to the Red Cross. They [allegedly] try to be a "one-size fits all" charity and use natural disasters to fund-raise when they are ill-equipped to actually do much good, as they have no experience, are rumored to be slow or even delay responses to try and figure out the area (as they aren't local), or push out local organizations that are actually familiar with the area/disaster relief needed. Although they are provided temporary housing, their other efforts appear incredibly lacking. For example, their "wildfire kits" include sifters, buckets or tub, a shovel, bags, tarps, masks, personal care items such as eye drops, lip balm and throat lozenges...THIS is what they are spending donation money on and feel is "needed" after people have lost everything):
Local Salvation Army
Carr Fire Victims (these are all VERIFIED campaigns)
Episcopal Church in Redding
Shastar Community Disaster Relief Fund
1) If you have additional funds that you can spare (and every little bit helps), there are a bunch of people going through natural disaster hell right now who would appreciate a hand up. There are (unfortunately) many disasters to choose from, both domestic and international. The charities and campaigns listed are vetted and local, so you know you're donating to agencies that understood the community's needs and may even personally know those affected.
Donate to aid Marshalltown, Iowa tornado victims
Duck Boat Survivors Eleven family members went on a family vacation when a horrible boating accident killed nine family members, including Tia’s husband Glenn, their three children Reece, Evan and Arya. This page is to Support Tia Coleman.
AHEPA, HALC Mobilize for Greek Wildfire Emergency Relief
Information if you're unfamiliar with the deadly fires in Greece.
California Fire Relief
The Redding Fire Department has set up a missing person hotline for the Carr Fire. If your loved one is missing, call (530) 225-4277 (country code is "1").
(Again, below are all local organizations or branches. Please do NOT donate to the Red Cross. They [allegedly] try to be a "one-size fits all" charity and use natural disasters to fund-raise when they are ill-equipped to actually do much good, as they have no experience, are rumored to be slow or even delay responses to try and figure out the area (as they aren't local), or push out local organizations that are actually familiar with the area/disaster relief needed. Although they are provided temporary housing, their other efforts appear incredibly lacking. For example, their "wildfire kits" include sifters, buckets or tub, a shovel, bags, tarps, masks, personal care items such as eye drops, lip balm and throat lozenges...THIS is what they are spending donation money on and feel is "needed" after people have lost everything):
Local Salvation Army
Carr Fire Victims (these are all VERIFIED campaigns)
Episcopal Church in Redding
Shastar Community Disaster Relief Fund
2) Because it's only the day after Girls' Generation's 11th anniversary, let's continue celebrating, shall we? How about a Party!!!
Then an adorable take on a lover with wandering eyes and lyin' heart (it's called Lion Heart--get it?? Cute and clever, huh?)
Then the Girls' second of dual singles, released only about sixteen hours after Lion Heart, to show off their career-long versatility. So, what do You Think?
And for live performances:
7-30-18: Three for today
1) Best photos of last week's Blood Moon Eclipse 2018--scroll down to see them on the linked site.
2) Wow, what a remarkable, "epic" as the podcast host says (and he's right) true story. Do yourself a favor and listen to this Snap Judgment podcast, "Return to Kuku Island." From their site: "In the 1970s, thousands of Vietnamese refugees were left on the remote Anambas Islands in Indonesia. They were stranded without food, water, and shelter, forced to survive off the land. Now, almost 40 years later, one woman wants to go back to those distant islands, one last time."
3) An American in Paris has been described by many critics as "the perfect film," due in no small part to actor/dancer/choreographer's Gene Kelly's achievements in his magnum opus. His choreography was so remarkable that the Academy of Motion Picture Sciences created a special Oscar in recognition of his achievement. (And note to all short men--the guy was only 5'7 and oozes sensuality from his core--you can absolutely be vertically-challenged and still attractive to women.) Note to all feigning to be grown and sexy--this is grown and sexy--you needn't be vulgar and what you don't show is more intriguing than showing off everything, all at once.
1) Best photos of last week's Blood Moon Eclipse 2018--scroll down to see them on the linked site.
2) Wow, what a remarkable, "epic" as the podcast host says (and he's right) true story. Do yourself a favor and listen to this Snap Judgment podcast, "Return to Kuku Island." From their site: "In the 1970s, thousands of Vietnamese refugees were left on the remote Anambas Islands in Indonesia. They were stranded without food, water, and shelter, forced to survive off the land. Now, almost 40 years later, one woman wants to go back to those distant islands, one last time."
3) An American in Paris has been described by many critics as "the perfect film," due in no small part to actor/dancer/choreographer's Gene Kelly's achievements in his magnum opus. His choreography was so remarkable that the Academy of Motion Picture Sciences created a special Oscar in recognition of his achievement. (And note to all short men--the guy was only 5'7 and oozes sensuality from his core--you can absolutely be vertically-challenged and still attractive to women.) Note to all feigning to be grown and sexy--this is grown and sexy--you needn't be vulgar and what you don't show is more intriguing than showing off everything, all at once.
7-23-18: Two specialties for this week, a fun one and a sobering one.
Good news first: a total lunar eclipse will occur this week on Friday, the 27th, and Saturday, 28th, with totality lasting for 103 minutes, making it the longest eclipse of the twenty-first century. It can be seen over large swaths of Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. To celebrate, here is a song with this theme in mind: LOONA (Kim Lip) "Eclipse", both the MV and the Choreography Versions (Click on "cc" for English subs):
Good news first: a total lunar eclipse will occur this week on Friday, the 27th, and Saturday, 28th, with totality lasting for 103 minutes, making it the longest eclipse of the twenty-first century. It can be seen over large swaths of Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. To celebrate, here is a song with this theme in mind: LOONA (Kim Lip) "Eclipse", both the MV and the Choreography Versions (Click on "cc" for English subs):
Some companies understand nothing except money. Facebook is one, allegedly. Case in point, the just-released undercover documentary, Dispatches-Inside Facebook. Secrets of the Social Network and the scathing press coverage the social media behemoth has received.
To sum it up it blunty: child abuse is not reported to the police, ever, and is always allowed to stay up, no matter how violent and is just given a "graphic" warning; much animal abuse is allowed to stay up; most self-harm photos or videos are also kept up so long as their is a comment about it being "bad" to do; they don't contact law enforcement or 911 regarding suicidal users, even those in acute distress. Additionally, moderators were trained "to ignore hate speech toward ethnic and religious immigrants, and to ignore racist content" because "[I]f you start censoring too much then people lose interest in the platform. . .It’s all about making money at the end of the day,” as one CPL moderator told the undercover reporter." Think before you log in. Please talk and share this. Below the video are some handy screen shots from the documentary.
To sum it up it blunty: child abuse is not reported to the police, ever, and is always allowed to stay up, no matter how violent and is just given a "graphic" warning; much animal abuse is allowed to stay up; most self-harm photos or videos are also kept up so long as their is a comment about it being "bad" to do; they don't contact law enforcement or 911 regarding suicidal users, even those in acute distress. Additionally, moderators were trained "to ignore hate speech toward ethnic and religious immigrants, and to ignore racist content" because "[I]f you start censoring too much then people lose interest in the platform. . .It’s all about making money at the end of the day,” as one CPL moderator told the undercover reporter." Think before you log in. Please talk and share this. Below the video are some handy screen shots from the documentary.
7-16-18: Life According to Sam (also with Spanish subtitles) is documentary about Sam Berns, a smart, funny, precocious boy who also happens to have progeria, a very rare, fatal genetic condition characterized by accelerated, premature aging in kids. Sam's parents, Drs. Leslie Gordon and Scott Berns, set up a foundation and oversee the development of an experimental drug to treat the rare disorder. This is a must-see, so please do. Buy it if you can afford to do so, or watch it otherwise at the link below.
7-9-18: Because sometimes we need to save 60,000 words for other purposes, here are 60 World Press Photo Winner Images That Define Our World
7-2-18: In honor of America celebrating it's freedom this week on the Fourth of July, there are two related, interesting documentaries. Before those though, here is a really cool song and its related piece of fantastic news for its writer, Simon Dominic, who reunited with the uncle he's been searching for, for years, after writing a song about him. Here is the song, Jung Jin-Chul (Note***** "Cousin" should be "uncle"--that was a mistranslation)
7-2-18: In honor of America celebrating it's freedom this week on the Fourth of July, there are two related, interesting documentaries. Before those though, here is a really cool song and its related piece of fantastic news for its writer, Simon Dominic, who reunited with the uncle he's been searching for, for years, after writing a song about him. Here is the song, Jung Jin-Chul (Note***** "Cousin" should be "uncle"--that was a mistranslation)
Korengal is a 2014 documentary that picks up where the film Restrepo left off, as it embeds with soldiers to learn about their war experiences in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, first-hand. Please download a legal version, if you can afford to do so. If you can't, then watch it here:
The second documentary. 2010 Academy Award-NominatedWhich Way Home, considers issues of freedom and opportunity in America through the eyes of several unaccompanied child migrants, who face harrowing danger while journeying alone through Mexico en route to the U.S. on a freight train they call "La Bestia"--"'The Beast." I'll let others say it better from here:
"These are stories of hope and courage, disappointment and sorrow. They are the ones you never hear about - the invisible ones." Amazon
"Increasingly high interest in immigration makes this excellent production particularly relevant...Right or wrong is not the focus. The stories are about the youngsters--why they leave home and their hopes, difficulties, and final outcome...An illuminating, well-executed, and compelling film." Booklist Online
Please download a legal version, if you can afford to do so. If not, catch it here.
"These are stories of hope and courage, disappointment and sorrow. They are the ones you never hear about - the invisible ones." Amazon
"Increasingly high interest in immigration makes this excellent production particularly relevant...Right or wrong is not the focus. The stories are about the youngsters--why they leave home and their hopes, difficulties, and final outcome...An illuminating, well-executed, and compelling film." Booklist Online
Please download a legal version, if you can afford to do so. If not, catch it here.
6-25-18: You know who was one of the most awesome people in the world?
Mr. Roger's.
Fred Rogers and his public television series, Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, are the subject of a new documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor. For the insight and wonderful reassurance of humanity it will provide your life, please buy it/download it, if you can afford to do so. If you're unable, enlighten yourself by reading and watching the following (they will be one of the highlights of your week, I promise you.):
Mr. Rogers Lived Life Entirely on His Own Terms, While Constantly Considering and Respecting Others
Documentary Hopes to Make the World Good Again
As funding for public television (quality, educational children's programming that helps teach life lessons and values) was due to be halved, Mr. Roger's spoke to the Senate. The mood shifts over the course of his seven minute talk, and the Senator's initial skepticism melts away to understanding, as he truly listened. I also included a segment from his show, a related awards show clip (you'll see why), an overview of one reporter's experience with him, an interview (not endorsing Charlie Rose, but the interview is so wonderful), an Arsenio Hall interview, and a clip of someone's personal memories of the man, offscreen. We can still function like this in society nowadays, and it needs to start first with us as individuals and families.
Mr. Roger's.
Fred Rogers and his public television series, Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, are the subject of a new documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor. For the insight and wonderful reassurance of humanity it will provide your life, please buy it/download it, if you can afford to do so. If you're unable, enlighten yourself by reading and watching the following (they will be one of the highlights of your week, I promise you.):
Mr. Rogers Lived Life Entirely on His Own Terms, While Constantly Considering and Respecting Others
Documentary Hopes to Make the World Good Again
As funding for public television (quality, educational children's programming that helps teach life lessons and values) was due to be halved, Mr. Roger's spoke to the Senate. The mood shifts over the course of his seven minute talk, and the Senator's initial skepticism melts away to understanding, as he truly listened. I also included a segment from his show, a related awards show clip (you'll see why), an overview of one reporter's experience with him, an interview (not endorsing Charlie Rose, but the interview is so wonderful), an Arsenio Hall interview, and a clip of someone's personal memories of the man, offscreen. We can still function like this in society nowadays, and it needs to start first with us as individuals and families.
6-18-18: In honor of the World Cup, here are football (soccer) fields around the world Good luck to all the teams!
6-11-18: Two events for this week. First off, if you've got a little money to spare, Puerto Rico still needs your help. With an actual death toll somewhere between 1,000-5,000 people, with 1.5 million people still without power (for 264 days and counting), and tens of thousands still homeless, it's clear the US government is not taking care of its own (even though Puerto Ricans ARE US citizens), despite updated statistics showing how US incompetence killed people (again, that's not a political barb, that's a fact). With that said, help Puerto Rico out directly, if you can, through Google's matching donation drive.
Secondly, happy early Father's Day to you dads, uncles, grandparents and male role models out there! Congratulations on your kids, and keep doing your best to raise them as productive, caring members of society, with strong moral character. For a special treat for you all (=ya'll), I flipped what I did for Mother's Day, so here are 11 female-performed songs reinterpreted by male singers and groups, to show off a guy's perspective and intuition.
1) "Jolene", Dolly Parton; White Stripes
Secondly, happy early Father's Day to you dads, uncles, grandparents and male role models out there! Congratulations on your kids, and keep doing your best to raise them as productive, caring members of society, with strong moral character. For a special treat for you all (=ya'll), I flipped what I did for Mother's Day, so here are 11 female-performed songs reinterpreted by male singers and groups, to show off a guy's perspective and intuition.
1) "Jolene", Dolly Parton; White Stripes
2) "Crazy In Love", Beyonce; Antony and The Johnsons
3) "Fast Car", Tracy Chapman; Khalid
4) "Stay", Rihanna; Thirty Seconds To Mars
5) "No Ordinary Love", Sade; Rare Futures
6) "Run Devil Run", Girls' Generation; SF9
7) "Crazy Mary", Victoria Williams; Pearl Jam
8) "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", Roberta Flack; Johnny Cash
9) "Damn Your Eyes", Etta James; Alex Clare
10) "One In A Million", Aaliyah; Omarion
11) “The Boys”, Girls' Generation and “Lupin”, KARA; THE BOYZ
6-4-18: Sixteen tracks to get you in mood for dancing and summer (or winter, in the Southern Hemisphere). Enjoy!
1) Girls' Generation "Holiday"
1) Girls' Generation "Holiday"
2) Tiffany "I Just Wanna Dance"
3) LOONA/Odd Eye Circle "Girl Front"
4) LOONA/Odd Eye Circle "Girl Front" Choreography Version
5) SHINee "Good Evening"
6) Bolbbalgan4 "Travel"
7) f(x) "Hot Summer"
8) Girls' Generation "All Night"
9) Winner "Island"
10) Mamamoo "Starry Night"
11) The Party "Summer Vacation" (90's throwback; also, the stunning girl with black hair, Dee Dee, voices Pearl on Cartoon Network's Steven Universe.)
12) Taeyeon "Why"
13) SHINee "View" (RIP Jonghyun, the one in black. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide, please go here.)
14) LOONA/JinSoul "Singing in the Rain"
15) KARD "Hola Hola"
16) Girls' Generation "Party"
5-28-18: Happy Memorial Day to all veterans, of any generation, and their families. Your supreme sacrifices were not in vain, as the US remains a free country thanks to your valor. God bless you all.
With that in mind, here is the heartwarming, tear-inducing documentary Honor Flight. Cry, enjoy, be moved to your core, appreciate, and learn.
(Edit 6-22-18: This is changed (due to Youtube edits) to the Houston, Texas version, which is still wonderful, but different (although no less good) than the original. Please find the documentary "under 'Honor Flight'", then treat yourself to this one too <3)
With that in mind, here is the heartwarming, tear-inducing documentary Honor Flight. Cry, enjoy, be moved to your core, appreciate, and learn.
(Edit 6-22-18: This is changed (due to Youtube edits) to the Houston, Texas version, which is still wonderful, but different (although no less good) than the original. Please find the documentary "under 'Honor Flight'", then treat yourself to this one too <3)
Photo by Paul Earle on Unsplash
5-21-18: Many of you live in areas where wildlife or interaction with nature is rare, even practically nonexistent. For you, and for all nature appreciators, here is a live deer/squirrel/bird/wildlife cam. Inhale that beautiful fresh, clean air and enjoy.
And below, here is "Fake Love," the epic, masterful new track by kpop superstars BTS, both the MV and their live debut at the Billboard Music Awards--do yourself a favor and immerse yourself in this magnificent cultural appreciation.
And below, here is "Fake Love," the epic, masterful new track by kpop superstars BTS, both the MV and their live debut at the Billboard Music Awards--do yourself a favor and immerse yourself in this magnificent cultural appreciation.
5-14-18: After a violent week--stabbings in France, destructive volcanic eruptions, school shootings, murders in Australia, violence in Israel and Gaza and from the Burundi government, clashes in Myanmar, Indonesian church suicide bombings involving adults and their children--even the most faithfully steadfast can sigh and heave with frustration, anger, and pain. Despite that, we still need to appreciate the good things, one of which is often family, one particular member of which was commemorated on Sunday, Mother's Day. In honour of it, here is a collection of songs written by males, but performed by female singers, bands and groups. I thought it would be an entertaining and enlightening perspective to hear these well-known tunes redone in the female image. (And yes, I'll do the opposite for the upcoming Father's Day.) So happy belated Mother's Day to all you mom's and your own mom's as well (or grandmothers, aunts, cousins, sisters--whoever the female role model and caregiver is in your life. And if you don't happen to have one, then happy day to you for getting yourself this far in life--keep going!!!)
"Famous Blue Raincoat", Leonard Cohen; Tori Amos
"Between the Bars", Elliot Smith; Madeleine Peyroux
"Papaoutai", Stromae; Erza Muqolli
"Gimme Shelter", Rolling Stones; Merry Clayton
"Girls' Generation", Lee Seung-chul; Girls' Generation
"Ambitionz az a Ridah", "I Get Around", "I Ain't Mad at Cha", "Dear Mama", "Changes", Tupac; Alicia Keyes
"Highway 61 Revisited" (acoustic version), Bob Dylan; PJ Harvey
"He Cried", Jay and the Americans; The Shangri Las
"(Theme From) New York, New York" Frank Sinatra; Cat Power
“Nothing Compares 2 U”, Prince; Sinead O’Connor
"Demolition Man", Sting; Grace Jones
"Pennyroyal Tea" (live), Nirvana; Hole
"Sun Raha Hai Na Tu Female Version", Aditya Roy Kapur, Shraddha Kapoor; Shreya Ghoshal
"Across the Universe", the Beatles; Fiona Apple
"Gloria", Them; Patti Smith
"Blood, Sweat & Tears", BTS; KRNFX ft. Lydia Paek
"In The Pines", Unknown, earliest known recording is Leadbelly; Joan Baez
"Happiness Is a Warm Gun", the Beatles; The Breeders
"Rocket Man", Elton John; Kate Bush
"Wichita Lineman", Glenn Campbell; Cassandra Wilson
"Fell in Love with a Boy" live (Spanish subtitles), The White Stripes; Joss Stone
"Slow Hands", Interpol; Zee Avi
"Really Really", WINNER; Dreamcatcher
“I Love Rock N Roll”, The Arrows; Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
"Smells Like Teen Spirit", Nirvana; Tori Amos
"Famous Blue Raincoat", Leonard Cohen; Tori Amos
"Between the Bars", Elliot Smith; Madeleine Peyroux
"Papaoutai", Stromae; Erza Muqolli
"Gimme Shelter", Rolling Stones; Merry Clayton
"Girls' Generation", Lee Seung-chul; Girls' Generation
"Ambitionz az a Ridah", "I Get Around", "I Ain't Mad at Cha", "Dear Mama", "Changes", Tupac; Alicia Keyes
"Highway 61 Revisited" (acoustic version), Bob Dylan; PJ Harvey
"He Cried", Jay and the Americans; The Shangri Las
"(Theme From) New York, New York" Frank Sinatra; Cat Power
“Nothing Compares 2 U”, Prince; Sinead O’Connor
"Demolition Man", Sting; Grace Jones
"Pennyroyal Tea" (live), Nirvana; Hole
"Sun Raha Hai Na Tu Female Version", Aditya Roy Kapur, Shraddha Kapoor; Shreya Ghoshal
"Across the Universe", the Beatles; Fiona Apple
"Gloria", Them; Patti Smith
"Blood, Sweat & Tears", BTS; KRNFX ft. Lydia Paek
"In The Pines", Unknown, earliest known recording is Leadbelly; Joan Baez
"Happiness Is a Warm Gun", the Beatles; The Breeders
"Rocket Man", Elton John; Kate Bush
"Wichita Lineman", Glenn Campbell; Cassandra Wilson
"Fell in Love with a Boy" live (Spanish subtitles), The White Stripes; Joss Stone
"Slow Hands", Interpol; Zee Avi
"Really Really", WINNER; Dreamcatcher
“I Love Rock N Roll”, The Arrows; Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
"Smells Like Teen Spirit", Nirvana; Tori Amos
5-7-18: First off, please give prayers up to Hawaii and the thousands affected by the erupting volcanoes. Here are a few local, verified places for donations, if you're able to help out (but beware the Red Cross!):
The Salvation Army's Hilo Temple Corps Community Center
Pahoa Elementary Teacher Loses Home to Lava
With the worldwide economy primarily benefiting the rich, people are often desperate to find a way to make money that offers them a comfortable standard of living. Unscrupulous, evil people often exploit those looking for a hand-up, whether through wage slavery, human trafficking, or plain old scams. This documentary, Betting on 0, exposes global nutritional giant Herbalife as the largest pyramid scheme in history. It's important to watch because there are many other pyramid scheme options out there still in business, and schemers worldwide use these tried-and-true tactics on honest people aiming for a better life for their families and themselves; if you know what to look for, you can help yourself and your loved ones avoid such a fate. Welcome to Life, is another revealing documentary, on the worldwide company Amway, which did their best to ban this revealing film for many years (Polish with English subtitles).
Here is a pyramid scheme expose, "Сетевой маркетинг," in Russian.
And here's John Oliver's take on MLM's, (the user-friendly moniker "multi-level marketing," referring to the same kinds of groups as Herbalife and Amway.) Remember, people from anywhere can be taken in by these crooked ventures. Here are the top countries (source: mlmleads): United States, Japan, China, Brazil, Korea, Mexico, France, Malaysia, Russia, Germany, UK, Colombia, Taiwan, Italy, Thailand, Venezuela, Canada, Argentina, Australia, Peru, Indonesia, India, Philippines.
The Salvation Army's Hilo Temple Corps Community Center
Pahoa Elementary Teacher Loses Home to Lava
With the worldwide economy primarily benefiting the rich, people are often desperate to find a way to make money that offers them a comfortable standard of living. Unscrupulous, evil people often exploit those looking for a hand-up, whether through wage slavery, human trafficking, or plain old scams. This documentary, Betting on 0, exposes global nutritional giant Herbalife as the largest pyramid scheme in history. It's important to watch because there are many other pyramid scheme options out there still in business, and schemers worldwide use these tried-and-true tactics on honest people aiming for a better life for their families and themselves; if you know what to look for, you can help yourself and your loved ones avoid such a fate. Welcome to Life, is another revealing documentary, on the worldwide company Amway, which did their best to ban this revealing film for many years (Polish with English subtitles).
Here is a pyramid scheme expose, "Сетевой маркетинг," in Russian.
And here's John Oliver's take on MLM's, (the user-friendly moniker "multi-level marketing," referring to the same kinds of groups as Herbalife and Amway.) Remember, people from anywhere can be taken in by these crooked ventures. Here are the top countries (source: mlmleads): United States, Japan, China, Brazil, Korea, Mexico, France, Malaysia, Russia, Germany, UK, Colombia, Taiwan, Italy, Thailand, Venezuela, Canada, Argentina, Australia, Peru, Indonesia, India, Philippines.
04-30-18: After a 10 year anniversary celebration in 2017, Girls' Generation's arguably most underrated member, Hyoyeon, opted to pave her own musical path--as a DJ, which she's been privately learning and training for since 2015. On her first co-composed(!) single "Sober," both in English (non-native) and Korean, she's crafted both a regretful break-up tune (Korean) and a strong, independent, yet tentative love song about loving freedom and the sacrifice it takes to compromise yourself to be with someone else and the struggle to choose which is the better option (English). In Hyo's own words from her Paper Magazine interview, "The music video is about liberating girls who feel trapped, and tired of the norm. I wanted to express that they can get out there, rebel against social norms and show everyone who they're really meant to be." South Korean society, which is based on Confucianism, is strictly patriarchal, and has the highest suicide rate in the developed world, this is a very bold statement. Cheers to Hyoyeon for being both respectful of herself for ten years, while unfortunately being considered rebellious for simply being herself, which doesn't fit the standard, expected South Korean female prototype. This from a girl who has been repeatedly jeered as "ugly," "foreign-(non-Korean) looking"), "aggressive" for her joking personality, and "dances like a man" because she pop and lock dances and took dance classes with the boys when she was young because she was advanced and harder-edged dance styles fit her best. So cheers to all of you out there being yourselves, even if you don't match every convention your societies insist upon. May this be your anthem. God bless you.
Sober-Korean version, English translation
Deep inside a nightmare, I don't want to break-up, I want to stop this now
Your harsh gaze doesn't end, as it continues, my heart slowly wilts
I can't go on wavering like this my love, I want to break free from your hours I was once drunk in
Deeper into the night I become afraid, and you still make me tired
In my memories full of scars tears fall, I can't handle it, I don't want to know more
So I have come this far, Now it's over
I have come this far because I'm sober
I have become and my heart is crushed, you can't make me come back to you again
Carelessly, I have already left your heart. I can't hold on left alone in this place, wavering, my love
I want to erase you. The moment I fell drunk, deep in your night, I became scared
And still, you make me lonely. In my memories full of scars tears fall, I can't handle it, I don't want to know more
So I have come this far, Now it's over
I have come this far because I'm sober
You won't hurt me again, and you won't touch me again
You're a liar and even if you're complaining, I still won't take you back
So I have come this far, Now it's over
I have come this far because I'm sober
Translated by SHEEDA.LYRIX
Sober-Korean version, English translation
Deep inside a nightmare, I don't want to break-up, I want to stop this now
Your harsh gaze doesn't end, as it continues, my heart slowly wilts
I can't go on wavering like this my love, I want to break free from your hours I was once drunk in
Deeper into the night I become afraid, and you still make me tired
In my memories full of scars tears fall, I can't handle it, I don't want to know more
So I have come this far, Now it's over
I have come this far because I'm sober
I have become and my heart is crushed, you can't make me come back to you again
Carelessly, I have already left your heart. I can't hold on left alone in this place, wavering, my love
I want to erase you. The moment I fell drunk, deep in your night, I became scared
And still, you make me lonely. In my memories full of scars tears fall, I can't handle it, I don't want to know more
So I have come this far, Now it's over
I have come this far because I'm sober
You won't hurt me again, and you won't touch me again
You're a liar and even if you're complaining, I still won't take you back
So I have come this far, Now it's over
I have come this far because I'm sober
Translated by SHEEDA.LYRIX
Photo by Pedro Lastra on Unsplash
4-23-18:
It Matters to this One
As I walked along the seashore,
this young boy greeted me.
He was tossing stranded starfish
back to the deep blue sea.
I said, "Tell me why you bother,
Why do you waste your time this way?
There's a million stranded starfish
Does it matter anyway?"
And he said, "It matters to this one.
It deserves a chance to grow.
It matters to this one,
I can't save them all I know.
But it matters to this one,
I'll return it to the sea.
Because it matters to this one
And it matters to me."
-Author Unknown
It Matters to this One
As I walked along the seashore,
this young boy greeted me.
He was tossing stranded starfish
back to the deep blue sea.
I said, "Tell me why you bother,
Why do you waste your time this way?
There's a million stranded starfish
Does it matter anyway?"
And he said, "It matters to this one.
It deserves a chance to grow.
It matters to this one,
I can't save them all I know.
But it matters to this one,
I'll return it to the sea.
Because it matters to this one
And it matters to me."
-Author Unknown
4-2-18: Happy Easter and Happy Passover everyone. Two for this week: Passover and Martin Luther King, Jr.
To commemorate Passover, where Jews celebrate escaping slavery from the Egyptians, here is an enlightening and education documentary in two parts, The Passover Story.
To commemorate Passover, where Jews celebrate escaping slavery from the Egyptians, here is an enlightening and education documentary in two parts, The Passover Story.
Due to the upcoming anniversary of his horrific and tragic murder on the 4th of April, here is a rare documentary called The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. In these days of increased polarization and anger, it's important we remember those who spent their lives trying to do good.
3-26-18: Two offerings up for this week. For Christians, this is the most holy week of the year, the days leading up to the crucifixion and raising of Jesus from the dead. For the often overlooked early days of Jesus, here is the History Channel's "The Youth of Jesus," for family-friendly fare, "The Life of Christ Jesus (The Gospel according to Luke)" and to top it off, a documentary for skeptics or searchers by an investigative journalist, "The Case for Christ."
For my non-Christian readers (and for those who want a lighter listen after such a heavy week and material), listen to the true and hilarious streaming podcast story about a Brit rowing in a bathroom appliance, from the Moth Radio Hour, called "All at Sea."
For my non-Christian readers (and for those who want a lighter listen after such a heavy week and material), listen to the true and hilarious streaming podcast story about a Brit rowing in a bathroom appliance, from the Moth Radio Hour, called "All at Sea."
3-19-18: Let's listen to a wonderful remake of a 1800's song called either "In the Pines, " or "Where Did You Sleep Last Night," depending on the version you've heard. It was written by an unknown person, which was passed to poor white coal miners and railroad workers, then remade and recorded by Leadbelly, a blues singer, then Nirvana, and most recently, by Fantastic Negrito.
3-12-18: Need some inspiration? Look no further than these stunning photographs that are finalists in the 2018 World Press Photo contest, an annual competition that highlights the best photojournalism of the year.
3-5-18: We can all use an innocent giggle sometimes, so to start off the week, here are hilarious kid answers to test questions. Read 'em and weep (of laughter).
2-26-18: To give a send-off to two great weeks of sports, stories, and countless athletes overcoming tremendous odds, injuries and occasional self-doubt, here are the best Olympic moments that can move you to tears and inspire you. as well as K-Pop favourites EXO performing at the closing ceremonies.
2-19-18: As a show of respect for my East Asian readers, in honor of Chinese New Year/Spring Festival/Lunar New Year, here is some Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese music to get the festivities started!
2-12-18: Though the Olympics must make huge changes in terms of their ruinous economic impact on its host cities, using human slave labor to complete these cities venues, and the wasteful post-Games disarray most cities fall into, I do love the spirit of the Olympics, of people coming together peacefully to compete every two years with the best athletes their country has to offer. With all that's going on in the world, I think we all need this, no? In homage to the recently started Games, here is team Japan performing their figure skating routine to music from the popular Anime Yuri On Ice at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games
A testament to artistry, creative inspiration, dedication and sacrifice to one's craft and training and long-term commitment, also enjoy this short documentary on Canadian figure skating pairs dancers Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. They are technical masters of their sport and passionate innovators of it as an art form on ice.
A testament to artistry, creative inspiration, dedication and sacrifice to one's craft and training and long-term commitment, also enjoy this short documentary on Canadian figure skating pairs dancers Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. They are technical masters of their sport and passionate innovators of it as an art form on ice.
2-5-18: Coming on the heels of huge sports events in the USA (the Super Bowl), across the Arab world (4th Arab Women Sports Tournament), Morocco and Libya specifically (the African Nations Championship), and the upcoming Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics in South Korea, here is a documentary about love for family, country, and sports over the backdrop of war, in the powerful and moving ESPN 30for30 film, Once Brothers (in English, with Spanish subtitles).
1-28-18: Most of us believe we have total control over our actions and decisions. Most of us think of ourselves as good, respectable people unable to be manipulated into doing bad things. After all, no one wants to picture themselves as prone to the whims of others, particularly taking part in immoral activities we cannot ever imagine ourselves involved in. The people in this social conditioning experiment no doubt pictured themselves the same way, but found themselves taking an active role in the unimaginable. The best way to not fall prey to negative influences is to learn about them, so here, for your viewing and educational pleasure, is Deren Brown's Pushed to the Edge:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3m40hu
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3m4dcx (part 2/2)
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3m40hu
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3m4dcx (part 2/2)
1-22-18: Three for today: two songs, and film recommendations
Omnipresent Nigerian superstar singer-songwriter, Yemi Alade, with her new song "Go Down":
Omnipresent Nigerian superstar singer-songwriter, Yemi Alade, with her new song "Go Down":
Yemi singin' all the day with Ghanian singer MzVee. Show the talented women some love and respect and then "Come and See (her) Moda"
1-15-18: Captivating Images from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award Shortlist
1-8-18: Be awed by this Japanese group's stunning performances. Genius is an understatement.
1-1-18: Happy New Year, all! Here is a heartwarming television special called Young Wonders: A CNN Heroes Special, which features some of most conscientious, caring, and ambitious kids and young people in the world today and how they are redefining the world in which they are growing up. May this be a beautiful start to a wonderful 2018 for everyone. Hope you enjoy it!
12-25-17: Merry Christmas to all it concerns. Stay safe, travel carefully, and I hope you can all relax and enjoy your day. (For those who don't get the joke below, watch this and pay particular attention to :31 1:16 and 2:00.)
12-18-17: Life (and in particular, the holidays) can be a tough time for some. Even if everything is going swimmingly, we all throw up our hands in frustration on occasion. To that end, kick up your feet and enjoy "100 Jokes by 100 Funny Comedians."
Within hours of posting the jokes link above, news outlets confirmed that Jonghyun, one of k-pop's ever-popular superstars, a soloist and treasured member of one of its longstanding, most-respected groups, SHINee, (featured in last week's "Treats" post performing "Winter Wonderland"), committed suicide, at age twenty-seven. Depression, anxiety, mental illness--all can overcome anyone, at any time, any age, or any circumstance. God bless Jonghyun, his family, friends, and colleagues. If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal this holiday, please contact the appropriate international suicide hotline for your country. Things can get better, although it never feels that way when you're in the darkest days of it.
Within hours of posting the jokes link above, news outlets confirmed that Jonghyun, one of k-pop's ever-popular superstars, a soloist and treasured member of one of its longstanding, most-respected groups, SHINee, (featured in last week's "Treats" post performing "Winter Wonderland"), committed suicide, at age twenty-seven. Depression, anxiety, mental illness--all can overcome anyone, at any time, any age, or any circumstance. God bless Jonghyun, his family, friends, and colleagues. If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal this holiday, please contact the appropriate international suicide hotline for your country. Things can get better, although it never feels that way when you're in the darkest days of it.
12-11-17: Christmas is only a couple weeks away, and since you may need some variety away from the perennial traditional favourites, here are some Christmas carols from around the world to put you in the spirit (in Korean, Hindi, Tagalog, Arabic, Spanish, Urdu, Japanese). (And to my non-Christian readers, since the majority of these are "carols," not "hymns," most of them aren't religious, so enjoy!)
Girls' Generation-TTS: Dear Santa
Taeyeon (of Girls' Generation): This Christmas
LOONA (HeeJin, HyunJin, HaSeul): The Carol
Jawaid Noor: Bethlehem Mein
Kampana Nang Simbahan
Crayon Pop: Lonely Christmas
Girls' Generation-TTS: Dear Santa (ENG Ver.)
Woulida El Massih Halleluja
Roy Kim: It's Christmas Day
El Burrito de Belén (The Donkey of Belen)
SHINee: Winter Wonderland
Ibney Khuda Paida Hua
MYSTIC HOLIDAY 2013: Christmas Wishes
A Comer Pasteles a Comer Lechón: La Fiesta de Pilito Navidad (God bless Puerto Rico, this Christmas especially)
BTS: Crystal Snow
Los Toribianitos: Cumbia De Navidad
Ryan Cayabyab: Kumukutikutitap
Girls' Generation-TTS: Winter Story (Live Acoustic Version)
Girls' Generation-TTS: Dear Santa
Taeyeon (of Girls' Generation): This Christmas
LOONA (HeeJin, HyunJin, HaSeul): The Carol
Jawaid Noor: Bethlehem Mein
Kampana Nang Simbahan
Crayon Pop: Lonely Christmas
Girls' Generation-TTS: Dear Santa (ENG Ver.)
Woulida El Massih Halleluja
Roy Kim: It's Christmas Day
El Burrito de Belén (The Donkey of Belen)
SHINee: Winter Wonderland
Ibney Khuda Paida Hua
MYSTIC HOLIDAY 2013: Christmas Wishes
A Comer Pasteles a Comer Lechón: La Fiesta de Pilito Navidad (God bless Puerto Rico, this Christmas especially)
BTS: Crystal Snow
Los Toribianitos: Cumbia De Navidad
Ryan Cayabyab: Kumukutikutitap
Girls' Generation-TTS: Winter Story (Live Acoustic Version)
11-27-17: Joan of Arc is arguably one of the most famous military leaders in European history. She maintains her reputation in modern times too, as her story was featured in the hit video game Age of Empires. For the unfamiliar, Joan was a commander of the French army by the age of 17, the only person ever to lead an army of an entire nation at that age. She was driven by a vision of the Archangel Michael she experienced when she was but a wee lass (little girl), in which God commanded her to lead the French army. She told the King, but he and his sycophants disbelieved her. However, she managed to end the Siege of Orleans in only nine days. Rather than use ferocity, she valued strategy, not wanting to slaughter innocent people just to conquer an area.
11-20-17: Two songs: South Korean hip hop k-poppers BTS, performing "DNA" live at the American Music Awards (the first time an international group has ever performed on the show), and U.K. composer Clint Mansell's song, "Waves Crashing on Distant Shores of Time," from Black Mirror: San Junipero.
11-13-17: Four for you. Hope you use them well and wisely. Enjoy:
1) Eminem featuring Beyonce doing "Walk on Water"
2) South Korean soloist with a Michael Jackson-esque pedigree, Taemin with "Thirsty" (OFF-SICK Concert Ver.) Performance Video
3) Consistently stylish (musically, choreography-wise, and with her fashion) Nigerian afro-pop superstar Yemi Alade - "Single & Searching ft. Falz"
4) Back to South Korea for pre-debuted k-pop group LOONA's sub-unit Odd Eye Circle and their song "LOONATIC" (The group LOONA is a rabbit hole--if you like them, dive deeply)
1) Eminem featuring Beyonce doing "Walk on Water"
2) South Korean soloist with a Michael Jackson-esque pedigree, Taemin with "Thirsty" (OFF-SICK Concert Ver.) Performance Video
3) Consistently stylish (musically, choreography-wise, and with her fashion) Nigerian afro-pop superstar Yemi Alade - "Single & Searching ft. Falz"
4) Back to South Korea for pre-debuted k-pop group LOONA's sub-unit Odd Eye Circle and their song "LOONATIC" (The group LOONA is a rabbit hole--if you like them, dive deeply)
11-06-17: In light of a totally senseless act of violence committed against a house of worship in the USA in the middle of their service, a beautiful melding of dance, creativity, and rejoicing of the human spirit around the world. The first video features Japanese choreographer Koharu Sugawara (centre) dancing with others to Sia's "Elastic Heart," the second features choreography from American Kyle Hanagami's studio in Los Angeles, California, dancing to Sia's "The Greatest," and the third features American choreographer Anthony Jackson in his New Orleans, Louisiana studio, with singer/songwriter/producer/artist Dawn Richard performing her songs "Northern Light/Riot".
10-30-17: In honour of Halloween, four music videos: "This is Halloween," from The Nightmare Before Christmas (watch the entire movie if you can!), Michael Jackson's "Thriller," Japanese superstar Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's "Crazy Party Night (Pumpkin no Gyakushū)," and South Korean eternal favourites SHINee ("shiny") with "Married to the Music."
And happy early Halloween to the growing number of regions across the world that celebrate it, including Italy (All Souls’ Day), USA, Romania, Sweden (Alla Helgons Dag), China, Saint Helena, UAE, Belgium, Canada, Vietnam, Ireland (Samhain), Germany (Allerheiligen/All Saints’ Day), Cambodia, Scotland, Austria, France (A Lo Ween), Japan, Russia, Iceland, Philippines (All Saints’/All Souls’ Day), Singapore, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hong Kong, Czech Republic (Commemoration of All the Departed), New Zealand, South Korea, England, Poland, India, Netherlands; and Mexico, Spain, Latin America ("Dia de los Muertos"/"Day of the Dead").
And happy early Halloween to the growing number of regions across the world that celebrate it, including Italy (All Souls’ Day), USA, Romania, Sweden (Alla Helgons Dag), China, Saint Helena, UAE, Belgium, Canada, Vietnam, Ireland (Samhain), Germany (Allerheiligen/All Saints’ Day), Cambodia, Scotland, Austria, France (A Lo Ween), Japan, Russia, Iceland, Philippines (All Saints’/All Souls’ Day), Singapore, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hong Kong, Czech Republic (Commemoration of All the Departed), New Zealand, South Korea, England, Poland, India, Netherlands; and Mexico, Spain, Latin America ("Dia de los Muertos"/"Day of the Dead").
10-23-17: The top clip is featured for the song, not the series, which I've not seen and know nothing about. This is your introduction to the breathtaking Fiona Apple. Because it's short, I've included two this week. Get to know Fiona, for your sake.
10-16-17: A mixed bag of goodies for this Monday. First, "Freedom," a song performed by Beyonce, for the International Day of the Girl, (which took place last Wednesday, which I didn't know about until last night), accompanying a fiercely wonderful video of little ones being their fantastic selves, regardless of country, race, or religion.
Strong, stylish, smart, beautiful Nigerian Afropop superstar Yemi Alade, with her newest single "Nakupenda" in both Swahili and French
Top South Korean singer/songwriter/dancer master performer Idol Taemin, of the group SHINee, unveils his latest latest solo, "Move."
And Taemin's "Move, (Performance Version)"
And Taemin's "Move, (Duo Version)"******---best one!!!!!!
10-09-17: Late Sunday night of last week, the devil unveiled himself in Las Vegas. Having posted before turning on the news to discover the massacre, the songs I posted last Monday didn't touch upon that day because I hadn't yet heard about it. By now, we know of the horror and the good--innocents slaughtered, brave family members taking bullets for loved ones, heroic first responders and civilians doing everything possible to save everyone they encountered. Country singer Eric Church, who played that very area of Las Vegas a mere forty-eight hours before, learned that many of the deceased concertgoers had also been at his show. Here is his incredibly moving tribute to them, and below it is his lyric video for that song, Why Not Me.
And for those cowardly Charlottesville protesters again this week, or anyone who harbours such hate in their heart, this is dedicated to you:
10-02-17: Multiple award-winning group with God-given talents from Kenya, called Sauti Sol, featuring the RedFourth Chorus from Upper Hill School. The meaning behind the song is "the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end--they are new every morning.” Maybe just what's needed right now in the world?
Also, felt like a taste of this:
09-24-17: A mix of two different creative sources for this week. First up, freestyle hip hop dancing finals. The video isn't great, but the dancing is fire!
And here is a cool eclectic blogger/poet/muse, perhaps(?), from Tunisia. Check her out!
And here is a cool eclectic blogger/poet/muse, perhaps(?), from Tunisia. Check her out!
09-18-17: Let's have some music, shall we? Lovely ladies YoonA and Sunny are both members of August's features Girls' Generation. Their songs are in Chinese and Korean, respectively. Enjoy, as we amble into autumn.
09-11-17: On this heartbreaking September 11th, we pay homage to the thousands of innocent lives taken, and those America lost subsequently, due to suicide or cancer as heroic first-responders.
09-04-17: Watch this pastor play his water-logged piano in his flooded Hurricane Harvey-stricken home. Then please, if you can, donate.
08-28-17: Look what natural skill and ambition can do! This self-taught animator made a World War I film at her home, by herself, that's now being aired at film festivals around the world.
Photo by Yong Chuan on Unsplash
08-21-17: In honour of the solar eclipse in the States, here are the best space photos of 2016-2017. They are a wonderful education and a necessary reminder as how small we all are in the universal scheme.
08-14-17: One last energetic dose of the Girls'!!
Holiday live:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnBrCHAqJJY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7vlUD1XKec
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1syPZNHGg3I
All Night live:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSFRVCwGwfc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9jaaOR8hKg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbnEOScoKTE
Holiday live:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnBrCHAqJJY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7vlUD1XKec
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1syPZNHGg3I
All Night live:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSFRVCwGwfc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9jaaOR8hKg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbnEOScoKTE
08-7-17: Introducing them on their 10th anniversary, here are South Korea’s peerless Girls' Generation. They have persevered in a system completely unlike anything in the West or anywhere else in the world. To even have the hope of debuting, they trained for 4-9 years each, learning skills such as styling, acting, voice, music theory, foreign languages, dance, rap, make-up, modeling, and underwent thorough media training. They lived in a company dorm with other trainees and were not permitted to go home except once a year or have cell phones, in order to stay focused on training and gain independence. They had weekly auditions in front of company staff to show their new skills and improvements and those who didn’t show enough growth were cut. This was along with attending normal, full days of high school (later, university), then training 8-12 hours per day. They finally debuted at 16-18 years old at a time when only boy groups were popular, and they were roundly hated by boy group fans for being near their favourites by performing on the same stage or potentially interacting backstage. They were put on show after show to get their name. music and image out in to the public knowledge and would go days with little sleep, sometimes being rushed to schedules for 36-48 hours in a row without more than naps in the company van before being rushed out to promote again. They endured the harsh spotlight of South Korea’s k-netz, online fans/critics who are notoriously sharp tongued and often intolerant, encouraging people who do things like cross their likes while standing to commit suicide or telling them they are lazy, or getting a guy accidentally getting close to a female’s chest area with his arm nearly kicked off his hosting gig and being called a rapist. In addition, ALL the girls either act, have radio shows, are the faces/spokeswomen for many brands, have appeared on countless variety and talent programs, modeled for various companies, hosted numerous TV programs, appeared as contestants on numerous survival shows, award shows and radio shows, etc. They basically work year-round and have done so under tough public scrutiny for a solid decade. Happy birthday, Girls’ Generation, and thank you for your dedication, loyalty, sacrifice, and hard work! Sometimes, good people's hard work does pay off still, nowadays. Enjoy!
Holiday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwN-CN9EjTg
All Night (Documentary Version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzEJPRqLUZE
All Night (Clean Version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4w8IbQTJpY
Buy it, if you can afford to, from http://www.yesasia.com
Or at the very least http://smarturl.it/HolidayNight (Please don't stream though, if at all possible, as artists are paid less than .000001 per stream.)
Holiday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwN-CN9EjTg
All Night (Documentary Version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzEJPRqLUZE
All Night (Clean Version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4w8IbQTJpY
Buy it, if you can afford to, from http://www.yesasia.com
Or at the very least http://smarturl.it/HolidayNight (Please don't stream though, if at all possible, as artists are paid less than .000001 per stream.)
07-31-17: Here are the outspoken, strong, rough-around-the-edges, wonderfully imperfect women of history that you, your family, or friends can learn about that will never be found "good enough" to be named Disney princesses: Rejected Princesses
07-24-17: Math is often thought of as a device that can define the inexplicable: whole theories, probabilities, and planes that our brains can barely wrap our minds around. In this short video, we're shown how math predicted the Arab Spring before it happened.
07-17-17: Walking, biking, or running? Use the Charity Miles Android or iPhone app to earn money for nonprofits like Autism Speaks, Stand Up to Cancer, Wounded Warrior Project, American Diabetes Association, or the ASPCA, Taking your dog for a stroll? Sign up for the Walk for a Dog iPhone app and earn money for your favourite animal rescue.
07-10-17: TLC, American female hip hop pioneers, are still strong, sexy, and talented and return after a long hiatus with a fun summer throwback . Did I mention the women are forty-six and forty-seven years old? Go on girls! (Buy the song to support them.)
07-03-17: Deceptively upbeat, yet heartbreaking song about a boy looking for his dad in all ways and places of life, by the inimitable, genius Belgian musician Stromae and his affecting "son" danced peerlessly by Karl Ruben Noel. (If you can afford it, buy it to support it.)
06-26-17: Brilliant song and choreography from South Korea to wake you up for the week. (Buy the song or album!)
06-19-17: Inspirational short from Thailand.
06-12-17: Considering world events, it's necessary to look at to how easily some people can be sucked into extremism, to prevent it in our communities and with our friends and family. My Son the Jihadi is a BAFTA-winning, Emmy nominated documentary that does just this with unflinching honesty.
06-05-17: Something light and fun to kick off the summer from Korean singer/dancer/rapper/Girls' Generation member, Hyoyeon (MV and live). The song can be purchased in the MV link on iTunes.
05-29-17: Johnny Cash, a troubadour for music and life, wrote and covered songs that drew attention to the plight of Native Americans, the Vietnam War, the poor, the elderly. He recorded and released un-radio-friendly songs because he felt the message mattered. He was deeply religious and had over his struggles with drugs on and off in his life (mostly from trying to stay awake for traveling from show to show) and had health problems and illnesses in his later years, including automatic neuropathy, which stopped his touring. The woman in the video, June, was the love of his life and worked him through his addictions and died four months after this video was made. Johnny himself died seven months later. This video is often seen as his epitaph.
05-22-17: Thai dancer/singer Ten is just stunning to watch in motion, whether surrounded by gorgeous music video effects or practicing in a sparse room. (Once again, buy the song if you can.)
05-15-17: Grab tissues and prepare to be wowed by this stunning, silent story as Attraction performs. It is like nothing you've ever seen before, guaranteed.
05-08-17: Every have a difficult time determining exactly what mood your feeling? Sure, it happens to all of us. Your challenge may have just been simplified, thanks to Dr. Tim Lomas and his work of tracking down words all across the world for emotions you didn't even know you had.
05-01-17: Twenty year old and counting desert blues rock band, Tinariwen, from Mali, sing in the Tamashek language and recorded their latest album in California, Paris, and Morocco, due to ongoing corruption, warfare, and terrorism in their native land. To those who think music has lost its meaning and soul, turn it up, so you can be corrected. And, as always, if you can afford to, please buy the music and support the band.
04-24-17: It's time for some laughter, don't you think? The Jack Benny Program is a completely different style of comedy than today's (which is neither good, nor bad, just different.) The comedian's name is Jack Benny and his TV show ran for 15 years. He also had a radio show that started during World War II and ran for decades. Though it's irrelevant to him being funny and was never mentioned on his program, he was also Jewish, which was especially important in the shadow of WWII. He worked up until his death, at 80.
Also, the show is done LIVE. Everything you see is as it happened, when it happened, broadcast to the world in real time. Think of the skill that takes!
This episode is based on Jack's loyal, honest, intelligent assistant, Rochester, giving him an honest critique of his show, but Rochester falls asleep instead. It sounds like a plain premise, but it's quite forward and aware in its humour, which makes it deliciously funny. Also, two important points: Rochester, a black character, was giving his own role based on audience demand--they LOVED him! And what makes this so special is two facts: he was the first black character to have an ongoing role, and though he unfortunately played Benny's assistant because it was the only way to get him on as a regular on the show back in those days, the 1950-1960's, (and we ALLLLLL know black people are not just stereotypical assistants to white people--they are CEOs, doctors, business owners, heads of the household, community leaders, religious leaders, teachers, and anything else great and smart in the world)--but his character was wiser than the one Mr. Benny played. The two men respected each other greatly and worked with each other for the next decades. One reason of many why this show is so special and so funny, even today. Enjoy!
Also, the show is done LIVE. Everything you see is as it happened, when it happened, broadcast to the world in real time. Think of the skill that takes!
This episode is based on Jack's loyal, honest, intelligent assistant, Rochester, giving him an honest critique of his show, but Rochester falls asleep instead. It sounds like a plain premise, but it's quite forward and aware in its humour, which makes it deliciously funny. Also, two important points: Rochester, a black character, was giving his own role based on audience demand--they LOVED him! And what makes this so special is two facts: he was the first black character to have an ongoing role, and though he unfortunately played Benny's assistant because it was the only way to get him on as a regular on the show back in those days, the 1950-1960's, (and we ALLLLLL know black people are not just stereotypical assistants to white people--they are CEOs, doctors, business owners, heads of the household, community leaders, religious leaders, teachers, and anything else great and smart in the world)--but his character was wiser than the one Mr. Benny played. The two men respected each other greatly and worked with each other for the next decades. One reason of many why this show is so special and so funny, even today. Enjoy!
04-17-17: Intelligent, creative women with forged steel-strong souls are always beautiful, aren't they? Meet this stunning example, Dawn Richard, aka D/_\wn. This video is an older example to serve as an introduction, but please do check out everything she does. She tunnels under boundaries and barriers and manages to out-innovate nearly everyone without the financial backing of a major music label. She does it all herself, with a team of 3-4 people. If you like her, support her by buying, if you can afford to. Remember, much of what she does or sings is metaphor, so please don't do the easy "she's weird" label. Think deeper. Watch and enjoy!
04-09-17: Magnificent, soulful, precise, passionate. Though the video quality could be better, watch with wonder what this 15-year-old young man can do. What a gift.
04-03-17: Timeless, masterful, raw, painful, gorgeous. Please listen past the 90's recording quality and feel it properly.
03-27-17: Please do watch The Life of Death, but not at work because it's not professional to cry at work (though the content is not graphic in any way, so don't worry about that). But DO remember to watch it.
03-20-17: Check out Gemma Correll, cartooner of life's cringe-inducing, giggle-producing, and invariably forgettable moments.
03-13-17: Teach yourself something useful! Places to learn skills and talents like coding, developing video games, and training a dog, online, for free.
03-13-17: Teach yourself something useful! Places to learn skills and talents like coding, developing video games, and training a dog, online, for free.
03-06-17: Subin, a female composer/performer, a rarity in k-pop
02-27-17: Take a look at some of the most powerful photos of all time (due to their nature, NSFW.)
02-20-17: Feeling like a Zero? Even zeros have their worth.:
02-13-17: Interview with author Saroo Brierley, about his incredible childhood in India after he became lost, wandered onto a train destined for Calcutta, and ended up in Australia. He also talks about his memoir, A Long Way Home, upon which the Oscar-nominated film Lion was based.
02-07-17: Cartoonist Bill Watterson's Calvin and Hobbes alternately fosters giggles and tears.
Posted under fair use. Cartoon by Bill Watterson. (C) University Press Syndicate
01-30-17: Please take five minutes and watch Biisuke Ball's Big Adventure Part 2, an awe-inducing piece that will restore your sense of wonder.
01-23-17: Need a fun distraction? Try Free Rice, an online game that donates twenty rice grains to the UN World Food Programme for every correct answer! They have English, math, science, geography, art history, and foreign languages. Play a little, help a lot!
01-16-17:
In Memory Of Anyone Unknown To Me
by Elizabeth Jennings
(copyright @ Public Domain)
At this particular time I have no one
Particular person to grieve for, though there must
Be many, many unknown ones going to dust
Slowly, not remembered for what they have done
Or left undone. For these, then, I will grieve
Being impartial, unable to deceive.
How they lived, or died, is quite unknown,
And, by that fact gives my grief purity,
An important person quite apart from me
Or one obscure who drifted down alone.
Both or all I remember, have a place.
For these I never encountered face to face.
Sentiment will creep in. I cast it out
Wishing to give these classical repose,
No epitaph, no poppy and no rose
From me, and certainly no wish to learn about
The way they lived or died. In earth or fire
They are gone. Simply because they were human, I admire.
In Memory Of Anyone Unknown To Me
by Elizabeth Jennings
(copyright @ Public Domain)
At this particular time I have no one
Particular person to grieve for, though there must
Be many, many unknown ones going to dust
Slowly, not remembered for what they have done
Or left undone. For these, then, I will grieve
Being impartial, unable to deceive.
How they lived, or died, is quite unknown,
And, by that fact gives my grief purity,
An important person quite apart from me
Or one obscure who drifted down alone.
Both or all I remember, have a place.
For these I never encountered face to face.
Sentiment will creep in. I cast it out
Wishing to give these classical repose,
No epitaph, no poppy and no rose
From me, and certainly no wish to learn about
The way they lived or died. In earth or fire
They are gone. Simply because they were human, I admire.
