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No words necessary: The cartoonists tackle climate change
By Siski Green
Thursday, 3 July 2008
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Ever since the 1750s, when the writer, satirist, statesman and inventor Benjamin Franklin put political cartooning on the map by publishing the first cartoon of the genre in America, artists have combined their talent, wit and political beliefs to create cartoons that enrage, enlighten or simply engage the viewer.
A picture may paint a thousand words, but a cartoon provokes, protests and entertains – all at once. It is this that makes cartoonists so valuable and influential in times of crisis. Today, that crisis is climate change, and clever imagery can give new impetus to our struggle to combat global warming. The organisers of Earthworks 2008, a global cartoon competition, believe that art and humour are simple ways to get the environmental message across. By Siski Green Thursday, 3 July 2008 Change font size: A A A ... more -
SCI-FI SONGS, the most original and exciting music release in 2008
JASON SERENO IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF SCI-FI SONGS, AN OUT-OF-THIS WORLD DIGITAL MIXTAPE FEATURING FOUR SONGS WITH SCIENCE-FICTION THEMES.
Los Angeles, Calif. - July 1st, 2008 - Singer/Songwriter Jason Sereno has released a concept album that is truly out of this world. SCI-FI SONGS, landing July 1st, 2008 at JasonSereno.com, is a digital mixtape with science-fiction-styled music tied together through a common narrative, inspired by unsuccessful rock operas of 1970s.
Sereno, an acoustically-minded musician with a background in comedy and vaudeville-like performances, thought of the concept after a night of binge drinking.
"I was walking to the bathroom at about 3AM," Sereno hastily recounted. "I couldn't even see straight but this idea popped in my head, so I ran back in the bedroom and asked one of the girls to write it down for me. Thankfully Sharon - or maybe Brenda - listened. For once."
Sereno also enjoys multiple partners in the recording studio, which is why he enlisted the help of longtime friend and fellow axe-wielder T-Dogg for the SCI-FI songwriting process.
"T-Dogg was crucial in the creation of the storylines and lyrics for SCI-FI SONGS," Sereno begrudgingly admitted. "He was the one who suggested we utilize the guitar as the focal point for the album instead of synths and drum machines. Too bad he won't see a dime from the record sales because nothing in our agreement was ever in writing. Dumbass."
Rounding out the group is Cremer, Hollywood 's premier voiceover actor and narrator of the album.
"Cremer's talent is truly unmatched," Sereno fondly recalled. "He added so much to the project that I couldn't imagine SCI-FI SONGS without him, but he won't be receiving any monetary compensation either. Once again - nothing in writing. Duh."
SCI-FI SONGS consists of:
RocketShip Guitar: A boy receives a guitar from his birthday but when he plugs in the instrument it transforms into a rocketship that takes him on an intergalactic journey.
Dimensions: The party started in the first dimension. But things get weirder… er.
TimeTraveler Love Song: A time traveler finds the love us his life… but when he travels back to meet the woman of his dreams he can only speak in Spanglish - an unfortunate side-effect of time travel.
CarPlanes: In the future… there are no cars. There are no planes. There are only CarPlanes.
Cremer's Promos: An incredible assortment of inappropriate radio commercials (bonus track).
Although the recordings are meant to be heard sequentially - at least the first time - Sereno insists every tune is exceptional in its own right because of the combinations of style, substance and tone within each track.
"I’m really friggin' proud of the music we've put together," Sereno boasted. "We have full-on guitar solos, insane effects, gripping lyrics, influences from rock, punk, hip-hop and latin styles, as well as a complete storyline that is far more epic and moving than any post-apocalyptic Kevin Costner film."
Sereno is confident that the SCI-FI SONGS team's hard work will pay off - at least for him - because the album speaks to an untapped audience in today's music market.
"No longer will the nerds of the world be forced to stay home on Friday night to watch reruns of Battlestar Galactica," Sereno proclaimed. "They now have a voice. They have a rhythm in their hearts. They have SCI-FI SONGS." JASON SERENO IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF SCI-FI SONGS, AN OUT-OF-THIS WORLD DIGITAL MIXTAPE FEATURING FOUR SONGS WITH SCIENCE-... more -
Ralph Nader gets Arizona Ballot Access
"On June 4, Ralph Nader will be turning in approximately 50,000 signatures to be an independent presidential candidate in Arizona. The requirement is 21,759 signatures. Assuming Nader has enough valid signatures, he will be the first independent presidential candidate to qualify in Arizona in the history of the existing law, which was passed in 1993."
-Ballot Access News "On June 4, Ralph Nader will be turning in approximately 50,000 signatures to be an independent presidential candidate in Arizona... more -
A "Current" History Lesson...August 1st, 2005
I came upon this while looking up the history of, the now defunct, "News World" and thought I'd have some fun sharing the results.
For those who didn't know, here's where and why Current began.
(psssst...check out the rambling rant at the bottom of the c/net page. Seem familiar?) I came upon this while looking up the history of, the now defunct, "News World" and thought I'd have some fun sharing t... more -
New Album From Aimee Mann: "@#%&! Smilers"
What can I say? If you're an Aimee fan, you know what to expect.
Well crafted songs by someone who does things her way.
Limited edition, deluxe version comes with 32-page booklet in a hardcover package.
Artwork by the great Gary Taxali.
Well worth the wait.
Out tomorrow, June 3rd. What can I say? If you're an Aimee fan, you know what to expect. Well crafted songs by someone who does things her way. ... more
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