Blog Log

Beatles music to launch on Rock Band vid game in Sept.

dancepanther — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 03:16:31 GMT

From Marketing Daily: Beatles Music To Be Used In Video Games March 5, 2009 Video game makers Harmonix and MTV Games, along with music publisher Apple Corps., will launch the Beatles version of the popular Rock Band franchise on Sept. 9. The release marks the first time the group's music will be used in an interactive video game format, which will follow the band's storied career. In addition, the company will release limited editions of game controllers fashioned after the instruments used by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. --Aaron Baar http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=101408

Six Degrees Records Online: 50% off cds & downloads thru March 17th.

dancepanther — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:54:21 GMT

Worthy news, imho. Banco de Gaia, Zuco 103, Monica Ramos, Karsh Kale, Jeff Stott, The Orb, Willie Porter, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, DJ Cheb i Sabbah, even Michael Franti, to name a only few. And there there are the "Traveler" and "Travels" series compilation releases, such as African Travels, Traveler '00-'08, Frikyiwa Collections 1 & 2, etc. Some of my favorite song releases number amongst the Six Degrees Catalog. ~Lisa http://shop.sixdegreesrecords.com/app

Classic

dancepanther — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:51:10 GMT

Barney has nothing on these classics, musically speaking... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK2VOdRAbW8

Random Note to Frampton

dancepanther — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:31:40 GMT

...and random blog sharing. Crossed paths with Frampton online this morning, and caught the feeling of appreciation for the man in words: Peter is an inspiration. What a package of a person-- personality, humor, joy, ability to be real, fantastic skill and passion for playing. And he's weathered the journey (not the easiest of paths) and come out of it all in top form-- able to share all of the above with an audience, able to really enjoy life's moments- that comes through as loudly as the notes played. Thanks to Peter for just being Peter-- thanks for the music, the stories shared, and for the massive amounts of appreciation that comes through to touch the gathering of souls that congregate to experience all this. ~Lisa Shara Photo: Denis O'Regan http://www.myspace.com/peterframpton

Article: A Fabled Iraqi Instrument Thrives in Exile

dancepanther — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 23:33:24 GMT

The Reach of War A Fabled Iraqi Instrument Thrives in Exile By ERICA GOODE Published: May 1, 2008 Excerpt: Residents rarely play the oud in public now for fear of angering militants critical of secular music. BAGHDAD — Dhia Jabbar hides his oud in a sack when he walks down the street in his Baghdad neighborhood. He used to teach students in the back room of a photo shop, where the sound could not be heard. But last week, militia gunmen invaded the store, destroying one of his instruments and ordering him to stop teaching. He had dreamed of a performing career, but now he has lost hope. “Iraq is dead,” he says. Seven thousand miles away, Rahim Alhaj, who fled Iraq in 1991, carries his oud without a second thought through the streets of Albuquerque, where he now lives. In New York, Washington and other cities, he plays for audiences of hundreds. An album he recorded was recently nominated for a Grammy Award. The two musicians are bound by their passion for the oud, a pear-shaped instrument whose roots run deep in Iraq’s history. Some say that in its music lies the country’s soul... More: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/01/world/middleeast/01oud.html?pagewanted=2&_r=2&sq=oud&st=nyt&scp=1

♫ ♪♫ Woofstock 2008 Music Festival Aug 23rd; Anderson, CA.

dancepanther — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 10:20:19 GMT

♫ ♪♫ Woofstock 2008 Music Festival in Anderson, CA is a benefit concert for Another Chance Animal Welfare League. Article: Anderson to host Woofstock music festival Aug. 23 http://www.andersonvalleypost.com/news/2008/jul/09/anderson-host-woofstock-music-festival-aug-23/ Features six bands including guitarist Monte Montgomery from Austin Texas. Food & beverages avail. No dogs or ice chests please. All ages. Tix: $15. Gates open at 10:30am. $15 per person. Gaia Hotel Amphitheatre, Anderson River Park, 2800 Rupert Rd. (530)547-7387. More info: Another Chance Animal Welfare League and City of Anderson WOOFSTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL Saturday, August 23, 2008 http://www.ci.redding.ca.us/cfresults/eventDetails.cfm?eventID=1155 WOOFSTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL presented by Another Chance Animal Welfare League and the City of Anderson is to be held August 23, 2008. Gates open at 10:30 am and music runs from noon to approximately 9:30 pm. Located in the beautiful Anderson River Park at the Gaia Hotel Amphitheatre- KC Grove, the Festival will have artists Monte Montgomery, Gator Beat, Rube and the Rhythm Rockers, Bruno Grossi, Shasta Blues Revue, and The Potentials. Cost is $15 per ticket. For all ages. Tickets can be purchased at Another Chance Animal Welfare League 9384 Deschutes Rd, Palo Cedro, City of Anderson Parks and Recreation, Herrieds Music in Redding, and at the Mosquito Serenades each Wednesday nights. Woofstock is a fundraiser for the homeless animals at Another Chance. For more information, call 547-PETS (7387). No dogs or ice chests at event please. Phone: 530-547-7387 Email: Compassion4Pets@aol.com Monte Montgomery: montemontgomery.com; www.myspace.com/officialmontemontgomery Pic Credit: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b9/New_Guinea_Singing_Dog_is_singing.jpg/800px-New_Guinea_Singing_Dog_is_singing.jpg

MDI Zero Polution Motors / XPrize

dancepanther — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:42:24 GMT

First I'd heard of MDI, French Co. contracting with India for production. http://zeropollutionmotors.us/?page_id=46 Happening first in Europe, orders for U.S. now for 2010. The cost is "avg" (aprox. $18k for 6-seater)-- quite diff. from most hybrids and other green machines (that I am aware of). > Pure Driving: The Revolutionary Compressed Air Vehicle If you can, imagine a vehicle that runs on air, achieves over 100 gas-equivalent mpg and over 90 mph, has zero to low C02 emissions, seats six, has plenty of space for luggage, cuts no safety corners, and costs no more than an average economy to mid-size vehicle. This is the expected performance of the revolutionary compressed air vehicle that Zero Pollution Motors (ZPM) is introducing to North America. The vehicle is powered by the Compressed Air Engine (CAE) developed by Motor Development International (MDI), a 15-year old company based in Nice, France, and headed by inventor and Formula One race car engineer, Guy Negre. ZPM is the exclusive representative for MDI in the United States. < MDI is an XPrize Contender (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7obxf8Hruk): > Compressed Air Vehicle to Compete for the Automotive XPrize Zero Pollution Motors and MDI are excited to announce that they are among the first teams to commit to participate in the multi-million dollar Automotive XPrize competition. The goal of the XPrize competition is to inspire a new generation of viable, super-efficient vehicles with over 100 MPG equivalent. The compressed air vehicle was showcased at the Automotive X Prize booth at the 2008 New York Auto Show (see story). >

Finally, action- Canada bans infant bottles

dancepanther — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 21:59:51 GMT

Canada is banning apparently the majority of plastic baby bottles now on their market: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/18/business/worldbusiness/18cnd-plastic.html?em&ex=1208750400&en=c6a65cb7b4161e7b&ei=5087%0A Excerpt (Go Canada!) "We're not waiting to take action to protect our people and our environment from the long-term effects of bisphenol-a," the environment minister, John Baird, told a news conference. The most immediate impact of the toxic designation will be a ban on the importation and sale of baby bottles made with clear, hard polycarbonate. That move will not take effect until the end of a 60-day discussion period, however. The health minister, Tony Clement, told reporters that after reviewing 150 research papers on B.P.A. and conducting its own studies, his department concluded that the chemical posed the most risk for newborns and children up to the age of 18 months. The minister said that animal studies suggest "there will be behavioral and neural symptoms later in life." Not only are potentially unsafe exposure levels to B.P.A. lower for children than adults, Mr. Clement said that cleaning infant bottles with boiling causes the release of the chemical into their contents. He suggested that the government had planned to also ban the use of epoxies made with B.P.A. and sprayed into most infant formula cans as a lining. But, he added that no practical alternative is currently available. (link to full article above) Image: http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/detail/33/91/23239133.jpg

Zoe Keating, Imogen Heap, Paul Mercer

dancepanther — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:17:38 GMT

Zoe Keating is my musical discovery of the day...I feel like I should have already known who she is- like I'm embarrassed to admit I did not! Raises the Q: How did I miss her? Matters not though, happy to be aware of her now. Zoe is a looping solo cellist... Check Zoe out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJiybW81mXA http://www.zoekeating.com/ http://www.myspace.com/zoecello Zoe Keating & Paul Mercer, Live- Mad Hatter Tea Party-Portland, Or. They met just shortly before performing this piece. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlDgA7qa3NM Zoe has played with Imogen Heap (you tube has clips) Good vid of Imogen looping live (for radio): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSIbfzK2spg

Bluegrass Fans: Live Deadwood Revival Streaming Fri April 4th 9pm (pst)

dancepanther — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:41:54 GMT

Deadwood Revival live at The Eastside Club Olympia, Wa. Fri. April 4th @ 9pm (pst) http://mediacampus.com Simple registration, great site for live shows listens. I was turned on to DwR by Chip Reed... Deadwood Revival: www.deadwoodrevival.com "a foot stompin', banjo pickin', harmony singin', spirit liftin' spin on traditional bluegrass that even a rock apostle shall dig" Deadwood Revival came onto the scene as a duo in early 2005 when Kim Trenerry and Jason Mogi, after years of co-fronting their own folk rock jam band found a new love...that of old time Appalachian music. Combining their rock background with old time gave Kim and Jason their reputation as "one of the hottest duos around". Hundreds of concerts and festivals, four west coast tours, and two cd's later...Kim and Jason reconnected with long time friend, bassist Ches Ferguson in June 2007 and the duo became a permanent trio. In late 2007, DwR met former "Looking Glass" fiddler, Julie Campbell, who brings her fierce fiddle playing to the DwR sound at select concerts and festivals.

Pearl Jam Fans: June '08 East Coast Tour Tix Avail early April

dancepanther — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:08:11 GMT

From PJ's Feed: Tickets for the Pearl Jam 2008 tour dates will go on sale to the general public through Ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. See below for details on sale dates and times … DATE CITY VENUE ON-SALE DATE/TIME JUN 11 West Palm, FL Cruzan Amp. Apr-05 at 10am JUN 12 Tampa, FL St. Pete Forum Apr-05 at 10am JUN 12-15 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo bonnaroo.com JUN 16 Columbia, SC Colonial Ctr. Apr-04 at 10am JUN 17 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Amp. Apr-04 at 10am JUN 19 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Apr-04 at 12pm JUN 22 Washington, DC Verizon Center Apr-11 at 10am JUN 24 New York City, NY MSG Arena Apr-11 at 10am JUN 25 New York City, NY MSG Arena Apr-11 at 10am JUN 27 Hartford, CT Dodge Amp. Apr-04 at 10am JUN 30 Mansfield, MA Tweeter Center Apr-04 at 10am

Just realized Neil Aspinall, the "5th Beatle" died Mar 24th 2008

dancepanther — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 21:35:31 GMT

Part of music industry history. http://www.beatles.com/core/news/

David Cook's "Billie Jean" Clip

dancepanther — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:28:18 GMT

I love this. David Cook covering Chris Cornell's cover of 'Billie Jean.' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpX-kndqHnE David's covers have been covers of the following, but gotta say, love David's vibe with whatever he sings. His own arrangement of Dolly Parton's 'Little Sparrow' is great. Incubus' version of Lionel Richie's 'Hello' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYri_A1O5gc Godhead's & Neil Zaza's version(s) of the Beatle's 'Eleanor Rigby' Whitesnake's version of 'Day Tripper' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIfu_qN8YxE

Wakeman's son to replace him on Yes' Upcoming 40th Ann Tour

dancepanther — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 22:57:49 GMT

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/03/20/yes-hit-the-road-for-40th-anniversary-rick-wakeman-quits-for-the-fifth-time/ "A mere four years after their 35th anniversary tour, prog rock giants Yes are hitting the road for their 40th anniversary tour. Billed as “Close to the Edge and Back,” the twenty-six date American tour launches July 12 in Quebec and wraps up August 22nd in Los Angeles. The band’s constantly shifting lineup now features vocalist Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, drummer Alan White, guitarist Steve Howe and — in a bizarre twist even by Yes standards — Rick Wakeman’s son Oliver Wakeman on the keyboards. Rick explained his absence in a lengthy post on his website. “My major concern was that of over-touring,” he writes. “Which I felt YES had done since 2002 with far too many shows, especially in America which for me diminished the ’specialness’ of the band.” He doesn’t rule returning to the fold at a future point for something “very special in the not too distant future.” For those keeping track, this marks the fifth time Wakeman has quit the band, which has to be some sort of record. There are plenty of examples of sons filling in for their dead fathers in bands (most famously Jason Bonham in Led Zeppelin), but this has to be the first time a son will fill in for his alive (and perfectly healthy) father in a band."

Pink: Dear Mr. President

dancepanther — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:39:38 GMT

Turned onto vid. of Pink (Alicia Moore) performing 'Dear Mr. President' at Jillian Speer http://www.myspace.com/jillianspeermusic via my friend Bill Seaberry. Love this version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q56pHCGrlc4 Loving this too: Pink 'Family Portrait' Live In Wembley, released April 16th 2007 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX4RUFu8YIw&NR=1

March 08 Angelique Kidjo Interview

dancepanther — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:28:48 GMT

I recently interviewed Angelique Kidjo about many aspects of her work... http://www.z-manproductions.com/KidjoArticle.pdf

For Bay Area Dancers In My Life: Frédérique Ongoing Classes

dancepanther — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 23:35:00 GMT

[Photo of Frédérique at Tribal Fusion Fair '07 by Scott Schappell-Schappell Photographics] ~ . ~ . ~ From the woman herself: Ladies and Gents! I've been itching to teach another class and reconnect with my roots; ATS (American Tribal Style) belly dance! So I've decided to start up an East Bay on-going beginners class on Thursday nights from 7 - 8pm beginning the first Thursday in March! The short version: ATS is an improvisational dance form with a system based on nonverbal cues. This was my first and only formal training in belly dance. I have much love and respect for it and I can never let it go completely though my style has evolved so much that I am no longer true to the format. However, I spent years dedicating and training in ATS since 1997 - 2005; a little more then the later half of that training spent evolving and pioneering into what is my own style now... It is because of ATS and the improvisational factor that I've not ever once choreographed a solo piece and I owe everything I know in belly dance to it. Though I am not a purist, I still hold ATS in high regard and I am looking forward to sharing my version of it with you... The long version: If you are interested in finding all about ATS, where it came from, and who pioneered it, etc... Click on this link below: http://www.fcbd.com/about/history_rr.shtml So for those of you who have been waiting for this class I've been talking about to materialize... Here it is! Beginning in March: Every Thursday (drop-ins welcome): : Beginner Level / ATS Format (slow - medium paced) with Frederique's urban / fusion twist: 7pm - 8pm (1 hr) Drop in = $13; 4-class card avail. in adv. : $44 Location: Temescal Arts Center, 511 48th St., Oakland, CA Directions: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=511+48th+St,+Oakland,+CA+94609,+USA&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ And don't forget my beloved Wednesday class which allows for freedom of expression...Welcome to my style... Every Wednesday (drop-ins welcome): Mixed Level / Emphasis on Details & Expression (fast paced) 8pm - 9:30pm (1.5 hr) Drop in = $15; 4-class card avail. in adv.: $52 Location: Temescal Arts Center, 511 48th St., Oakland, CA Directions: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=511+48th+St,+Oakland,+CA+94609,+USA&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title Hope to see you there! À bientôt! ~Frédérique ~ . ~ www.nouveau-voixdeville.com

PGroove 2nd set Moe's Alley Santa Cruz Show Avail

dancepanther — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:45:56 GMT

Download 2nd set: http://www.sendspace.com/file/fljf2j SC Feb 20th Moe's Alley setlist *: 1: Crockett & Tubbs, Out Here, Three Weeks, Sundog, Get Down Tonight 2: Wasted Endeavors, Glock Jam, Stealy Man, A Day The Way, The Golden Path, Save For One *As best known at this point, subject to revision. More PG on tribe here: ttp://tribes.tribe.net/pgroove

Congrats to Angelique Kidjo!

dancepanther — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 04:17:01 GMT

Her 5th Grammy nomination-- and her recent release Djin Djin won for Best Contemporary World Music Album! I my world she's an amazing woman and fully deserves this honor. "She dedicated her award to her parents in Benin, to the African continent, to 'the women of Darfur, the women who are fighting every day to give their kids an education', and to late Billboard editor Timothy White, whom she said encouraged her from the earliest days of her stateside career." Pic used with permission.

Baily the Snow Dog Tribute

dancepanther — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 21:14:51 GMT

AKA the Unknown Reindeer. http://youtube.com/watch?v=0sUL0KCIc48

Jan 26th: North State CA Children Perform Monster Piano Concert

dancepanther — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:22:01 GMT

What has 58 legs, 58 eyes, moves 560 fingers on cue, may pause for a good measure (sometimes for half a rest), thrives in both common and uncommon times, and understands commands in Italian? Why a Monster Piano Concert ensemble of course! On Saturday, January 26, 14 or more pianos will be on stage at CSU, Chico’s biggest performance venue, to be played by 200 or more North State children ages 6 to 18, during the 9th annual Monster Piano Concert. While playing under a conductor in groups as large as 28, students will enjoy an exciting performance opportunity usually reserved for big name acts, performing in front of an audience of over 1000 at the Laxson Auditorium. Fully story here, by yours truly: North State Children Perform Monster Piano Concert http://www.northstateparent.com/site/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=341 An Interview With Music Teacher Conica Patnaik http://www.northstateparent.com/site/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=340 The 9th annual Monster Piano Concert takes place on Saturday, January 26th at a 2:30p.m. matinee and a 7p.m. evening performance, at CSU, Chico’s Laxson Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased the University Box Office, (530) 898-6333. For more information call Dustin at (530) 879-0567.

RIP Heath Ledger

dancepanther — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:07:17 GMT

This is sad- he was a young father, very talented, willing to take risks. Too young for this. I'm pissed at the pressure of "fame" and the crap that goes with it. Heath Ledger Died http://www.nypost.com/seven/01222008/news/regionalnews/heath_ledger_dead_916418.htm

The Hour of Arriving

dancepanther — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 23:19:38 GMT

Image: www.panoramio.com/photo/6953 Okay, often I write stuff or blog stuff elsewhere and don't share here-- this I love though, so went back and got it for here: From Neil Peat's Dec '07 Blog: The Hour of Arriving www.neilpeart.net/news/index.html Excerpts of note: ...Back in April of this year, just before the Snakes and Arrows tour, I did a TV interview for the Canadian music channel, MuchMusic. The cameraman placed the interviewer and me in the rehearsal hall, in front of my drums, where I had been laboring for several weeks by then. Some of the interviewer’s questions seemed to angle toward a certain starry-eyed view of my work, especially the touring side of it, and I tried to explain to him that I didn’t consider touring, or even drumming, to be my life. He seemed perplexed, and to appraise me as clearly jaded and cynical, because his next question was, “When did you start to feel that way?” I paused to think for a couple of seconds, then was glad to feel the mental light bulb illuminate a true and clear answer. I was able to answer honestly, “About a month into the first tour, in 1974.” That really was when I started to feel that touring was “not enough,” and turned to reading books as a way to make more use of the days and nights. Partly out of sheer contrariness, but partly out of a desire for context, I often refer to playing the drums, with deliberate disrespect, as “the job”—hitting things with sticks. Obviously it means much more to me than that, and has been a central focus in my life. But still, it seems rather sad to hear anyone say that their work is their life. Not family and friends? Not reading and writing? Not hiking or cross-country skiing or birdwatching or motorcycle riding or swimming? Just work? I don’t think so. Earlier in the tour, when we played in Portland, Oregon, someone in the audience had apparently seen that interview, and ventured to disagree publicly with my opinion on the subject of my life. Far back on the stage-left side of the house I saw a large sign, in big block letters, “NP—THIS IS YOUR LIFE.” Well, thanks, but no thanks. Of course it’s just my opinion, but to me, my life is not dedicated to the place, but to the journey, and to the hour of arriving. All the while knowing that, all too soon, there will come the hour of departing.

Tinariwen & Carlos Santana

dancepanther — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 22:37:37 GMT

In the spirit of a friend's sharing of classic music vids-- this isn't old classic, but is classic, and Carlos mentions how the roots of this music inspired some of the greats that he honors. Tinariwen & Carlos Santana: "Tinariwen perform 'Amasskoul' with special guest Carlos Santana at the Montreux Jazz Festival." I believe that this took place 10 July '06. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCkSX6Kl3ig&feature=related This is a slow-n'-steady song-- Tinariwen also gets deeply into other more intense guitar modes- here I think they are stepping back for Carlos to take the lead (who wouldn't?!). I love Carlos' movement at about 4:07 and his face about 4:37! He's deep in the groove and loving playing with these guys. I had the honor of experiencing Tinariwen live not long after I'd been part of a posse of folks helping out at benefit show in SF to raise funds for those helping nomadic people in Niger- I posted a bit about that experience below, for anyone interested. From something I wrote a mutual friend recently: I saw Tinariwen live not long after being involved with/helping out at a Niger Benefit show in San Francisco November 2005. Was amazing to see Tinariwen do what they do-- I'd been following them for a bit, knew what amazing people they are. Also amazing was meeting and talking at the benefit show with Leslie Clark ( http://www.nomadfoundation.org/leslieclark.html ) founder of The Nomad Foundation. Leslie was to be a recipient of the funds raised by the benefit, and she was deeply touched and astounded by the event- which to her happened out of the blue- she had not solicited help from anyone involved, rather she was found because of the work she's been quietly doing, mostly on her own. She lives in Niger half the year to work with people there. Was great meeting someone DOING something so positive (as well as meeting the amazing people that came together for the benefit.) Leslie was speaking about the ways they have to do things to help in Niger-- like, they cannot buy or bring in bags of rice-- the gov. seizes it to sell and pocket the money. So she will hire kids to buy rice one bowl at a time in order get food in bulk to the nomadic people that need it... one bowl at a time bags are filled to be given out. Much of what is done to help is done as covertly as possible. Help includes setting up wells and helping people create businesses- building physical structures that can help support these grass roots business, such as art, by being a place where things can be constructed and stored. One thing that triggered the benefit was Leslie's sharing with a friend a tragedy she had experienced- Leslie had been back in the states after a recent trip to Niger. An artist she works with in Niger, who had become a friend, called late one night, after the '05 drought had hit hard and fast with the locust swarms eating anything left that was green-- in turn starving the livestock the nomads did have. He shared the news that in the short window of time since they had last seen each other, his wife had died of starvation. In case you are not clear on why he didn't get in touch with Leslie sooner, it's that there isn't the technology of communication devices or quick transportation to such technology available in the environment we are talking about. And news of such world events from "third world" countries is slow to hit the media until it's news-worthy, meaning after things turn tragic. More things of interest on the topic here: NY Times article: Journeys- In Niger, Using Vacation to Help the World’s Poor: http://travel.nytimes.com/2006/08/20/travel/20journeys.html - Tinariwen: www.tinariwen.com ; www.myspace.com/tinariwenofficial ; www.youtube.com/tinariwen - Nomadic Culture on tribe.net: http://tribes.tribe.net/nomadhelp Not many recent posts, but a lot of info on Nomadic Culture (including music events) from these past few years. - The benefit- and more nomadic info: http://www.dontletmypeopledie.org - October 9, 2007 Touaregs massacred in Niger. This is from Tinariwen's manager in the UK: Dear Friends, There is terrible news coming out of Niger, where the FAN (Forces Armée du Niger) are pursuing a government backed policy of terrorizing and harassing innocent civilians, in a bid to quell a Touareg uprising led by the new rebel group, the MNJ (Mouvement des Nigériens pour la Justice). Please read below for two officially unconfirmed reports of recent civilian massacres. Many thanks for your interest. More news to follow. Best Regards, Andy Morgan. ~~~~ Music makes a difference in so many lives...

2007: 101 Dumbest Moments in Business

dancepanther — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 04:56:34 GMT

From: http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/fortune/0712/gallery.101_dumbest.fortune//index.html : 101 Dumbest Moments in Business Ah, what a dumb year it was! Fortune chose the absolutely dumbest of the dumb that the gods of fate and humor delivered into our laps - and yours - this past year. Includes such gems as: 2. Eli Lilly Thank God. We've been so worried since Lucky dyed his hair jet black and started listening to the Smiths. Eli Lilly wins FDA approval to put Prozac into chewable, beef-flavored pills to treat separation anxiety in dogs. 5. Stanley O'Neal Payback is a bitch In August and September, as his company is racking up the largest quarterly loss in its 93-year history, Merrill Lynch CEO Stanley O'Neal squeezes in 20 rounds of golf, including three rounds on three different courses in a single day. In October, O'Neal announces his "retirement," walking away with a compensation package valued at $161.5 million. 50. The Defense Department Makes you wonder what it would cost to ship a million German screws Exploiting a flaw in a Defense Department purchasing system, South Carolina parts supplier C&D Distributors rakes in $20.5 million in shipping fees on just $68,000 in sales. The scheme is finally detected when a Pentagon clerk spots a $969,000 bill for shipping two 19-cent washers to an Army base in Texas. 68. Thomas the Tank Engine Sir Topham Hatt was very cross indeed Illinois-based RC2 Corp., maker of Thomas the Tank Engine toys, recalls 1.5 million of the wooden trains because of excessive levels of lead in their paint (see Mattel). Consumers who return the tainted toys are then sent free boxcars, some of which are recalled three months later for the same reason. 73. Easy-Bake Ovens Hasbro quickly files suit against all 278 kids In February, Hasbro announces a recall of nearly one million Easy-Bake Ovens after 29 children get their fingers stuck inside, some suffering severe burns. Five months later the company is forced to reissue the recall after receiving reports on 249 additional incidents, 77 involving burns, including one that required a partial finger amputation. Pic: http://blogs.venturacountystar.com/vcs/dennert/archives/2006/12/