Sup HHR readers “Melanie Fiona” is out yet again with a new hit hers is a Video entitled “It Kills Me. The girl has such raw emotions in this video and the lyrics are freaking amazing!!
“It Kills Me” - The Bridge
SRC / Title 9 / Universal Motown
Director: Armen Djerrahian
Guest star: Adam Rodriguez (CSI Miami)
Purchase now on iTunes: - Download The Bridge - Melanie Fiona
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
A BLACK REPUBLICAN “AMBASSADOR OF LOVE”: PEARL BAILEY
By: Cleo BrownPearl Bailey was considered The Ambassador of Love by many people with-in The Republican Party as well as around the world. Pearl Bailey was born in the same home town, of Newport News, Virginia, and in the same birth year as the legendary jazz singer, named Ella Fitzgerald, on March 29th, 1918. Bailey eventually served as a United Nations’ Goodwill Ambassador under several Republican Presidential Administrations. (Wikipedia,”Pearl Bailey Biography”, p.2)
Pearl’s given name at birth was Pearl Mae Bailey. Her father, who was named Joseph James, was an Evangelical Minister with his own church in Newport News, Virginia. It was through the members of the congregation of Joseph James’ Church that Pearl learned how to sing and to dance although she was a toddler. Pearl’s mother, named Ella Mae Bailey, divorced Joseph James when Pearl was four years old, however, moving Pearl and her siblings- first to Washington, D.C., and later to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pearl had two older sisters and an older brother named Willie. It was Willie, who was to introduce Pearl to show business, when Pearl entered her teen-age years.
Willie, himself, was a tap-dancer having been heavily influenced by Bill “Bojangles” Robinson.( Answers.com , Pearl Bailey Biography, “Life’s Work”, p.2) It is Bill Bailey who is credited with being the first to do the moon walk in the all black film entitled Cabin In The Sky in 1943. (Mike Mckinley, Pearl Bailey Biography,p.2)Pearl, consequently, at the age of fifteen, entered a talent contest in Philadelphia where her brother was a performer. She won the talent competition also securing work at the theater as a performer until the theater’s closing two weeks later. This first experience with show business was enough for Pearl to exchange her former dream of being a school teacher with that of being a performer.
Pearl next tackled The Apollo Theater in New York where, once again, she won first prize in an amateur night contest. (Answers.com, p.2) Eventually, she ended up playing The Vaudeville Circuit in places like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. According to The American Theater Guild, Bailey’s “unique style was marked by an informal, broken delivery and sometimes slurred pronunciation.”(p.1) Pearl Bailey, subsequently, performed in the theaters, the night clubs, and with the jazz bands of The East Coast including performing with The Count Basie Band. (Answers.com, Britannica Concise Encyclopedia: “Pearl Mae Bailey “, p. 1) Like Josephine Baker before her, however, Pearl Bailey felt that it was imperative that she perform overseas. With this in mind, she toured with The U.S.O. from 1941-1943. (Black Biography, “Pearl Bailey Biography” p.2) Pearl Bailey “‘honed’ he skills while entertaining the troops” overseas. (Black Biography, p.2) When she returned to the States she began performing solo in New York City nightclubs. In 1944 she joined Cab Calloway’s Band as a stand-in. She and Cab Calloway, despite Bailey’s four marriages, became very good friends in a relationship which was to last throughout Bailey’s lifetime.
Pearl Bailey made her Broadway stage debut in 1946 in the All Black Musical entitled St. Louis Woman. With-in the Musical she sang two songs entitled “A Woman’s Perogative” and “Legalize My Name” which, according to Black Biography, were the “highlights” of the show. (p.3) For her performance Pearl Bailey won The Donaldson Award as the best “newcomer” on Broadway in 1946. She made her film debut for Paramount Films in 1947 in Variety Girl in which, once again, Pearl sang a show-stopping song called “Tired.” “Tired” became one of her “signature” tunes. (Black Biography,p. 3) Bailey made one more film for Paramount called Isn’t it Romantic before returning to Broadway in 1954.
Pearl Bailey married her fourth husband, named Louis Bellson, in 1952. Before her marriage to Bellson, she had been married to John Randolph Pinkett. (Wikipedia, p. 1) Louis Bellson was a Caucasion jazz drummer. The couple had two adopted children together named Tony and DeeDee. With her marriage to Bellson came a period of enormous growth and productivity in Pearl Bailey’s film career although she continued to perform on Broadway. In 1954 she was a supporting performer playing Frankie in Carmen Jones. In 1959, she portrayed Maria in Porgy and Bess. She also had roles in That Certain Feeling, St. Louis Blues, and All The Fine Young Cannibals. Bailey had become so popular that she was invited to perform at President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Inauguration in 1957.
In 1967, Pearl Bailey and Cab Calloway starred in an all black version of Hello Dolly! The tour as well as The Broadway run-of-the play was highly successful. Bailey won a special Tony Award for her role as Dolly Levi. (Wikipedia, p.2) According to Wikipedia, “Bailey {also} sang The National Anthem at Shea Stadium prior to game 5 of the 1969 World Series. She also {appeared} in the Series highlight film showing her support for the team.” (p. 2)
Pearl Bailey, in addition to singing at President Eisenhower’s Inauguration in 1957, and at The World Series in 1969 was a favorite not only of Democratic Presidents such as Lyndon Johnson, but also of Republican Presidents such as Richard M. Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and George H. W. Bush Sr. Richard Nixon named Bailey to a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador’s position, which she worked, throughout his Presidential Administration. According to The National University Library League’s Graduate Research Paper Division, “Nixon used Pearl Bailey as a Goodwill Ambassador to defuse International political situations. If Brezhnev was getting testy, Nixon sent in Pearl Bailey to calm Brezhnev down.” (NULL, Woman of Honor, Woman of Truth: Pearl Bailey and Her Lullaby-like Effect on the American Electorate, 1967-1982, Kamplebahn; Adrian Morraine; 2007, University of Virginia) Although Democratic Presidents seemed to manifest little need for Bailey’s services throughout their Presidential Administrations, Bailey also fulfilled this useful function for other Republican Presidents until her death in 1990 at the age of seventy-two.
In 1985, Pearl Bailey was awarded a B.A. Degree in Theology from Georgetown University. In addition to her almost forty year marriage to Bellson and her long and successful career in Theater, Film, and Television, Pearl Bailey was also the subject of a sociological study which found that internationally, tensions eased after every appearance which Pearl Bailey made at The United Nations. (NULL) In addition to her political impact upon the world, when Pearl Bailey’s image was displayed on television in connection with any product “consumer confidence increased in that product: for months both before and after her appearance on television. (NULL) In her later years, she was a frequent guest on The Muppet Show and on Captain Kangaroo.
Her best friends in real life were Mahalia Jackson and Eartha Kitt. Even after the deflection of the majority of African-Americans from The Republican Party to The Democratic Party in 1964, Pearl Bailey remained with The Republican Party because The Republican Party was where she and Louis Bellson found the greatest acceptance for their interracial marriage. As a couple, under Republican Presidential Administrations, Bailey and Bellson were frequently invited to The White House. (New York Times, Wednesday, February 18th, 2009, “Louis Bellson Dies”)
Pearl Bailey, who died from a heart attack on August 17th, 1990 in her hotel room in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is credited with having said “What the world really needs is more love and less paperwork.” (Pearl Bailey Biography at IMDb , p.2) Pearl Bailey hated paperwork. She was also eulogized by The Washington Post’s Joseph McLellan who called Bailey “America’s ambassador of love” adding: “She used her voice-and her heart- to become an eloquent advocate for the poor, oppresse3d and suffering, working to promote interracial harmony and more recently to help those worldwide suffering from AIDS.” (Pearl Bailey Biography at IMDb , p. 1) Pearl Bailey was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 7080 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
Pearl Bailey was also an author having written the following books:
The Raw Pearl (1968) (Autobiography)
Talking to Myself (1971) (Autobiography)
Pearl’s Kitchen: An Extraordinary Cookbook (1973)
Duey’s Tale (1975)
Hurry Up America and Spit (1976)
Between You and Me: A Heartfelt Memoir on Learning, Loving, and Living (1989)
Pearl Bailey’s nickname was Dickie. (Pearl Bailey Biography at IMDb, p.1)
Pearl Bailey, who died from a heart attack on August 17th, 1990 in her hotel room in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is credited with having said “What the world really needs is more love and less paperwork.” (Pearl Bailey Biography at IMDb , p.2) Pearl Bailey hated paperwork. She was also eulogized by The Washington Post’s Joseph McLellan who called Bailey “America’s ambassador of love” adding: “She used her voice-and her heart- to become an eloquent advocate for the poor, oppresse3d and suffering, working to promote interracial harmony and more recently to help those worldwide suffering from AIDS.” (Pearl Bailey Biography at IMDb , p. 1) Pearl Bailey was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 7080 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
Pearl Bailey was also an author having written the following books:
The Raw Pearl (1968) (Autobiography)
Talking to Myself (1971) (Autobiography)
Pearl’s Kitchen: An Extraordinary Cookbook (1973)
Duey’s Tale (1975)
Hurry Up America and Spit (1976)
Between You and Me: A Heartfelt Memoir on Learning, Loving, and Living (1989)
Pearl Bailey’s nickname was Dickie. (Pearl Bailey Biography at IMDb, p.1)
About The Author: Cleo E. Brown has a Master’s Degree in Contemporary African-American History from The University of California at Davis in Davis, California. She also has a B.A. Minor Degree in Political-Science and has completed course work towards a Ph.D. in Education from The University of San Francisco in San Francisco, California. She is a Free Lance Writer and a Senior Editor at HHR.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Going Rogue: A “Palin”tologist’s Review
By: Leette Eaton-WhiteSarah Palin the ever controversial political super star released her best seller auto-biography Going Rogue last week. Already a selling success the book details her life, and the failed 2008 Vice Presidential Campaign. Though the campaign to make John McCain POTUS failed, Sarah has been a wild success amongst conservatives and fair minded politicos.
Her down to earth demeanor and straight forward speaking style captivated the core of the GOP and infuriated the Left Wing and its Hollywood babysitters. Striking fear into the hearts of her critics Palin’s book comes out swinging at those who unfairly criticized her, but unlike most politicians she takes plenty of time to acknowledge her own, and many mistakes.
Detailing life and Alaska the book begins with a gorgeous rich description. As a matter fact some of the description was so exact I thought The Joy of Painting’s Bob Ross hijacked Sarah’s book and I could swear I began to hear “Wonderful, Wonderful Day” playing in my head followed by “The Sound of Music”, and I swear to you that is not an exaggeration… I had a very goofy smile on my face while reading such descriptions… as if people on the NYC subway didn’t already think I was crazy by actually reading Going Rogue in the first place.
Sarah discusses her average family and average life growing up in Wasilla and her unique love of sports and her dedication to teamwork. She talks about her children, and labor, fishing and even lets us in on her relationship with Todd. Then she starts in on politics. There is no denying Sarah on what she is politically. She is everything she ever presented herself as. She is a passionate social and fiscal conservative. No surprises there. She recounts in great detail her early days at City Hall fighting the status quo and former allies.
She repeats her political views throughout her story with relevant consistency. She also talks McCain, the Campaign and the staffers who went from helpful to her to hurting the campaign within a matter of weeks. The book has a surprising free flowing and natural eloquence that most would not expect of Sarah and clarity that makes you feel as though you were watching the events described unfold. Bottom line: It’s worth the read no matter what, if you like Sarah even a little bit, it’s worth the buy.
Detailing life and Alaska the book begins with a gorgeous rich description. As a matter fact some of the description was so exact I thought The Joy of Painting’s Bob Ross hijacked Sarah’s book and I could swear I began to hear “Wonderful, Wonderful Day” playing in my head followed by “The Sound of Music”, and I swear to you that is not an exaggeration… I had a very goofy smile on my face while reading such descriptions… as if people on the NYC subway didn’t already think I was crazy by actually reading Going Rogue in the first place.
Sarah discusses her average family and average life growing up in Wasilla and her unique love of sports and her dedication to teamwork. She talks about her children, and labor, fishing and even lets us in on her relationship with Todd. Then she starts in on politics. There is no denying Sarah on what she is politically. She is everything she ever presented herself as. She is a passionate social and fiscal conservative. No surprises there. She recounts in great detail her early days at City Hall fighting the status quo and former allies.
She repeats her political views throughout her story with relevant consistency. She also talks McCain, the Campaign and the staffers who went from helpful to her to hurting the campaign within a matter of weeks. The book has a surprising free flowing and natural eloquence that most would not expect of Sarah and clarity that makes you feel as though you were watching the events described unfold. Bottom line: It’s worth the read no matter what, if you like Sarah even a little bit, it’s worth the buy.
About the Author: Leette Eaton- White is a native New Yorker and a full time student studying Forensic Psychology. She has been a Conservative Republican since 2002, finding her Republican roots at the age of 15. HipHopRepublican opened the gateway for her to start her political activism in urban areas and across the net.Contact - Leette4hhr@gmail.com
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Crime Isn’t A Civil Right!
by Nadra Enzi
Crime isn’t a civil right! is an upcoming presentation which evolved from recent comments I shared with the local Kiwanis Club on putting the public back into public safety. This topic is my 2010 public theme and has been a private one for a lifetime. Its’ message is simple and timely: no one has a God-given right to violate life and property, regardless of passionate arguments to the contrary. Giving in to crime as a civil right means, among other things, destroying the inner city, all cities, public safety and homeland security in one greedy gulp! Anyone who wants a serving is asked to raise his hand.
Absolving inner city residents from sane behavior isn’t the same as promoting civil rights. Telling us somebody else is to blame for personal killing sprees, etc. in the Black community grants green lights for much more of the same. Add the current financial version of suspended animation afflicting the inner city and this behavioral brew approaches a historic boiling point. One private solution is drawing national lines in the concrete and culturally ousting those who think crime is their personal civil right. Giving them the boot in thought, word, on flim, in song and by our deeds is what is sorely needed. Otherwise, the Black community and America lose together on an unimaginable scale.
We’re losing too many lives to continue embracing open enemies among us. Rehabilitation only works if the person being rehabilitated agrees to it. Removal ( by ostracism or arrest ) becomes the last realistic community choice for increasing safety and civility. The effect of a culture shift where doors are slammed shut and relationships suspended until better behavior happens is worth exploring.
Criminals continue victimizing society because they still welcomed with open arms by family and friends. You can’t complain about snake bite while pulling the viper closer for round two. Unofficial excommunication from Black social networks alongside official incarceration are a one-two combination we need to put into play before it’s too late. Only we can decide if our lives are worth the effort. Crooks are working overtime to tear us down, Isn’t it time we punched the clock to build ourselves up?
Crime isn’t a civil right! will be my main message for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month 2010. It’s also a way of life. Crime isn’t a civil right, it’s absolutely the worst possible civil wrong.
NADRA ENZI AKA CAPT. BLACK promotes crime prevention and self-development. nadracaptblack@ymail.com
Crime isn’t a civil right! is an upcoming presentation which evolved from recent comments I shared with the local Kiwanis Club on putting the public back into public safety. This topic is my 2010 public theme and has been a private one for a lifetime. Its’ message is simple and timely: no one has a God-given right to violate life and property, regardless of passionate arguments to the contrary. Giving in to crime as a civil right means, among other things, destroying the inner city, all cities, public safety and homeland security in one greedy gulp! Anyone who wants a serving is asked to raise his hand.
Absolving inner city residents from sane behavior isn’t the same as promoting civil rights. Telling us somebody else is to blame for personal killing sprees, etc. in the Black community grants green lights for much more of the same. Add the current financial version of suspended animation afflicting the inner city and this behavioral brew approaches a historic boiling point. One private solution is drawing national lines in the concrete and culturally ousting those who think crime is their personal civil right. Giving them the boot in thought, word, on flim, in song and by our deeds is what is sorely needed. Otherwise, the Black community and America lose together on an unimaginable scale.
We’re losing too many lives to continue embracing open enemies among us. Rehabilitation only works if the person being rehabilitated agrees to it. Removal ( by ostracism or arrest ) becomes the last realistic community choice for increasing safety and civility. The effect of a culture shift where doors are slammed shut and relationships suspended until better behavior happens is worth exploring.
Criminals continue victimizing society because they still welcomed with open arms by family and friends. You can’t complain about snake bite while pulling the viper closer for round two. Unofficial excommunication from Black social networks alongside official incarceration are a one-two combination we need to put into play before it’s too late. Only we can decide if our lives are worth the effort. Crooks are working overtime to tear us down, Isn’t it time we punched the clock to build ourselves up?
Crime isn’t a civil right! will be my main message for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month 2010. It’s also a way of life. Crime isn’t a civil right, it’s absolutely the worst possible civil wrong.
NADRA ENZI AKA CAPT. BLACK promotes crime prevention and self-development. nadracaptblack@ymail.com
Change: A Review of Dreamgirls
By: Cleo BrownOn Friday Evening, November 20th, 2009 I attended a performance of Dreamgirls at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York with my publisher and the founder of HipHopRepublican.com, named Richard Ivory. Richard, who had said that there would be only a handful of people in the audience, made all of the arrangements for the event from securing the tickets to the play to arranging the transportation. I was, therefore, startled to see throngs of people at the Apollo Theater all waiting to see the performance. Richard has very good taste for Dreamgirls was amazing.
From the very first moments after the show began, with the Master of Ceremonies announcing “The Step Sisters”, who were dressed in long, blue, formal gowns, the costumes by William Ivey Long( A five time Tony Award winning costume designer who currently has two shows running on Broadway: PAL JOEY and CHICAGO. ) were lavish and beautiful. I was, throughout the remainder of the musical equally impressed by almost every other aspect of this first-class work of art.
Dreamgirls, which is the story of the rise to fame of “The Dreamettes”, and particularly the rise of Deena Jones , is based upon the rise of Diana Ross and The Supremes to superstar status. For those of you who are not up on your Motown gossip: Barry Gordy who founded and once owned Motown Records, discovered, promoted, and made a star out of Diana Ross. Legend has it that he was in love with her. In Dreamgirls, Chaz Lamar Shephard convincingly portrays Curtis Taylor, Jr. who, although already heavily involved with Diva Effie White, falls in love with a little known back-up singer, named Deena Jones, whom he makes a star out of.
Like Diana Ross, however, Deena Jones at the height of her fame, wants out of her personal and professional relationship with Curtis Taylor so that she can pursue fame and fortune on her own. As the darker-skinned and heavy set Effie White, Moya Angela is superb. Not only can she act, but she can also belt a song out of the ball park for a home run. Her descension into drug abuse and her rehabilitation, although not sufficiently explored enough to suit me, was compellingly- to the extent of breaking my heart - portrayed by Angela.
In contrast to Effie White’s character is that of Deena Jones portrayed by Syesha Mercado. Although she sings well, her voice is not as powerful as Angela’s voice. Her voice, however, to Taylor, as well as her face and her figure are more Eurocentric than Effie’s. Jones is consequently promoted as a star in mainstream American Pop Culture by Taylor who, eventually, replaces White with another “Deena Jones” type. Mercado, as Deena Jones, is so remarkably like Diana Ross (whom I adore) that one can almost hear her voice quiver as she dazzles in one brilliant costume after another -especially once she attains superstar status.
Provocative are Chester Gregory as James “Thunder ” Early and Adrienne Warren as Lorrell Robinson. The has been singer( Early makes a comeback in this saga only to decline once again as the times change) and the ingénue( as a Dreamette she ascends to super star status) are involved with each other in an adulterous affair. Gregory and Warren, as supporting cast members, are so strong in their performances that they do, at times, almost steal the show from Angela and Mercado. Directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom and Michael Bennett, Dreamgirls is brilliantly staged. At times, the use of trick photography to create a 3- dimensional effect on the stage does tend to engulf the performance and the performers overwhelming the audience with its glitz and its glamour. On the other hand, however, more often than not the 3-D device works exceptionally well.
Although the plot of the Musical involves the meteroic rise to stardom of Deana Jones and the Dreamettes, the theme of the play is that of “Change.” The play is about the change which needed to occur in the United States during the sixties before African-Americans and other minority groups could be accepted as integral parts of the society.
Was there, however, real change in the thinking of Americans to the extent that they would be able to accept an African-American Musical Star as well as African-American Music in mainstream America? Dreamgirls would suggest through its depiction of Deena, who conforms to the status quo and to Eurocentric standards of beauty , that there was no real change. In its depiction of Effie, however, we do see change as she drops her Diva act, her wigs, and her beautiful clothes to become the mother of Curtis Taylor’s child out of wedlock. Noteworthy songs in Dreamgirls include “Stepping into the Bad Side”, “Family”, “I am telling you”, and “The Rap”.
Alas, just as Barry Gordy and Motown were reluctant to change with the advent of Rap Music so to was Curtis Taylor Jr. This reluctance to change seemed to be Taylor’s undoing.
This revival of Dreamgirls is a perfect way for The Apollo Theater to celebrate its 75th Anniversary. Dreamgirls will be at The Apollo Theater until December 6th, 2009 after which the phenomenal cast, crew, and play will tour the United States playing in cities from The East Coast to the West Coast beginning with Baltimore, Maryland from December 16th- December 27th, 2009. The play will end its tour in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 22nd-June 27th, 2010 at the Kimmel Center. If you are able to see this wonderfully entertaining though thouroughly exhausting Musical, don’t miss Dreamgirls. On a scale of from one to twelve roses I give Dreamgirls a thirteen.
In contrast to Effie White’s character is that of Deena Jones portrayed by Syesha Mercado. Although she sings well, her voice is not as powerful as Angela’s voice. Her voice, however, to Taylor, as well as her face and her figure are more Eurocentric than Effie’s. Jones is consequently promoted as a star in mainstream American Pop Culture by Taylor who, eventually, replaces White with another “Deena Jones” type. Mercado, as Deena Jones, is so remarkably like Diana Ross (whom I adore) that one can almost hear her voice quiver as she dazzles in one brilliant costume after another -especially once she attains superstar status.
Provocative are Chester Gregory as James “Thunder ” Early and Adrienne Warren as Lorrell Robinson. The has been singer( Early makes a comeback in this saga only to decline once again as the times change) and the ingénue( as a Dreamette she ascends to super star status) are involved with each other in an adulterous affair. Gregory and Warren, as supporting cast members, are so strong in their performances that they do, at times, almost steal the show from Angela and Mercado. Directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom and Michael Bennett, Dreamgirls is brilliantly staged. At times, the use of trick photography to create a 3- dimensional effect on the stage does tend to engulf the performance and the performers overwhelming the audience with its glitz and its glamour. On the other hand, however, more often than not the 3-D device works exceptionally well.
Although the plot of the Musical involves the meteroic rise to stardom of Deana Jones and the Dreamettes, the theme of the play is that of “Change.” The play is about the change which needed to occur in the United States during the sixties before African-Americans and other minority groups could be accepted as integral parts of the society.
Was there, however, real change in the thinking of Americans to the extent that they would be able to accept an African-American Musical Star as well as African-American Music in mainstream America? Dreamgirls would suggest through its depiction of Deena, who conforms to the status quo and to Eurocentric standards of beauty , that there was no real change. In its depiction of Effie, however, we do see change as she drops her Diva act, her wigs, and her beautiful clothes to become the mother of Curtis Taylor’s child out of wedlock. Noteworthy songs in Dreamgirls include “Stepping into the Bad Side”, “Family”, “I am telling you”, and “The Rap”.
Alas, just as Barry Gordy and Motown were reluctant to change with the advent of Rap Music so to was Curtis Taylor Jr. This reluctance to change seemed to be Taylor’s undoing.
This revival of Dreamgirls is a perfect way for The Apollo Theater to celebrate its 75th Anniversary. Dreamgirls will be at The Apollo Theater until December 6th, 2009 after which the phenomenal cast, crew, and play will tour the United States playing in cities from The East Coast to the West Coast beginning with Baltimore, Maryland from December 16th- December 27th, 2009. The play will end its tour in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 22nd-June 27th, 2010 at the Kimmel Center. If you are able to see this wonderfully entertaining though thouroughly exhausting Musical, don’t miss Dreamgirls. On a scale of from one to twelve roses I give Dreamgirls a thirteen.
About The Author: Cleo E. Brown has a Master’s Degree in Contemporary African-American History from The University of California at Davis in Davis, California. She also has a B.A. Minor Degree in Political-Science and has completed course work towards a Ph.D. in Education from The University of San Francisco in San Francisco, California. She is a Free Lance Writer and a Senior Editor at HHR. We Have a New Site Folks - http://hiphoprepublican.com/ - We Have a New Site Folks!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
DREAM GIRLS: THE BROADWAY SENSATION GOES TO HARLEM
by Richard Ivory
Dream Girls, the inspiring story of the soullful girl group , directed by Bill Condon is making its way to Harlem’s, famed Apollo Theatre. Hip-HopRepublican.com will be there to review the film with members of the press on Nov 22. If you have not seen it please take some time and read the press release entry below to get familiar before going. HHR is encouraging all of our NJ & NYC friends to come and see this great film.
From Press Release: “Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming 1960’s girl group from Chicago, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. The original Broadway production of Dreamgirls opened December 20, 1981 at the Imperial Theatre and won six 1982 Tony Awards. Dreamgirls closed on Broadway August 11, 1985, after 1,522 performances. Dreamgirls features music by Academy Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy-Award winner Tom Eyen. The original Broadway production was directed by Michael Bennett and choreographed by Bennett and Michael Peters. Dreamgirls was adapted into a motion picture by DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, and opened in December 2006″.
Dream Girls, the inspiring story of the soullful girl group , directed by Bill Condon is making its way to Harlem’s, famed Apollo Theatre. Hip-HopRepublican.com will be there to review the film with members of the press on Nov 22. If you have not seen it please take some time and read the press release entry below to get familiar before going. HHR is encouraging all of our NJ & NYC friends to come and see this great film.
From Press Release: “Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming 1960’s girl group from Chicago, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. The original Broadway production of Dreamgirls opened December 20, 1981 at the Imperial Theatre and won six 1982 Tony Awards. Dreamgirls closed on Broadway August 11, 1985, after 1,522 performances. Dreamgirls features music by Academy Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy-Award winner Tom Eyen. The original Broadway production was directed by Michael Bennett and choreographed by Bennett and Michael Peters. Dreamgirls was adapted into a motion picture by DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, and opened in December 2006″.
Nationwide Tour Dates - Following the Apollo Theater engagement, the national tour of Dreamgirls will play Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Chicago, Boston, Columbus, Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, Costa Mesa, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and more.
Location - The Apollo is located in the heart of Harlem at 253 West 125 Street, between Adam Clayton Powell Blvd (7th Ave.) and Frederick Douglass Blvd (8th Ave.), and is easily accessible by public transportation via the A, B, C, D, 2, and 3 trains.
For more information, please visit http://www.dreamgirlsonstage.com/
Location - The Apollo is located in the heart of Harlem at 253 West 125 Street, between Adam Clayton Powell Blvd (7th Ave.) and Frederick Douglass Blvd (8th Ave.), and is easily accessible by public transportation via the A, B, C, D, 2, and 3 trains.
For more information, please visit http://www.dreamgirlsonstage.com/
THE BROADWAY SENSATION GOES UPTOWN FOR 4 WEEKS ONLY
Celebrating its 75th anniversary season in 2009-2010, the legendary Apollo Theater has been a driving force in shaping America’s music and cultural landscape and has played a major role in the emergence of innovative musical genres including jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, soul and hip-hop. Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis, Jr., James Brown, Bill Cosby, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, and countless others began their road to stardom on the Apollo’s stage.
A distinctly American landmark, it is the one of the only institutions in the nation equally devoted to showcasing both emerging talent and legendary performers on the same stage, thereby creating an exceptional community of musicians and artists. Based on its cultural significance and architecture, the Apollo Theater received state and city landmark designation in 1983 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Apollo Theater Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1991, is dedicated to the preservation and development of the Apollo Theater. The Apollo’s mission is to honor the influence and advance the contributions of African-American artists and advance emerging creative voice s across cultures and artistic media through the Apollo Experience of world-class live performances and educational programs.
The Producers: Producer John Breglio and the Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. will bring Broadway uptown for four weeks only with Dreamgirls at the Apollo Theater, prior to the national tour of the new production of the groundbreaking musical. The national tour of Dreamgirls will kick-off at Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theater (253 West 125 Street - just ten minutes from midtown) beginning previews Saturday, November 7, 2009, and opening Sunday, November 22, 2009, for 4 weeks only, through Sunday December, 6, 2009.
About the Staff: Dreamgirls is directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom with co-choreography by Shane Sparks, scenic design by Robin Wagner, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting design by Ken Billington, sound design by Acme Sound Partners, and media design by Howard Werner for Lightswitch. With music direction by Sam Davis, orchestrations by Harold Wheeler, and Vocal Arrangements by David Chase & Cleavant Derricks, Dreamgirls is produced by John Breglio for Vienna Waits Productions in association with Chunsoo Shin, Jake Productions & Broadway Across America/TBS.
The Production Team: This brand-new production will incorporate a duet version of the Academy Award-nominated song “Listen” which was written for the film Dreamgirls, as well as a new Act Two-opener, “What Love Can Do” written for this new stage production. Both musical numbers are composed by Henry Krieger with lyrics by Willy Reale.
Dreamgirls will introduce Moya Angela as Effie White and feature, as The Dreams, Syesha Mercado as Deena Jones, Adrienne Warren as Lorrell Robinson, and Margaret Hoffman as Michelle Morris with Chaz Lamar Shepherd as Curtis Taylor, Jr., Chester Gregory is James “Thunder” Early, Trevon Davis as C.C. White, Milton Craig Nealy as Marty Madison in a cast of 26 that also features Felicia Boswell, Tallia Brinson, Patrice Covington, Ronald Duncan, Talitha Farrow, Brittney Griffin, James Harkness, Robert Hartwell, Eric Jackson, Chauncey Jenkins, Jared Joseph, Nikki Kimbrough, Brittany Lewis, Douglas Lyons, Kimberly Marable, Jarran Muse, Amaker Smith and Marc Spaulding.
Remember Folks we have a new webiste - http://hiphoprepublican.com/
Saturday, November 07, 2009
THE EMBODIMENT OF THE AMERICAN DREAM: COLIN L. POWELL
by Cleo E. Brown
Colin Luther Powell is an example of a modern day African-American Leader. Both a military man and a statesman, Colin Powell was born in a Harlem Neighborhood of New York City, New York on April 5th, 1937. He grew up in the South Bronx. His parents, named Luther and Maud Powell, were Jamaican Immigrants who instilled with-in Colin Powell the importance of education and personal achievement.
Colin Luther Powell is an example of a modern day African-American Leader. Both a military man and a statesman, Colin Powell was born in a Harlem Neighborhood of New York City, New York on April 5th, 1937. He grew up in the South Bronx. His parents, named Luther and Maud Powell, were Jamaican Immigrants who instilled with-in Colin Powell the importance of education and personal achievement.
Despite their mentoring of Powell, however, his high school years were not valuable to him. Powell both attended school in the New York City Public School system and worked in a store on evenings and weekends. Although he felt a sense of fulfillment in his work, he did not distinguish himself in school until, after graduating from high school, he enrolled at The City College of New York (CCNY) where he majored in Geology.
He also enrolled as a member of The Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) where he found his calling. Inspite of graduating from CCNY in 1958 with the rank of Colonel and a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology, his grade point average was that of “C”. This G.P.A., however, did not prohibit Powell from advancing in his career as a military man since he entered the Army with the rank of Second Lieutenant. Nor did Colin Powell’s average G.P.A. at CCNY prohibit Colin Powell from earning and receiving an MBA from George Washington University in 1971. Although his grades at CCNY in other subjects had been low, Powell graduated at the top of his ROTC Class indicating his military genius.
Colin Powell saw two tours of duty in Viet Nam. During his first tour of duty, in which he served as an Army Advisor from 1962 to 1963, until he was wounded “while on patrol in a Viet-Cong held area…by stepping on a punji stake.”(Wikipedia, Colin Powell Biography, p.2) He was awarded, consequently, a Purple Heart Medal and a Bronze Star Medal . From 1968-1969 Powell served a second tour of duty in Viet Nam in the same battalion which had earlier been responsible for The My Lai Massacre. This time, he was wounded when his helicopter crashed. Despite his own injuries, however, he rescued everyone in the helicopter including his Commanding Officer. (Academy of Achievement, Colin Powell Biography, p.1)
Colin Powell saw two tours of duty in Viet Nam. During his first tour of duty, in which he served as an Army Advisor from 1962 to 1963, until he was wounded “while on patrol in a Viet-Cong held area…by stepping on a punji stake.”(Wikipedia, Colin Powell Biography, p.2) He was awarded, consequently, a Purple Heart Medal and a Bronze Star Medal . From 1968-1969 Powell served a second tour of duty in Viet Nam in the same battalion which had earlier been responsible for The My Lai Massacre. This time, he was wounded when his helicopter crashed. Despite his own injuries, however, he rescued everyone in the helicopter including his Commanding Officer. (Academy of Achievement, Colin Powell Biography, p.1)
For his bravery, in this instance, Colin Powell was awarded The Soldier’s Medal. Colin Powell did a third tour of duty in Asia in which he was a battalion Commander in Korea having earned the Army rank of Colonel. He also served as Commander of the 101st Airborne Division and V Corps for The United States Army in Europe before he returned to The United States. (Lucidcafe:Library, Colin Powell Biography,P.1) Stateside, he was The Commander-in-Chief of Forces Command at Fort McPherson, Georgia in 1989. (Wikipedia, p.3) This promotion came after he had served as National Security Advisor for Ronald Reagan following the Iran-Contra Scandal. Later in the year (1989) Reagan named Powell to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Colin Powell had achieved the rank of Lieutenant General when he began work as The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. (Wikipedia, p. 5) By January 20th, 2001 he had been appointed U.S. Secretary of State by President George W. Bush Jr. (Colin Powell, however, who did not approve of The Bush Administration’s handling of the Iraq War, resigned this post shortly after President George W. Bush Jr. was re-elected for a second term. Time was to prove Powell correct.)
Colin Powell was not registered as a Republican Voter until 1995. He had previously registered as an Independent Voter feeling that it was his duty as a soldier and as a citizen of the United States to work on behalf of both The Democrat and The Republican Parties. Powell, consequently, voted for Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1964, yet accepted a prestigious White House Fellowship to work under President Richard M. Nixon from 1972 to 1973. (Wikipedia, p. 3) Powell, similarly, worked for the Presidential Administration of James Earl Carter as an Assistant to the Deputy of Defense and to the Secretary of Energy.(Academy of Achievement, p.2) He also held the position of Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff under President William Jefferson Clinton. Powell and Clinton, unfortunately, however, disagreed over policy concerning gays in the military. Colin Powell, consequently, resigned his commission deciding to pursue other endeavors. (Academy of Achievement, p.2)
While he was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, however, Powell’s marketability as a political candidate became quite clear. Both political parties, therefore, tried to claim him as one of their members. The Democrats sighted his work on behalf of Democratic Administrations while The Republicans sighted his work on behalf of Presidents Nixon, Reagan, and George H. W. Bush. Finally, in 1995, Colin Luther Powell openly declared himself a Republican campaigning exclusively for Republican Candidates. (Wikipedia, p.6) Powell, however, had no taste for politics which he has likened to a popularity contest. Despite his personal opinion, however, he has been rumored to be the favorite for positions such as President and Vice-President of the Untied States although these opportunities have never materialized.
In 2008, inspite of his strong Republican Party Membership, he supported the Democrat Barrack Obama for the office of President of the United States. (Colin Powell had donated the maximum amount of money possible to John McCain’s campaign during the summer of 2007.) As a Republican, Powell is considered to be a moderate Republican who supports “liberal and centrist causes.” (Wikipedia, p.10) Powell is pro-choice, and Powell is in favor of gun control. (Wikipedia, p.10) He also supports Affirmative Action Policy although he does not support preferential treatment if the Affirmative Action Candidate lacks the qualifications for the position in question. About his support of Barrack Obama for President in 2008 he has stated that he(Powell) believes Obama to be an all-inclusive candidate. Powell also questioned John McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin, whom Powell did not feel was yet ready to manage the Nation should a tragedy befall McCain, as a running-mate.
Colin Powell’s wife is named Alma Vivian Johnson Powell. Alma Powell is from Birmingham, Alabama. The couple were married on August 25th, 1962. Colin and Alma Powell are the parents of one son, named Michael Powell, who was the Chairman of the Federal Communication’s Commission from 2001 to 2005; and two daughters named Linda and Annemarie. They are also the grandparents of two little boys named Jeffrey and Bryan. (Lucidcafe:Library, p.2) In 2005, the couple was awarded the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars of the Smithsonian Institution. (Wikipedia, p. 13)
Having never forgotten his own troubled youth in The New York City Public Schools, in 1997 Colin Powell became Chairman of America’s Promise, the Alliance for Youth. The Alliance for Youth was a program which targeted at-risk youth based upon ethnicity and economic status in the inner-cities of The United States.
Colin Powell was not registered as a Republican Voter until 1995. He had previously registered as an Independent Voter feeling that it was his duty as a soldier and as a citizen of the United States to work on behalf of both The Democrat and The Republican Parties. Powell, consequently, voted for Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1964, yet accepted a prestigious White House Fellowship to work under President Richard M. Nixon from 1972 to 1973. (Wikipedia, p. 3) Powell, similarly, worked for the Presidential Administration of James Earl Carter as an Assistant to the Deputy of Defense and to the Secretary of Energy.(Academy of Achievement, p.2) He also held the position of Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff under President William Jefferson Clinton. Powell and Clinton, unfortunately, however, disagreed over policy concerning gays in the military. Colin Powell, consequently, resigned his commission deciding to pursue other endeavors. (Academy of Achievement, p.2)
While he was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, however, Powell’s marketability as a political candidate became quite clear. Both political parties, therefore, tried to claim him as one of their members. The Democrats sighted his work on behalf of Democratic Administrations while The Republicans sighted his work on behalf of Presidents Nixon, Reagan, and George H. W. Bush. Finally, in 1995, Colin Luther Powell openly declared himself a Republican campaigning exclusively for Republican Candidates. (Wikipedia, p.6) Powell, however, had no taste for politics which he has likened to a popularity contest. Despite his personal opinion, however, he has been rumored to be the favorite for positions such as President and Vice-President of the Untied States although these opportunities have never materialized.
In 2008, inspite of his strong Republican Party Membership, he supported the Democrat Barrack Obama for the office of President of the United States. (Colin Powell had donated the maximum amount of money possible to John McCain’s campaign during the summer of 2007.) As a Republican, Powell is considered to be a moderate Republican who supports “liberal and centrist causes.” (Wikipedia, p.10) Powell is pro-choice, and Powell is in favor of gun control. (Wikipedia, p.10) He also supports Affirmative Action Policy although he does not support preferential treatment if the Affirmative Action Candidate lacks the qualifications for the position in question. About his support of Barrack Obama for President in 2008 he has stated that he(Powell) believes Obama to be an all-inclusive candidate. Powell also questioned John McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin, whom Powell did not feel was yet ready to manage the Nation should a tragedy befall McCain, as a running-mate.
Colin Powell’s wife is named Alma Vivian Johnson Powell. Alma Powell is from Birmingham, Alabama. The couple were married on August 25th, 1962. Colin and Alma Powell are the parents of one son, named Michael Powell, who was the Chairman of the Federal Communication’s Commission from 2001 to 2005; and two daughters named Linda and Annemarie. They are also the grandparents of two little boys named Jeffrey and Bryan. (Lucidcafe:Library, p.2) In 2005, the couple was awarded the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars of the Smithsonian Institution. (Wikipedia, p. 13)
Having never forgotten his own troubled youth in The New York City Public Schools, in 1997 Colin Powell became Chairman of America’s Promise, the Alliance for Youth. The Alliance for Youth was a program which targeted at-risk youth based upon ethnicity and economic status in the inner-cities of The United States.
Currently, Colin Powell is a member of The Board of Trustees of Howard University, and a member of the Board of Directors of the United Negro College Fund. He also serves on The Board of Governors of The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and is a member of the Advisory Board of the Children’s Health Fund. (Lucidcafe:Library, p.2) Beginning with his position as National Security Advisor , Colin Powell was the first African-American to serve in this capacity. This tendency has proven true of every position he has held ever since. (Academy of Achievement, p.2) In addition to his Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Soldier’s Medal, Colin Powell has won many other awards and honors including two Presidential Medals of Freedom (awarded by George H.W. Bush Sr. in 1991 and William Jefferson Clinton in 1993). He has also received The Presidential Citizen’s Medal.
About The Author: Cleo E. Brown has a Master’s Degree in Contemporary African-American History from The University of California at Davis in Davis, California. She also has a B.A. Minor Degree in Political-Science and has completed course work towards a Ph.D. in Education from The University of San Francisco in San Francisco, California. She is a Free Lance Writer and a Senior Editor at HHR.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
A Moderate Republican's Thoughts on Health Care Reform
by Dennis Sanders
As the health care debate seems to heat up, I've had a few thoughts about the whole drama from my vantage point as someone on the center-right. This is less of magnum opus than some random thoughts on the issue. I should stress these are the thoughts of one person and don't reflect all Republicans or all moderate Republicans (all twelve of us).
First, I still don't understand why many Democrats and liberals are so hung up on a public option. I know that the rhetoric is that it is needed to keep the private insurers honest, but to me it seems needless. I mean if we wanted to make sure the insurance companies are playing fair, we would have laws that would ban certain practices like pre-existing conditions or recission and the like. In short we could use regulation. I know that has become an anathema among your typical Republican, but then, I have never been the typical Republican. There is a need for some regulation here and it would make sense to have some regulatory scheme that would work far better than having to create some new program from scratch.
Speaking of which, do we even know what form this public option will take shape? Will it use a current program like Medicare or create something new?
Finally, this might make me seem a little odd, but I tend to worry that this is a backdoor way to get what a lot of Democrats want: a single payer health care plan. The fear is that the government can set prices far lower than the private insurers and that they will get out of the insurance racket leaving the government plan as the only one. Maybe that's just a conspiracy theory. But I tend to agree with Lindsey Graham on this one:
I know that there are some that think that the government can handle health care for the nation, but I have my doubts. No, I'm not worried about "death panels." But I do wonder if we will lose our technological edge as Meghan McArdle and ED Kain believe. I also worry about the cost. I know that many are concerned about access to health care. Believe me, I understand. I've gone through periods without health care and have had to make choices based on what I could afford. That said, we also have to create a system that we can pay for in the long run and the plan being touted which includes the public option isn't financially viable. We can't only have the rich pay for it for it to work. It was Thomas Dewey, the Republican Governor of New York for two-time Presidential Candidate who said:
I want health care reform, but it has to be done in a way that is both progressive and solvent and the Democratic plan is a little short on the solvent part.
Secondly, I think the official plan by the GOP is found incredibly wanting. I agree with Travis Johnson in that the plan put forth by some Republicans is basically the same tired old stuff. Tax credits, free market, blah, blah,blah. Come on guys, this is the best you could do? Listen, this is a real issue. When people lose their jobs, they lose their health care. There are people that have to stay in jobs they don't like because they need the health care. You don't have to support single-payer to know that the American health care system isn't working. Get a clue, guys.
So, we have the Democrats stuck on public option and the GOP stuck on the free market and neither side wants to actually, you know work out a viable plan.
Which leads me to Wyden-Bennett, the "Healthy Americans Act." It seems to blend both liberal and conservative ideas and has bipartisan backing. And yet, it hardly gets any press. Why is that? Why is it that we can talk about how we need to have bipartisanship and when someone comes up with a compromise plan, we don't even give it the time of day?
Oh and about those protests at the town hall meetings. I don't care much for them, they seem to be rather mean. However, I also think they have a right to protest. Protesting is as American as apple pie and it wasn't that long ago, that the people who are ragging on the protestors were out there protesting themselves. Maybe dissent isn't so patriotic when you are on the winning side.
As I said earlier, health care is important to me. So, please, can we get all the chips off our shoulders and try to craft a plan?
Just a thought.
Dennis Sanders is a pastor living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He has worked on centrist Republican issues for years, including stints as President of the Minnesota chapter of Log Cabin Republicans (a gay/lesbian advocacy group) and Republicans for Environmental Protection. Dennis blogs at NeoMugwump and happily lives with his partner Daniel and serves two cats, Morris and Felix.
As the health care debate seems to heat up, I've had a few thoughts about the whole drama from my vantage point as someone on the center-right. This is less of magnum opus than some random thoughts on the issue. I should stress these are the thoughts of one person and don't reflect all Republicans or all moderate Republicans (all twelve of us).
First, I still don't understand why many Democrats and liberals are so hung up on a public option. I know that the rhetoric is that it is needed to keep the private insurers honest, but to me it seems needless. I mean if we wanted to make sure the insurance companies are playing fair, we would have laws that would ban certain practices like pre-existing conditions or recission and the like. In short we could use regulation. I know that has become an anathema among your typical Republican, but then, I have never been the typical Republican. There is a need for some regulation here and it would make sense to have some regulatory scheme that would work far better than having to create some new program from scratch.
Speaking of which, do we even know what form this public option will take shape? Will it use a current program like Medicare or create something new?
Finally, this might make me seem a little odd, but I tend to worry that this is a backdoor way to get what a lot of Democrats want: a single payer health care plan. The fear is that the government can set prices far lower than the private insurers and that they will get out of the insurance racket leaving the government plan as the only one. Maybe that's just a conspiracy theory. But I tend to agree with Lindsey Graham on this one:
My belief is that no private-sector entity can survive over a long period of time competing against the government. The public option will be written by politicians. It will be generous. Nobody in my business worries about the bottom line. Eventually, the public option will dominate the marketplace because the political forces in the public sector are different than the economic forces in the private sector. Eventually, the private sector will give way.
I know that there are some that think that the government can handle health care for the nation, but I have my doubts. No, I'm not worried about "death panels." But I do wonder if we will lose our technological edge as Meghan McArdle and ED Kain believe. I also worry about the cost. I know that many are concerned about access to health care. Believe me, I understand. I've gone through periods without health care and have had to make choices based on what I could afford. That said, we also have to create a system that we can pay for in the long run and the plan being touted which includes the public option isn't financially viable. We can't only have the rich pay for it for it to work. It was Thomas Dewey, the Republican Governor of New York for two-time Presidential Candidate who said:
"It is our solemn responsibility to show that government can have both a head and a heart; that it can be both progressive and solvent; and that it can serve the people without becoming their master."
I want health care reform, but it has to be done in a way that is both progressive and solvent and the Democratic plan is a little short on the solvent part.
Secondly, I think the official plan by the GOP is found incredibly wanting. I agree with Travis Johnson in that the plan put forth by some Republicans is basically the same tired old stuff. Tax credits, free market, blah, blah,blah. Come on guys, this is the best you could do? Listen, this is a real issue. When people lose their jobs, they lose their health care. There are people that have to stay in jobs they don't like because they need the health care. You don't have to support single-payer to know that the American health care system isn't working. Get a clue, guys.
So, we have the Democrats stuck on public option and the GOP stuck on the free market and neither side wants to actually, you know work out a viable plan.
Which leads me to Wyden-Bennett, the "Healthy Americans Act." It seems to blend both liberal and conservative ideas and has bipartisan backing. And yet, it hardly gets any press. Why is that? Why is it that we can talk about how we need to have bipartisanship and when someone comes up with a compromise plan, we don't even give it the time of day?
Oh and about those protests at the town hall meetings. I don't care much for them, they seem to be rather mean. However, I also think they have a right to protest. Protesting is as American as apple pie and it wasn't that long ago, that the people who are ragging on the protestors were out there protesting themselves. Maybe dissent isn't so patriotic when you are on the winning side.
As I said earlier, health care is important to me. So, please, can we get all the chips off our shoulders and try to craft a plan?
Just a thought.
Dennis Sanders is a pastor living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He has worked on centrist Republican issues for years, including stints as President of the Minnesota chapter of Log Cabin Republicans (a gay/lesbian advocacy group) and Republicans for Environmental Protection. Dennis blogs at NeoMugwump and happily lives with his partner Daniel and serves two cats, Morris and Felix.
THE POWER OF NUMBERS: SIN NOMBRE: A Movie Review
by Cleo Brown
In Sin Nombre, Sayra (Paulina Gaiton) and El Casper (Edward M. Flores) join forces to battle the ever present and far reaching hand of the Mexican gangs. First and foremost, this is a film about gang violence. On a secondary level are the subplots of child abuse and the corruption of youth as told through the eyes of Benito (Smiley).
Third, however, is the theme of immigration to the United States and what the promise of this dream means for Sayra, the members of her entourage (her father and her uncle), and for El Casper. Beautifully filmed by Adriana Goldman as well as well directed by Cary Joli Fukunaga, who also wrote the brilliant script, as we watch the story of El Casper’s involvement in a gang called El Mara, Fukunaga contrasts Sayra’s journey with her father and her uncle across the Latin American Countryside from Honduras to The Mexican Border.
Unable to tolerate the second-in-command of El Mara any longer, El Casper leaves the gang to run away to The United States with Sayra and her family. The issue of “illegal immigration” is not explored in this powerful film. What we are consequently treated to, therefore, is the idealistic viewpoint of Latin American Immigrants to the United States who perceive of, in The U.S.A., a Utopia of sorts.
The question then becomes one of the fairness of restrictions against immigration to the United States by Latin Americans. Are these restrictions fair? Are they race-based? Should restrictions against any group of people, but especially against our South American neighbors, be in place when the history of the United States is mired in centuries of immigration from groups of people from all over the world? Interwoven throughout the script is the reliance which we all have on numbers to live our lives.
Numbers are endless; numbers are useful; numbers can be potentially powerful; and for Sayra, El Casper, and Benito numbers prove to be invaluable tools with which to live their lives. As compelling as the direction and the photography are, Sin Nombre is edited equally as well by Luis Carballar and by Craig Mckay. The Musical Supervisor is Lynn Fainchtein.
Although the film uses subtitles which are displayed too rapidly to read in some instances,uses frequent obscene language, and extreme violence is depicted (rape, murder, mutilations, armed robbery, and savage beatings) Sin Nombre is a first-class film worthy of the honors bestowed upon it thus far.
Sin Nombre earns Twelve Roses on a scale of from one to twelve roses.
In Sin Nombre, Sayra (Paulina Gaiton) and El Casper (Edward M. Flores) join forces to battle the ever present and far reaching hand of the Mexican gangs. First and foremost, this is a film about gang violence. On a secondary level are the subplots of child abuse and the corruption of youth as told through the eyes of Benito (Smiley).
Third, however, is the theme of immigration to the United States and what the promise of this dream means for Sayra, the members of her entourage (her father and her uncle), and for El Casper. Beautifully filmed by Adriana Goldman as well as well directed by Cary Joli Fukunaga, who also wrote the brilliant script, as we watch the story of El Casper’s involvement in a gang called El Mara, Fukunaga contrasts Sayra’s journey with her father and her uncle across the Latin American Countryside from Honduras to The Mexican Border.
Unable to tolerate the second-in-command of El Mara any longer, El Casper leaves the gang to run away to The United States with Sayra and her family. The issue of “illegal immigration” is not explored in this powerful film. What we are consequently treated to, therefore, is the idealistic viewpoint of Latin American Immigrants to the United States who perceive of, in The U.S.A., a Utopia of sorts.
The question then becomes one of the fairness of restrictions against immigration to the United States by Latin Americans. Are these restrictions fair? Are they race-based? Should restrictions against any group of people, but especially against our South American neighbors, be in place when the history of the United States is mired in centuries of immigration from groups of people from all over the world? Interwoven throughout the script is the reliance which we all have on numbers to live our lives.
Numbers are endless; numbers are useful; numbers can be potentially powerful; and for Sayra, El Casper, and Benito numbers prove to be invaluable tools with which to live their lives. As compelling as the direction and the photography are, Sin Nombre is edited equally as well by Luis Carballar and by Craig Mckay. The Musical Supervisor is Lynn Fainchtein.
Although the film uses subtitles which are displayed too rapidly to read in some instances,uses frequent obscene language, and extreme violence is depicted (rape, murder, mutilations, armed robbery, and savage beatings) Sin Nombre is a first-class film worthy of the honors bestowed upon it thus far.
Sin Nombre earns Twelve Roses on a scale of from one to twelve roses.
Sin Nombre can be rented at Blockbuster Video on DVD for a small fee.
2009 Sundance Film Festival Red Carpet Interviews Sin Nombre
2009 Sundance Film Festival Red Carpet Interviews Sin Nombre
About The Author: Cleo E. Brown has a Master’s Degree in Contemporary African-American History from The University of California at Davis in Davis, California. She also has a B.A. Minor Degree in Political-Science and has completed course work towards a Ph.D. in Education from The University of San Francisco in San Francisco, California. She is a Free Lance Writer and a Senior Editor at HHR.
Remember Folks we have a new webiste - http://hiphoprepublican.com/culture/movies/2009/11/02/the-power-of-numbers-sin-nombre-a-movie-review/
Peter A. Koo: Asian-American Republican Wins New York City Counsil Seat
Republican, Peter A. Koo a 57-year-old millionaire pharmacist, according to the New York Times defeated his Democratic rival, Yen S. Chou, who runs a tutoring center, by 49.6 percent to 44.7 percent, in the 20th Council District, which includes Flushing. Mr. Koo will succeed John C. Liu, who became the first Asian-American elected to the Council in 2001, and was elected city comptroller on Tuesday.
Aslo, Daniel J. Halloran a 38-year-old Republican lawyer, defeated Kevin D. Kim, an aide to Representative Gary L. Ackerman, by a similar margin, 52.5 percent to 47.5 percent, in the 19th Council District in northeastern Queens.
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/republicans-win-2-council-races-in-queens
Aslo, Daniel J. Halloran a 38-year-old Republican lawyer, defeated Kevin D. Kim, an aide to Representative Gary L. Ackerman, by a similar margin, 52.5 percent to 47.5 percent, in the 19th Council District in northeastern Queens.
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/republicans-win-2-council-races-in-queens
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