Unarmed Youth Shot by Police Caught on Three Separate Videos

This afternoon as I was browsing the Internet when I came across a story about a protest march in Oakland that became violent; one hundred people were arrested. I was shocked and confused as to how I missed this on the morning news. Surely this would have received some mention; perhaps not on the regurgitated local news but some national coverage. I watched the morning news but perhaps I missed it refilling my coffee cup. I just finished searching for some kernel, some mention, of what transpired on my local stations and there is nothing.

On New Year's day Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old supermarket worker, was fatally shot in the back while unarmed and handcuffed on the ground on a BART station platform. There are three separate videos of the shooting; the first confiscated by BART police, the second uncovered by the local news, and finally a third perspective that surfaced days after the murder of Oscar Grant.

I am deeply troubled and disturbed by how this tragedy has not received more coverage by news outlets, including CNN. I was inundated with information regarding the slaying of 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos, which was the catalyst for the riots throughout Greece. I even mentioned the slain youth in a previous post.

How is this travesty not more newsworthy? How many hours of coverage did Caylee Anthony receive from national and local outlets? I've seen that cretin Anne Coulter plastered on the news with her latest "PR" stunt for the past 36 hours.

Damn, I feel like I was just sucker punched.

Ave of the Arts, Philadelphia Pa

Ave of the Arts, Philadelphia Pa from ALMFII on Vimeo.

I received the new Vado HD camera in time for Christmas. Here is some test footage of the night I received it, I am such a geek. I hope to get some great Christmas footage.

An amazing talent - Paul Dateh

Slumdog Millionaire is a Winner

Slumdog Millionaire is a winner; it is story telling at its best, easily one of best films of 2008. The story is heroic, romantic, tragic, but also one of conquest. The cast is outstanding; I can't recall when I have seen such incredible child actors. The story spans approximately 15 years and the main characters are played by two to three children representing various ages.

The story is clever and quick paced; there were occasions that I literally slid to the edge of my seat in anticipation. The film also provides a view into the caste system still prevalent in India's culture. It is such an important film to see, it is the triumph of the human spirit against insurmountable odds.

A standout in the phenomenal caste is the Freida Pinto, her beauty is ethereal. I found myself thinking that she has to be one of the most beautiful women in the world. Her role was far from glamorous but her natural beauty could not be subdued which also is a core element of the story.

Did I mention that this is based on a true story? Take your Lover, your parent, your best friend, but you must see this movie.

Muslim arrested over scarf

Shoe Thrower Gathers Support

The Baghdad reporter Muntadhar al-Zaidi, now famous for throwing his shoes at President Bush in an attempt to humilate him, is garnering support throughout the world. He yelled "This is your farewell kiss, you dog!" to Bush as he took aim at the President. Throughout the Arab world protestors have taken to the streets and airways demanding al-Zaidi's release.

His supporters are not limited to the Arab world. Bush is vilified throughout the modern world for his actions, policies and invasion of Iraq. In March of 2007 I was in Rio de Janiero when protesters threw rocks and bottles at his limo and demonstrated in the streets where ever he spoke. Riot police were the only thing that keep the protesters from their intended target.

The symbolism of throwing the shoes is now being lost as it has become a joke and ammunition for late night comedians. al-Zaidi's intent was to bring to the forefront the tens of thousands of Iraqis that have died in Bush's war.

I read a terrific article this morning, check it out: http://riverscrap.typepad.com/home/2008/12/iraqi-shoethrower-steals-limelight-from-suicide-bombers.

X Factor 2008 FINAL: Alexandra Burke - Hallelujah

This is one of my favorite songs and only the second time I heard Alexandra sing. I am unfamiliar with her competition to be honest, but nevertheless she is the Winner!

A Jihad for Love (2007) - Parvez Sharma

A Jihad for Love (2007)

In a time, when Islam is under tremendous attack-from within and without-'A Jihadfor Love' is a daring documentary-filmed in twelve countries and nine languages. Muslim gay filmmaker Parvez Sharma has gone where the silence is strongest, filming with great risk in nations where government permission to make this film was not an option. A Jihad for Love is the first-ever feature-length documentary to explore the complex global intersections of Islam and homosexuality. With unprecedented access and depth, Sharma brings to light the hidden lives of gay and lesbian Muslims from countries like Iran, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, France, India, and South Africa. The majority of gay and lesbian Muslims must travel a lonely and often dangerous road. In many nations with a Muslim majority, laws based on Quranic interpretations are enforced by authorities to monitor, entrap, imprison, torture and even execute homosexuals. Even for those who migrate to Europe or North America and adopt Western personae of "gay," the relative freedoms of new homelands are mitigated by persistent racial profiling and intensified state surveillance after the terrorist attacks in New York, London and Madrid. As a result, many gay and lesbian Muslims end up renouncing their religion. But the real-life characters of A Jihad for Love aren't willing to abandon a faith they cherish despite its flaws. Instead, they struggle to reconcile their ardent belief with the innate reality of their being. The international chorus of gay and lesbian Muslims brought together by A Jihad for Love doesn't seek to vilify or reject Islam, but rather negotiate a new relationship to it. In doing so, the film's extraordinary characters point the way for all Muslims to move beyond the hostile, war-torn present, toward a more hopeful future. As one can imagine, it was a difficult decision for the subjects to participate in the film due to the violence they could face. However, those who have come forward to tell their stories feel this film is too important for 1.4 billion Muslims and non-Muslims around the world for them to say no. They are willing to take the risk in their quest to lay equal claim to their profoundly held faith. "A Jihad for Love' is produced by Sandi DuBowski (Director of Trembling Before G-d) in association with ZZDF-Arte Channel 4, and LOGO.

Les personnes que Parvez Sharma présente dans son film documentaire sont des musulmans croyants et ils sont gays. Dans la plupart de leurs pays d’origine, ils font de ce fait partie d’une minorité opprimée, une minorité dont on ne parle pas, victime de persécutions et d’humiliations, exclue de la vie publique.

Original languages:(English Arabic Hindi Persian Urdu French) hardsubbed with French. TV ripped from Arte "the intellectual" TV channel in France.

http://www.foriegnmoviesddl.com/2008/12/jihad-for-love-2007-parvez-sharma.html

http://rapidshare.com/files/173334926/JHL.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/173339002/JHL.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/173343290/JHL.part3.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/173347350/JHL.part4.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/173351378/JHL.part5.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/173359649/JHL.part6.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/173359928/JHL.part7.rar

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=R5TSR3JZ
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=U44O5E6F
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=C3EXK3ZH
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=VZK4QYMW
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2FEC3COZ
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UAZPA68W
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BZ470S1K

password:accatone

"This is your farewell kiss, you dog!"

808s & Heartbreak - Pure Brilliance!

Amazon gave me a five dollar digital gift certificate for my latest purchases. I am not in the habit of buying MP3 albums, I prefer to have the physical CD. However when I saw Kanye's 808s & Heartbreak on sale for $8.99 I could not pass it up. The album is pure brilliance, Kanye West is truly gifted as an artist and producer.

Each songs emotes such pain, desolation, isolation, or loneliness and the simplicity of the production only enhances each track. I am not a fan of the vocoder and whenever I am exposed to him, I want to punch T-Pain in the throat. Kanye uses the vocoder not so much as a gimmick but as a production tool.

After listening to it a few times I found myself feeling pretty damn good about having true friends, family, and love. It is a great CD but be prepared it is hypnotic, cathartic, and dark.

Model - Dave Seepersad

Handsome Dave Seepersad is a beauty of East Indian descent, standing at 6 feet tall. He is relatively new to modeling and interested in working with other professionals for the sake of Art. What a stunning man and flawless complexion, simply gorgeous.

BANNED Pres. Bush Interview

This is a video, found by albelnox33175, of an Irish TV interview with President Bush. This interview was not shown on American television, you'll see why.

I just saw it on CNN.com: Ancient cannabis stash unearthed in China

(CNN) -- An ancient race that lived 2,700 years ago in the Gobi Desert may have been among the first to use cannabis for medical or religious purposes.

Researchers believe an ancient Gushi shaman may have consumed or burned pot for medical or religious purposes.

Nearly two pounds of the plant was found stashed in the tomb of a Gushi shaman. It was high in the chemical compounds that provide its psychoactive properties.
"It had evidence of the chemical attributes of cannabis used as a drug," said Dr. Ethan Russo, an author of a study published in the Journal of Experimental Botany. "It could have been for pain control. It could have been for other medicinal properties. It could have been used as an aid to divination."

Albuquerque police want ad - 'snitches' wanted

In a time of economic recession, desperation, and anxiety a want ad appeared in a local Albuquerque newspaper. Snitches wanted, both previous arrest records and drug use were acceptable.

I have two problems with this tactic, the first being the use of the word 'snitch" in the advertisement. "Police Informant" would be my preference, call them what they are, not an accepted slang term for the ignorant masses. Citizens that refuse to accept violent crime, gang violence, drug dealing on the streets, and criminal retaliation are not "snitches". They are common sensed individuals who take a stand for the communities even though they are often targeted by the criminal elements.

My other problem is by endorsing the concept of "snitch" and paying for information, how credible is it? I have respect for neighborhood activist that try and make their communities a safer place for the elderly, women, and children. I am ambivalent towards anyone that would sell out another for a price and not a moral of ethical code. However it is the sum result that matters.
Too often screams in the night are accompanied by individuals turning down their televisions and turning off the lights while they peep from their windows. How many families must we see pleading on the evening news for someone to step forth, someone who could have perhaps saved a life by dialing "911". If more of us would respond to the cries of help, that are too often ignored, we would not be seeking as many witnesses to murder, rape, and homicide. Crime is only tolerated by criminals and the disenfranchised.

There is a segment of popular culture that promotes "don't be a snitch". While they may influence a segment of the younger unwashed masses, they do not influence their parents or grandparents. Many of these people are victims of fear, first and foremost, others simply accept the status qua and feel powerless to change it.


With the election of President-Elect Barack Obama countless millions believe that their voice was heard. For once their vote counted and change was the result. Lets take that empowerment and change the world in which we live. Crime can only run rampant if we allow it to do so.

Vado HD output - SengKang Drift Meet on 6th Dec 2008

VadoHD - High Definition RC Drifting from Blackmanta7117 on Vimeo.

This drifiting competittion is filmed with the Vado HD pocket camera, check it out