WBKM CREW

http://wbkm.org/

 

I just got back from my local music radio show on internet only WBKM.ORG. Tonight was my, if you put in a lot of effort, and get slammed for no reason, I’ve got your back, show. It’s dedicated to Seven Days.

Song before:It’s All Too Much – The Church Band

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From our small city to the great big world, these are the Sounds Of Burlington. Tonight, I’m going to switch things up a little and start with the next song from Dancing With the Big Guy. This is Devils In Trousers on WBKM, and this is Burlington’s Kind Of Music.

1.) Devils In Trousers – Ninja Custodian
2.) A Different Machine – Elephants of Scotland
3.) The Other Room – Elephants Of Scotland

Last week Seven Days published a review of Elephants Of Scotland’s new album Execute And Breathe. The writer started with the first two paragraphs just saying how horrible progressive rock music is and no one that matters likes it. The rest of the review uses the standard cliched attacks on prog, but really did not give the reader any sense that the writer had solid musical credentials, and did not give the reader a sense of what the album sounded like. In that absence, I will give you that chance tonight. Here is the next song on Execute And Breathe, followed by all the others, then a song to provide some commentary.

4.) Amber Waves – Elephants Of Scotland
5.) TFAY – Elephants Of Scotland
6.) Boxless – Elephants Of Scotland
7.) Endless (Pt 1) – Elephants Of Scotland
8.) Endless (Pt 2) – Elephants Of Scotland
9.) Mousetrap – Elephants Of Scotland
10.) Tha Critic – Ninja Custodian

The Ninja song is dedicated to 7 Days. I love 99.9% of what they do and will not hold this against them, but if I see another review by that critic, I will not read it. I don’t know if you liked hearing the whole Execute And Breathe album, but at least you got a chance to hear it and make your own choice, and not have to take advice from someone who unnecessarily slags bands. I hope you enjoyed checking out the music of our town. Let’s do it again next week, shall we?

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Hey guys, Tim here for one more song. This Fish song reminded me most of what it means to have to endure unnecessary criticism. Good criticism is fine, but the stuff that strays from that ideal is useless. After this song, I have a whole set of songs lined up that flirt with the edges of both pop and prog music and are very popular.

Song after: Raw Meat – Fish

 

You can listen to it here for the next week.

 

https://soundcloud.com/tim-lewis-60/the-sounds-of-burlington-may-29-2014

 

FAREED ZAKARIA, CNN HOST: But first here’s my take. Vladimir Putin might be a 19th century statesman using old fashioned muscle to get his way but this week it has become that China’s president, Xi Jinping, goes one step further, comfortably embracing both the 19th and the 21st century. This also means that the challenge from China is going to be more complex than one the United States has ever faced before.

Let’s start with the 19th century aspect, the huge Sino-Russian natural gas deal signed this week is perfectly understandable in terms of old-fashioned real politics. Beijing has long sought secure energy supplies and it places that vital interest above any desire to punish Russia for its annexation of Crimea or strengthen global norms against aggression. In fact, the Chinese recognize that the Russians facing sanctions were anxious to diversify away from their dependence on European customers and so Beijing probably got a good deal.

While the gas agreement has received all the attention, it’s also worth studying Xi’s future Shanghai, given the same day that the deal was struck. The venue was the gathering of an obscure Asian regional group, the one that includes Turkey, Iran and Russia, and not the United States. His message was that Asians should take care of their own security. Xi presented the Chinese view of the region, which he calls Asia and never the preferred U.S. term Asia Pacific. That term excludes the United States and implies that Washington as an outside power should not play a major role in Asian affairs. But this week, we also saw a new world of great power intrigue. The Justice Department filed former charges against five officials in the Chinese military and detailed the economic espionage that they allegedly have conducted against American companies over the last eight years.

The action is unprecedented, especially since these officials are never going to be arrested and will probably never leave China, and no one believes it will make a difference because the Chinese officials aren’t likely to face any kind of sanction at home. In fact if anything, they might regard being on this list as a badge of honor.

Now some experts believe that the scale of China’s cyber espionage is staggering. Quote, “It is the largest theft in human history,” unquote, says Peter Singer of the Brookings Institution. And he points to one specific example. The United States will spend about a trillion dollars developing, operating and maintaining the F-35 fighter which will be its most advanced weapon system.

Singer says, “We can now see clearly that elements of the F-35 have made their way into a similar Chinese plane. American investments that were meant to give it a 15-year battlefield advantage have been totally undermined.”

And Singer points out, China targets everyone from defense contractors down to small furniture makers whose chair designs get stolen and copied within a year.

Cyber attacks are part of a new messy chaotic world fueled by globalization and the information revolution in a wired networked world, it is much harder to shut down this kind of activity and it certainly will not be possible to do it using traditional mechanisms of national security. Notice that Washington is using a legal mechanism, which will be ineffective and largely symbolic for what is really a national security issue.

The Sino-Russian gas deal reminds us that traditional geopolitics is alive and well and Washington knows how to work its way in that world, but cyber espionage represents a new frontier and no one really has ideas, tools or strategies to properly address this challenge.

CNN.com – Transcripts

Pope Francis made the comment in a news conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

“Our recent meeting in the Vatican and my presence today in Palestine attest to the good relations existing between the Holy See and the State of Palestine,” the Pope said.

Senate Republicans on Thursday derailed a sweeping $21 billion bill that would have expanded medical, educational and other benefits for veterans — in another chapter of the ongoing feud over amendments, spending and new sanctions on Iran.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) moved Wednesday night to cut off debate on the bill and blocked consideration of amendments, including one on Iran sanctions demanded by Republicans. And on Thursday, Democrats came up four votes short of the 60 needed to keep the bill moving forward on a procedural budget vote, 56-41.

“I thought that maybe, just on this issue, this Senate could come together and do the right thing for our veterans,” Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) told reporters after the bill was sent back to his committee.

”I am going to keep going on this. We are not going to give up on our veterans,” he vowed. “At some point, we are going to pass this legislation.”

Republicans derail Senate veterans bill

I had a great time seeing music last night. I met up with Nathan Curtis just after 9 and we headed to The Monkey House. We hung out for a bit then Persian Claws hit the stage. Their short, fast, ultra cheery songs about doom and despair, were tons of fun and got me dancing from the first note. They played most, if not all, of their album. They tossed in fun covers of Venus (Shocking Blue) and I just Wanna Have Something To Do (Ramones) and made them both sound like Claws songs. They closed the night with a rousing I Hate Being In Love and La Dee prowled the audience as she sang. It was a great set by a fun band and the small but appreciative audience had a great time.

After a reasonable time Swale, with Tyler Bolles on bass, walked to the stage dressed in white with shimmering capes. (Don’t tell Seven Days, they will probably think they are a prog rock band and slag them without listening). They settled behind the instruments and called up Bill Mullins JR to sing the first song. He did a great job on Roadrunner, and we were off. They went truly Karaoke for the second song by bringing Scotty to the stage. I’ve you’ve ever hung out at the Monkey House, You’ve probably seen him sitting at the stage end of the bar. I’ve chatted with him a couple of times and he seems like a nice guy. The band played a low-fi indie version of Summer Breeze and he sang it with heart. They had to prompt him on the changes, but they all made it work. It wasn’t great, but there was a nicely resonant tone in his voice, and the whole thing was light-hearted fun. His face just shone every time they went into the Summer Breeze makes me feel fine part.

Things took a more serious tone when Ben McIntyre sang a deadpan vocal version of Perfect Day. After that, Amanda said the rest of the evening was going to rock hard. Paul Comegno led them through a very intense Now I Wanna Be Your Dog. Michael Nichols and his wife Elena Kurnosova did a wild version of Sabotage. After that they were looking for someone on the signup list but could not find them. Bill came back to the stage (Bill Mullins once, Bill Mullins twice). They were talking about doing I Wanna Be Sedated but then it changed and they ended up doing War Pigs. Bill sang it with a furious howl and it was great. Amanda prompted him for one line, but it was pretty stunning for such a last minute thing.

The whole night was really DJ Disco Phantom’s night and he invited all the bands and played songs before, after and between sets. He, a guy I did not know, and Isiah (who used to be a doorman at Radio Bean, but was a bartender at the Monkey that night, a new thing?) did a fun version of Empire State Of Mind. Swale followed with Isiah and a girl I did not know doing Paper Planes. They had to twist Ari Bolles arm a bit, but they got her to the stage for a fun version of Surrender.

For the final song they pulled out something a bit more rehearsed. Matthew Bryan Hagen. took the stage, dressed in his High Breaks suit, and let loose a killer version of Holy Diver. His voice was not quite as deep as Dio’s but he nailed the inflections and sang it with power. Towards the end the song gets really slow, but instead of ending it, a couple of sharp guitar and keyboard notes signaled another song. Hagen kept his Dio voice going as they rocked through Eye Of The Tiger, and that was that.

During the Break, Nathan wanted to head out. I cajoled him into staying for a bit and The High Breaks hit the stage with a stylish look and rocking playing. The surf-rock instrumentals were fun, the band were super tight, and Hagen’s lead playing was smooth and powerful. I made it for several songs before the length of the day caught up with me. I wanted to stay for the last note, but just didn’t have anything left. I caught a ride home with Nathan and was fast asleep shortly after. What a great night of music!!

WBKM CREW

http://wbkm.org/

I just got back from my local music radio show on internet only WBKM.ORG. I went with the misty rainy feel of the day.

Song before: The Rain Song – Led Zeppelin Official

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From our small city to the great big world, these are the sounds of Burlington. It’s been sunny all week in the Champlain Valley so I had a set of sunny songs lined up. Then today came. It’s been dark and cloudy and rainy all day. Time for Plan B. This is In The Rain on WBKM, and this is Burlington’s kind of music.

1.) In the Rain – Plan B
2.) Mystery – Tapis Bleu
3.) Soft Fireworks – Swale

Swale are playing at The Monkey House tomorrow. Also tomorrow is the benefit for Mark Ransom who was diagnosed with cancer, at Arts Riot, Best wishes for a speedy recovery. I love the swirl in Tapis songs, and what a great song by Plan B. Let’s stay with another strong mellow song.

4.) Northern Skies – The Lindbergh Baby
5.) Mary – Anachronist
6.) The Spy Song – Pinhead
7.) Mysterious Mystery – Persian Claws

Persian are a great band when you want to pick up the tempo. Great song from Pinhead. I finally broke down and bought some Anachronist and really love that song. That’s such a great Lindbergh song. Here’s the next song on Dancing With The Big Guy.

8.) Candy And Dirty Kitty – Ninja Custodian
9.) Weapons Factory – The Wards
10.) Plastic Revolution – Doll Fight
11.) Grackle Tree – Barbacoa
12.) Trade Show – Endless Jags

I wanted to go deeper into the Jags ep and that is a great song. Barbacoa played The Precipice: A Vermont Music Festival last year they rocked. Dates are out for the Precipice for this year. They are Aug 1& 2 and I got a ticket today. I love that Doll Fight song. Those were classics from the Wards and Ninja. Here’s a great singer songwriter.

13.) All The Same To You – Milton Busker
14.) Lithuania – Hana Zara

I love that song by Hana and am surprised I don’t play it more. I hope you enjoyed checking out the music of our town. Let’s do it again next week, shall we?

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Songs after: Raingods Dancing/Make It Happen – Fish

https://soundcloud.com/tim-lewis-60/the-sounds-of-burlington-may-22-2014

 

 

 

Jon Stewart speaking about the reports about how our veterans are not being cared for at the VA hospitals:

“It’s clear love and respect ain’t getting the job done,” Stewart concluded. “So there’s really only one way to put our government’s full resources behind anything: If they really want to improve the life of these veterans, I’m afraid we have to declare war on them. Congress, write a blank check to fund Operation Enduring Waitlist: A war on error. Because if you want Americans to feel shock and awe, you’ll fix this f*cking thing.”

http://thedailyshow.cc.com/videos/r4xkav/big-book-of-assholes—department-of-veterans-affairs

The Inexcusables

Mitt Romney slammed the Wolfeboro, N.H. police commissioner for calling President Obama the n-word and refusing to apologize.

“The vile epithet used and confirmed by the commissioner has no place in our community,” Romney, who owns a vacation home in Wolfeboro, said in a statement to the Boston Herald published on Saturday. “He should apologize and resign.”

After a town resident complained that she heard Police Commissioner Bob Copeland use the n-word when referring to Obama, Copeland confirmed that he did use the word.

“I believe I did use the ‘N’ word in reference to the current occupant of the Whitehouse (sic),” he wrote in an email to the resident, obtained by Manchester TV station WMUR. “For this, I do not apologize — he meets and exceeds my criteria for such.”

Romney: Police Commissioner Should Resign After ‘Vile’ Comment On Obama

The ink was barely dry on Vermont’s first-in-the-nation GMO labeling law when a national industry trade group declared it would seek to overturn it.

The Grocery Manufacturers Association, which represents cereal-maker General Mills, among others, said Friday it intends to sue the state to reverse the law.

Vermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell said Monday the state is prepared. “We’re expecting to be sued and we’ll put the A-team on the case if and when we are sued,” Sorrell said.

Food companies, retailers and biotechnology industry trade groups oppose Vermont’s law requiring manufacturers to put a one-line label on products containing genetically modified ingredients starting in 2016. Gov. Peter Shumlin signed the bill at an outdoor ceremony Thursday.

They say GMO crops pose no risk to human health or the environment; instead, they say the law will only increase food prices and complicate interstate commerce.

“The government therefore has no compelling interest in warning consumers about foods containing GM ingredients,” the Grocery Manufacturers Association said in a statement late last week. “In the coming weeks GMA will file suit in federal court against the state of Vermont to overturn the law.”

Trade group vows to sue over Vermont’s GMO labeling law

 

WBKM CREW

 

http://wbkm.org/

 

I just got back from my local music radio show on internet only WBKM.ORG. It was my birthday on Monday and I celebrated with a few of my favorite songs.

Song before: Sisters – The Church Band

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From our small city to the great big world, these are the Sounds of Burlington. Monday was my birthday and I want to celebrate with some of my favorite songs from this town. This first song captivated me when she played it solo, I liked it when she played it as a duo, and this is the band version. This is Caroline O’Connor and a song called Once Upon, on WBKM, and this is Burlington’s Kind Of Music.

1.) Once Upon – Vedora
2.) Liar – Maryse Smith
3.) These Summer Nights – Sarah Blacker

Sarah is from the Boston area but comes to Vermont a lot and plays great songs like that one. The Maryse song keeps staying in my head. I love that Vedora song. Here’s a rocking song that I love.

4.) All My Live – Wide Wail
5.) The Drone – The Cush
6.) Bomb – Envy
7.) Mark My Words – Black Rabbit

I always have a great time when Black Rabbit are playing! I always had a great time and rocked hard when Envy were playing. The Drone always launched me. What a great WW song. Up next is the next song on Dancing With The Big Guy. Remember, he’s playing drums while he’s rapping/

8.) Tha Critic – Ninja Custodian
9.) Hit – Blue Button
10.) Lunacy – Cave Bees
11.) Burn – The Dirty Blondes

The Blondes always get me going, and keep making me want to come back. I’ve loved Cave Bees for years. I hope they come back from Texas soon and play some shows. Hit should be. Great song by Ninja! I love watching this next band tune up and have it drift into this song.

12.) Waterlanding – Swale
13.) TFAY – Elephants of Scotland
14.) Solution – Vedora

Ending where we began. It’s great to hear Caroline play sax on that one. Great song by Elephants. I hope you enjoyed checking out the music of our town. Let’s do it again next week, shall we?

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Song after: Worm In A Bottle – Fish