Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Occupy LA getting police action now - Livestream

11:25 Denver time - Livestream - click here or below.



Live broadcast by Ustream

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Shut Down the Corporations – A day of action against ALEC on February 29



Occupy Denver, in solidarity with 60 other cities in the USA, will be holding an anti-ALEC guided tour of downtown Denver.  ALEC, the American legislative exchange council is a non-profit free market policy group, with a membership of over 2000 legislators.  It works with major corporations to draft and pass legislation that benefits major corporations.  It is best known for drafting anti union legislation in Wisconson and SB 1070 in Arizona.  Legally it is not considered to be a lobbying group, yet is arguably the most dangerous “lobbyist” in the United States.  ALEC’s collaborators include mega corporations such at ExxonMobil, Bank of America, BP, Monsanto, Pfizer, Wal-Mart, any many others.  For a complete list of ALEC corporations visit the source watch website.  For a complete list of  politicians that are involved, click here.  For more information on ALEC visit alecexposed.org.

Occupy Denver will be rallying on 2/29 at 3PM in Civic Center park where we will depart on a guided tour/march of ALEC corporations in downtown Denver.  Come prepared to learn and protest!

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Promises? You still believe in promises?


Race To Justice Coalition
ACLU – Colorado, the Colorado Latino Forum-Denver Chapter, the National Lawyers Guild - Colorado, Colorado Progressive Coalition, and The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado
Call To Action
When: February 29, 2012 5:30-7:30 pm
Where: Colorado Free University, 7653 E. 1st Ave in Lowry
What: Denver Police Chief Town Hall Meeting
 
Chief Robert White promised transparency and open dialog with the community, particularly in his leadership appointments. Instead the city lost a high ranking woman of color committed to improved community police relations, and the community has been denied an opportunity for input into recent leadership decisions that significantly impact communities of color.
Please join in sending a message to Chief White that inclusion, transparency, fairness and gender equality are important values to Denver community residents.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

"Let the Good Times Roll" banned from YouTube in 2012

What in the heck is going on with YouTube? A few days ago I posted (embedded) Shirley and Lee's recording of "Let the Good Times Roll" from YouTube. When I tested it, I was informed that WMG owned it and I should click to go to YouTube to watch it, where, of course, I was subjected to an unavoidable ad. But at least I got to listen to it. A few days later I find this:


Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Are you trying to figure out how to pay for college?

College can be expensive, but high cost shouldn’t become a barrier for any student who has worked hard to get a degree. My staff has teamed up with College In Colorado to host a series of college financial aid information sessions across the state to give current and prospective students and their families a better sense of the financial aid options available at the federal and state levels, the eligibility criteria and key deadlines, and the application process. 

Two “Funding Your Future” information sessions will be held in Denver, and I hope you will be able to attend one of them. The first is Saturday, February 25, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Tivoli Student Center at the Auraria Campus, 900 Auraria Parkway. The second is Thursday, March 1, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at CEC Middle College, 2650 Eliot Street. For more information on these financial aid information sessions we are holding across Colorado, check out http://bennet.senate.gov/college-opportunity/

Students often think they can’t afford to go to college, don’t believe they qualify for financial aid or accumulate astronomical debt to attend school. These information sessions will provide current and prospective students and families with information about the college financial aid process, community scholarship resources, federal loan information, and FAFSA completion information. College In Colorado staff will also be available for private sessions.

Additionally, students attending the information session may enter to win a $500 scholarship from College in Colorado. 

For questions and information, please call Alexis Harrigan in my office at 303-455-7600. Please RSVP for the information sessions if possible atrsvp1@bennet.senate.gov

Sincerely,

Michael F. Bennet
United States Senator

Citizens seek sampling of air for radioactivity in area at Rocky Flats intended for construction of the Jefferson Parkway


News Release:  February 21, 2012 
Today local citizens asked the elected officials of Arvada, Broomfield, Westminster, Golden and Superior to request that EPA and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment test airborne dust for its radioactive content in the area at Rocky Flats intended for construction of the Jefferson Parkway.
"It's no secret that the Rocky Flats site is still contaminated with highly toxic radioactive materials like plutonium and americium," commented LeRoy Moore of the Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center. "Some of us are concerned that constructing a highway at Rocky Flats would endanger people's health. We decided to send a letter urging officials of the cities most affected to get EPA and CDPHE to do needed air sampling so we can all better understand conditions out there."
  • The area at the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge intended for construction of the Jefferson Parkway is contaminated with radioactive materials, including plutonium and americium.
  • Highway construction there would stir up dust laden with breathable radioactive particles, endangering the health of nearby residents.
  • Elected officials of the most affected cities are urged to ask DOE and CDPHE to set up an independently monitored program of sampling airborne dust in the area and to analyze it for its radioactive content.
  • If construction of the highway begins, EPA and CDPHE are expected to continue their sampling around the clock with real-time reports of the results to the public.
  • The costs of the project will be borne by the Jefferson Parkway Authority or its designee. 
Finally, the group asked the city officials to whom their letter is addressed for a definitive yes or no answer to their proposal within 45 days, that is, by April 6, 2012.
A copy of the letter to city officials is attached.

Monday, February 20, 2012


DENVER POLICE DEPARTMENT
The mission of the Denver Police Department is to deliver high quality public
safety services so all people may share a safe and healthy environment.
 
PRESS RELEASE
 
For Immediate Release
 
Date:        February 19, 2012
To:            Denver Police Officers, Denver City Council
                  Media, Denver Community Organizations
Contact:   Sonny Jackson
Address:  Office of the Chief
                  1331 Cherokee St., Denver, CO 80204
Email:       dpdpio@ci.denver.co.us  
Phone:     720-913-6028
Fax:           720-913-7021
 
On February 19, 2012, at approximately 8:00 p.m. prisoner Samuel Lee Govea (DOB 02/11/90) escaped from Denver Health Medical Center. Govea was in custody and being treated for a gunshot wound to his left leg. 
 
Govea is wanted for: Felony Escape; Felony Burglary; Felony Assault; Felony Menacing; Criminal Mischief; Violation of a Protection Order; and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
 
Description:
Samuel Lee Govea  DOB: 2-11-90
AKA: Govea, Diablo; Govea, Sam
Height: 5' 9" Weight: 180lbs  Hair: Brown  Eyes: Brown 
 

The Denver Sheriff’s Department and the DenverPolice Department is asking for the community’s assistance to locate this suspect. Anyone with information regarding this suspect is asked to please contact The Denver Police Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867). You can text to CRIMES (274637) then title DMCS and enter your message. If the information you provide leads to the arrest and charging of a wanted individual, you can receive a cash reward up to $2,000.

Friday, February 17, 2012

"Let the Good Times Roll" - banned at the College Park, Maryland record store in 1956

(sorry about the forced ad - just turn the sound off for the first 15 sec)

I don't know if it was banned elsewhere, but I was just getting into Rock and Roll in 1956 and was hot for this song. I think it was the fact that it made sex sound like fun.

Lee:
C'mon, baby, let the good time' roll.
C'mon, baby, let me thrill your soul.
C'mon, a-baby, let the good time' roll,
Roll all night long.


C'mon, a-baby, yes, this is this.
This is somethin' I jus' can't miss.
C'mon, a-baby, let the good time' roll,
Roll all night long.


Shirley:
C'mon, baby, while the thrill is on.
C'mon, baby, le's a-have some fun.
C'mon, baby, let the good time' roll,
Roll all night long.


C'mon, baby, jus' close the door.
C'mon, baby, le's a-rock some more.
C'mon, baby, let the good time' roll,
Roll all night long.


Shirley: Feels so good when you're home.
Lee: C'mon, baby, rock me all night long.


Lee:
C'mon, a-baby, let the good time' roll.
C'mon, a-baby, let me thrill your soul.
C'mon, a-baby, let the good time' roll,
Roll all night long.


Shirley:
Feels so good when you're home.
Lee:
C'mon, baby, rock me all night long.


Lee:
C'mon, a-baby, let the good time' roll.
C'mon, a-baby, let me thrill your soul.
C'mon, a-baby, let the good time' roll,
Roll all night long.


LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL
Written by: Shirley Goodman & Leonard Lee.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Another Colorado Time Waster (CTW) - TBD

From a press release

Make Your Voice Heard!
Get Involved with TBD Colorado


Your organization provides valuable services that strengthen our communities and improve the quality of life in our state. Your work is important not only to the people you serve, but to Colorado's future. Now, you can get involved in TBD Colorado, a nonpartisan effort to engage Coloradans in discussions about the biggest issues facing our state.


Last week, Governor Hickenlooper launched TBD Colorado, an effort to initiate community conversations about P-12 and higher education, health, transportation, the state budget and the state workforce. TBD Colorado will host three meetings about these issues in 40 regions, beginning in March and ending in May. For more information, visit www.TBDColorado.org.


TBD Colorado's short-term goals are to:
Invite Coloradans to talk about their vision and priorities for the state. For example, how can Colorado become the healthiest state in the nation? How can educational outcomes for children be improved? How should the state handle the increasing health care needs of our aging population? How can the state address growing transportation and infrastructure needs? 
Obtain various perspectives from all regions of the state


Build momentum in Colorado for working together to solve complex problems


Create a process and a culture for engaging Coloradans in ongoing constructive and non-partisan conversations.


TBD Colorado is a tremendous opportunity for you to provide a valuable perspective about key issues facing your community and your organization.


To participate in the regional meetings, submit your name or nominate someone else at www.TBDColorado.org. If you interested, sign up today! Regional meetings will begin in early March, just a few weeks from now.

I'm sorry, but this latest announcement by Governor Hickenlooper, called TBD (To Be Determined) seems like another of these fake "listening" sessions where citizens tell their government what they want and government acts like it is listening and then does whatever it wants, or had planned, to do anyway. In a time when bold leadership is needed, government is all ears.

What Colorado really needs is a Constitutional Convention, to solve some persistent problems once and for all. You can make your own list of what these problems are, but I'd include school finance and the fiscal "Gordian Knot" for starters. Here's how such a Convention could be convened:

Section 1. Constitutional convention - how called.


The general assembly may at any time by a vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house, recommend to the electors of the state, to vote at the next general election for or against a convention to revise, alter and amend this constitution; and if a majority of those voting on the question shall declare in favor of such convention, the general assembly shall, at its next session, provide for the calling thereof.


The number of members of the convention shall be twice that of the senate and they shall be elected in the same manner, at the same places, and in the same districts. The general assembly shall, in the act of calling the convention, designate the day, hour and place of its meeting; fix the pay of its members and officers, and provide for the payment of the same, together with the necessary expenses of the convention.


Before proceeding, the members shall take an oath to support the constitution of the United States, and of the state of Colorado, and to faithfully discharge their duties as members of the convention. The qualifications of members shall be the same as of members of the senate; and vacancies occurring shall be filled in the manner provided for filling vacancies in the general assembly.


Said convention shall meet within three months after such election and prepare such revisions, alterations or amendments to the constitution as may be deemed necessary; which shall be submitted to the electors for their ratification or rejection at an election appointed by the convention for that purpose, not less than two nor more than six months after adjournment thereof; and unless so submitted and approved by a majority of the electors voting at the election, no such revision, alteration or amendment shall take effect.




Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Livestream from Greece

3 live feeds here

Denver time
12:15 pm - Loud explosions

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Spring Tours by Phil Goodstein

Here is the schedule of spring tours by Phil Goodstein. Note that there are several Park Hill activities.

SPRING 2012
Tours by Phil Goodstein

Sunday, March 18: Bicycle Tour of Montrose, 11:00 am–1:00 pm
Meet in front of Ashley School at the northeast corner of 19th Avenue and Syracuse Street. (Montrose is the eastern section of Park Hill. The tour will also touch on parts of Stapleton.) The cost is $10.00. A copy of this schedule and information about books by Phil Goodstein is on the Web site of WWW.LeonardLeonard.com/neighborhoods/ walkingtours.

Saturday, March 24: Ghosts of Cheesman Park, 11:00 am–1:00 pm
Meet at the gazebo along the 12th Avenue loop of the park near South Gilpin Street. (This is a quaint wooden structure just south of the RTD bus stop. Park just east of the bus stop. This tour is $10. It will be repeated on May 6, September 16, and October 13.

Sunday, April 1: Bicycle Tour of Northwest Park Hill, 11:00 am–1:00 pm
Meet in front of Stedman School on the east side of Dexter Street between 29th and 30th avenues. (Dexter is seven blocks east of Colorado Boulevard.) The cost is $10.00.

Saturday, April 7: Quality Hill, 11:00 am–1:00 pm
Meet at the Zang Mansion, 709 Clarkson Street. (Clarkson Street is eight blocks east of Broadway). The cost is $10.00.

Saturday, April 14: Jefferson Park, 11:00 am–1:00 pm
Meet in front of the Adams Mystery Playhouse at the northeast corner of West 24th Avenue and Federal Boulevard..

Sunday, April 15: The History of North Denver, 12 Noon
This is a free half-hour lecture at the Gardens at St. Elizabeth’s, 2835 West 32nd Avenue (the highrise two blocks east of Federal Boulevard). It is part of Open Doors Denver, including a chance to peak in the historic chapel and an overview of the neighborhood. The talk will be repeated at 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm.

Saturday, April 21: Platt Park, 11:00 am–1:00 pm
Meet in front of the Decker Library at the southwest corner of Florida Avenue and South Logan Street. (Florida Avenue is four blocks south of Mississippi Avenue and six blocks north of Evans Avenue. Logan Street is four blocks east of Broadway.) This tour is $10.

Saturday, April 28: The Smiley Neighborhood, 11:00 am–1:00 pm
Meet in front of Smiley Middle School on the east side of Holly Street between 25th and 26th avenues. (Holly is one mile east of Colorado Boulevard and one-half mile west of Monaco Street.) This tour is $10.

Wednesday, May 2: Morgan’s Addition/Congress Park, 6:00–8:00 pm
Meet in front of the Fred Mazzulla House at the southwest corner of Eighth Avenue and Race Street. (Race Street is three blocks west of York Street.) This tour is $10.

Wednesday, May 9: Sloans Lake/West Colfax, 6:00–8:00 pm
Meet at the torpedo near the northeast corner of Sheridan Boulevard and 17th Avenue. This tour is $10.

Saturday, May 12: Ghost Walk, 7:00–9:00 pm
Meet in front of the statue of the Indian on the east side of the Capitol on Grant Street between 14th and Colfax avenues. It will be repeated on June 9, July 14, August 25, September 15, October 19, October 20, October 26, October 27, and October 31. The cost is $20.00.

Wednesday, May 16: South of the Country Club, 6:00–8:00 pm
Meet in front of Steele School on the east side of South Marion Street between Alameda and Dakota avenues. (Marion Street is one block east of Downing Street.) This tour is $10.

Wednesday, May 23: Park Hill, 6:00–8:00 pm
Meet at the gazebo of Ferguson Park at the southeast corner of 23rd Avenue and Dexter Street. (Dexter Street is seven blocks east of Colorado Boulevard) This tour is $10.

Thursday, June 7: Park Club Place, 6:30-8:30 pm
Meet at the real estate offices of Leonard Leonard & Associates, 420 Downing Street. This tour is $10.


Phil Goodstein 303-333-1095

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Occupy DC being taken down by hazmat/police now

Live stream here: http://www.ustream.tv/occupydc


Denver time:

7:59am Hazmat team (independent?) taking down tents if they contain sleeping materials. Occupiers were going to be given a chance to remove their materials (per Captain), but that's not happening. Mellow yellow. They are even removing tent poles from the tents.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Live streaming from Egypt

Here: http://www.ustream.tv/egypt

Denver time:

4:07pm - gunshots, fires burning, tear gas

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

The Return of Ginger Baker (to this blog)


Keen observers of this space may remember the original vidies of Ginger Baker that were posted here, like the one above. They were quite popular, receiving tens of thousands of hits, and then they disappeared. What was that all about?

The story behind my originally posting the vidies in 2008 is here, and I won't bother repeating it. In August of 2010 I received a call from director Jay Bulger (himself quite a character) who said he had seen my vidies and wondered if I would like to be interviewed for the film and possibly make some of my footage available for inclusion in the movie he was making about Ginger Baker. Well of course!

A few days later Jay and his very tired crew of two rolled in around 10pm and we did the interview. "Ginger Baker was the Mohammad Ali of rock and roll", I said, "he could move faster than everyone else" (we used to call it speed). And what about the 8-hours of tape that I had (mostly inherited from Clark Burch, who spent two years following Baker and eventually becoming a good friend of Baker's and who created his own music vidie, which YouTube won't let me publish, called "Falling Off the Roof" after a Baker jazz CD of the same name)? After a little arm-twisting I agreed to make copies of my footage for them to review.

Unfortunately, much of the footage was of Ginger playing polo in Parker, Colorado, shot with a standard 12-120 zoom lens and a non-HD Sony VX-2000 from the sidelines of the polo field and not able to really get at the action. Some footage of Baker, when he got off his horse, was good - as usual, he played two sets of drums at the same time - and included a duet with his son Kofi.

I asked if it was ok for me to write about the interview, but Jay said they wanted to keep everything under wraps until the release - at an unspecified date and location. I decided to take down my own vidies from this blog in anticipation of the big buildup.

Another call just a few weeks ago informed me that they were going to use 1 minute of the footage I provided (I forgot to ask about the interview - we'll have to wait and see). I agreed that screen credit for both myself and Clark would be sufficient reward, and asked about their plans to create internet-buzz. It seems that they hadn't given that much thought, but welcomed anything I might do to start the ball rolling.

Here is the announcement in the SxSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas, March 9-17, 2012. "Beware of Mr. Baker" (a sign posted at the gate to his current abode in Africa) is the name of the feature length documentary, one of 8 selected from 845 submissions. I'm not very hip to the film festival scene anymore (after having tickets #1 and #2 to the very first Telluride Film Festival and smoking a joint with Jack Nicholson there) but I had been dreaming of a theatrical release in NYC.

I'll be posting more vidies here along with some of the stories of both Baker and Burch.