Don’t let the title of today’s pick fool you. It may be a riff on the title of the holiday classic, but it’s one packed with sarcasm and irony. This group’s lemma is “Speaking Truth to Power with music” and they have a decidedly activist vision. Sometimes the vision can be dark, but it can also be motivating. It’s vital to have a vision of what kind of world we are trying to bring about, but it’s equally important not to lose sight of the alternative scenario that we are desperately trying to avoid. And they do it with vivid images and a catchy beat … [Read more…]
Angélique Kidjo featuring Branford Marsalis – “Lonlon (Ravel’s Bolero)” | Video Worth Watching
When Maurice Ravel originally composed his Boléro in 1928 it was written to accompany ballet and there was no libretto. The work’s popularity has generated many arrangements and scorings, though, and now I’m thrilled to discover it inspired Angélique Kidjo to create a version where her voice is an essential element joining the more traditional instruments. This performance for a 2011 WGBH special, “Spirit Rising”, also features Branford Marsalis. [Read more…]
Trump’s Voter “Integrity” Commission | Video Worth Watching
Get to know some of the Election Integrity Commission folks. They certainly want to know a lot about you … [Read more…]
You Don’t Want to Look In There … | Video Worth Watching
According to the New York Times, “Asked if Mr. Mueller’s investigation would cross a red line if it expanded to look at his family’s finances beyond any relationship to Russia, Mr. Trump said, ‘I would say yes.’ ” As Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post quipped on last night’s MSNBC “The 11th Hour with Brian Williams”, that part of the interview “was like being pulled over by a cop and saying ‘Fine officer, whatever you say, but whatever you do, don’t look in the trunk.’ ” Here’s Parnell from “Repo Man” warning a trooper that “You don’t wanna look in there.” [Read more…]
Seven Years Of Republicans Promising An Obamacare Replacement | Video Worth Watching
How long have Republicans been talking about repealing and replacing Obamacare? Seems like forever, no? Here’s a HuffPost video from January of this year (which now makes it seven and a half years!) although nothing of much substance has changed other than reneging on the promise of immediate replacement. Do you think anyone has gotten […]
The Best Fox News Explanations for Trump Jr.’s Russia Meeting | Video Worth Watching
Are you curious to know how Fox News is covering the most recently revealed Donald Trump Jr. meeting with the Russians, but the thought of actually subjecting your brain to a prolonged dose of Fox drivel makes you weak in the knees and sets off spasms of hyperventilation? Well, you’re in luck! Vox News’ Carlos Maza fortified himself, took the plunge and produced a short video that distills the essence of what makes Fox Faux. [Read more…]
Ayn Rand – How is She Still a Thing? | Video Worth Watching
Much of the discussion regarding recent efforts in Congress to pass the latest tax cut, er, I mean health care legislation, <sarcasm> for some reason </sarcasm> puts me in mind of the late Ayn Rand. As I’m also a big fan of the “Last Week Tonight” show, I now draw upon them to help me convey my exasperation and incredulity that somehow she is still a thing. [Read more…]
Video Worth Watching | Summertime – Miles Davis & Gil Evans (2 takes)
The weather this weekend is what set the tone for me. There was something about the mix of humidity and heat that just rippled out summertime. And to double your pleasure of the sultry delivery of that mood by Miles Davis & Gil Evans here are two takes from the same August 4th, 1958 recording session.
And while there may not be any motion to watch in this video, the creator did add a subtly changing visual element. [Read more…]
Video Worth Watching | Scissor Sisters – Let’s Have A Kiki – Instructional Video
Scissor Sisters – Let’s Have A Kiki – Instructional Video [Warning: explicit language]
Can’t make the Pride events this weekend? Make your own party! Let’s have a Kiki! [Read more…]
Video Worth Watching – In Honor of Bastille Day
Bastille Day is a French national holiday, celebrated on the 14th of July. It commemorates the anniversary of the storming of the fortress-prison in 1789, a turning point of the French Revolution, as well as the Fête de la Fédération, celebrating the unity of the French people in 1790.
Prisoners in the Bastille were held on the basis lettres de cachet, arbitrary royal indictments that could not be appealed and did not indicate the reason for the imprisonment. [Read more…]
Video Worth Watching – Is It Legal to Video the Police?
Today’s video should be of interest for anyone wondering about the legality of making videos of police activity. A number of recent court case decisions have upheld the right of citizens to video and record events that take place in public settings. But what if you are challenged while exercising this fundamental right? This ACLU […]
Video Worth Watching – Today Is Net Neutrality Day
So, today is Net Neutrality Day. Now what? The short little video clip below is a reminder of what is at stake. If you haven’t yet sent your message to the FCC and your legislators, come inside for more on what to do next … [Read more…]
