Happy 21st Birthday Rubbbbby.

I just wanted everyone to know that today is Ruby Lynn's 21st birthday and we're all going to celebrate it with and for her. We miss you a lot Rubes! Many 40 oz's will be consumed for you. Love you girly.

Dear Robert Bailey Jr.,

When people support you and donate tens of thousands of dollars in cash to your defense fund for the Jena 6 case, don't fucking blow it on bling and take pictures of yourself rolling around in 100 dollar bills and don't brag about how you're thugging now.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=OAZQlgPO8qc

Thoughts: Soldiers

America has been at war for a while now. A war that, at the moment, does not seem to have any real conclusion. And I admit, at this point, this is not a war that I am in support of. For one, those who have read, the art of war, can see that it goes against many of Sun Tzu's philosophies. But I'm not here today, to hate on the war in Iraq. But rather to honor one of the soldier's who is going to be out there defending the U.S. and everything we believe in.

Cong Nguyen



I have a lot of respect for this man. A cocky bastard yes. But he has a lot to be proud of. He has gone from place to place, living here and there, and adjusting to whatever has come his way. From Oregon, to San Jose and Orange County he's pretty much stayed the same. I met him my 7th grade year, and we've been friends ever since. Always with a smile on his face, I have never seen him frown, or be sad. A constant source of inspiration, proof that no matter where you come from you can do big things. He's gone a good portion of his life, fending for himself, and along the way, also for those that he cares about. He's worked his way through college, transferring from OCC, to UCSD in less than 2 years, and continuing on towards his goal of being a teacher. But now, he's off to Iraq for 400 days. Something he's never really complained about, just something he knew he had to do. In a year when so much was going his way, he's getting sent to the desert. I can never do his story justice, but know that he is a good person, who has carried a lot on his shoulders, and done it all in stride.

Take Care out there Buddy.

Stay Informed: Tasers and More

Now I mind you, some of these things are in the eyes of the beholder, so you're going to have to watch yourself on these. Given certain actions should and shouldn't be taken, but I'll leave this up to you to decide. Are any of these things right? Are any of these things wrong? And why so?



Tasered Florida student now a Web star

By The Miami Herald

ANDREW STANFILL / AP

University of Florida student Andrew Meyer speaks with university police after being removed from a forum where Sen. John Kerry was speaking in Gainesville, Fla., on Monday.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Add this to the lexicon of American democracy: "Don't Tase me, bro. Don't Tase me."

Andrew Meyer, the University of Florida student who tested the limits of free speech during an address by Sen. John Kerry, walked out of jail Tuesday and into cyberspace history, and instant, if likely fleeting, celebrity.

Video clips of his fracas with university police officers flashed around the world, viewed more than 400,000 times. Tens of thousands of people debated the issue on Web sites. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Amnesty International USA rose to his support.

The degree to which Meyer, 21, was a nuisance or an opportunistic prankster — and the magnitude of the police response — stood at the center of the worldwide web of discussion as he left jail, was hugged by his father and drove away in his lawyer's SUV.

Meyer, a senior telecommunications major, has a Web site featuring several homemade videos. In one, he stands in a street with a sign that says "Harry Dies" after the latest Harry Potter book was released. In another, he acts like a drunk in a bar while trying to pick up a man dressed in drag.

UF President J. Bernard Machen described the event as "regretful" and said two officers in the incident were placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

As the forum with Kerry was ending Monday, the Massachusetts Democrat agreed to answer a question from Meyer even though the Q&A period was supposed to be over.

Meyer launched into a lengthy series of questions and amounted to this: Why did Kerry concede the 2004 presidential election? Why not impeach President Bush? Was Kerry a member of the same secretive society at Yale University as Bush?

Reminded he was to ask only one question, Meyer said: "He's talked for two hours. I think I can have two minutes."

Meyer's microphone was cut off as six police officers attempted to remove him.

During the fray, Meyer uttered the words that will live forever in the memories of millions of ... computers:

"Don't Tase me, bro. Don't Tase me."
Followed by:

"I didn't do anything. Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow!"

Kerry, meanwhile, came under criticism from people who thought he should have done more to take control of the situation and cool tensions.

During the encounter, Kerry can be heard saying: "That's all right, let me answer his question." A little later, he offers again to answer Meyer's "very important question."

Material from The Associated Press is included in this report.

The Case of the Jena 6

Last fall, when two Black high school students sat under the "white" tree on their campus, white students responded by hanging nooses from the tree. When Black students protested the light punishment for the students who hung the nooses, District Attorney Reed Walters came to the school and told the students he could "take [their] lives away with a stroke of [his] pen." Racial tension continued to mount in Jena, and the District Attorney did nothing in response to several egregious cases of violence and threats against black students. But when a white student--who had been a vocal supporter of the students who hung the nooses--taunted a black student, allegedly called several black students "nigger", and was beaten up by black students, six black students were charged with second-degree attempted murder. Last month, the first young man to be tried, Mychal Bell, was convicted. He faces up to 22 years in prison for a school fight.

check out more at "freethejena6.org"
Jena 6

Some quotes

"there is nothing new in the world except the history you do not know." Harry Truman

"it takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan." Eleanor Roosevelt

"A wise man should have money in his head. but not in his heart." Jonathan Swift

"Only put off until tomorrow what youare willing to die having left undone" Pablo Picasso

Armin vs. Jeremi.

Haha!

kicks.

Take your mind off from the newest collaborations of shoes from huge corporations with so and so's. There is this guy, Blake Mycoskie that designed some really simple looking shoes. They are inspired by a traditional Argentine style and simply serves the purpose of shoes. The best part about these shoes are that every pair that is purchased, a pair is given to a child in a third world country. We constantly come up with excuses for not helping others but we can buy a pair of shoes for $100, I for one am one of those people that has spent a ridiculous amount of money on shoes. These shoes come in a variety of materials and they have different styles for different seasons but i feel the basic looking ones are the best, the prices ranges from $38-$78. For the next few weeks, every pair of shoes purchased, a brand new pair will be given to a child in South Africa on our behalf.
http://tomsshoes.com/Default.aspx

Check it out yall. The art of Camille Rose Garcia.

Give some love to growing artists by viewing and thinking about their paintings, I know paintings are ridiculously expensive but that does not mean that we can not give some of out time to support and acknowledge to their work. Till the 23rd of September 2007, San Jose Museum of Art is holding an exhibition for Camille Rose Garcia. She is a growing underground artist based out of Los Angeles and this is her first exhibition. I'd describe her paintings as a dark psychedelic trip with beautifully matched shades of colors. They have a very distinct style and a very nice composition, especially the use of animals and random human figures. Anyway, there is only about a week left to check out this exhibition, so if you can find some time in your life; put it to good use and check out what others in this world have to show us. Garcia is no where near a novice painter or anything, it is just an eye opening exhibition since she came from an underground art background to having her art displayed in a museum where others out of the typical genre will see. EXHIBITION ENDS ON THE 23rd OF SEPT.
Check it out> http://www.sjmusart.org/content/exhibitions/current/exhibition_info.phtml?itemID=328

Argument Hour: Zeitgeist

Be educated. Sometimes easier said than done. But as of right now, I beg, I beg, I beg, that you keep informed. Do your own research, and figure out things for yourself.

Here is my point. Zeitgeist is meant to open eyes, and provoke thought. So think. Although there are many truths, think of different ways things can be misconstrued. And do your own research. Personally, I have only partially watched the movie, due to time constraints and so forth, but due to my religious affiliation I was forced to monitor and re-evaluate some of the things expressed in part 1 of the film. I am not doubting or putting down the movie, but once again, I beg you to keep on your toes.




Now, I am not saying that this kid has any proof either, but I am saying, he could be telling the truth. Just like the people in this film could be doing the same. Take in knowledge but do it cautiously. Statistics are a good example, of why you should be wary. Furthermore, take the example of those 9/11 bulletins, stating all this adds up to 911, or whatever, it was completely false. Be aware people, stay informed, be educated. Also, think of it in reverse, maybe the bible was not influenced by these constellations, but perhaps the constellations and the zodiac was influenced by the bible. As for Zeitgeist, I'll reserve judgement for a later date.

Parts 2 & 3:
I am not going to deny part 2. I believe our government did have a lot to do behind the 9/11 attacks. But why, is what I guess is the question. Just look at what the Bush family in itself had to gain from them. Increase in the price of shares for the companies they held stock in as well as greater power through the patriot act. But thing is, how did any of this happen. Money and greed. That's what we need to fight against. It's horrible that people can think they need that much money and care only of themselves. But nonetheless it happens. In part three, they talk about the depression, but it was cause by more than just the failure of banks. Yes it was caused by everyone withdrawing their money, and banks having no reserves to back loans, and what not. But once again there are other contributing factors, perhaps deeper than Morgan's contribution. But yet again. STAY INFORMED! DO NOT, TAKE WHAT I AM SAYING AS TRUTH! But take it as a reminder that there is always much more happening.

I guess in light of this I'll pose a question, to what extent do you believe that ignorance is bliss?

Events

So we want to keep you all updated on upcoming events so here are some shows

O.C.

Insurgent Verses: Hip-Hop, Reggae & Spoken Word
@ Knitting Factory
Friday September 28th
9:00P.M.

Atmosphere w/ Luckyiam
@ The Music Box at Fonda
Tuesday October 2nd
7:00P.M.

The Magnificents ft. Rahzel and MC Supernatural
@ The Knitting Factory
Tuesday October 2nd
9:00P.M.

Dwele
@B.B. King's Blues Club
Saturday October 6th
8:00P.M. & 11:00P.M.

Aesop Rock
@ The Music Box at Fonda
Friday October 12th
8:00P.M.

Q-Tip
@ Key Club
Sunday October 14th
8:00P.M.

Jill Scott
@House of Blues
October 16th, 17th & 18th
8:00P.M.

Bay Area

Crown City Rockers
@ Independent
Friday September 21st
9:00P.M.

Del Tha Funky Homosapien
@ Catalyst
Saturday September 22nd
8:00P.M.

Casual & Pep Love
@ Last Day Saloon
Friday September 28th
9:30P.M.

Dead Prez ft. Wale
@ Mezzanine
Sunday September 30th
9:00P.M.

Atmosphere ft. Luckyiam
@ Catalyst
Saturday October 6th
8:00P.M.

Aesop Rock
@ Fillmore
Wednesday October 10th
8:00P.M.

Don't forget to check out:
"Love the Life You Live" Brought to you by Naytron

Meteorite causes strange illness in Peruvian Village

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070918/sc_afp/peruhealthoffbeat

LIMA (AFP) - Villagers in southern Peru were struck by a mysterious illness after a meteorite made a fiery crash to Earth in their area, regional authorities said Monday.

Around midday Saturday, villagers were startled by an explosion and a fireball that many were convinced was an airplane crashing near their remote village, located in the high Andes department of Puno in the Desaguadero region, near the border with Bolivia.

Residents complained of headaches and vomiting brought on by a "strange odor," local health department official Jorge Lopez told Peruvian radio RPP.

Seven policemen who went to check on the reports also became ill and had to be given oxygen before being hospitalized, Lopez said.

Rescue teams and experts were dispatched to the scene, where the meteorite left a 100-foot-wide (30-meter-wide) and 20-foot-deep (six-meter-deep) crater, said local official Marco Limache.

"Boiling water started coming out of the crater and particles of rock and cinders were found nearby. Residents are very concerned," he said.

And another one...

I just wanna say Happy Birthday to the homie Peter ''P-Tray'' Tsan turning twenty-one today. If you see him on the streets buy him a shot or somethin'. Peter, prepared to get shitfaced drunk tonight.

Events

"Love The Life You Live"
Presented by Milpitas Sports Center & NayTron


Price:
$5 Camera's are FREE

Date:
October 6th
3pm-10pm (Competition Begins @ 5)
Registration First 16 Crews @ Door


3 on 3 All Styles Battle for $300
(Get Creative)

Judges:
Bionic (Machine Gone Funk/Soul Sector)
Jardy (Soul Sector)
Tommy Gunz (Renegades)

Host:
Mikey Disko
NayTron

Performances by:
Soul Sector
Renegades
Head Hunters
Son of Ran and Lion Meadows of Pnoy Apparel
Ruby Lynn Abalos Dedication (9/27/1986-3/17/2007)

Dj's:
Dj Duece Ace (Jimi Handtrix)
Dj Soulo (One Cypher/Groov Mekanex/Ds Players)
and others TBA

Vendors:
Inner Circle Clothing
Emortal
Pnoy Apparel

Location:
Milpitas Sports Center (Gym)
1325 E. Calaveras Blvd.
Milpitas CA
(408)586-3296


___________________________________________________________
It's gonna be a celebration yall... This event is dedicated to my sister Ruby Lynn Abalos (9/27/1986 - 3/17/2007) Rest in Paradise!

SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY OCTOBER 6TH 2007! SPREAD THE WORD PLEASE... Copy paste, you know the dealio...

NayTron
Renegades.SoulSector.DanceFormers

Check this out too..

Argument Hour: Music - Critique

Don't ask why I'm posting this freakin early. But I saw a few things that I think I need to address.

Topic # 1 - Brittney Performance

Performance

Although, I have to admit, that the woman put on a pretty bad performance compared to the Brittney we once knew. We have to consider the circumstances. For one, how many of you would actually be able to perform on such a big platform. Not only that, but also performing knowing that everyone, not only just in the room, but around the world at this point thinks you're an idiot. It took courage to do what Brittney did, to get out on that stage after all this drama in her personal life and try to reprove her competence to a nation. I think Brittney saw the way her life is heading, realized that it wasn't good for her and she's turning herself around. It's not easy being a star sometimes. Yes there's money and fame, but there's also a nation full of people that can love or hate you at the drop of the dime. Don't let tabloids and all that bull shit take over your brain. Try and see the bigger picture.

This is for the pessimists. At times however, Brittney did at times seem like she was a bit high or perhaps drunk, shoot it's Vegas. Haha

Topic #2 - Graduation

I'm talking about Kanye. There's one thing that I love about Kanye's CDs. It's that for a good minute, you'll catch yourself saying one of his lines. Not that you're even singing. But you're thinking, "Damn, how did he come up with that?" Take some of the lines from Drunk and Hot Girls, or Everything I Am. Kanye has definitely grown since his debut album. The topics are still hilarious, but he has some joints that are real chill and meaningful. It's like Kanye's version of Mos Def's True Magic. I mean it's not comparable because they got different styles, but I'm talking meaning wise. A short CD but definitely a joint to pick up.

Argument Hour: The American Dream

People come to America to try and fulfill the American Dream. From this country or that country, they all come in hopes of achieving, fame, wealth or just something better than what they had, wherever they came from. Last night, I had one of the weirdest, but most enlightening conversations. And after all this, I challenge you, to just meet one new person, every week, every month, whatever, just on occasion. You never really know what they've been through. And it's always nice to see what people have done to get where they are.

Almost every morning for the past couple weeks, I wake up in my room, and someone walks through. Not necessarily a roommate rather a house mate. Thing is, that the door to his room is in my room. That's just the way it's set up at Cong's place. He stays in this musty room padded with noise proof mats and cork board, which is basically a dining room converted into an extra bedroom. Nevertheless, I wake up, and he walks through. Quick and indifferent good mornings or what time is its are exchanged, and then we go about our daily business. He wakes up at 8 every morning, heads out to work or wherever he goes, and usually doesn't come back home until at least 12. But up until last night, I had no clue who this man was. We didn't share a common language, and we didn't exchange background stories. He was just a person, who lived in the next room. I was oblivious to that fact that this man had any life of his own. Why was he living in this makeshift room in Westminster? Does he have a family? How old is he? But all these questions were answered last night.

Cong and I were playing games on the 360, after a bowl of pho, and he comes in. His room is at the other end of the house, but he heads toward the bathroom. He comes out and speaks to Cong in Vietnamese for a bit, and turns to me and asks if I like to drink beer and if I do what kind. And I mean, I do, so I said yeah and that basically I'll drink anything. Where in turn, he looks at Cong, gives him money and tells him to go buy some Budweiser. It's free beer so we go, and along the way discuss the awkward situation which is about to occur. Not only is there a verbal barrier, but there is also the cultural, and age barrier in play here. I get a little background, basically that he used to hang out with Cong's brother when he was still living here, he's moving out and he works at a restaurant, but that was the extent of our knowledge.

We head back, and there he was, waiting on the beer. Unsure about how to approach the situation, knowing that he wanted to hang out, Cong and I just head inside. Started up the game again, and let him settle down with his can of Bud. He hands me one and the story telling begins. We learn that he came out to California, from Dallas, one of America's top 3 little Saigon's, to work. His Dad is here and other than that he is basically in America by himself. He shares his stories, of where he works, and what his experience is like. And basically, this man is caught in the middle of the American Dream. He came to America at a reasonably young age, in hopes to make something better for himself. He works ten hours, seven days a week, in a Chinese restaurant 45 minutes from here. And basically other than Cong's brother who he no longer talks to, and his dad who has to be at least 70, he has no real human interaction. He explains, the loneliness of working 70 hour work weeks, in a environment full of Spanish speaking cooks and Chinese speaking wait staff. The despair of being away from his wife and kids for so long. And the aspirations of a better future, he hopes to find here in America. He then explains to me how he tried to talk to me, despite the language barrier, asking the time and what not that it was nice talking to us, then thanks us for being such kind listeners and heads off to bed. A whole new perspective on life opened up there. The person living 5 feet away from me in the other room, is just a man caught in a dream.

Open your mind, open your eyes.. the revolution will not be televised

www.zeitgeistmovie.com
Take 2 hours away from your T.V. or Myspace and watch this movie. It's called Zeitgeist and it's a must see. The movie is about historical perceptions of religion, the U.S. and the world. Watch it and come up with your own opinion.

Anyways, today is Hump day and I'm still sore from the adventure in Santa Cruz on Monday. If I could setup a treehouse in the forest and just live there forever, I think I'd do that. But alas, it's not so simple. I need to find a new job soon as I'm getting laid off from work. But I'd like to take some time off and work on some stuff I've been meaning to work on but been putting it off for way too long. We'll see what happens.

Sage Francis at Slims tomorrow!

Thoughts: East Coast Tip

It's a trip out here, you really got to check it out. Musically, mentally, just everything I guess. Check out this line-up

Mos, Talib, & Common (08/26)
Heroes Stars (08/28)
Ozomatli (08/29)
Kanye West (09/11)

and that's just the ones I knew about. In fact, I didn't even know about the Mos, show until I talked to people standing in line for it. Also, this isn't including the countless number of broadway shows, and comedy acts you can see on a daily basis out here.

But definately, it is a must do, once in your life, you got to get out on this east coast tip. Immerse yourself and ride the subway, hit up, manhattan, the bronx, brooklyn. Or just go wherever you want. Screw those bus tours, and tourist traps, get lost and find your way back. Life in motion. It's definately a big change from California living. From the extreme tempertatures, to the public transportation, there's no way you can experience this kind of lifestyle anywhere on the west coast. No doubt, Cali is home, and I got that love for days, but it's a trip seeing a good amount of people walking around at any hour of the day. I can remember my longest day here, up for almost 24 hours straight, talking to some spanish florist on the corner near NYU, trying to hit up the subway to harlem. Definately, not your daily lifestyle.

But this was my challenge for anyone, that I dreamt up last night. Step out of your norm for a bit. B.T. inspired this one. Turn your phone off for a day, don't answer anything and get outside, immerse yourself wherever you are. I realized that it's part of being in routine, and we need to bust out of it. So do something completely different, if it feels normal, stop and do something else.

Enjoy Ya'll.. back in the West Monday!