This is a clip from one of Chris Rock's fabulous stand-up shows. Here he talks about the war in Iraq, Al Quaeda and how the media uses celebrity stories to distract us from more important issues. Brilliant as always! There's more little goodies from Chris Rock on YouTube.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Chris Rock on the War on Terror
This is a clip from one of Chris Rock's fabulous stand-up shows. Here he talks about the war in Iraq, Al Quaeda and how the media uses celebrity stories to distract us from more important issues. Brilliant as always! There's more little goodies from Chris Rock on YouTube.
Bill Moyers Journal - Jon Stewart
Click to view video.The entire interview is available online. The conversation between these two is so rich and eloquent, you'll wish Bill Moyers was on TV every night.
George Tenet on 60 Minutes
Click to view video.This one's pretty fascinating. Former head of the CIA George Tenet finally breaks his silence about 9/11, Tora Bora, Osama, torture, talking points, the Plame case and Iraq. While it's always interesting to get the "inside story", I'm almost more taken by his manner. I didn't expect George Freakin' Tenet to be such a hot-blooded Queens boy. The interview definitely gets a little heated. You'll have to judge for yourselves as to what may or may not be true.
UPDATE: There also appears to be an open letter to Tenet from former CIA officials.
Taxi to the Dark Side
This is the trailer for a new documentary by the creators of "Enron: the Smartest Guys in the Room" (which ruled!). "Taxi to the Dark Side" is a murder mystery about an Afghan taxi driver who died from injuries inflicted by US soldiers, and takes a look at the US policy on torture and conditions at Guantanamo. Looks all kinds of awesome.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Do Schools Kill Creativity?
Here's another great lecture from the TED conference. Sir Ken Robinson discussed the possibility of revolutionizing the education system and whether the present system might be eroding away the most vital pieces of human nature. It's actually really rather entertaining, delightful and thought-provoking. You'll like it.
Real Time with Bill Maher
Click to view video.His New Rules this week touched on everything from mustard bottles and K-fed to G Dubbya's sanity.
Click to view video.And below is a clip that was recorded after last week's show (4/20/07). They took questions from viewers and discussed the environment, fuel alternatives, the media and marijuana legalization.
Click to view video.UPDATE: Just found one more clip from the recent episode. This is an interview with David Inglesias (R-NM), one of the eight fired US Attorneys at the center of the Gonzales scandal.
Click to view video.Bill Moyers - Buying the War
Click to view video.The great Bill Moyers has a new series on PBS that closely analyzes the role of the media in selling the Iraq War to the American public. You can watch the whole thing right on their website. As always, Moyers' work is insightful, intelligent, well-researched and responsible. You wanna know how to be a great reporter? Study Bill Moyers!
Dismantling the Propaganda
Click to view video.Countdown - Giuliani's Fearmongering
Click to view video.Keith Olberman reams Rudy Giuliani a new one in this clip from Countdown. This is really freakin' gorgeous. A must watch.
Jim Henson's IBM Training Video
Click to view video.This little bit dates back to 1967 and features an early incarnation of Cookie Monster.
Hans Richter - "Ghosts Before Breakfast"
Seriously trippy early masterpiece of stop motion film, made in 1927. The original sound version of the film was destroyed by the Nazis, so it stands as a silent film today.
Get Your Cake On
Strawberry Shortcake and friends get their freak on to a techno remix of Missy Elliot's classic.
Eddie Vedder - "Masters of War"
Here's another gem from the Bob Dylan Anniversary Concert in '92. Every word of this song is STILL relevant today.
My New Favorite Politician
Meet Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski (D). This mild-looking man did the coolest thing last week. In an effort to raise awareness about how difficult it is for those living under the poverty line to survive on the $21 a week food budget, Gov. Ted and his wife took a weeklong challenge to live on food stamps. Call up your governors and ask them to do the same!Project 155 - My Left Eye
To celebrate the Buenos Aires Independent Film Festival, five filmmakers were given the same script and asked to make a short film. These are there results, side-by-side, each one entirely unique.
Big Mama Thornton - "Hound Dog"
So superfly you'll never be able to enjoy Elvis's cover of this song ever again.
The Blame Game
Jon Stewart takes a look at how the media handled the Virginia Tech Massacre.
This is precisely why I refused to turn on my TV during the whole thing. I just can't stomach another one of these media feeding frenzies. Pundits love the sound of their own voices, but can't ever keep track of the bullcrap that comes tumbling out. All that thoughtless, insensitive lunacy is enough to make you want to hurl a television set at Sean Hannity's face.
The Case of the DC Madam
Click to view video.Surprise surprise... There's another sex scandal in the Bush White House.
This one involves a DC Madam and a list of thousands of clients, including the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Randall Tobias. Tobias admitted to frequenting the escort service. According to ABC's Brian Ross, "he said it was like ordering pizza.”
Bush sure hires some quality-ass people, don't he? At least the Madam is a bit of a shit-kicker. She's ready to take this thing to trial and start naming names. WOOO-HOOOO!!!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Senator Gravel - Badass Candidate
Click to view video.The first debates were held tonight to see who will win the nomination for Democratic Presidential Candidate. I've never seen Senator Gravel in action before, so this was a treat. Dude's pretty fuckin' badass...
UPDATE: Here's a clip with all of Sen. Gravel's best moments from the debates. I am so lovin' this guy! He's such a breath of fresh air.
Paying Tribute
Click to view video.Since we're talking about the troops, check out this clip from Fox News (of all places), of a funeral for one of the fallen. As Shepard Smith reflected,
They don’t allow us to see the victims — uh, heroes who died for us in Iraq. We don’t get to see their caskets come back. It’s a wonderful honor to be able to pay tribute to this man in this way. Wouldn’t it be nice if we were able to do this with the hundreds upon hundreds who have died for us in Iraq?Indeed, wouldn't we all have a much different experience of the war, if each of the thousands and thousands of soldiers who gave their lives for us, were so properly honored?
A Word from Military Families
Click to view video.This one is a little heartbreaking. During C-SPAN's Washington Journal, the wife of a military officer called in to speak to William Kristol, a staunch war hawk, about what life is really like for the troops and their families.
The people who proclaim the loudest to "support the troops" and "focus on the family" seem to have done the most to harm them.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Top Ten Bush Moments
Click to view video.David Letterman sent an updated version of his Top Ten List to the White House Correspondents Dinner.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Bjork on SNL
"Earth Intruders"
"Wanderlust"
Sunday, April 22, 2007
The Specials - "A Message to You, Rudy"
Performed live on The Old Grey Whistle Test in October of 1979.
(Yes, I am a whore for comments.)
Daily Show - "Mess O'Potamia"
Jon Stewart touches on the latest in Bush fiascos, including the "war czar", the collapse of the Iraqi government, and the administration's most recent fucking of the troops.
Richie Havens - "Just Like a Woman"
Really gorgeous version of the Bob Dylan classic, performed live at the Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary Concert.
Ray Charles, Saxaphone Player
Very rare live performance of an untitled instrumental number, from Brazil in 1963.
Countdown - Bush's Missing Documents
Keith Olberman adds to the list of "missing" documents in the Bush administration.
Patti Smith - "Because the Night"
Performed live on The Old Grey Whistle Test in 1978. This is Patti at her best.
Ewan McGregor - The Hotness
The other night, my ladyfriends and I were huddled around my refrigerator ogling all the good looking men I've got pinned to the front of it. One of the pics is from this scene in the movie Velvet Goldmine. Ewan McGregor plays a character named Kurt Wilde (based on Iggy Pop), and he sings "TV Eye".
Seriously, ladies, Ewan McGregor, covered in honey and glitter, is THE HOTNESS!!
Jolene, Jolene
Dolly Parton performs a live version of her classic song "Jolene" at a concert in London. She's just the cutest, isn't she?
The White Stripes do their version of the song live on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.
Barney Frank on Republican Whining
Click to view video.Congressional Republicans have been trying to kill Democratic-led legislation by slipping in crazy little changes at the last minute. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) calls them on their shit in this clip from the House floor. There is something seriously beautiful about this.
Bill Moyers on Real Time
Click to view video.Bill Moyers tears apart corporate media in an interview with Bill Maher on Real Time.
MOYERS '08!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Beastie Boys - "Sabotage"
Live performance at Madison Square Garden, NYC, in 2004, from the film "Awesome I Fucking Shot That!"
WE WERE THERE, BITCHES!!!!
The Dions of Grey Gardens
Celine Dion's reclusive cousin and aunt talk about their lives at Grey Gardens.
Monday, April 16, 2007
The Gun Markets of Pakistan
Co-founder of Vice Magazine, Suroosh Alvi, takes a very rare inside look at the largest illegal gun market in the world.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
SUPER BAD BRAD!!!
"You'll Never Find", performed in Father Demo Square in NYC.
"Let's Get It On", recorded on the streets of lower Manhattan.
American Blackout
"American Blackout chronicles the recurring patterns of voter disenfranchisement from Florida 2000 to Ohio 2004 while following the story of Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney. Mckinney not only took an active role investigating these election debacles, but has found herself in the middle of her own after publicly questioning the Bush Administration about the 9/11 terrorist attacks."
Full-length documentary, run-time 1.5 hrs.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
George Harrison
"Here Comes the Sun" and "Homeward Bound", with Paul Simon on Saturday Night Live, in 1976.
New Rules - Bring Back the Elite
Click to view video.Crooks & Liars is hosting more video player options here.
The Landlord
Click to view video.This is a short film starring Will Ferrell. It's all kinds of awesome.
"You pay now!!"
Friday, April 13, 2007
Do You See a Pattern Here?
Click to view video.CNN's Jack Cafferty takes a look at a few of the other times the White House has lost emails. Glen Greenwald has the full article on Salon.
Coochie Coochie!!
Charo & the SalSoul Orchestra video for "Dance a Little Bit Closer", filmed on the streets of Las Vegas.
David Bowie - "TVC15"
Performed live on Saturday Night Live, with cross-dressers Joey Arias and Klaus Nomi singing back-up.
Bjork - The Making of "Volta"
Bjork discusses the making of her new album "Volta". I CANNOT WAIT for it to be released!
Kurt Vonnegut - "Breakfast of Champions"
To honor the passing of author Kurt Vonnegut, the 92nd Street Y has posted an audio recording of the first public reading of his classic novel "Breakfast of Champions". It was recorded on May 4th, 1970, three years before the book was published. You can download the podcast or listen right on the site. The clip is just under 12 minutes long. This is a wonderful treat. Don't miss it.UPDATE: PBS is hosting video of an interview Kurt Vonnegut did with David Brancaccio on NOW, in 2005. It's a fabulous and funny conversation about politics, religion, war and history. Vonnegut at his best. Definitely worth watching.
Gladys Knight and the Pips
"Make Me the Woman that You Go Home To", live in 1972. Her voice is just gorgeous in this one.
Jem vs Le Tigre - "Deceptacon"
My favorite cartoon + one of my favorite songs. How happy am I? This rules. Watch it.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Meet the GOP
Jon Stewart takes a look at the Republican front-runners in the 2008 Presidential race.
lolcats
Have you been to "I Can Has Cheezburger" yet?Learn the origins of "I Can Has Cheezeburger" here.
Countdown - Why Just Imus?
Click to view video.The whole Don Imus thing has raised the debate on what can be considered acceptable speech on public airwaves. While Imus has been punished and reprimanded for his remarks, there are still a lot of broadcasters who actively engage in a much harsher form of intentional bigotry, xenophobia and misogyny on a daily basis.
In the video linked above, from last night's Countdown, Keith Olberman and Jesse Jackson discuss the issue of what is to be done to handle offensive speech in broadcasting, from this point on.
Update: Media Matters for America has published a comprehensive list of regular offenders, alongside exact quotes and dates, in their article, "It's Not Just Imus".
R.I.P. Kurt Vonnegut
Click to view video.Kurt Vonnegut, one of America's greatest authors, passed away yesterday, at the age of 84.
Above is a link to an interview he did with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show, on September 13th, 2005, shortly after the Katrina disaster. At the end of the interview he references a list of "Liberal Crap I Never Want to Hear Again".
Vonnegut was a brilliant writer and an amazing character. The world is less interesting without him.
ETA - Here is an updated link to the Daily Show interview.
Break Machine - "Street Dance"
I'm pretty sure this video singlehandedly killed the breakdancing craze of the 1980s.
Al Green - "Livin' for You"
Al Green sings his ass off in this live performance. If this doesn't get you laid, nothing will....
(Take a moment to also admire the sassy scarf he used as a sling for his broken arm.)
The Rapture - "House of Jealous Lovers"
I LOVE this video! It's been around for ages, but every time I see it, I'm floored by how much work went into it. It looks really simple, but it's incredibly labor-intensive. Really excellent and inventive animation.
DIY - Restyle Your T's
How to stencil a T-Shirt.
How to turn your T-Shirt into a camisole.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
The Black Scorpion of Baghdad
Click to view video.Vice Magazine's new online music channel, VBS.TV, is running a seven part documentary about Iraq's only heavy metal band, Black Scorpion. It's a fascinating look at what life is really like for young Iraqis and how things have changed since the start of the invasion. The band members give honest, uncensored opinions that completely debunk everything you hear from corporate media and politicians. And the film crew captured an inside look at the streets of Baghdad and the aftermath of war. Consider this a MUST SEE.
Johnny Cash - "The One on the Right"
As the country gears up for this extended political race, I defer to the great Johnny Cash to set the tone.
Meet the Dems
MoveOn.org hosted a Virtual Town Hall Meeting tonight (which I missed) with all of the Democratic Candidates currently in the race to become the party's presidential nominee. Well, if you're like me, and you didn't tune in to the event, you can still catch the whole thing. The bright minds at MoveOn have archived and organized all of the audio into highlights, a full podcast, and segments for each individual candidate. Tonight's topic was Iraq. There will be two more meetings this summer, on health care and global warming. Questions come from MoveOn members (average people), and each candidate is granted opening and closing statements.
It's a fabulous idea and I am so pleased that they have been able to create a forum, which benefits both the candidates and voters. You get to really listen to their ideas and proposals, without all the fuss you normally have to swallow with corporate media and punditry. Hurray for grassroots politics!!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Attack of the Ukuleles
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain - "Life on Mars"
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain - "The Good, the Bad & the Ugly"
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain - "Smells Like Teen Spirit"
Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra - "Hey Ya"
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain - "You Don't Bring Me Flowers"
Monday, April 9, 2007
Jill Scott - Bow Down, Bitches!!!
She is her most brilliant when she performs live, so, sit back, relax and enjoy the genius of Jill Scott.
"You Got Me", live with The Roots at Dave Chapelle's Block Party in Brooklyn, in 2005.
"Golden", live on Regis & Kelly.
"Good Morning, Heartache", performed with Chris Botti live in LA, in 2005.
"Ain't a Ceiling", a cappella on Def Poetry Jam.
"Nothing Is for Nothing", reading on Def Poetry Jam.
"Summertime", performed live with George Benson.
"Daydreamin'", performed live with Lupe Fiasco on The Late Show with David Letterman.
"You Got Me" (original version), live with The Roots on French TV.
"He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat)", recorded live on tour.
"My Petition", live on The Tavis Smiley Show.
Bush's Shadow Army
Investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill reports on Bush's use of mercenary forces, such as Blackwater, in the occupation of Iraq. Read Scahill's article here. These are your tax dollars at work.
John McCain's trip to Baghdad
Click to view video.60 Minutes traveled with Senator John McCain (R-AZ) on his recent trip to Baghdad. Watch McCain backpeddle on a number of issues, especially the claims he has made about the success of the surge in Iraq. Consider this his Dukakis moment.
Seeing as how he is trailing in the polls and fundraising efforts, I have a feeling he will drop out of the presidential race fairly soon. I almost feel bad for him. On a personal level, he has always come across as a rather affable guy. But politically, he's as conservative as they get. And, frankly, his nearly unconditional support of the Bush administration policies is, well, unforgivable.
The Life of Mammals - Return to the Water
Full 49 min. nature documentary from the BBC, hosted by Sir David Attenborough.
Bjork - "Earth Intruders"
The new Bjork album "Volta" will hit stores on May 7th. But as of today, you can listen to the first single "Earth Intruders" online. Fader Magazine has it embedded on their site, alongside a rather disparaging review. Can't say I agree with them. Give a listen and judge for yourself. The track was produced by Timbaland.Stevie Nicks' Fajita Roundup
Lucy Lawless portrays Stevie Nicks in this skit from Saturday Night Live.
Happy Belated Easter
Hope you're all biting the heads off of bunny rabbits today!
ETA: Commenter Lydia, from the very fabulous Kiss & Make-up, sent over a link to an annual peep crafting contest run in Seattle, WA. Participants submitted everything from peep sculptures to peep clothing. Be sure to check out the gallery. "Borat Peep" is just one example:
Dolly Parton - "Knock Three Times"
Recorded live in 1976, on the Dolly show. Kenny Rogers makes a special appearance. It is the first broadcast of the two of them together.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Daft Punk - "Around the World"
Still the greatest video of all time. So simple, but so fabulous. This was directed by Michel Gondry for the band's 1997 debut album "Homework".
Adjustment
Click to view video. Mixed media short film about the end of a relationship. Wonderfully done.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Handsome Boy Modeling School
This is a 1999 promo video for Handsome Boy Modeling School, one of the best bands in hip-hop. Their rotating line-up of contributing artists is like a who's who in indie music and comedy. Always inventive, witty and soulful. Check out a couple of their videos below.
"The World's Gone Mad"
"Sunshine"
Monty Python in Italian
Don't understand it? Take an Italian lesson, from their very first episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus, first aired in 1969.
Green Eggs and Ham
The refrains from the chorus alone, in this original animation, take the classic story to a whole new level of strangeness. But, for some reason, I have always enjoyed Jesse Jackson's version from Saturday Night Live so much more.
Sorry for the low quality video, but it's all that's available. Can't stand it? Try listening to the audio file. [Warning: Link leads directly to mp3 file.]
Geraldo - "Best Person in the World"
Click to view video.I was reluctant to post the original video, because, well... I really hate Bill O'Reilly. Like, really. Hate. Him. Anyway, this clip from Keith Olberman's show Countdown makes it worthwhile.
Elvis Costello & Chet Baker - "I'm a Fool to Want You"
Recorded live at Ronnie Scott's in 1986. This is just so gorgeous...
Midnight Star - "Midas Touch"
How much crack did we smoke in the 80s? Like, seriously! Do you see what these people are wearing?!?!
Jimi Hendrix - "Crosstown Traffic"
Archival Footage of Jimi Hendrix is spliced together with footage of Manhattan in the 1980s. The city has changed a lot since I was a kid... Anyways, the video is legitimate, and seems to have been produced by the record company long after Jimi passed away.
This one is for Knuckles, my first subscriber! Girlie, you are the bomb!
Haircut 100 - "Love Plus One"
How is it that my favorite song from the 80s also has my favorite video of the 80s...? It doesn't really get much more ridiculous than this. And the song? So lovely... I never get tired of it.
The Pixelator Project
"In an attempt to broaden the scope of MTA's video art series, Pixelator takes video pieces currently on display and diffuses them into a pleasant array of 45 blinking, color-changing squares. Since the project is an anonymous collaboration, the resulting video is almost entirely unplanned and unanticipated, with the original artists helping to create new works of art without any knowledge of their participation.
(Translation: Pixelator turns those ugly, blinding video billboard ads into art.)"
Friday, April 6, 2007
Yer Gonna Eat Yer Babies!!!
I must say, this is a truly fascinating story. It's like looking into the bizarro world. They believe that God is a terrorist, that he is wrathful and hates all humanity, with the sole exception of the Phelps family church. Their message is so twisted and insane it seems at times satanic. But at the same time, most of the family members seem really nice and kinda sweet... It's hard to make sense of how their minds work. And you can't help but feel sorry for them.
Fred Phelps, leader of the church, is another matter. The hate, intolerance, condescension, and - frankly - the sheer lunacy just pours out of his skin. He is considered a prophet by his parish. But, yet, the vast majority of the parish is made up of his heavily controlled children and grandchildren. I can't help but wonder what will become of the church once Fred passes on...
Anyway, go watch it! It's really interesting. All 7 parts are posted below.
T. Rex - Glam Rock Kings
"Jeepster", promo video from 1971.
"Get It On (Bang a Gong)", performed live with Elton John on piano.
"Children of the Revolution", with Elton John on piano and Ringo Starr on drums.
"Let's Dance", from the Marc Bolan Show in 1977, shortly before Marc passed away.
"Groove a Little", from the Marc Bolan Show.
"Hot Love", closing out another episode of the Marc Bolan Show in '77.
Remember: Keep a little Marc in your heart.
PSA - "Clean Up New York"
This is probably the most disturbing commercial in history. It is an actual Public Service Announcement about littering in NYC. And it was directed by none other than David Lynch.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
