Earth Needs Women: Rapper Fights Gendercide With New Video

Jan. 16, 2013 - The selective abortion and murder of more than 200 million unwanted girls is a holocaust that is worldwide.

Rapper Omékongo Dibinga released a touching and powerful music video this week. Titled "It's A Girl," he uses the video to address the horror of killing babies just because they are female. Watch the video below.

Dibinga's video cleverly mixes his heartfelt lyrics and music with outtakes of the "It's A Girl" documentary. The juxtaposition of his anti-abortion message with the chillingly casual first-hand accounts of killing unwanted babies is very effective.

The trend of killing unwanted baby girls is predominantly a "third world" issue, but the horror is not limited to those parts of the planet.

"Recent statistics indicate that gendercide," reports New Europe this month, "meaning the abortion of female foetuses because the family wishes to have a male offspring, is no longer confined only in China and India, but has become a European problem as well, especially in the Balkans."

The description posted with the video says that Dibinga is "a motivational speaker, trilingual poet, CNN contributor, TV talk show host, and rapper who's life's mission is to inspire people all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large." 

"In India, China and many other parts of the world today, girls are killed, aborted and abandoned simply because they are girls," says the video description "The United Nations estimates as many as 200 million girls are missing in the world today because of this so-called 'gendercide'. This documentary film tells the stories of abandoned and trafficked girls, of women who suffer extreme dowry-related violence, of brave mothers fighting to save their daughters' lives, and of other mothers who would kill for a son."  (Read the full description on YouTube.)

  Related:

• "It's A Girl" official movie website
• Fighting The Real 'War On Women' WorldNetDaily
• Alarming rise in abortion of female fetuses in Europe New Europe
• Gendercide proves that abortion can be turned into a weapon against women Telegraph UK
• Why the world is more dangerous with fewer girls The Age (Australia)
• Female Foeticide & Infanticide / India Gendercide Watch
• Gendercide Stings The Economist

Enjoy Christmas In Jail!

You won't need to post bond, so don't worry.

This is just a fun Christmas novelty song, a doo-wop ditty by The Youngsters from the 1950s.

More about the group and their song over at Homeless Patriot.

New Rock Song Celebrates Andrew Breitbart

Oct. 13, 2012 - We all miss the late, great Andrew Breitbart. A couple of our buds over at iOwnTheWorld.com (IOTW) are responsible for a new song about Breitbart.

The song is "Breitbart Is Here," and it's a nice rock tribute to Breitbart.The song was created, produced and recorded by "Irony Curtain" (his nom de blog). IC was spurred to action by "Big Fur Hat" (another pseudonym; they hate real at IOTW). iOwnTheWorld is a very popular website of conservative commentary, incredibly brilliant visuals and some of the most wicked snark and satire on the Internet.

"Big Fur Hat asked me to write a tribute to Andrew Breitbart," wrote IC on his website. "The inspiration was a memorial gathering we attended for him in a little out-of-the-way bar in New York City."

You can hear and download "Breitbart Is Here" for free (no catch, no strings attached, no weirdness here). For the love of Andrew Breitbart, tell all of your friends about it.

Related:

• iOwnTheWorld.com
• It's Big Fur Hat
• Irony Curtain 

R.I.P., Scott McKenzie. Thanks For The Music.

Scott McKenzie - Photo: Ingo Wagner/DPA

August 20, 2012 - Singer Scott McKenzie died on August 18 in Los Angeles. He had been hospitalized for an illness for two weeks before passing away at home. McKenzie is best known for his huge worldwide hit tune, "San Francisco," in 1967.

"San Francisco" (videos and lyrics below) is one of the most beautiful ballads ever. Well, that's my opinion. Yes, it's a "hippy song," and I'm a conservative, but who can really object to wearing flowers in one's hair and celebrating love? Not me.

A statement on a website maintained by friends of McKenzie said this today: "In retirement Scott lived in LA and became a big fan of Facebook where he had many friends in his "Asylum". Scott was in and out of hospital since 2010 after falling ill with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a disease affecting the nervous system. It is thought he may have had a heart attack in early August, 2012. Staff did not want him to leave the hospital, but he wanted to be at home and passed away on 18th August 2012."

It was the innocence of the moment, in that "Summer of Love" in 1967, that I still hold dear. "San Francisco" captured it perfectly.

For those who come to San Francisco 
Summertime will be a love-in there 
In the streets of San Francisco 
Gentle people with flowers in their hair

Sure, the hippy peace movement metastasized into something unpleasant, but at that moment, in 1967, when I was 12 years old, it was still bright and shiny and warm. It seemed to hold such promise. Today, I shed a few tears for Scott and his beautiful spirit. May God take Scott McKenzie into Heaven.
If you're going to San Francisco 
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair 
If you're going to San Francisco 
You're gonna meet some gentle people there

For those who come to San Francisco 
Summertime will be a love-in there 
In the streets of San Francisco 
Gentle people with flowers in their hair

All across the nation such a strange vibration 
People in motion 
There's a whole generation with a new explanation 
People in motion, people in motion

For those who come to San Francisco 
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair 
If you come to San Francisco 
Summertime will be a love-in there

If you come to San Francisco 
Summertime will be a love-in there

Video: Obama Blues by Augie and the Black Tears

Cool new song recently uploaded by some good ol' boys in Texas. They claim that they recorded the song, "Obama Blues," at an "undisclosed, secure location in Texas" by "a few musicians who are fed up and got together to try to make a difference." The snappy song was written by Kevin Kosub.

I like the tune so much that I hope they release another version - with different lyrics - after Obama's defeat in November. Get more info about Augie and the Black Tears at ObamaBluesSong and at their Facebook page.

Better Than Whitney, Hands Down (Updated)

Donna Summer

Listen to this amazing performance of MacArthur Park and try to imagine Whitney Houston attempting it (I can't.) Donna Summer nailed it - time and time again. Sadly, she has not been taken as seriously as she should be, not by many in the United States anyway. Donna Summer has a powerful, magnificent voice even today when she's in her early 60s.

Update, May 18, 2012: Donna Summer died at the age of 63 on May 17, 2012. Please see "Dance Clubs in Heaven Are Playing Donna Summer Songs." 

Some of her songs are silly love songs, as are many great artists' songs, but always sung with vocal perfection. Some of Summer's songs, however, did have gravitas, and plenty of it.

Perhaps the best example of that is her rendition of "MacArthrur Park," which is not an easy number to sing.

Why hasn't Donna Summer been given the same respect by the public as Whitney Houston? I don't know for sure, but my hunch is that Donna was dismissed by many because she was an icon of disco in its early days, when it was too convenient to mock. Donna laughed all the way to bank, of course.

Had timing of Donna Summer's singing career coincided more closely that of Whitney Houston's, I believe that Donna would have been considered the better vocalist by the general public.

The public be damned, however, Summers is highly respected by her peers in the music industry. In fact, she is a 2012 nominee for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

If her knock-out performances of MacArthur Park don't convince you, listen to Donna Summer sing "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" live with only a piano behind her, and no studio trickery.

Post Script: Thanks to the following for their mentions of, and links to,  this post:

• Commenter "selectedcut" at DelphiForums.com
• The Totally Unauthorized Donna Summer Tribute Site

Video: Don Cornelius Interviews Al Sharpton on Soul Train, 1974

Don and wife Victoria Cornelius (zimbio.com)

February 2, 2012 - Sherman Oaks CA - The entertainment world lost another legend. There is sad news today that the legendary Don Cornelius, 75, died this morning of a gunshot wound that might have been self-inflicted.

Cornelius created and then hosted the "Soul Train" TV show for many years, which showcased many popular music acts. Both black and white acts were featured on Soul Train, and many went on to become superstars. As we see in the video below, however, Cornelius was about more than music.

In 1974, singing legend James Brown was a guest and Cornelius chatted with him about the civil rights movement. What Brown said will surprise some of you, and it's worth watching. The real departure from music comes at 2:05 in the video, when Cornelius introduces 19-year old Al Sharpton, "an astounding young brother." This, of course, was many years before Shaprton helped perpetuate the  Tawana Brawley false rape accusations against white police officers.(Story continues after video)


Cornelius and Soul Train quickly became cultural icons and influencers of the music industry, particularly with the young black audience, but many white kids loved the show too. I was one of those white kids, who enjoyed the music and pageantry of Soul Train as much as I enjoyed other shows of the day, such as "American Bandstand" with Dick Clark.

Here is a typical "line dance" segment, one of the most popular features of Soul Train (story continues after video):


Don Cornelius's life took a sad turn in his later years. ABC News notes that in 2008, Cornelius was arrested for felony domestic violence "against his estranged wife, Victoria Avila-Cornelius. In 2009, he plead no contest to one count of “corporal injury resulting in traumatic condition of a spouse,” was put on probation for 36 months, and ordered to pay over $1,000 in fines. She also filed multiple restraining orders against him."

ABC also noted that Quincy Jones said, “Before MTV there was Soul Train, that will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius,” and, “His contributions to television, music and our culture as a whole will never be matched.  My heart goes out to Don’s family and loved ones.”

Check out "The Official Page of Victoria Cornelius" for more news and information.

Related articles

• Don Cornelius, Soul Train Mastermind, Dead in Apparent Suicide (eonline.com)
• Don Cornelius Dies at 75 (theatlanticwire.com)
• David Wild: "Love Train": A Playlist for Don Cornelius & "Soul Train" (huffingtonpost.com)
• New Yorkers React With Shock To Apparent Suicide Of Don Cornelius, Founder Of 'Soul Train' (newyork.cbslocal.com)
• RIP Don Cornelius of Soul Train (dangerousminds.net)

Solar Flare and Electric Piano, a Nice Mix

Here's a cool video of that big solar flare on June 7, 2011. The flare is stunning all by itself, but the piano music that I laid down underneath it creates an almost surreal feeling. The music is "Rocking Horse" by Debbie Wiseman, from her album "Piano and Electric Piano."

Video: Gaddafi Zenga-Zenga Song (With Girl, Without Girl Versions)

February 28, 2011 - One good thing has already come out of the troubles in Libya: A cool video by Noy Alooshe, a 31-year-old Israeli reporter, who took a speech by Colonel Gaddafi and set it to a techno-dance beat. The song's title, "Zenga-Zenga," is a variation of of "zanqa," reports PC Magazine. That's an Arabic word "meaning alleyway that Qaddafi used repeatedly in his speech." Okay, but here's the really fun part: Alooshe first released his version last Wednesday with a insets of a sexy woman dancing. Arab viewers objected and asked him, via YouTube, to make a "no girl" version. He did, and here are both versions....

Everybody Dies But Not Everyone Lives (Superchick Video)

I love this video. The song is "Cross The Line." The group is Superchick. The lead singer is Tricia Brock, who is not only easy on the eyes but is also a great rock vocalist. This song, in the video below, is from their 2008 album "Rock What You Got." The hit song got a second, remixed presentation in the band's 2010 album "Reinvention." Their official bio states that "With their new project Reinvention, Grammy-nominated Superchick goes back to the studio to reinvent their favorite songs. Drawing inspiration from the 100+ TV shows, video games and movies that use their music, Superchick has created a soundtrack album for fast car chases, giant fighting robots, teen romance and bad guys walking in slow motion." You can hear samples of the tracks, including "Rock What You Got," at their website. Superchick originated in Chicago and I've been a fan for a while now. I was surprised to learn only the other day that they call themselves, among other things, a Christian rock band. It makes sense, though, as their songs all have a positive message embedded within. They do this skillfully; none of their songs ever comes off as "preachy." It's just good rock music with strong, life-affirming lyrics. And don't we all want to feel affirmed? I sure do. Tricia says of the band's lyrics, "The songs won't bring you down. But if you are down, [they let] you know that you're not alone." I would add that if you are sitting down, the high-energy music just might make you stand up and dance. Okay, so watch the video below, then watch their "making of" video for a behind the scenes look at how this intriguing video was produced. A good article by Juliana Cashin and Delia Kang at Innervoice describes the unusual genesis of Superchick: Superchick began with a vision God had given Max Hsu, their producer and main songwriter. In the early 90’s, Max was in a band called Church Rhythm. After many concerts, young girls would share how a song they had written about suicide had ministered to them. Max saw the need to start a band that would encourage and inspire young girls who were struggling with feelings of depression and insecurity. Both Max and Dave Ghazarian, another member of Church Rhythm, began writing songs and came up with the name, Superchick. They had not planned to be in the band. When sisters Tricia and Melissa Brock met Max at a concert, he shared the vision with them, and Tricia felt as though this was the opportunity she had been longing for since high school. Full article here... Superchick is: Tricia Brock (lead vocals), Melissa Brock (vocals, guitar), Matt Dally (bass, vocals), Dave Ghazarian (lead guitar, vocals), Max Hsu (keyboards, DJ).

RISE UP, PATRIOTS (Two Great Videos)

Jeremy Hoop is a powerful singer/songwriter, as demonstrated by this song from Tea Party - The Documentary Film. Hoop's website is powerful, too. Watch his "Rise Up" video here, then watch the other video just below it, which is a trailer for "for the upcoming Restoring Honor Rally in Washington DC on 8/28/2010."

Free Pipe Organ Concert June 13, Chicago North Side

This actually sounds like fun. The folks at Epworth United Methodist Church sent this press release. The church is located in the beautiful Edgewater neighborhood on Chicago's northern lakefront, just two short blocks east of the Berwyn CTA Red Line station and one block west of W. Berwyn and N. Sheridan at 5253 N. Kenmore Avenue, Chicago (see map). Inasmuch as it's Friday, I'm feeling too lazy to rewrite it. So here it is, in full, with minimal editing: On Sunday, June 13th, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. the Chicago-Midwest Chapter of the Organ Historical Society members: will perform a recital on the church's historic organ built by the M. P. Moller Organ Company of Hagerstown, Maryland, as their opus 5881. The scheduled performers are Derek Nickels (Chapter President and Church of the Holy Comforter, Kenilworth), Michael Shawgo (First UMC, Oak Park), Mark Sudeith (Chicago State University) and Carl Chadek. The organ was designed by the notable organ architect William H. Barnes, who served as organist at Epworth United Methodist Church from 1910-1924. This is the concluding event of the Chicago-Midwest Chapter's 2009-2010 year. A free-will offering will be accepted for the continuing maintenance of this historic organ. Your contributions in any amount are greatly appreciated. Complementary parking is located behind the 7th Christian Science Reading Room on the northwest corner of Berwyn and Kenmore Avenues. Note: After the show, I suggest you stop into Ollie's Lounge, a quaint and friendly neighborhood joint at 1064 W. Berwyn, between the CTA station and the church.

Amazing Anna Graceman

An amazing songwriter, an amazing vocalist. Anna Graceman is only 10 years old, but she writes with wisdom and talent far beyond her years. You gotta love her. This young genius with a Mona Lisa smile has a very bright future. See Anna's latest, below, then check out her AnnaGraceMusic channel on YouTube. Here's another one I love: Leave a Comment * Conservative T-Shirts * Follow CNB on Twitter * RSS Feed

Raise Your Flag - Autumn Letendre

The official music video for "Raise Your Flag," a song written and performed by Gold Star widow Autumn Letendre. Visit www.thegoldenstarusa.com for more details. Leave a Comment * Conservative T-Shirts * Follow CNB on Twitter * RSS Feed

A Good Halloween Rock Video

The first single from hit album 'Black Holes and Revelations' by Muse. This song is not typical of Muse, really, but it's fun. For great rock videos see Muse's channel on YouTube. Conservative Caps, Shirt and more! Leave a Comment - Chicago News Bench RSS Feed Visit us on Twitter!

Uprising - Music Vid by Muse

From Muse's album "The Resistance," this is one helluva a song to inspire your next storming of City Hall or march on Washington with torches and pitchforks. You can get torches and pitchforks at any Home Depot, you know. More from Muse at their YouTube channel... Conservative Caps, Shirt and more! Leave a Comment - Chicago News Bench RSS Feed Visit us on Twitter!

Autumn Leaves, Miles Davis & Cannonball Adderley

A nice video to listen to while you sip your morning cuppa joe. Conservative Caps, Shirt and more! Leave a Comment - Chicago News Bench RSS Feed Visit us on Twitter!

Songs for the Great Decline

Top Video: The great Ray Davies does a post-Kinks live performance of "Shangri-la," a beautiful, bittersweet song abou the decline and decay of his beloved Britain. It applies to any Western nation today. Listen carefully. Listen with your heart, and with your head. ("Electric Proms" October 28, 2007.) Lower Video: The Moody Blues do "English Sunset," a song of a similar sentiment. The title, of course, alludes a sunset on England, a sharp reminder that the Empire upon which "the sun never sets" is slipping into a long, dark night on its timeline. (Recorded live in 2000, venue unknown.) Conservative Caps, Shirt and more! Leave a Comment - Chicago News Bench RSS Feed Visit us on Twitter!

Video Pick: The Highwayman

Don't git no better'n this: Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson with their musical take on reincarnation. A classic live performance recorded in March, 1990 at Nassau Coliseum, Long Island, New York. (Also see the official music video with nice imagery.)

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Anna Grace Gives Us Hope

Just when you start thinking there is little hope for the future, along comes some kid who surprises and amazes. One of those kids is Anna Grace, a 9-year old musical prodigy who writes and sings some of the most beautiful songs you'll ever hear. You must see and hear her - she and her music are beautiful. Her original song, "Paradise," has wonderful lyrics. First posted on YouTube on August 18, 2009, it already has 84,466 views as of Sept. 22 (9:20 p.m. CDT). I predict another 100,000 views before Halloween. The tune could easily be adapted to country, jazz, techno or rock. I'm hooked. You can see all of her videos here, on YouTube. Conservative Hats & Shirts * Comment * RSS Feed * Twitter