Archive for the 'Dream Chaser' Category

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Better Do More Than Vote, People!

Voting. It can help change the world, they say. It’s your right as an American, they say. It’s your American duty to help change the world by voting, they say. But what we are really doing is just change people in the office in hopes that they are smarter than us, better than us, and of course, hoping that they follow through with their promises. Keyword “hopes”. And that’s pathetic!

You have to do more than just “hope” for the best before, during and after the election. No matter who you are for, there’s one issue we can all agree on, and that’s our right to know what’s going on! But in order to do that, we have to realize a few things. and one thing:

Television is evil.

Look at all the news channels. It’s a circus. Realty TV? Don’t get me started on reality TV. Scripted shows, for the win, my friend! But seriously, if you expect “unbiased truths” from the media, then you have better luck talking to me and a crystal ball than getting the entire truth from the media.

A Scene From Network

The ironic part about this clip is that it’s from a movie that was made almost 33 years ago. All the integrity news reporters are replaced with talking heads such Bill O’Reilly, Anderson Cooper, Tucker Carlson, Jon Stewert and Steven Colbert. How do you tell what’s real and what’s been twisted? You can’t. (Well, maybe with the last two “anchors” I mention you can tell…) But it’s your responsibility as a citizen to make sure that after the election, whoever is in charge follows through with their promises. But how can you do that without giving up your life?

Simple. Here are a few things you can do to bring real change.

  1. Write a letter to a congress person about an issue that is important to you and why it is important.
  2. Start talking to people about your views. Remix their thoughts. You might inspire someone to follow through.
  3. Join a non-profit group who’s looking out for your best interest. They are paid to follow through for you. But make sure to do your research.
  4. When you think something isn’t going right, do more than be a talking head, take action! Make sure to follow up with the proper people and put them in their place. Call up your congressman who voted wrong, a person who isn’t doing their job for that non-profit.
  5. Research. The things that matters to you will never be served to you. By taking the time to look into matters and educate others, you’ll be in a better position.

What if you don’t have an issue to fight for? Then look at these issues I think that would inspire you.

  • Voting Reform – Reform voting so that it will be a fair and accurate count.
  • Media & Press Reform – Hold news organizations accountable and make the media landscape more devise. Freepress.net can help you with these issues.
  • Net neutrality – Keeping the Internet free from restrictions. Google created a simple guide to this complex matter. Freepress.net also look into this matter as well.
  • Internet Access for Everyone – I personally used to fight for the Internet to be in the High School of the Virgin Islands. Now, I’m fighting for the Internet to be in everyone’s hands. The Internet is now as important food, shelter and clothing.

So, I hope these small ideas can help you bring “change you can believe it.”

I’m Nukirk Digi.tal and I approved this message!

We Need More Than Powell’s Endorsement: How To Help Out


Colin Powell Endorses Obama

When Retired Secretary of State made headlines for endorsing Senator Barack Obama for President, I thought of two things. One, it’s wonderful that a person who’s on the Republican side and a well respected black man (I respect him even while he was in office during Bush’s first term) finally endorsed Obama because Obama is fighting with integrity and honor. However, the second thing is… now that this happened, there’s going to be a backlash from the Republican’s side of the Media for the rest of this campaign. It’s going to take a lot more than Powell’s endorsement.

Now, we need a plan and hold steady until after the final vote is counted. Here are some suggestions on how you can help.

Talking to “Third Party” Voters and Undecided Voters About Barack Obama
This is probably going to be on the worse advice I’m going to give here, but hear me out. These are the most difficult people. They will try to vote for someone other than Barack or even McCain. While I’m not saying they shouldn’t vote for a candidate of their choosing, I’m also convinced that by voting for these people are wasted votes. Instead, vote for Obama and then get on his ass to for voting reform and supporting third parties. I do agree with you that there should be more choices, but right now, a clear candidate needs to be a winner.

Talk to McCain Voters about Obama… in a mature fashion.
If you are going to talk to a McCain supporter, you’ll have to do it in a logical way. I say do it this way: Ask them what McCain brings to the table. It’s best you are familiar with Obama policies and plans before hand.

How to hold racist’s statements accountable
It’s best to know how to call someone for saying something racist. So, maybe you ought to look at the following videos to help you battle this one:

 

Steel Worker Union Endorse Obama

How to Tell People They Sound Racist

Travel to a “Battleground State” or Make Calls From Your Home
Being passionate is one thing. Telling someone is another. If you really want to make a change, sometimes technology isn’t the way. Visit a battleground state and volunteer. Or make calls to these states from your own home. Barack Obama’s own official site will tell you how to do just that. Even if you can only spare 30-60 minutes of your time, you can make a difference.

Making a Small Video
Hill Harper is creating a viral video. Here’s how you can help him spread the Obama message.

Stop Highlighting McCain’s Bad News
McCain supporters are using fear tactics and a lot of them. If you go to their level, it will only make it worse. Stay cool, calm and collected when dealing with the issues. Turn off the television and turn a “blind eye” to McCain’s camp. There’s a reason why I’m not blogging anymore about the election. There’s lots of things I could have informed you about, but choose to be a place of solutions, not more problems. You should resolve to be that as well.

Write/Blog/Show Colors/Whatever for Obama
You’re not the political type. Fine. But just for a while, if you can change your MySpace or show a little “support button” for Obama, then you might at least change the mind of a McCain or an undecided supporter. Get into a conversation with your visitors of your profiles.

Get people out of the country to show some “Obama Love”.
They may not have an influence, but they may talk to someone who does have an influence in the election. So, if you are not in the United States (or can’t vote because you are not a citizen), say who you would vote for anyway! You can be passionate or just throw a hint. Help an undecided American is the best way!

Lastly, Above All, Keep Your Cool.
This is probably one of the hardest things, but focusing on your stress due to politics will cause unhealthy. Relax and focus on your day-to-day life. If you can’t do any of the above, then maybe it’s best to turn a blind eye to the news. Remember, life is though and the last thing you want to do is to get into something you can’t control. However, do find support from family, friends and so on.

Alternatively, you can leave a message here. I’m a great listener. I don’t mind talking at all.

But I’m not the only one with great advice…
I’m pretty sure you got some advice as well. And if you do, share it! :)

Journey – Ainsley Burrows (Guinness Stout Commercial)

This is an advertisement for Guinness Stout, a popular beer best known in the Caribbean. So, this ad is currently in airwaves over there. However, I’m bring this ad to the mainland, because this ad was done by International Spoken Word Artist Ainsly Burrows. I saw this ad and the mixture of animation and intensity in the eyes of Burrows, along with his movement shows that Spoken Word and Poetry is an art form.  Even thought it’s short, it’s powerful and encourage you to “reach for greatness” (and a plug for the sponsor)! Check out the video and if you want to know more about this man, check out his MySpace page and his YouTube Channel.

My Poverty Call Out (Some1 Believes N U): Blog Action Day 2008

Image by darkmatter

Helping Hands For Blog Action Day, I decided to write a poem, calling people to action. I tried my best to record it to music, but plans prevented me from going to a studio.

Just so you know, this is a hip-hop song and written in my own tongue, so some words may not make sense at first. Read it out loud and it will make sense. If you really want to hear a recording, write in the comments and I’ll record it. Leave your real e-mail address so I can get back in touch with you when I do record the song.

Just to give you a perspective, I’m speaking from a entrepreneurs’ point of view. The one of many you can find @ http://www.kiva.org/. I’m a business man myself, so if this poem inspires you, give to Kiva and help people help themselves. No one wants a hand out, just a hand up. :)

My Poverty Call Out (Some1 Believes N U)
By V.M. King-Yarde

You got the power cause someone believes in you
You can change history if you really wanted to
You got a voice that’s stronger than you ever know
and if you don’t believe in that, well it’s time to show
We are all kings and queens at least in my dreams
cause we all wanna be the best that we can be
Forget the naysayers. let’s talk game players
If you’re serious, do your best to shun the hatas
I have a vision, now. I hope y’all see it
It’s in my mind, and I know I’m gonna achieve it
So, I’m a press play, and speak from my soul
because living out life is our ultimate goal
If our human network is really what we worth
Then our real worth is the work we leave on earth
Please delete your doubts no need to scream and shout
I’m asking for a hand up, not for a hand out.

I know times is hard. It’s been hard on me.
But I believe karma will equalize my density
So you want to help? Then tighten your belt
You’re going to do things that’s going to be heartfelt
Look inside yourself, ask what you will do
If you struggling and your country won’t help you
What do you do? How about where you’ll go?
How’s a stranger going to help? Just let him know
that "I don’t want to hand out, just a hand up
So I can contribute to life’s everloving cup"
I have desire and I want to leave my mark
In this world before my lights goes dark
What can I be? What can I contribute?
I could be a doctor, who can distribute
the cure for many diseases, for every season
But this is just one of those many reasons.

I could bring an idea, into this universe
I could help bring the world to relax and converse
and maybe stop the wars, and start the healing
My abilities can surpass any ceiling
I’m not asking for a hand out, that won’t erase my doubts
I have an idea and all I ask is you hear me out
If you give me just a lil’ help, I work to pay it back
I wanna lace my boots. I’m gonna give it a crack
I want to enhance not only you, but own views
so the world around me is no longer blue
Around me, I want to experience change
but in order to do that, I need to engage
In my own way, today’s a new day
I hope you understand me, in this I pray…
I’m not asking for a hand out, just a hand up
So I can contribute to life’s everloving cup.

Creative Commons License
My Poverty Call Out (Some1 Believes N U)… by V.M. King-Yarde is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 United States License.

Do You! – Just Brewin’ by Roy B. Swygert

Cartoonist Mr. Controversial, who formerly used to draw “Striply Drama”, my own little creation, is a student of art. Currently attending art school in Georgia State, he’s working hard to become a full-time cartoonist. He’s following his dream and of course, doing it on his own terms.

For the first “Do You!”, I’m featuring his own webcomic called Just Brewin’. The story follows a sarcastic student named Roy (yes, the character is somewhat based off the author. He even looks like him.), who just started his second year of college. After reading a poem called “Doormat” in class, a student invited him to an Open Mic session at the local coffeehouse. He reluctantly go to the Open Mic, only to be thrown into a world that he just wasn’t prepared for.

Even thought it just started, Just Brewin’ does have a following of artists that read Roy’s journals, which of course are thought provoking as well (although, he writes a lot of personal entries. He averages over 50 comments per posting of his artwork as well as his journal entries). He’s also an active member of LR and used to be a moderator for The Boondocks Fan.com before it’s closing. He’s coming on his own and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this artist.

To start reading the comic Just Brewin’ , click on the comic below. You can click on the “Next” to go to the next page or “Recent” to look at the most recent comic. To date, there are 9 pages and new ones are released every Friday. One thing about web comics, however, is that they tend to be a bit late, which is understandable when you are a one-man band and you’re doing it just for the love of it. If you are a deviantArt member, visit the Just Brewin’ deviantArt profile and watch him to get updates. Also, visits Mr. Controversial’s profile on My.LR. Lastly, visit Mr. Controversial’s deviantArt profile.


Just brewin’ 01 by ~justbrewin on deviantART

About Do You!

Do You! is a section of LR that features either members of LR or up-and-coming creative artists that I would like to promote. It can be art, music, poetry or even outspoken entries in blogs. There is a new “Do You!” every Friday. To get feature on LR, simply hit “Contact LR” and make yourself known. You don’t have to be a member of LR, but you must not have commercial dollars backing you up.

Update: Do you! is no more.