We're Starting a Campaign to Ask SDCS Superintendent Cohn to Reconsider Keeping Ex Admiral Betencourt on Salary (185K) After His Conviction of Conflict of Interest Charges
Please contact Mr. Cohn at (619) 725-5506 or
superintendent@sandi.net and ask him if it's appropriate to have someone in charge of school construction, food service, and maintenance and operations who has a conviction for conflict of interest.

An Apparent Victory for Militarism in San Diego City Schools --Rick Jahnkow, Project YANO

Editors Note:
We received this email today and felt it was important to share with the community. Of main concern is the fact that the public has not been heard on the issue of recruiting minors for war (by placing rotc in Mission Bay High School). Keep your military away from my kids!
Another main concern is that the San Diego School District is paying an ex Navy Admiral $185,000 even after he has been convicted of violating conflict of interest laws by participating in the Military Industrial Corruption of lobbying for a defense contractor and conflict of interest (see this link to the UT story Ex-admiral pleads guilty in conflict of interest) And, he's in charge of overseeing school construction, food service, and maintenance and operations where corruption is a public concern.

On July 23, the San Diego City Schools Board of Education heard testimony on the plan to introduce Marine Corps Jr. ROTC at Mission Bay High School. The issue was not listed as a separate agenda item and had to be lifted out of the general 2007-2008 budget discussion.
Nine people spoke for three minutes each against MCJROTC, including a current MBHS student and a 2006 graduate. One parent, after her testimony, handed each board member copies of 15 opposition letters--from parents, students, teachers and military veterans--to remind them that they had received these over the previous week. Some of the speakers and letters pointed out that 75% of the students at MBHS were youth of color, and JROTC was going to track them into the military instead of higher education.
When one of the anti-JROTC speakers pointed out that JROTC teachers were not required to have a college degree or pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) like other teachers, two board members rudely interrupted him and claimed he was wrong. When my turn came, I spoke first about the financial cost of JROTC, which drains hundreds of thousands of dollars from the district that could be used to meet other student needs. Then I stated that I had a copy of the teaching credential requirements for JROTC in California, and there truly is no college degree or CBEST requirement (see: http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl699.html ). The retired commissioned officers who teach in the program may have college degrees, I noted, but that isn't necessarily true of their partners in the classroom. more

Our World Today - Congress, Cut Off Funding For the War, It's The Only Way
Vinokourov tests positive, Lohan busted with coke again, Gonzalez on the stand denies pressuring Ashcroft about signing the Patriot Act, the war rages on (cut off funding!), Youtube debate is mostly boring though Edwards looked good (would he really fight the pwoers that be?) and Hillary notes the Defense Department ignored her letter, NBA ref fucks with outcomes of games, and the defense department plans on being in Iraq until at least '09.

Ooops



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Do Something To End The Wars - Call Today - Vote Out Pro War Congressmen Darrell Issa, Brian Billbray and Duncan Hunter

On July 23-26, people in all of California 's Congressional districts will be picking up their phones, dialing 202-224-3121 and asking their Congressional representatives to end the war on Iraq and bring all the troops home. The statewide call-in is being organized though a coordinated effort of dozens of peace organizations across the entire state of California.

End the Wars on Iraq & Afghanistan
Bring all the troops and the military contractors home NOW !
Time to change our dismally failed Middle East foreign policy

Please call the Congressional Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to your representative or call their Washington office directly:
49th District     Darrell Issa        202-225-3906 - Voted no on the Iraq Redeployment Act.
50th District     Brian Bilbray     202-225-0508 - Voted no on the Iraq Redeployment Act.
51st District     Bob Filner         202-225-8045 - Voted yes on the Iraq Redeployment Act
52nd District    Duncan Hunter  202-225-5672 - Voted no on the Iraq Redeployment Act.
53rd District    Susan Davis       202-225-2040 - Voted yes on the Iraq Redeployment Act

The Good News About Torture From the Time Magazine Blog
The good news: We don't torture! The bad news: As to what torture is, as to how violators will be punished, as to whether or not torture ever took place, well, you'll have to take their word for it.

Tattoo You - Ed by Eric Nielsen 07.22.07
Ed plays drums for the infamous SD band Buck Buck Meow. If you'd like to feature your work email us here at the site.

1. What's up w the baby Jesus?

The image of mother and child remind me that I am not in control in everything in my life. I have to surrender to somethng greater. The waves and rocks are just that, some days are a rock and some are a wave. more

BSD Sends Love and Support to Tammy Faye Baker. Fund Stem Cell Research Now!

Peckinpah - Smoking Peace with a Burning Crow
Lotushouse Records Keith Boyd 7.21.7

Frozen moments of Peckinpah in cinematic glory. Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid in a halo of bullets smiling. Thick Karo syrup blood spraying into the Western daylight. It seems to hover in midair for much longer than gravity allows for. It lands with a dusty puff, only to be absorbed by the thirsty earth.
Violence and charm drip from most of Peckinpah’s frames. The loneliness and humanity of his characters are given such cut-out-like emphasis they become mythologized into archetypes. As the aforementioned is true of Sam Peckinpah’s cinema, so it is also for Bruce McKenzie’s new project, Peckinpah’s music.

This music has a grainy sweetness that comes at you over time. It’s not the open sweetness of sugar, say; that’s far too upfront. This kind of sweetness is the type you experience after chewing for a while. Like the West African stimulant kola nut, it starts off incredibly aspirin bitter. It’s only after allowing your senses to adjust that you find the subtle qualities of the sweetness underneath. I hear this achingly ephemeral quality on The Band’s Music from Big Pink. It also swells out of moments on the Flying Burrito Brother’s Gilded Palace of Sin. I guess I’m saying that it’s a Western American birthright, this grainy hands-on, bittersweet mindstate, and that Bruce has hereby claimed his inheritance. more

Andrew Documents Vinyl Radio Breakup
Hey BlogSanDiego,

I wanted to write in regards to our recent breakup of the group Vinyl Radio. It may have seemed very sudden because things were going well for us but we were very honest with each other and saw that it was best to end it because of direction that some of us wanted to take.

The ongoing battle that you have when you play in several bands is the amount of which is sacrificed.... You dump a lot of your soul, sweat and time when it comes to making music and too many people spread themselves thin and each group in turn suffers. Playing music can become like being a swinger, you want to hook up with as many girls as you can because they're all intriguing in different ways. It's the same thing... You may dig one dudes guitar playing, or another's drumming, and want to take on all the projects. There's some definite incest going on in the music scene here and in other cities too. more

The Swedish Models at the OB Farmers Market pics and vid by Krista Nielsen 7.19.07


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Duke Cunningham Can't "Perform" With His Prostitute - Stop the Military Industrial Corruption by Eric Nielsen 7.19.7

The FBI report that came out yesterday about Republican SD Congressman Duke Cunningham is hilarious and so sad at the same time. This document shows exactly what is wrong with American politics. It shows the depth of corruption that the military industrial complex has fostered in our Congress. Duke was soliciting bribes to make sure certain weapons programs were pushed. These weapon makers were delivering envelopes of cash every time Duke would call. You must read the confession Duke gave to the FBI, the IRS, the DA and this was all with his lawyers present. What else can he tell about other politicians? He did refuse to implicate other representatives. What is that helicopter program that Duncan Hunter keeps pushing? Stop the Military Industrial Complex!

In the report it's noted that a contractor paid for a couple of nights of prostitutes for Duke while in Hawaii'. The contractor got the younger and cuter whore and Duke had "difficulty completing intercourse" while wearing a condom with the girl who was ex Air Force. He had another girl the next night but can't remember if it was the same girl as the first night or not. Besides this he was also given 2 guns, a Sea Doo, a boat with a trailer and docking rights (after he crashed the first one he asked for and was given a second boat), $500,000 cash for his home (this was given only after he promised to assist in obtaining additional government funding, Cunningham recalled exerting
pressure on government officials to free up money and pay), 5 vacations where lodging airfare and meals were included, cash was also included for gambling on his trip to Vegas, computers for him and his daughter, GPS services, meals liquor and limo service, and lots and lots of cash delivered to him upon request.

We all know that this same thing goes on in an "above the board" way with politicians. Most often the money from the contractors comes in in smaller pay outs with meals, trips, tickets and most importantly reelection fundraising. When are we going to get out of a mind frame of war spending? Can the Democrats do any better? We are so far ahead militarily we should focus our spending on internal things in the US. How about alternative energy or fixing the levee's in California? What if we can keep the economy going by spending the same amount of money on other things? Would you want to? I would. It's a no brainer. Except for those inside the beltway with their lives intertwined with death and killing machines.

Shame on Bush as He Tries to Cut Funding for The Corporation for Public Broadcasting
The House shoots down Bush's request to cut funding. I guess he's trying to save money for the war and his web of war monger, money makers.

Free Tix to the Linkin Park show at Coors and Earthless at The Belly Up - Sign Up for Our Newsletter for a Chance to Win

Tickets are still available. Buy them here

Michael Vick Kills Pit Bulls? by Eric Nielsen 7.18.07

After reading the indictment I think Vick's career may be over if convicted (and the feds have a 95% conviction rate). It seems like the mass media is glossing over some of the harsher details of the indicment so here are some stats that go beyond the headbands and t-shirts created for Bad Newz Kennels.

The indictment says Vick developed the animal fighting venture's pool of pit bulls by testing the fighting prowess of dogs within the venture, and destroying or otherwise disposing of dogs not selected to stay with the ongoing animal fighting venture. It's noted that Vick was a participant in killing 8 dogs that did not do well in testing. They were killed by various methods, including hanging, drowning, and slamming at least one dog's body to the ground. The indictment also states that Vick's partners killed numerous other dogs by electrocution and shooting. Jesus was treated better on the cross.

The indictment also alleges that Vick was at about 23 dog fights with purses up to $26,000. It's hard to root for someone on the field knowing that this stuff is a persons hobby. The Falcons should cut him loose. Read the full indictment. Get the guy some help.

Remembering Crash Worship pics by Keith Boyd

Pinoy Fallen Idols
Jay Allen Sanford 7.17.7

After getting caught partying in San Diego last month, four contestants of a Filipino American Idol/Big Brother style talent show have been booted from the program's current support tour. Pinoy Dream Academy features twenty aspiring performers living in the "Academy" for four months of multimedia training by guest star instructors. While the most recent top-six contestants made a tour stop in San Diego last month, four of them (along with guest star Yeng Constantino) " spent their last night in San Diego imbibing spirits and smoking in a non-smoking room in the hotel where the group was billeted," according to Manila Standard Today. "Yeng reportedly puked on the carpet, while the other intoxicated [contestants] lost their sense of propriety, spilling cigarette butts from the ashtray onto the floor." more

Tattoo You - Greaser by Keith Boyd 07.16.07
Behind every tattoo you see there's a great story. We here at Blog San Diego are huge body art fans and are starting this regular feature to highlight some that we've seen and to, in a sense, give voice to those colorful pictures. If you'd like to feature your work email us here at the site. For our first feature I spoke with our good pal Greaser from local band Thee Corsairs. Not only does "The Grease" play gits for his excellent band, he's the the primary writer behind most of the "Lou's Reviews" music writing here at BSD and he's a hell of a cool guy. Here's what he had to say.

1. What was your first tattoo?

First one was my Rocket From The Crypt tattoo. I always said I would never get a band tattoo and the first one I get is exactly that.. . Not only do I love the band, you have to admit that their logo is one of the best band logos around. more

Coming Soon

Senator Jim Webb Eats Senator Graham For Breakfast - Lindsey Has Had a Hard Month
Senator Graham can't be re-elected with talk like this. Finally the Senators are scrapping. We need an intense debate and a person like Jim Webb to add some reality to Washington. I predict Graham will lose reelection because of this Meet the Press. Let the money pour in and let's clean house of war mongers and corrupt politicians.

MTV Scarred Live Pics by Eric Nielsen 7.14.7

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Brian Deegan Jumps a Tank of Sharks MTV Scarred Live Video by Eric Nielsen 7.14.7

It's Not Worth The Money

We all know this war is to line the pockets of the Defense Industry, Halliburton, Washinton think tanks, to keep the economy robust and fill Congressional campaigns with money and perks for re-election. Stop the Military Industrial Complex. As Eisenhower said, we shouldn't be spending any more money on defense than necessary (he was a five star General). This is an offense. All this money could be spent on schools, social security, cops, infrastructure, our poor. Shit, what if we just split the war spending money up and gave it to the poorest half of America? One helicopter costs more than it costs to build 2 schools. How could America be so duped? Run the suckers out of Congress!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's not just the Executive Branch.

Cash*d Out at the Belly Up by Marc Gentry 07.13.07

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What's Up by Eric Nielsen 7.12.07
People ask, so here it is.

Books:
The Road by Cormac McCarthy (I can't get enough of this author after reading The Road. He's the modern Faulkner or Hemingway. Stunning read. Modern Zen existentialist.)
All The Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy
The Crossing by Cormac McCarthy
Cities of the Plain by Cormac McCarthy
The Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick
A Long Way Gone by former child soldier Ishmael Beah (fucking mind blowing, read about kids, guns, drugs, loss, redemption and alienation in Sierra Leon)
Zen and Japanese Culture by DT Suzuki (best explanation of Zen that I've ever read)
The Possibility of an Island by Michel Houellebecq (his Elementary Particles is one of the best books of the new millennium)

Music:
Titan - A Raining of Sun and Light And Love for You and You and You (Remember Yes when they amazed you?)
Ekranoplan - Assemble Head in Sunburst Sound (For me this is the definition of stoner rock)
The Vision of a Dying World - and The Grammar Lamb (from some of the nicest and hard working fellas in town)
Skygreen Leopards - Disciples of California (Can't put it down)
Earth - Hex or Printing in the Infernal Method
Polyphonic Spree - The Fragile Army (nowhere near as good as their previous and the silly Marilyn Manson black outfits with the red, white and blue album art is enough to turn anyone off. Gets better with subsequent listens)
SunnO))) - The Grim Robe Demos

Best Recent Show:
SunnO))) - By far the most moving and meditative experience in a room of sound of the year. I have never heard the Casbah louder. more

Notes
Vinyl Radio breaks up
Swami may head up the new Fox Rox
Can anyone get me tix for Stephen Stills, Willie Nelson or Polyphonic Spree? Write me
Kitty Baudoin Lists piece in the Reader - OB Peoples musician getting some exposure

Sign Up For Our Mailer for a Chance to Win tix to Sly and Robbie. We'll pick a winner Sat.

Found

OB Fireworks 2007


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Tone-Questing at the Witches’ Sabbath
The 777 Tour Comes to the Casbah
Keith Boyd 7.3.7
I read the lineup of this night and immediately started to drool. Southern Lord had put together a wet dream come true tour with representative acts from several of today’s heavy music varieties. There would be Wolves in the Throne Room, with their smeared black metal scree. Also, the ganja and booze-fueled riffage of Weedeater. Rounding out the night were the mirror twin, yet black and white opposite, outfits of Earth and SunnO))). What else could your modern day metalhead ask for. My only fear was that the Casbah might suffer some irreparable structural damage and never hold a concert again. more

SunnO))), Earth and Weedeater at the Casbah - Southern Lord 777 Tour
pics by Eric Nielsen 7.3.7


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Deftones at Viejas
7.3.7 Chris Dier
When I think of a Deftones concert I imagine some abandoned warehouse with exposed rafters, shattered windows, blinking fluorescent lights hanging from exposed wires. Someplace dank where the air is so thick you see it stir around your feet. Someplace deep and hollow where voices echo into oblivion, where guitars reverberate infinitely, where bass actually splits and distorts the walls. So when I walked onto the lawn of the Viejas Outlet mall on June 27th I wasn't anticipating much. Boy was I wrong.

The Viejas venue is small enough that you feel as though you are part of the show, but large enough that you can escape the ever-morphing mosh pit and still make out the blue and red strips on Chino 's socks. From what I could see, every spot was a good one, even the free ones outside the temporary fencing. more

OB Street Fair Pictures 2007 - The Palominos, Taproot and more

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Get Used To It

Ever since the court ruled in the middle of the night for Bush we knew there was something wrong. Now this court is overturning Supreme Court precendents for big business. This alone is a reason to vote for a Democratic president regardless of who is running.

Daniel A.I.U. Higgs - Atomic Yggdrasil Tarot (Thrill Jockey) Keith Boyd 6.22.7

It’s no wonder I’ve felt so strange lately. I’ve been going through these semi-confused, semi-elated and semi-depressed states in recent days and until now the cause had me stumped. While I would hesitate to describe these feelings as intense as a full-blown psychotic episode or a true manic-depressive condition, they definitely threw me off my groove. Well now the truth is revealed. The secret cause of this mental and spiritual turmoil were the psychic waves being generated by Daniel Arcus Incus Ululat Higgs as he gave birth to another hermetic masterpiece.
The album begins with the birth-pang/death-grunt of several explosions. Of course one is reminded of Oppenheimer who, while viewing a nuclear test, quoted the Vedas and said, “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of Worlds.”
This heralding of death and rebirth is appropriate given the textures and tonalities to follow. Using what sounds like an electrified box-spring mattress and electric train set (but which are probably a National or Dobro guitar and an electric guitar) Higgs begins plucking out metallic ragas in echo soaked clouds of ozone. The ambiguous Eastern/Appalachian feel to these pieces pulls you in. As you listen you find yourself both turning it up and leaning into the chiming. Housed in a large format book, the CD is a visual treat as well. There are several of Higgs’ abstract but spiritual paintings and a number of word poems to enjoy while dialing in to the clanging cosmos.
How to find a context for this music? It’s a difficult task because while it truly has a unique and beautiful sound there is another element that brings us to the mythic and otherworldly. A number of years ago, while living in Africa, I was introduced to the hand-to-hand tape trading music scene. It went something like this; an ensemble would play at say, a wedding and someone would record it with a cheap Chinese knockoff deck. This tape would then be brought to the market where tape-dupers had stalls. The tape would be duped a few hundred times and sent on its merry way to various cousins and friends and trading partners far and wide. Often times you’d come across a goat herding nomad on a camel and as you sat down for tea out would come the player and music. Given the heat, dirt and hard wear these tapes were subjected to sound quality would be anywhere from warbling to blasted out semi-audible. Tapes with multiple splices and missing pieces would end up becoming African nomad remixes, complete with jump cuts, repeated parts and a seasick phasing quality. The music most copied was a down-tuned, electric, Hendrixian sounding stuff called, “Jaguar Music”. more