Friday, October 31, 2008
Play that beat!
Believe me, I adore playing an old school hit like nobody's business, but sometimes there's nothing better than putting on one of your favorite long players, and enjoying it for what it is: a tip-top, start to finish "headphone masterpiece".
I Have a friend. His name is Justin. He, like me, still purchases music, compact discs if you will. And riding in a car with Justin is exciting, for he, like me, likes the sound. Who needs the radio when Justin's on the dial. One hand on the wheel, another in a case. Here this, play that, what's this? Like that? And more times than not, I did. During the Summer of 2007 often found in the door's pocket on the side, was Pink's I'm Not Dead. Disc often played, booklet often flipped. Pick-Up, drop-off, Pink's on the dial.
Now I've been a Pink fan since Fairfax High. Me and my homie bumping this "bomb ass white" chick. [What? It was the year 2000!] And I stuck around for Missundzatood, eating that shit up, wearing that disc out. [CD-R copy still spinnin'] Baby girl pretty much had me at hello. But after Missundaztood, Pink albums weren't events for me anymore, and I went into each of them with a little trepidation.
Eventually I'd come around and appreciate bits of Try This, and wear out my copy of I'm Not Dead.
To which I reply: No, Pink you are not.
Like I said, I slept on Pink, and smiled coyly at this disc's title, before eventually settling in with the grooves, appreciating the emotion, and smiling at the winks and the nods, as I did in those smooth summer rides in Justin's car. I don't know why I expected anything different. The thrill was never gone and as in cases past, it announced itself unabashedly, mocking Stupid Girls over a "stupid girl pop star" beat; the bare yearning for a love lost that is Who Knew; the fuck-off kiss off of the two-step rocker U + U Hand; right on down to the sheer honesty present in the delicate questions and harmonies she shares with the Indigo Girls in Dear Mr. President. Pink is just being Pink. Silly of me to ever think that that would cease to be.
KEY TRACKS: Who Knew/U + Ur Hand/Leave Me Alone (I'm Lonely)
Singles:
Stupid Girls.
Who Knew?
U + Ur Hand.
I Have a friend. His name is Justin. He, like me, still purchases music, compact discs if you will. And riding in a car with Justin is exciting, for he, like me, likes the sound. Who needs the radio when Justin's on the dial. One hand on the wheel, another in a case. Here this, play that, what's this? Like that? And more times than not, I did. During the Summer of 2007 often found in the door's pocket on the side, was Pink's I'm Not Dead. Disc often played, booklet often flipped. Pick-Up, drop-off, Pink's on the dial.
Now I've been a Pink fan since Fairfax High. Me and my homie bumping this "bomb ass white" chick. [What? It was the year 2000!] And I stuck around for Missundzatood, eating that shit up, wearing that disc out. [CD-R copy still spinnin'] Baby girl pretty much had me at hello. But after Missundaztood, Pink albums weren't events for me anymore, and I went into each of them with a little trepidation.
Eventually I'd come around and appreciate bits of Try This, and wear out my copy of I'm Not Dead.
To which I reply: No, Pink you are not.
Like I said, I slept on Pink, and smiled coyly at this disc's title, before eventually settling in with the grooves, appreciating the emotion, and smiling at the winks and the nods, as I did in those smooth summer rides in Justin's car. I don't know why I expected anything different. The thrill was never gone and as in cases past, it announced itself unabashedly, mocking Stupid Girls over a "stupid girl pop star" beat; the bare yearning for a love lost that is Who Knew; the fuck-off kiss off of the two-step rocker U + U Hand; right on down to the sheer honesty present in the delicate questions and harmonies she shares with the Indigo Girls in Dear Mr. President. Pink is just being Pink. Silly of me to ever think that that would cease to be.
KEY TRACKS: Who Knew/U + Ur Hand/Leave Me Alone (I'm Lonely)
Singles:
Stupid Girls.
Who Knew?
U + Ur Hand.
This is how we do it.
Yes it is Melanie C. You don't even know...
Now if you visit this blog often, you know that old school jams are more often than not posted under the "Old School Funk for the True Funk Soldiers" headline. But sometimes old school joints are so good, so well put together, so classic to a brotha, [see Montell Jordan's This is how we do it] that all I can do is marvel at their goodness as they boldly play on and show us how's it done. This jam, presented below, is one such example.
Press Play.
Melanie C.
Be the One.
Now if you visit this blog often, you know that old school jams are more often than not posted under the "Old School Funk for the True Funk Soldiers" headline. But sometimes old school joints are so good, so well put together, so classic to a brotha, [see Montell Jordan's This is how we do it] that all I can do is marvel at their goodness as they boldly play on and show us how's it done. This jam, presented below, is one such example.
Press Play.
Melanie C.
Be the One.
Real Talk: The If Mos Def Were Pesident Edition.
Press Play.
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!/A Moment of Clarity/One Pure Thought.
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!/A Moment of Clarity/One Pure Thought.
Oh Word?
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!/The Final Countdown.
"What kind of fuckery is this?"
"If [the media] convince enough voters that that is negative campaigning, for me to call Barack Obama out on his associations, then I don't know what the future of our country would be in terms of First Amendment rights and our ability to ask questions without fear of attacks by the mainstream media."-Sarah Palin
THE HUFFINGTON POST: Palin: First Amendment Rights Threatened By Criticism
"What kind of fuckery is this?"
"If [the media] convince enough voters that that is negative campaigning, for me to call Barack Obama out on his associations, then I don't know what the future of our country would be in terms of First Amendment rights and our ability to ask questions without fear of attacks by the mainstream media."-Sarah Palin
Good Looking Out, Of Montreal!
Seriously. I damn near ripped this thang apart after I opened it, and then again when I proceeded to put the disc away.
Of Montreal presents:
"How To Assemble the Skeletal Lamping CD Packaging"
Of Montreal presents:
"How To Assemble the Skeletal Lamping CD Packaging"
Don't you forget about me!
Press play.
So I'll go ahead and admit it: I have not played this album in a minute. But, BUT, I often find myself coming back to it, having its songs stuck in my head, its melodies wrapped around my membrane. And this song in particular takes refuge in my cerebellum quite often, stuck on repeat, racking up most played tallies.
New flava in ya ear!
Panic at the Disco.
Northern Downpour.
How the other half lives.
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!/The Final Countdown.
Real Talk: The T-Pain Gets Reflective Edition
You've spoken on it. Your momma's probably spoken on it. And now, T-Pain is speaking on it. Why? Cause he's sicking of n****s jockin' his style, that's why? It ain't easy being a trailblazer, y'all. Real Talk.
T-Pain feat. DJ Khaled.
Karaoke.
Anyone else find it funny how DJ Khaled shouts "Y'all n****s singing the same song! Y'all just doing Karaoke!" Jokes Khaled. Straight jokes.
T-Pain feat. DJ Khaled.
Karaoke.
Anyone else find it funny how DJ Khaled shouts "Y'all n****s singing the same song! Y'all just doing Karaoke!" Jokes Khaled. Straight jokes.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
B-A-N-A-N-A-S!
FILE UNDER: New flava in ya ear!/This is we do it!
Til the day I die...
Straight bananas.
Rich Boy feat. Polow Da Don.
Drop.
Til the day I die...
Straight bananas.
Rich Boy feat. Polow Da Don.
Party and Bullshit!
How to get rich without really trying [in Hip-Hop]:
1. You paid? Set ya shit on the sea.
2. Drive nowhere and/or sit in flashy cars? [What up legendary Roots crew!] Naw n***a, CRUISE BOATS!
3. Use the word 'hustla'!
4. Speak on 'speedin on the 65'.
5. Speak on it, and then be about it.
6. Get Weezy* on the track.
7. And, of course, Get Akon*! [Oh Shit! Somebody's a winner!]
Akon feat. Young Jeezy and Lil Wayne.
I'm So Paid**.
*Jeezy is excused in this one. I actually dug his flow and delivery on this one.
**No shit, Sherlock!
***Wouldn't this have worked better in those now gone Summer Evenings of 2008?
1. You paid? Set ya shit on the sea.
2. Drive nowhere and/or sit in flashy cars? [What up legendary Roots crew!] Naw n***a, CRUISE BOATS!
3. Use the word 'hustla'!
4. Speak on 'speedin on the 65'.
5. Speak on it, and then be about it.
6. Get Weezy* on the track.
7. And, of course, Get Akon*! [Oh Shit! Somebody's a winner!]
Akon feat. Young Jeezy and Lil Wayne.
I'm So Paid**.
*Jeezy is excused in this one. I actually dug his flow and delivery on this one.
**No shit, Sherlock!
***Wouldn't this have worked better in those now gone Summer Evenings of 2008?
"Holla if ya hear me!"
No, seriously.
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!/Oh Word?/Sign 'O' the Times/The Final Countdown.
Embarrassing. Guess Joe is busy cutting them demos or something.
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!/Oh Word?/Sign 'O' the Times/The Final Countdown.
Embarrassing. Guess Joe is busy cutting them demos or something.
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em!
Or don't. Just don't.
FILE UNDER: Oh Word?/A Moment of Clarity.
And you thought this was awful.
TOURE: “What historical figure do you most hate?"..."Others have said Hitler, bin Laden, the slave masters..."
SOULJA BOY TELL EM: "Oh wait! Hold up! Shout out to the slave masters! Without them we'd still be in Africa."...""We wouldn't be here, to get this ice and tattoos."
I, I, I just don't know what to say to all that. Literally. Wow. Just wow.
IDOLATOR: Soulja Boy Totally OK With The Slave Trade, Since He Was Able To Score Some Sweet Tattoos As A Result
FILE UNDER: Oh Word?/A Moment of Clarity.
And you thought this was awful.
TOURE: “What historical figure do you most hate?"..."Others have said Hitler, bin Laden, the slave masters..."
SOULJA BOY TELL EM: "Oh wait! Hold up! Shout out to the slave masters! Without them we'd still be in Africa."...""We wouldn't be here, to get this ice and tattoos."
I, I, I just don't know what to say to all that. Literally. Wow. Just wow.
Girl talk.
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!/A Moment of Clarity/One Pure Thought/The Final Countdown.
Forever your girl.
This blogpost's topic: Sarah Palin. Thoughts?
"McCain reaps what McCain sows. For example, the establishment media's treatment of Palin has very little if anything to do with bias. Instead, the recent negative press has everything to do with Sarah Palin and the Republican ticket being inarguably FUBAR. If there existed any actual real-life good news about McCain campaign, doubtless you'd hear the familiar refrain "this is good for McCain" echoing throughout every newsroom in America.
It turns out, the only thing that's actually working for the McCain campaign is the daily inciting of rage, fear and hatred among the easily-led gomers lined up outside of Sarah Palin's rallies. I repeat. The one thing that appears to be working nicely for Sarah Palin and John McCain right now is the really evil and divisive stuff.
And we simply can't allow Sarah Palin's fear-mongering -- her Neo-McCarthyism and her Neo-Southern Strategy -- to ultimately be the one successful thing about this otherwise laughable McCain campaign. We can't let this be the one thing that might win the election for the Republican ticket.
It's not so much that I'm looking forward to the end of Palin shrieking about Democrats who "pal around with terrorists." I am. Very much so. Or her ham-fisted declarations about which parts of America are more patriotic. It's not so much that I'm looking forward to the end of the red scare hysteria she's whipping up when she tells her Audience the Stupid that somehow a vote for the Democratic ticket is a vote for communism. More than Palin herself, I'm looking forward to the end of an era in which the aforementioned gomers -- these relatively small pockets of bigots and witch hunters -- have enjoyed undeserved attention and disproportionate sway over American politics and policy.
The truth is that politicians like Sarah Palin are merely manipulating, exploiting and inciting these people. In other words, it's the ignorance, stupid. And next Tuesday, we have a chance to seriously marginalize this darker, uglier side of America.
It'd be crazy, though, to suggest that Tuesday will be the last day. To be sure, if Senator Obama wins, we'll be hearing from these knee-jerk wackaloons quite a bit. Hell, Sarah Palin might try to run for president in four years. Nevertheless, we have a chance to tell the Sarah Palin's of the world that there's no room in American politics for fire-eaters who stoke archaic prejudices and fears rather than ameliorating them. We have a chance to tell them that not only doesn't it work anymore, but that it actually exacerbates electoral failure."
THE HUFFINGTON POST: Bob Cesca: The Mandatory Rejection of Sarah Palin
Forever your girl.
This blogpost's topic: Sarah Palin. Thoughts?
"McCain reaps what McCain sows. For example, the establishment media's treatment of Palin has very little if anything to do with bias. Instead, the recent negative press has everything to do with Sarah Palin and the Republican ticket being inarguably FUBAR. If there existed any actual real-life good news about McCain campaign, doubtless you'd hear the familiar refrain "this is good for McCain" echoing throughout every newsroom in America.
It turns out, the only thing that's actually working for the McCain campaign is the daily inciting of rage, fear and hatred among the easily-led gomers lined up outside of Sarah Palin's rallies. I repeat. The one thing that appears to be working nicely for Sarah Palin and John McCain right now is the really evil and divisive stuff.
And we simply can't allow Sarah Palin's fear-mongering -- her Neo-McCarthyism and her Neo-Southern Strategy -- to ultimately be the one successful thing about this otherwise laughable McCain campaign. We can't let this be the one thing that might win the election for the Republican ticket.
It's not so much that I'm looking forward to the end of Palin shrieking about Democrats who "pal around with terrorists." I am. Very much so. Or her ham-fisted declarations about which parts of America are more patriotic. It's not so much that I'm looking forward to the end of the red scare hysteria she's whipping up when she tells her Audience the Stupid that somehow a vote for the Democratic ticket is a vote for communism. More than Palin herself, I'm looking forward to the end of an era in which the aforementioned gomers -- these relatively small pockets of bigots and witch hunters -- have enjoyed undeserved attention and disproportionate sway over American politics and policy.
The truth is that politicians like Sarah Palin are merely manipulating, exploiting and inciting these people. In other words, it's the ignorance, stupid. And next Tuesday, we have a chance to seriously marginalize this darker, uglier side of America.
It'd be crazy, though, to suggest that Tuesday will be the last day. To be sure, if Senator Obama wins, we'll be hearing from these knee-jerk wackaloons quite a bit. Hell, Sarah Palin might try to run for president in four years. Nevertheless, we have a chance to tell the Sarah Palin's of the world that there's no room in American politics for fire-eaters who stoke archaic prejudices and fears rather than ameliorating them. We have a chance to tell them that not only doesn't it work anymore, but that it actually exacerbates electoral failure."
Barack the Vote!
With Stephen Colbert!
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!/The Final Countdown.
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!/The Final Countdown.
What Would Joe (the plumber) Do?
Get rich or die tryin', obviously.
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!/Sign 'O' the Times/A Moment of Clarity.
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!/Sign 'O' the Times/A Moment of Clarity.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
To Live and Die in L.A.
FILE UNDER: A Moment of Clarity/Quote of the Month!
Please don't stop the music!
Today's quote of the month comes from my girl T-Money in response to an earlier blogspot titled "Church" RE: Prop 8:
"i agree wholeheartedly. and lemme tell ya, i'm so sick of that commercial! no dvr, no escaping it!
not to mention, no on prop 8 peeps in my hood night and day. i'm like, i agree with what you're sayin, but you're preaching to the converted. go to the OC where they need your presence and let me get around the corner to my expensive ass apt in west hollywood."
True that girl. True that...
Earlier...
Church.
Please don't stop the music!
Today's quote of the month comes from my girl T-Money in response to an earlier blogspot titled "Church" RE: Prop 8:
"i agree wholeheartedly. and lemme tell ya, i'm so sick of that commercial! no dvr, no escaping it!
not to mention, no on prop 8 peeps in my hood night and day. i'm like, i agree with what you're sayin, but you're preaching to the converted. go to the OC where they need your presence and let me get around the corner to my expensive ass apt in west hollywood."
True that girl. True that...
Earlier...
Church.
FILE UNDER: A Moment of Clarity/Sign 'O' the Times.
Why so serious?
John Seery of the Huffington Post on Proposition 8:
"The main animus, as far as I can tell, against same-sex marriage is religious (I could proffer psychological explanations as well, but those seem derivatively intertwined with the religious reasons). The offended religiosity claims to be based on Scripture. It all boils down to a couple of passages in Leviticus, and maybe a few scattered comments in Paul's letters. To take those passages seriously, however, one today must read them selectively and tendentiously while ignoring their clearly antiquated aspects. I don't see any way around it. If a man lies with a male as with a woman (Lev. 21:13), then that "abomination" requires that they both be put to death--along with the death penalty for adultery and other offenses. If the "Yes on Prop. 8" folks are sincerely convinced that Leviticus requires them to oppose same-sex marriage today, then why aren't they following Scripture more rigorously and calling for the death penalty--not only for homosexuality but also for heterosexual adultery? I just don't get how one can be actively incensed by one line of Scripture but then be completely oblivious to the very next line. If you're a literalist and you believe every word in the Bible is God's revealed word, then you have no exegetical right to pick and choose which passages in Leviticus matter to you today and which don't."
HUFFINGTON POST: Proposition 8: "It Is Written, but I Say unto You."
Why so serious?
John Seery of the Huffington Post on Proposition 8:
"The main animus, as far as I can tell, against same-sex marriage is religious (I could proffer psychological explanations as well, but those seem derivatively intertwined with the religious reasons). The offended religiosity claims to be based on Scripture. It all boils down to a couple of passages in Leviticus, and maybe a few scattered comments in Paul's letters. To take those passages seriously, however, one today must read them selectively and tendentiously while ignoring their clearly antiquated aspects. I don't see any way around it. If a man lies with a male as with a woman (Lev. 21:13), then that "abomination" requires that they both be put to death--along with the death penalty for adultery and other offenses. If the "Yes on Prop. 8" folks are sincerely convinced that Leviticus requires them to oppose same-sex marriage today, then why aren't they following Scripture more rigorously and calling for the death penalty--not only for homosexuality but also for heterosexual adultery? I just don't get how one can be actively incensed by one line of Scripture but then be completely oblivious to the very next line. If you're a literalist and you believe every word in the Bible is God's revealed word, then you have no exegetical right to pick and choose which passages in Leviticus matter to you today and which don't."
Think.
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!/A Moment of Clarity/The Final Countdown.
The Final Countdown.
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!
SEE ALSO:
THE HUFFINGTON POST: Early Voting Information, Polls
SEE ALSO:
What's going on?
FILE UNDER: Oh Word?
Press play and then raise your hand if you thought a song titled Hush by Usher would be about the state of the world today.
New flava in ya ear!
Usher.
Hush.
Press play and then raise your hand if you thought a song titled Hush by Usher would be about the state of the world today.
New flava in ya ear!
Usher.
Hush.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
[I be saying] NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!
While you be saying YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!
Sexy...Can I?
Judge for yoursellf.
DJ UNK feat. Ray-J.
She Freaky.
[NSFW]
Sexy...Can I?
Judge for yoursellf.
DJ UNK feat. Ray-J.
She Freaky.
[NSFW]
Old School Funk for the True Funk Soldiers!
Sorry, but I had to. Trust me, you'll thank me in the end.
Cardinology.
FILE UNDER: One Pure Thought/A Quick Peep/This is how we do it!
Heartbreaker.
I like Ryan Adams. In fact I'm a big fan, a fan that came in late, missed the Whiskeytown express and climed aboard the Ryan Adams train with Gold. Yep, I said it, Gold. I liked him then and I like him still. But that's it. I like him. I have yet to warm to this whole ...and the Cardinals thang. But boy is it taking its time. I mean, I wanted to feel Cardinology, but for the moment I can't. Maybe that's why I am busy bumping this:
BONUS:
Ryan Adams on Mariah Carey. As told to Rolling Stone:
"My manager called and said, 'You have 15 seconds to name this record,'"..."My eyes focused on this poster of Mariah wearing a T-shirt that said HEARTBREAKER. I just shouted, 'Heartbreaker!' Daydream is one of my most played records. People need to reinvestigate Glitter. I'm settled enough in my masculinity to say I don't see anything wrong with Glitter."
Boy you ain't never lied!
Heartbreaker.
I like Ryan Adams. In fact I'm a big fan, a fan that came in late, missed the Whiskeytown express and climed aboard the Ryan Adams train with Gold. Yep, I said it, Gold. I liked him then and I like him still. But that's it. I like him. I have yet to warm to this whole ...and the Cardinals thang. But boy is it taking its time. I mean, I wanted to feel Cardinology, but for the moment I can't. Maybe that's why I am busy bumping this:
BONUS:
Ryan Adams on Mariah Carey. As told to Rolling Stone:
"My manager called and said, 'You have 15 seconds to name this record,'"..."My eyes focused on this poster of Mariah wearing a T-shirt that said HEARTBREAKER. I just shouted, 'Heartbreaker!' Daydream is one of my most played records. People need to reinvestigate Glitter. I'm settled enough in my masculinity to say I don't see anything wrong with Glitter."
Boy you ain't never lied!
Adventures in Wonderland.
FILE UNDER: And anotha one...
Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in.
Beck.
[With a little help from a little miss somebody from around the way]
Gamma Ray.
Redux.
STEREOGUM: New Beck Video - "Gamma Ray Redux"
Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in.
Beck.
[With a little help from a little miss somebody from around the way]
Gamma Ray.
Redux.
A Tale of Two Cities.
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!/A Moment of Clarity/Sign 'O'the Times.
"There's no Red America. There's no Blue America. There's just one scared shitless America."-Daily Show Correspondent John Oliver
"There's no Red America. There's no Blue America. There's just one scared shitless America."-Daily Show Correspondent John Oliver
Monday, October 27, 2008
Church: The Saga Continues...
FILE UNDER: Church/A Moment of Clarity/One Pure Thought/A Quick Peep/Sign 'O' the Times.
I'm Dr. Dr. O'Neal Dozier, and I approve this message.
From our office's inbox to your computer screen, I present to you, Obama, Your Pastor, Same-Sex & Child Sacrifice, courtesy of the Judeo-Christian View!
TO: Churchgoers, synagogue members, religious laity
FR: Rabbi Yehuda Levin and Dr. O'Neal Dozier
Has your Pastor, Rabbi or Priest yet explained to your congregation that Sen. Obama supports U.S. EXPANSION of tax-funded Partial Birth Abortion , a barbaric procedure that involves piercing the skull of an infant at full-term delivery and vacuuming-out the child's brains? Why is he silent?
If Herod were running for King today, if your religious leader knew of the slaughter ahead, and recognizing that it is perfectly SAFE and LEGAL to speak out in the USA... Would he or she say even one word?
Has your worship leader told your congregation what Sen. Obama's new "Sexual Orientation" law will mean? Why not?
Has your Shepherd explained that Sen. Obama favors full REPEAL of the Defense of Marriage Act? -- which protects your state from forced recognition of Same-Sex "Marriages" from other states? What's his excuse?
Has your Shepherd explained that Sen. Obama favors full integration of flagrant, practicing homosexuals into the U.S. armed forces and military barracks? Our military women aren't required to bunk and bathe with male soldiers; is it appropriate to force this kind of intimacy on any of our troops? What about morale and U.S. security? Is your pastor saying anything about this?
Has your Pastor/Rabbi/Priest shown your congregation the tasteful Interfaith Video Sermon which connects these facts and Scripture -- or shown the graphic version? (He got a DVD by mail and can download either brief video by clicking here! ) Why would a congregational leader NOT apply the Bible so?
Has your Shepherd seen and relayed the EYEWITNESS VIDEO ACCOUNT regarding Obama and the killing of infant abortion survivors in Illinois? How, in Heaven's name, can pulpit silence on this possibly be rationalized?
Has your clerical leadership bothered to get the facts, to verify the documentation ? Does your Shepherd even care about the truth -- or about shepherding his flock?
Has your pastor or bishop tacitly rejected Martin Luther King's plea to judge by the content of a man's character, rather than by the color of his skin? Is "Reverse Racism" or "White Guilt" inspiring shameful pulpit silence on the Torah, Tanakh and New Testament issues of Same-Sex Unions and Child Sacrifice?
Does your Pastor/Rabbi have even a clue regarding his First Amendment, Free Exercise, Free Speech rights to teach the Bible and Tradition from pulpit to pew -- while CLEARLY explaining policies of political leaders and NAMING NAMES? Is there any reason he or she would prefer ignorance?
Has your Pastor/Rabbi/Father joined the courageous Signatories yet? Has he offered up a single prayer seeking Sen. Obama's repentance for these policies, so desperately at odds with Scripture? Has your Shepherd spoken even one clear word on these monumental matters from the pulpit? Is your Shepherd a man of God... or just a "holy pontificator", a church mouse or... a wimp?
And, if your Shepherd IS indeed serving as a dutiful Watchman , if he IS boldly speaking up, preaching out, teaching clearly and NAMING NAMES according to the mandate of conscience and the Jewish or Christian Testaments... have you THANKED him yet with a FREE SUBSCRIPTION to The Judeo-Christian View?
I certainly hope so, because your Pastor/Rabbi/Priest truly needs YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT RIGHT NOW to say and do what he knows to be right in the eyes of Heaven.
Your leader is a good person, but only human.
ENCOURAGE YOUR LEADER TODAY. Forward this email to him/her and to all of your fellow church/synagogue members, with a kind word!
And, please put them all onto The Judeo-Christian View !
Lord Almighty, hear our prayer, help our Shepherds,
and help us all, your Sheep.
Shalom,
Rabbi Yehuda Levin Dr. O'Neal Dozier
Congregation Mevakshai General Publisher
I'm Dr. Dr. O'Neal Dozier, and I approve this message.
From our office's inbox to your computer screen, I present to you, Obama, Your Pastor, Same-Sex & Child Sacrifice, courtesy of the Judeo-Christian View!
TO: Churchgoers, synagogue members, religious laity
FR: Rabbi Yehuda Levin and Dr. O'Neal Dozier
Has your Pastor, Rabbi or Priest yet explained to your congregation that Sen. Obama supports U.S. EXPANSION of tax-funded Partial Birth Abortion , a barbaric procedure that involves piercing the skull of an infant at full-term delivery and vacuuming-out the child's brains? Why is he silent?
If Herod were running for King today, if your religious leader knew of the slaughter ahead, and recognizing that it is perfectly SAFE and LEGAL to speak out in the USA... Would he or she say even one word?
Has your worship leader told your congregation what Sen. Obama's new "Sexual Orientation" law will mean? Why not?
Has your Shepherd explained that Sen. Obama favors full REPEAL of the Defense of Marriage Act? -- which protects your state from forced recognition of Same-Sex "Marriages" from other states? What's his excuse?
Has your Shepherd explained that Sen. Obama favors full integration of flagrant, practicing homosexuals into the U.S. armed forces and military barracks? Our military women aren't required to bunk and bathe with male soldiers; is it appropriate to force this kind of intimacy on any of our troops? What about morale and U.S. security? Is your pastor saying anything about this?
Has your Pastor/Rabbi/Priest shown your congregation the tasteful Interfaith Video Sermon which connects these facts and Scripture -- or shown the graphic version? (He got a DVD by mail and can download either brief video by clicking here! ) Why would a congregational leader NOT apply the Bible so?
Has your Shepherd seen and relayed the EYEWITNESS VIDEO ACCOUNT regarding Obama and the killing of infant abortion survivors in Illinois? How, in Heaven's name, can pulpit silence on this possibly be rationalized?
Has your clerical leadership bothered to get the facts, to verify the documentation ? Does your Shepherd even care about the truth -- or about shepherding his flock?
Has your pastor or bishop tacitly rejected Martin Luther King's plea to judge by the content of a man's character, rather than by the color of his skin? Is "Reverse Racism" or "White Guilt" inspiring shameful pulpit silence on the Torah, Tanakh and New Testament issues of Same-Sex Unions and Child Sacrifice?
Does your Pastor/Rabbi have even a clue regarding his First Amendment, Free Exercise, Free Speech rights to teach the Bible and Tradition from pulpit to pew -- while CLEARLY explaining policies of political leaders and NAMING NAMES? Is there any reason he or she would prefer ignorance?
Has your Pastor/Rabbi/Father joined the courageous Signatories yet? Has he offered up a single prayer seeking Sen. Obama's repentance for these policies, so desperately at odds with Scripture? Has your Shepherd spoken even one clear word on these monumental matters from the pulpit? Is your Shepherd a man of God... or just a "holy pontificator", a church mouse or... a wimp?
And, if your Shepherd IS indeed serving as a dutiful Watchman , if he IS boldly speaking up, preaching out, teaching clearly and NAMING NAMES according to the mandate of conscience and the Jewish or Christian Testaments... have you THANKED him yet with a FREE SUBSCRIPTION to The Judeo-Christian View?
I certainly hope so, because your Pastor/Rabbi/Priest truly needs YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT RIGHT NOW to say and do what he knows to be right in the eyes of Heaven.
Your leader is a good person, but only human.
ENCOURAGE YOUR LEADER TODAY. Forward this email to him/her and to all of your fellow church/synagogue members, with a kind word!
And, please put them all onto The Judeo-Christian View !
Lord Almighty, hear our prayer, help our Shepherds,
and help us all, your Sheep.
Shalom,
Rabbi Yehuda Levin Dr. O'Neal Dozier
Congregation Mevakshai General Publisher
Dangerous Minds.
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!
"They got an ex-prisoner whose running mate is a heat-packing mama of five with a knocked-up teenage baby mama! White folks, have you lost your minds?"
"They got an ex-prisoner whose running mate is a heat-packing mama of five with a knocked-up teenage baby mama! White folks, have you lost your minds?"
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Poses.
For tha la-daies.
FILE UNDER: A Moment of Clarity/Oh Word?/Sign 'O' the Times/PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!
Damn. You know, if this whole The View thing doesn't work out, maybe Mrs. Hasselbeck should look into the great big world of the Grand Old Party. She looked a little too comfortable up there.
FILE UNDER: A Moment of Clarity/Oh Word?/Sign 'O' the Times/PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!
Damn. You know, if this whole The View thing doesn't work out, maybe Mrs. Hasselbeck should look into the great big world of the Grand Old Party. She looked a little too comfortable up there.
Check the Melody.
And see if you like it.
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION: Kanye West. Robocop.
Yeah... Is 808s and Heartbreak gonna try and test a brotha's patience? I think yes.
BONUS:
Kanye West. Coldest Winter.
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION: Kanye West. Robocop.
Yeah... Is 808s and Heartbreak gonna try and test a brotha's patience? I think yes.
BONUS:
Kanye West. Coldest Winter.
Stuntin' is a habit.
Especially when one comes up on some money.
And now, 32 Bars [Part 1] from Soulja Boy Tell 'Em!
So...how do I make this my ringtone?
And now, 32 Bars [Part 1] from Soulja Boy Tell 'Em!
So...how do I make this my ringtone?
Friday, October 24, 2008
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em!
FILE UNDER: ...
Dear Soulja Boy,
If you want to quit the rap game and open up your own dance studio, it's okay, no one will give you shit for it.
Trust.
Sincerely,
Tauwan
Dear Soulja Boy,
If you want to quit the rap game and open up your own dance studio, it's okay, no one will give you shit for it.
Trust.
Sincerely,
Tauwan
Love Jones.
From Russia, with love.
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!
Vlad and his friend Boris presents:
'Song for Sarah' for Mrs. Palin.
Classic!
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!
Vlad and his friend Boris presents:
'Song for Sarah' for Mrs. Palin.
Classic!
Too Hot for TV!
FILE UNDER: A Moment of Clarity.
HE: So are you against getting like, "tres lifted", and seeing High School Musical 3 in theatres?
HIM: High School Musical? Umm..Depends on you sir. You want to blow me? Cause that's the only way I can be gay enough to see that one.
Disney's High School Musical 3. In theatres now!
HE: So are you against getting like, "tres lifted", and seeing High School Musical 3 in theatres?
HIM: High School Musical? Umm..Depends on you sir. You want to blow me? Cause that's the only way I can be gay enough to see that one.
Disney's High School Musical 3. In theatres now!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
...
FILE UNDER: Oh Word?/Listen.
HUFFINGTON POST: GOP Strategist On Palin's Clothing Allowance: Real Outrage Is "Obama Taking A 767 Campaign Plane To Visit Grandma" (VIDEO)
I think that headline speaks for itself. Please click the link and watch the video.
I think that headline speaks for itself. Please click the link and watch the video.
Life on Mars...
From what I hear, is nothing like 1994.
New flava in MY ear!
Chris Cornell.
Ground Zero.
Really Chris? Really?
New flava in MY ear!
Chris Cornell.
Ground Zero.
Really Chris? Really?
Shout Hallelujah. Come on get happy!
FILE UNDER: Oh Word?
This post needs no photo to accompany it. Just read the headline, and click the link.
GAWKER: 30 Rock Season Premiere Available Right Here, Right Now
This post needs no photo to accompany it. Just read the headline, and click the link.
Us V. Them.
Over and over again...
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!/Sign 'O' the Times.
"I made a misstatement." - Michelle Bachmann
"No shit Sherlock!" - Tauwan Patterson
THE HUFFINGTON POST: Bachmann Backpedals From "Anti-American" Comment, Blames Media
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!/Sign 'O' the Times.
"I made a misstatement." - Michelle Bachmann
"No shit Sherlock!" - Tauwan Patterson
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
I'M JOE THE PLUMBER!
But do I approve this message?:
PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!
-Sigh-
13 more days y'all. 13 more days...
PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!
-Sigh-
13 more days y'all. 13 more days...
The Final Countdown.
Starring Joy Behar and Elizabeth Hasselbeck.*
*PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks! Seriously, I should just go ahead and make these heated Hot Topic moments from The View a regular feature from now til November 4th.
*PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks! Seriously, I should just go ahead and make these heated Hot Topic moments from The View a regular feature from now til November 4th.
Sasha Fierce?
FILE UNDER: For Your Consideration.
On Tuesday, November 18th, 2008, you can get with this:
Or you could get with that:
Beyonce. I Am...Sasha Fierce(!)*. In stores 11/18!
*Kudos to Beyonce for coming with the fierceness in the title, and subtlety in the album covers. (But we all know the music will be anything but subtle) I was expecting balls to the wall/over the top fierceness once I learned yesterday that the title was indeed what it is, and not just I Am, dot, dot, dot.
On Tuesday, November 18th, 2008, you can get with this:
Or you could get with that:
Beyonce. I Am...Sasha Fierce(!)*. In stores 11/18!
*Kudos to Beyonce for coming with the fierceness in the title, and subtlety in the album covers. (But we all know the music will be anything but subtle) I was expecting balls to the wall/over the top fierceness once I learned yesterday that the title was indeed what it is, and not just I Am, dot, dot, dot.
Fantasy Island.
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!/A Moment of Clarity.
Just you watch.
Just you watch.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Desert Rose.
Join me as we travel back in time to that distant golden age of the early 1980's and the Buggles, Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, J.J. Jackson, Martha Quinn*, and, of course, The Killers with their video for Human.
*I can't be the only one who gets early to mid 80's music video vibes from this clip. You think that was intentional?
*I can't be the only one who gets early to mid 80's music video vibes from this clip. You think that was intentional?
Real Talk: The Elizabeth Hasselbeck "Oh Word?" Edition.
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!/Headline of the Day!
DEFAMER: 'View' Audience Laughs At McCain Tee-Clad Elisabeth, Who Finally Promises to Stop Talking
[ED.'S NOTE: "Party over here(!)" at the three minute mark]
[ED.'S NOTE: "Party over here(!)" at the three minute mark]
"We can do it softcore if you want, but you should know I take it both ways"
FILE UNDER: Super Tuesday!
Of Montreal. Skeletal Lamping. In stores now!
Of Montreal. Skeletal Lamping. In stores now!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Silky Smooth(?).
Dear Jim Jones,
Quit talking shit, stay focused, and come with it with more shit like this*.
That is all,
Tauwan
________________________________
New flava in ya ear!
Jim Jones.
Day N Nite (Remix).
*Yes, I know, this freestyle is far from perfect, and doesn't really hold a candle to the original, but it is one step closer to adding some weight to the swag this cat seems to be [or thinks he is] full of. Real talk. After all, you can't live off of Ballin'! forever.
Quit talking shit, stay focused, and come with it with more shit like this*.
That is all,
Tauwan
________________________________
New flava in ya ear!
Jim Jones.
Day N Nite (Remix).
*Yes, I know, this freestyle is far from perfect, and doesn't really hold a candle to the original, but it is one step closer to adding some weight to the swag this cat seems to be [or thinks he is] full of. Real talk. After all, you can't live off of Ballin'! forever.
*The Lady - The Bear - The World*
FILE UNDER: Church/Church: The Saga Continues/A Moment of Clarity/One Pure Thought/A Quick Peep/Sign 'O' the Times.
From our office's inbox to your computer screen, I present to you *The Lady- The Bear- The World* courtesy of the Christian Weekly Devotion.
Scripture: Ezekiel 44:12b
“Therefore I have sworn with uplifted hand that they must bear the consequences of their sin, declares the Sovereign LORD”
You may have read in the newspaper about the lady from Australia who was visiting the zoo in Anchorage, Alaska. She wanted to get a close up photo of the polar bear --- she jumped over two security fences and was preparing to take the photo --- when the polar bear reached between the cage bars and grabbed her.
The bear then pulled her tight against the cage and sunk its teeth into her thigh. The zoo keepers came to her rescue and pulled on the lady and hit the bear with sticks. People watching in the crowd began screaming and yelling at the zoo keepers to get a tranquilizing gun to put the big bear asleep.
The thing is if they did get a tranquilizing gun it would have taken 20 minutes to load the gun and then another 15 minutes for it to take effect. They did not have that much time because there is a main artery in her thigh which if punctured would have caused death in less than 20 minutes.
After what seemed like hours to the lady, but had really only been ten minutes --- the bear opened its mouth at the encouragement of the zoo keepers. The lady was rushed to the hospital and it was determined that the main artery was missed by a mere 3 centimeters by the bears bite. The lady lives still today but she has a slight limp.
The bear represents all the things Satan entices us with in the world. The lady represents us when worldly desires trump our Christian values. The barriers represent the whisperings of the Holy Spirit to direct our path out of danger.
Often in my walk with the Lord the world entices me to do things that are contrary to my Christian values. It is my responsibility to steer clear of these enticements when the Holy Spirit places barriers in my path.
When I determine to disregard the barriers of the Holy Spirit to prevent me from the enticements of this world you can bet it is a trap from Satan.
Just like the woman who was attacked by the bear after jumping the zoo barriers --- when I am enticed by Satan to do worldly things and fall into his trap there are consequences.
The lady jumped the barricades and now lives but her consequence is a limp.
When I jump my Christian barricades and then repent I am forgiven but there is usually a consequence for the sin the remains.
Prayer: Father help me stay within the barriers that the Holy Spirit has for me and avoid the consequences of sin. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
Earlier...
Church.
Church: The Saga Continues.
From our office's inbox to your computer screen, I present to you *The Lady- The Bear- The World* courtesy of the Christian Weekly Devotion.
Scripture: Ezekiel 44:12b
“Therefore I have sworn with uplifted hand that they must bear the consequences of their sin, declares the Sovereign LORD”
You may have read in the newspaper about the lady from Australia who was visiting the zoo in Anchorage, Alaska. She wanted to get a close up photo of the polar bear --- she jumped over two security fences and was preparing to take the photo --- when the polar bear reached between the cage bars and grabbed her.
The bear then pulled her tight against the cage and sunk its teeth into her thigh. The zoo keepers came to her rescue and pulled on the lady and hit the bear with sticks. People watching in the crowd began screaming and yelling at the zoo keepers to get a tranquilizing gun to put the big bear asleep.
The thing is if they did get a tranquilizing gun it would have taken 20 minutes to load the gun and then another 15 minutes for it to take effect. They did not have that much time because there is a main artery in her thigh which if punctured would have caused death in less than 20 minutes.
After what seemed like hours to the lady, but had really only been ten minutes --- the bear opened its mouth at the encouragement of the zoo keepers. The lady was rushed to the hospital and it was determined that the main artery was missed by a mere 3 centimeters by the bears bite. The lady lives still today but she has a slight limp.
The bear represents all the things Satan entices us with in the world. The lady represents us when worldly desires trump our Christian values. The barriers represent the whisperings of the Holy Spirit to direct our path out of danger.
Often in my walk with the Lord the world entices me to do things that are contrary to my Christian values. It is my responsibility to steer clear of these enticements when the Holy Spirit places barriers in my path.
When I determine to disregard the barriers of the Holy Spirit to prevent me from the enticements of this world you can bet it is a trap from Satan.
Just like the woman who was attacked by the bear after jumping the zoo barriers --- when I am enticed by Satan to do worldly things and fall into his trap there are consequences.
The lady jumped the barricades and now lives but her consequence is a limp.
When I jump my Christian barricades and then repent I am forgiven but there is usually a consequence for the sin the remains.
Prayer: Father help me stay within the barriers that the Holy Spirit has for me and avoid the consequences of sin. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
Earlier...
Cowboy Bepop.
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks/And anotha one...
Just you watch:
Priceless.
Just you watch:
Priceless.
Sara(h) Smile.
FILE UNDER: PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!
Saturday, October 18th, 2008.
Brunswick, Maine.
11:30 PM.
"WOO! COLLEGE! GO MEDDIES! GO MEDDIES! MUST FINISH THIS MEDDIES WATER [a.k.a. Coors Light], SO THAT I CAN GET TO THIS UNOPENED PBR RESTING IN MY BACK POCKET! WOO! PBR! SO GLAD THEY GOT A 30 RACK OF THE GOOD STUFF! OH MY GOD! DID HE JUST PUT ON GIRL TALK! WOO! DANCE BREAK!"
Sunday, October 19th, 2008.
Phoenix, Arizona.
8:00 PM.
[Defeated] "Woo. College. Man. Can we please get to Los Angeles already? Jesus! Bad enough I am hungry and thirsty and tired."
[What I look like paying two dollars for a coke product or juice, or one dollar for refillable coffee. Or seven dollars for a cocktail. Bump that U.S. Airways. I already gave you 15 dollars, TWICE(!), so that my bag could be checked onto the flight.]
[Turns on phone. Connects to internet.]
"Sarah Palin was on SNL! Really? FUCK! So mad, so sad. Internet, please come to the rescue!"
Thank you internet, thank you.
Saturday, October 18th, 2008.
Brunswick, Maine.
11:30 PM.
"WOO! COLLEGE! GO MEDDIES! GO MEDDIES! MUST FINISH THIS MEDDIES WATER [a.k.a. Coors Light], SO THAT I CAN GET TO THIS UNOPENED PBR RESTING IN MY BACK POCKET! WOO! PBR! SO GLAD THEY GOT A 30 RACK OF THE GOOD STUFF! OH MY GOD! DID HE JUST PUT ON GIRL TALK! WOO! DANCE BREAK!"
Sunday, October 19th, 2008.
Phoenix, Arizona.
8:00 PM.
[Defeated] "Woo. College. Man. Can we please get to Los Angeles already? Jesus! Bad enough I am hungry and thirsty and tired."
[What I look like paying two dollars for a coke product or juice, or one dollar for refillable coffee. Or seven dollars for a cocktail. Bump that U.S. Airways. I already gave you 15 dollars, TWICE(!), so that my bag could be checked onto the flight.]
[Turns on phone. Connects to internet.]
"Sarah Palin was on SNL! Really? FUCK! So mad, so sad. Internet, please come to the rescue!"
Thank you internet, thank you.
Sunshin'!
Trouble.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my homeboy John Ferdinand Convery, IV for making sure that I got to and from New England successfully this past weekend, and for also turning me on to this song presented below during our long Sunday morning/afternoon drive from Brunswick, Maine to Newark, New Jersey. It's a nice, soulful [and unexpected] shot in the arm from the lovelorn troubadour with his heart on his sleeve.
New flava in MY ear!
Ray LaMontagne
You Are the Best Thing!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Must Get Out.
FILE UNDER: Sign 'O' the Times/A Moment of Clarity.
October 17, 2008
Today I write not to gloat. Given the pain that nearly everyone is experiencing, that would be entirely inappropriate. Nor am I writing to make further predictions, as most of my forecasts in previous letters have unfolded or are in the process of unfolding. Instead, I am writing to say goodbye.
Recently, on the front page of Section C of the Wall Street Journal, a hedge fund manager who was also closing up shop (a $300 million fund), was quoted as saying, “What I have learned about the hedge fund business is that I hate it.” I could not agree more with that statement. I was in this game for the money. The low hanging fruit, i.e. idiots whose parents paid for prep school, Yale, and then the Harvard MBA, was there for the taking. These people who were (often) truly not worthy of the education they received (or supposedly received) rose to the top of companies such as AIG, Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers and all levels of our government. All of this behavior supporting the Aristocracy, only ended up making it easier for me to find people stupid enough to take the other side of my trades. God bless America.
There are far too many people for me to sincerely thank for my success. However, I do not want to sound like a Hollywood actor accepting an award. The money was reward enough. Furthermore, the endless list those deserving thanks know who they are.
I will no longer manage money for other people or institutions. I have enough of my own wealth to manage. Some people, who think they have arrived at a reasonable estimate of my net worth, might be surprised that I would call it quits with such a small war chest. That is fine; I am content with my rewards. Moreover, I will let others try to amass nine, ten or eleven figure net worths.Meanwhile, their lives suck. Appointments back to back, booked solid for the next three months, they look forward to their two week vacation in January during which they will likely be glued to their Blackberries or other such devices. What is the point? They will all be forgotten in fifty yearsanyway. Steve Balmer, Steven Cohen, and Larry Ellison will all be forgotten. I do not understandthe legacy thing. Nearly everyone will be forgotten. Give up on leaving your mark. Throw the Blackberry away and enjoy life.
So this is it. With all due respect, I am dropping out. Please do not expect any type of reply to emails or voicemails within normal time frames or at all. Andy Springer and his company will be handling the dissolution of the fund. And don’t worry about my employees, they were always employed by Mr. Springer’s company and only one (who has been well-rewarded) will lose his job. I have no interest in any deals in which anyone would like me to participate. I truly do not have a strong opinion about any market right now, other than to say that things will continue to get worse for some time, probably years. I am content sitting on the sidelines and waiting.
After all, sitting and waiting is how we made money from the subprime debacle. I now have time to repair my health, which was destroyed by the stress I layered onto myself over the past two years, as well as my entire life – where I had to compete for spaces in universities and graduate schools, jobs and assets under management – with those who had all the advantages (rich parents) that I did not.
May meritocracy be part of a new form of government, which needs to be established.
On the issue of the U.S. Government, I would like to make a modest proposal. First, I point out the obvious flaws, whereby legislation was repeatedly brought forth to Congress over the past eight years, which would have reigned in the predatory lending practices of now mostly defunct institutions. These institutions regularly filled the coffers of both parties in return for voting down all of this legislation designed to protect the common citizen. This is an outrage, yet no one seems to know or care about it. Since Thomas Jefferson and Adam Smith passed, I would argue that there
has been a dearth of worthy philosophers in this country, at least ones focused on improving government. Capitalism worked for two hundred years, but times change, and systems become corrupt. George Soros, a man of staggering wealth, has stated that he would like to be remembered as a philosopher. My suggestion is that this great man start and sponsor a forum for great minds to come together to create a new system of government that truly represents the common man’s interest, while at the same time creating rewards great enough to attract the best and brightest minds to serve in government roles without having to rely on corruption to further their interests or lifestyles. This forum could be similar to the one used to create the operating system, Linux, which competes with Microsoft’s near monopoly. I believe there is an answer, but for now the system is clearly broken.
Lastly, while I still have an audience, I would like to bring attention to an alternative food and energy source. You won’t see it included in BP’s, “Feel good. We are working on sustainable solutions,” television commercials, nor is it mentioned in ADM’s similar commercials. But hemp has been used for at least 5,000 years for cloth and food, as well as just about everything that is produced from petroleum products. Hemp is not marijuana and vice versa. Hemp is the male plant and it grows like a weed, hence the slang term. The original American flag was made of hemp fiber and our
Constitution was printed on paper made of hemp. It was used as recently as World War II by the U.S. Government, and then promptly made illegal after the war was won. At a time when rhetoric is flying about becoming more self-sufficient in terms of energy, why is it illegal to grow this plant in this country? Ah, the female. The evil female plant – marijuana. It gets you high, it makes you laugh, it does not produce a hangover. Unlike alcohol, it does not result in bar fights or wife beating. So, why is this innocuous plant illegal? Is it a gateway drug? No, that would be alcohol,
which is so heavily advertised in this country. My only conclusion as to why it is illegal, is that Corporate America, which owns Congress, would rather sell you Paxil, Zoloft, Xanax and other additive drugs, than allow you to grow a plant in your home without some of the profits going into their coffers. This policy is ludicrous. It has surely contributed to our dependency on foreign energy sources. Our policies have other countries literally laughing at our stupidity, most notably Canada, as well as several European nations (both Eastern and Western). You would not know this by paying attention to U.S. media sources though, as they tend not to elaborate on who is laughing at the United States this week. Please people, let’s stop the rhetoric and start thinking about how we can truly become self-sufficient. With that I say good-bye and good luck.
All the best,
Andrew Lahde
Head of Ladhe Capital
October 17, 2008
Today I write not to gloat. Given the pain that nearly everyone is experiencing, that would be entirely inappropriate. Nor am I writing to make further predictions, as most of my forecasts in previous letters have unfolded or are in the process of unfolding. Instead, I am writing to say goodbye.
Recently, on the front page of Section C of the Wall Street Journal, a hedge fund manager who was also closing up shop (a $300 million fund), was quoted as saying, “What I have learned about the hedge fund business is that I hate it.” I could not agree more with that statement. I was in this game for the money. The low hanging fruit, i.e. idiots whose parents paid for prep school, Yale, and then the Harvard MBA, was there for the taking. These people who were (often) truly not worthy of the education they received (or supposedly received) rose to the top of companies such as AIG, Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers and all levels of our government. All of this behavior supporting the Aristocracy, only ended up making it easier for me to find people stupid enough to take the other side of my trades. God bless America.
There are far too many people for me to sincerely thank for my success. However, I do not want to sound like a Hollywood actor accepting an award. The money was reward enough. Furthermore, the endless list those deserving thanks know who they are.
I will no longer manage money for other people or institutions. I have enough of my own wealth to manage. Some people, who think they have arrived at a reasonable estimate of my net worth, might be surprised that I would call it quits with such a small war chest. That is fine; I am content with my rewards. Moreover, I will let others try to amass nine, ten or eleven figure net worths.Meanwhile, their lives suck. Appointments back to back, booked solid for the next three months, they look forward to their two week vacation in January during which they will likely be glued to their Blackberries or other such devices. What is the point? They will all be forgotten in fifty yearsanyway. Steve Balmer, Steven Cohen, and Larry Ellison will all be forgotten. I do not understandthe legacy thing. Nearly everyone will be forgotten. Give up on leaving your mark. Throw the Blackberry away and enjoy life.
So this is it. With all due respect, I am dropping out. Please do not expect any type of reply to emails or voicemails within normal time frames or at all. Andy Springer and his company will be handling the dissolution of the fund. And don’t worry about my employees, they were always employed by Mr. Springer’s company and only one (who has been well-rewarded) will lose his job. I have no interest in any deals in which anyone would like me to participate. I truly do not have a strong opinion about any market right now, other than to say that things will continue to get worse for some time, probably years. I am content sitting on the sidelines and waiting.
After all, sitting and waiting is how we made money from the subprime debacle. I now have time to repair my health, which was destroyed by the stress I layered onto myself over the past two years, as well as my entire life – where I had to compete for spaces in universities and graduate schools, jobs and assets under management – with those who had all the advantages (rich parents) that I did not.
May meritocracy be part of a new form of government, which needs to be established.
On the issue of the U.S. Government, I would like to make a modest proposal. First, I point out the obvious flaws, whereby legislation was repeatedly brought forth to Congress over the past eight years, which would have reigned in the predatory lending practices of now mostly defunct institutions. These institutions regularly filled the coffers of both parties in return for voting down all of this legislation designed to protect the common citizen. This is an outrage, yet no one seems to know or care about it. Since Thomas Jefferson and Adam Smith passed, I would argue that there
has been a dearth of worthy philosophers in this country, at least ones focused on improving government. Capitalism worked for two hundred years, but times change, and systems become corrupt. George Soros, a man of staggering wealth, has stated that he would like to be remembered as a philosopher. My suggestion is that this great man start and sponsor a forum for great minds to come together to create a new system of government that truly represents the common man’s interest, while at the same time creating rewards great enough to attract the best and brightest minds to serve in government roles without having to rely on corruption to further their interests or lifestyles. This forum could be similar to the one used to create the operating system, Linux, which competes with Microsoft’s near monopoly. I believe there is an answer, but for now the system is clearly broken.
Lastly, while I still have an audience, I would like to bring attention to an alternative food and energy source. You won’t see it included in BP’s, “Feel good. We are working on sustainable solutions,” television commercials, nor is it mentioned in ADM’s similar commercials. But hemp has been used for at least 5,000 years for cloth and food, as well as just about everything that is produced from petroleum products. Hemp is not marijuana and vice versa. Hemp is the male plant and it grows like a weed, hence the slang term. The original American flag was made of hemp fiber and our
Constitution was printed on paper made of hemp. It was used as recently as World War II by the U.S. Government, and then promptly made illegal after the war was won. At a time when rhetoric is flying about becoming more self-sufficient in terms of energy, why is it illegal to grow this plant in this country? Ah, the female. The evil female plant – marijuana. It gets you high, it makes you laugh, it does not produce a hangover. Unlike alcohol, it does not result in bar fights or wife beating. So, why is this innocuous plant illegal? Is it a gateway drug? No, that would be alcohol,
which is so heavily advertised in this country. My only conclusion as to why it is illegal, is that Corporate America, which owns Congress, would rather sell you Paxil, Zoloft, Xanax and other additive drugs, than allow you to grow a plant in your home without some of the profits going into their coffers. This policy is ludicrous. It has surely contributed to our dependency on foreign energy sources. Our policies have other countries literally laughing at our stupidity, most notably Canada, as well as several European nations (both Eastern and Western). You would not know this by paying attention to U.S. media sources though, as they tend not to elaborate on who is laughing at the United States this week. Please people, let’s stop the rhetoric and start thinking about how we can truly become self-sufficient. With that I say good-bye and good luck.
All the best,
Andrew Lahde
Head of Ladhe Capital
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Souled Out!!!
FILE UNDER: New flava in ya ear!
Rubbed Out. Exclusively tailored in places, planes, hotel rooms and at home. 15 bespoke songs and instrumentals from the makers of Hot Chip.
Get it here.
PITCHFORK: Hot Chip's Alexis Taylor Sneaks Out Solo Album
Rubbed Out. Exclusively tailored in places, planes, hotel rooms and at home. 15 bespoke songs and instrumentals from the makers of Hot Chip.
Promise of a new day.
Listen without prejudice.
"Last night, Kanye West publicly debuted his new album, 808s & Heartbreak, at the Ace Gallery in Los Angeles via a collaboration with Italian artist Vanessa Beecroft...As for album: yes, it's almost entirely sung by West, aside from one verse by Young Jeezy on "Amazing" and a duet with Lil Wayne; yes, it is sung almost entirely through Auto-Tune; yes, some people are not going to be sure what to make of it, but we applaud West's decision to step off a creative ledge wearing a jetpack that no one else is sure will actually work."
I knew it. Lil Wayne's unprecedented success this year has proven to be quite the inspiration for a rapper or two. The minute Kanye pulled Lil Wayne on stage at the BET Awards and mentioned how this cat right here has him rethinking his game plan, I knew, just knew that Kanye was gonna go back in the studio and go hard, following a few of the templates that helped break Lil Wayne out of the southern rapper-mixtape-bubbling beneath the radar box [For better or for worse].
So lookout T-Pain and Lil Wayne, he'll chew you up! [Or at least that's the plan?]
"You Nasty Boy! You Nasty!"
FILE UNDER: Sign 'O' the Times/PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!
"I got this?"
Tonight could get real nasty y'all. Well, at least on the Republican side. Yahoo reports:
"With less than three weeks to go before Election Day, the Republican presidential nominee faces a daunting overall task. He is so far behind in the national polls and in most key individual states that it is difficult to assemble a single combination of Electoral College votes to get him to the necessary 270. Despite Monday's unprecedented stock market rebound and Tuesday's campaign announcement introducing a new McCain economic policy proposal, voters largely continue to blame the Republicans for the financial crisis and the gloomy mood of an unstable nation. At the same time, the impact of Obama's massive fundraising advantage has hit full force, flooding battleground states with television ads, direct mail, and well-paid armies of local organizers. As Obama's lead has held (and even grown in some polls) pundits and political strategists in both parties have begun to assertively predict an easy Obama win, possibly producing a self-fulfilling wave.
Under these challenging circumstances, and with a vast audience of voters tuning in, McCain will enter the debate hall for his last chance to shake up the race. In order to change the dynamic, McCain will have to produce a major memorable moment at the expense of his rival - by forcing an error, exposing a flaw or unattractive trait, or revealing an inconsistency or weakness - which would then be replayed incessantly on the airwaves, rapaciously dissected by the media, and seized upon by the public."
You've been warned.
YAHOO: In Final Debate, Can McCain Rattle an Imperturbable Foe?
"I got this?"
Tonight could get real nasty y'all. Well, at least on the Republican side. Yahoo reports:
"With less than three weeks to go before Election Day, the Republican presidential nominee faces a daunting overall task. He is so far behind in the national polls and in most key individual states that it is difficult to assemble a single combination of Electoral College votes to get him to the necessary 270. Despite Monday's unprecedented stock market rebound and Tuesday's campaign announcement introducing a new McCain economic policy proposal, voters largely continue to blame the Republicans for the financial crisis and the gloomy mood of an unstable nation. At the same time, the impact of Obama's massive fundraising advantage has hit full force, flooding battleground states with television ads, direct mail, and well-paid armies of local organizers. As Obama's lead has held (and even grown in some polls) pundits and political strategists in both parties have begun to assertively predict an easy Obama win, possibly producing a self-fulfilling wave.
Under these challenging circumstances, and with a vast audience of voters tuning in, McCain will enter the debate hall for his last chance to shake up the race. In order to change the dynamic, McCain will have to produce a major memorable moment at the expense of his rival - by forcing an error, exposing a flaw or unattractive trait, or revealing an inconsistency or weakness - which would then be replayed incessantly on the airwaves, rapaciously dissected by the media, and seized upon by the public."
You've been warned.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Riddle Me This?
A Moment of Clarity.
Tell me what I gotta do to get my own television show. Cause if these fools can get a spin-off...
Really VH1? Really?
CRUNK + DISORDERLY: Real Chance Of Love: Sneak Peak
Tell me what I gotta do to get my own television show. Cause if these fools can get a spin-off...
Really VH1? Really?
Grand Old Panic.
FILE UNDER: A Moment of Clarity/Sign 'O' the Times/PRIMARIES: Out of the Races & Onto the Tracks!
Dear Bill O'Reilly,
THIS is how you hold a conversation with someone who doesn't quite see eye to eye with how you go about things. Please, take note.
Sincerely,
Tauwan
Man she handled that perfectly. [David Frum? Not so much.] Great job Rachel! Great job!
Dear Bill O'Reilly,
THIS is how you hold a conversation with someone who doesn't quite see eye to eye with how you go about things. Please, take note.
Sincerely,
Tauwan
Man she handled that perfectly. [David Frum? Not so much.] Great job Rachel! Great job!
Id Engager.
All day. Til the wheels fall off.
Of Montreal. Skeletal Lamping. In stores next week!
Big ups toPitchfork.tv for the video!
Of Montreal. Skeletal Lamping. In stores next week!
Big ups to
Monday, October 13, 2008
OH.MY.GOD!
So me and this song are already in the beginning stages of a burgeoning love affair. But this? This shit right here? It just pushed my love for it -and her- into the stratosphere.
Beyonce.
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It).
The music video.
Seriously, I think I'm in love.
Beyonce.
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It).
The music video.
Seriously, I think I'm in love.
Real Talk: The Mike Huckabee and Chuck Norris Edition.
Didn't anybody else catch this conversation on Fox News this past weekend? Flipping through the news channels I stopped on Huckabee as he introduced his next guess live via satellite, Chuck Norris. Yes, Chuck Norris.
Just you watch:
Is it just me or does it feel like we are listening in on a phone conversation between Mike and his good friend Chuck Norris? I'm surprised one of them ain't lying on a bed, while staring up at the ceiling and twirling a phone cord, forcing conversation.
Just you watch:
Is it just me or does it feel like we are listening in on a phone conversation between Mike and his good friend Chuck Norris? I'm surprised one of them ain't lying on a bed, while staring up at the ceiling and twirling a phone cord, forcing conversation.
Who can it be now?
FILE UNDER: Oh Word?/A Moment of Clarity.
Look, I ain't one to go around throwing weight to Blind Items about celebrities, BUT this one's fun and worth contemplating just for shits and giggles.
Gawker via the New York Daily News reports:
"Which politically active rapper makes a big show with the ladies in public, bragging about what a pimp he is, but has a thing for small Asian dudes on the side?"
HA! Politics, homosexuality, and an Asian fetish? Again, HA! But that's not even the best part of this post, no, the best part are the answers provided in the comments section by Gawker's readers.
(1) First up is Kanye West. His name comes up a lot as a possible answer to this question. One commenter even suggests that one look no further than the lyrics to his latest single Love Lockdown for concrete proof of his homosexuality. Yeah...about that. I mean, I wouldn't put it past Kanye West but I thought we all knew about his thing for "drunk and hot girls" and "blonde dykes"?
(2) You know who else pops up? Will.i.am. Now this one I can stand behind more so than Yeezy. He has made a lot of political videos lately for Obama, and has a penchant for rocking, as noted by Kanye himself, "fur boots in the summertime."
(3) Common. Yeah. Okay. I guess.
(4) David Banner. Yes, you read that right, DAVID BANNER! This one almost made me fall out of my chair. Would have never pulled that name out of a hat. David Banner?...HA! [Stuntin' is a habit indeed, I guess.]Though you never know, but still, David Banner?
In the end I am just surprised more people didn't list Pharrell Williams. Ain't calling him out, - big fan here - and I really don't give a fuck [hence the "shortness" of this post], just saying.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go read the paper and finish watching cable news shows. I at least want to appear as if my interests move beyond finger pointing, gossip, and guessing games.
GAWKER: Which Billionaire Will Soon Be Robbing the Cradle?
Look, I ain't one to go around throwing weight to Blind Items about celebrities, BUT this one's fun and worth contemplating just for shits and giggles.
Gawker via the New York Daily News reports:
"Which politically active rapper makes a big show with the ladies in public, bragging about what a pimp he is, but has a thing for small Asian dudes on the side?"
HA! Politics, homosexuality, and an Asian fetish? Again, HA! But that's not even the best part of this post, no, the best part are the answers provided in the comments section by Gawker's readers.
(1) First up is Kanye West. His name comes up a lot as a possible answer to this question. One commenter even suggests that one look no further than the lyrics to his latest single Love Lockdown for concrete proof of his homosexuality. Yeah...about that. I mean, I wouldn't put it past Kanye West but I thought we all knew about his thing for "drunk and hot girls" and "blonde dykes"?
(2) You know who else pops up? Will.i.am. Now this one I can stand behind more so than Yeezy. He has made a lot of political videos lately for Obama, and has a penchant for rocking, as noted by Kanye himself, "fur boots in the summertime."
(3) Common. Yeah. Okay. I guess.
(4) David Banner. Yes, you read that right, DAVID BANNER! This one almost made me fall out of my chair. Would have never pulled that name out of a hat. David Banner?...HA! [Stuntin' is a habit indeed, I guess.]Though you never know, but still, David Banner?
In the end I am just surprised more people didn't list Pharrell Williams. Ain't calling him out, - big fan here - and I really don't give a fuck [hence the "shortness" of this post], just saying.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go read the paper and finish watching cable news shows. I at least want to appear as if my interests move beyond finger pointing, gossip, and guessing games.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)