Still Number [KRS] One

2008-12-26T14:01:00.006-05:00

Now it's my turn, and I am concerned
About idiots posing as kings
What are we here to rule?
I thought we were supposed to sing
And if we oughta sing, then let us begin to teach
Many of you are educated, open your mouth and speak
Krs-one is something like a total renegade
Except I don't steal, I rhyme to get paid
Airplanes flyin, overseas people dyin
Politicians lyin, Im tryin
Not to escape, but hit the problem head-on
By bringin out the truth in a song
So BDP, short for Boogie Down Productions
Made a little noise cuz the crew was sayin somethin
People have the nerve to take me for a gangster
An ignorant one, something closer to a prankster
Doin petty crimes, goin straight to penitentiary
But in a scale of crime thats really elementary
This beat is now compelling me to explain in silence
Why my last jam was so violent
Its simple: bdp will teach reality
No beatin around the bush, straight up, just like the p is free
So now you know, a poets job is never done
But I'm never overworked, cuz I'm still number one.

KRS One - I'm Still #1 (lyrics)

revolution this,
dazz.

Songs of the Moment
KRS One - I'm Still #1
Gap Band - You Dropped a Bomb on Me
Smoove - I'm a Man

Shad K took over YouTube today!

2008-09-13T13:49:00.005-04:00

So I go to YouTube in my lovely FireFox browser, and to my delight saw Shad K's music video "The Old Prince Still Lives at Home" at the top of the Featured Videos list! Shad is a Canadian rapper (London, ON) whose talent is a breath of fresh air in today's rap industry.

So I reached for the PrtSc button to take a screen shot and at that moment the same video scrolled up into the Videos Being Watched Now ticker! The 2fer result is below (click pic to enlarge):

click pic to view full size

Rated 5 stars, baby!
revolution this,
dazz.

Yes They Are Tracking You

2008-08-30T01:08:00.003-04:00

Just an FYI. Digital fingerprints from devices such as "digital cameras, color laser printers, color photocopiers, CD burners, and DVD burners all invisibly embedding their
unique serial numbers -- and much more -- into every document they produce."

http://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2007/07/harry-potter-and-digital-fingerprints

revolution this!
dazz.

J Dilla on the beat, Talib Kweli on the m-i-c

2008-04-05T10:42:00.000-04:00

Yo, I got a question:
A brother with a gun or a brother with an education,
Which sounds scarier?
The latter gonna kick down barriers.

People please! Less garbage on the radio waves, and more positive vibes.
Garbage in, garbage out.

revolution this!
dazz.
PS - Congrats to Shad for the award nomination! Who knows, after tonight you might be polishing a Juno!!

Live from the Third St Promenade

2008-03-03T21:19:00.003-05:00

I'm currently chilling at a cafe along the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, CA. I'm in the area visiting my sister who lives in SoCal.
This is just a quick post (need something to break the blogging drought again, heh) with a few pics (click to enlarge) and a couple unrelated links I found interesting.

Venice Beach at Sunset:

Last night at Hollywood & Highland Center/Complex, West Hollywood:

And now for the random links:
Top 9 unique structures soon to be built

The Critics Top 100 Black Music Albums of All Time

revolution this!
dazz.

Songs of the Moment
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper (repeat from Nov)
Jay-Z - My First Song
Whatever the street performers are playing here - ...so go find some in your city!

Good Knight Mr.Ledger

2008-01-22T17:24:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was reading about how the media has obituaries on file for various public figures, which is not surprising, but also that it is becoming more common for them to keep obits on file for some people under the age of 30. [Article by John Rogers, AP]

Today I read the unfortunate news of Heath Ledger's passing [Actor Heath Ledger Found Dead in New York Apartment] and one of my first thoughts was about the article I had read the previous day.

It's interesting that the demand for [almost-]instant information makes it so that media corporations need to create all these obits. I welcome your comments on this, if you think it's right/wrong, and how you'd feel if you were famous and discovered you were "wild" or "old" enough to have your obituary on file.

revolution this,
dazz.

So sessy!

2007-12-18T12:02:00.000-05:00

This one's for all my beautiful friends! <3

[click above to enlarge]
Oh sweet hot linkity goodness from Sinfest.net web comic

revolution this!
dazz.

Thank You Veterans

2007-11-11T11:11:00.000-05:00

Short and sweet:

Thank you veterans! I recognize your actions and am most thankful for the results of which I enjoy on a daily basis.

dazz.

Midnight Snack

2007-11-10T00:54:00.000-05:00

Recently I went to the kitchen recently to make a sandwich, and found myself confronted with a package with only three pieces of bread left. Somehow none of them were crusty end-pieces, which is a story in and of itself, but more importantly was the mission I now had to complete:
The Double Decker Cold Cut Sandwich

So I set upon my task with the following ingredients:
-three pieces of home made bread
-smoked black forest ham
-seasoned, oven roasted beef
-alternating slices of cheddar and mozzarella cheese
-dill pickles
-mixed lettuce
-butter (margarine, whatever)
-a few dashes of seasoning salt

When I was finished I stepped back, took a look at my creation and thought two things:
1. Yum!
2. I am thankful that I live in the first world.

revolution this,
dazz.

Return of the Suggested Songs!
DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince - He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper
Shad - The Old Prince [2007 album]
Public Enemy - How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul??? [2007 album]

Connected Life - Online TV Tech Shorts

2007-10-07T04:52:00.000-04:00

Bedtime has been delayed, and here is the culprit:

http://www.chalktv.com/

"Chalk TV has created a groundbreaking new series - airing weekly on Sympatico / MSN - that looks at how technology intersects with our day to day lives. ConnectedLife brings technology into the mainstream… hand-picking the latest, the most talked about, and the undiscovered - and exploring it in a way that fits with your lifestyle."

Take a look when you've got some time.
revolution this!
dazz.

Online file sharing website challenges the entertainment corporations

2007-09-27T03:42:00.000-04:00

I found this to be an interesting read: The Pirate Bay Details Charges Against Media Companies

What do you think? Will this story blow up in the media? Will there be significant legal action against these corporations? Will nobody care? Will anybody get to hear it in the first place?

Honestly, in the short run I'm mostly curious about the reaction to this story... If people think the media companies are being two-faced, if they think The Pirate Bay website is being silly, etc. I find it interesting because the ones classified or stereotyped as "criminals" to some are now challenging the "legit big businesses".

Let me know what you think. Leave a comment.
revolution this,
dazz.

Returning soon: Suggested Songs! (in a future post...)

Ain't No Greens in Harlem

2007-08-20T10:12:00.000-04:00

I never fully understood the song that goes "Ain't no chicken in Harlem...", by the Vibrations(?), until I stayed in Harlem for a few nights.
revolution this,
dazz.

To the vandals in Westmount

2007-08-15T14:31:00.000-04:00

Dear vandals in Westmount: STOP FUCKING WITH THE PARKS.
I don't have any kids and have little to no use for the splash pad, but there are a lot of families who do. I'm sure they would like to "thank" you for shutting down the splash pad from the middle of August until the city is able to repair the damage...
revolution this,
dazz.

He's the one with the teeth!

2007-06-22T23:05:00.000-04:00

Girl 1 is trying to figure out the name of a certain actor...

Guy: I bet you can't guess his name.
Girl 1: Oh oh... it's the guy with the teeth!
*much laughter*
Guy: The one with the teeth!?
*more laughter*
Girl 2: You mean Tom Cruise?

*blog posting*
revolution this,
dazz.

Socks

2007-06-16T15:51:00.000-04:00

If I get rich enough I think one of the first things I'll buy is a clothing or sock company. I always wear out my socks and get annoying holes in the heel and/or toes... I'll be set for life.
revolution that,
dazz.

Opinions opinions

2007-05-02T21:06:00.000-04:00

A couple links/opinions for you. Not much from me, just throwing it out there to make you think.

A little bit of CNN and Hip hop
CNN did an investigative report or something on hip hop music, asking whether it was "art or poison". If someone has a link to the original segment post it in the comments (please? it is online?)... but here is Chuck D doing an interview later on, being interviewed by some folks who [also] felt Chuck's viewpoint was poorly presented.
http://www.rapproject.tv/blog/23/rapprojecttv-asks-cnn-news-or-poison/
There be some gems in here, especially one of the last things he says right before the shoutout/signoff.

Canada Doesn't Care?
I found this in the newspaper a week or so ago. I ripped it out and scanned it (excuse the funky technicolours and MSN emoticons) because it amazed me how dangerously apathetic and complacent the majority of the voters seem...

That's all for now.
revolution this,
dazz.

April 16th Shootings at Virginia Tech Campus

2007-04-16T12:11:00.000-04:00

I'm sitting here watching CNN as this story develops: http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/04/16/vtech.shooting/index.html

As I'm writing this I need to change my post title from "One dead, 20 injured" to "20 killed in shootings at Virginia Tech Campus". It was such a sudden jump and even the reporter said there was an audible gasp at the press conference and the question has to be asked twice. Yes, twenty dead.

As for the suspect(s) there are mixed reports... it used to be 1 suspect in custody and searching for another, but now it is felt this was the work of one shooter who was found dead in Norris Hall.

I'll probably update more later. They're about to show the recording of the conference...

Latest update:
After not following the story for a few hours the number of those dead has risen from 20 to 32, as well as 29 injured. The story keeps getting worse and worse, and after watching the latest press conference it looks like later we will get more information about the shooter (apparently a young looking Asian a little under 6 feet in height) and whether or not there was a second shooter ("a person of interest" who may have been involved at the first shooting scene).
I'll leave you to find more information from news sources... there's not much more to say... but so much left to ask.

My sympathies go out to the victims and their families, as well as all of those affected.

revolution this,
dazz.

Creating a DVD program?

2007-04-15T21:53:00.000-04:00

Can anyone help me with this? I'm trying to create a relatively simple (compared to most software) DVD program that can run in an average home DVD player, not just a computer's DVD. Here is a link to the description of what I need: Forum post at codenewbie.com

Please reply to the forum post or write on comment to this blog spot (no registration required!). Thanks!

revolution this!
dazz.

P-O-T-E-N-T-I-A-L vs Broken Record Syndrome

2007-04-15T01:08:00.000-04:00

Right now, my potential is like a really good vinyl record that is stuck repeating.
not really revolutionizing anything lately :(,
dazz.

Songs of the Moment
Nas - the whole Illmatic album
Green Day - St.Jimmy
The lineup at the Rock the Bells concert I want to attend

London's Biggest Hiphop and Breakdance Competition: Rock the Spot 4 - Sat, Mar.24

2007-03-18T23:39:00.000-04:00

Hey, I wanted to let you know about an event that's going on soon I thought you'd be interested in, run by LondonBboys.ca as well as members of UWO Breakers and Hip Hop Western, here's the link for the online info for this year:

http://www.londonbboys.ca/home/rts/rts.html (this year's videos and regularly updated info)

(click on http://www.londonbboys.ca/home/rts/rts3.html to see videos/info from last year)

As well as some quick details:

What: Rock the Spot 4 - London's huge annual Hip Hop and Breakdance non-profit event, 100's of performers and competitors, featuring many different dance styles, beatboxing, Dj and turntablism showcases, graffiti clothing and displays, the best in Hip Hop/Funk/Electro/Breakbeat music and over $1500 in cash and prizes!

When: Sat. March 24th (soon!)

Times: Hip Hop Showcase starts at 1PM, Breakdance battles start at 3:30PM, end approx. 10PM

followed by Afterparty at Club Phoenix ($5) with resident dj's and music upstairs, and breakdance circles and hip hop/funk music downstairs

Where: South Secondary School (371 Tecumseh Avenue, London) - Take the #6 Richmond bus or the #15 Westmount. Email me back if you need more directions

Tickets: $15 advance ticket or $20 at door, available from InfoSource in UCC (at UWO), Rickshaw Taiwanese Restaurant (768 Dundas Street), and soon the Biz Booth at Fanshawe College. If you cannot make it to any of these, myself or one of the other organizers can also meet you for tickets.

Who: World Class dancers from across Ontario and Quebec, as well as special crews, judges, and guests coming from California, New York, Korea, and Morocco, Africa. We also have buses coming from Toronto, Mississauga, Montreal, and Ottawa bringing in competitors and audience.

How do I find out more/help out?: Email me for details or click on the above links, also if you have Facebook you can add me or search "Rock the Spot 4" for event info as well. If you have any questions/feedback don't hesitate to ask! Feel free to fwd this to friends who may be interested as well (no matter what city); this is gonna be a huge deal for London.

Take care, peace!

Rock the Spot IV: Biggest breakdance event in London baby!

2007-03-13T23:15:00.000-04:00

That's what this is going to turn out to be [again!?]. Bboying and hiphop dance at its finest form featuring breakers from London, across Ontario, Quebec, and more.

More information at: www.londonbboys.ca
Tickets in advance are $5 cheaper, so get them before the door.

revolution this,
dazz.

For Sale: 4gb USB Memory Drive for $65

2007-03-06T01:24:00.000-05:00

UPDATE (Mar.6 @ 7pm): These are going fast. I only have 1 left! So speak now or miss out :)

I wasn't able to order this from Canada, so I got it via proxy (aka my sister who goes to an American university). This unit is brand new (still in original packaging) and cheaper than a 4gb drive you could buy at your favourite big box techy store (ie: Back to the Future Shop, Good Buy, Staplers)!
Although a bit on the chunky side, this micro drive is capable of storing up to 4gb of data via a USB flex connector that retracts and swivels. I have one of these myself and use it to store large files (music, videos, even games) that I don't want cluttering up my computer. It may look large, like it would block other USB ports, but I haven't had any problems plugging it and my USB mouse right beside each other.
It would be easiest to sell to a person who I know in real life, however I am willing to ship it anywhere in North America for no additional shipping costs. If you are interested please email me or leave a comment on this blog.

More information:

Warranty: 1 year

Features:

4 GB storage capacity
USB Flex connector (retracts and swivels)
USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (1.1 Compatible)
Drive RPM 4,400 480Mb/S (60MB/S) typical
2 MB Data buffer
Access data anywhere
PC, Mac & Linux Compatible
Plug & Play via USB port
Backup Your Email
2 Hours Of DVD Quality Video
2.5 Days of MP3 Songs (approx. 1000)
1000 4 Megapixel Pictures
4,000 1MB Word Documents

Product Requirements:

Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP
Mac OS 9.0 or greater
Linux 2.4 or greater
USB port

This is my O face

2007-02-22T02:48:00.000-05:00

Kyler is dazz williams in Ed Cawaldo's "Beautiful Ballet of Chaos and Order" says:
I O'd ion IRC!
Kyler is dazz williams in Ed Cawaldo's "Beautiful Ballet of Chaos and Order" says:
hee hee, with the "ion" typo both corrections fit in the sentence.
Kyler is dazz williams in Ed Cawaldo's "Beautiful Ballet of Chaos and Order" says:
There should be some sort of literatry term for that.

-just now

Mandate Black History Month in Schools?

2007-02-20T16:53:00.000-05:00

While completing a bus transfer downtown today I saw a young black man standing a the corner in the heart of downtown with a sign that read:
ENFORCE THE CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN SCHOOLS
At first I was going to take a picture, as I've been carrying around my digicam lately so that I don't miss random opportunities. Instead I decided to go and chat with him for awhile. I'm not sure that I agree with him, I haven't given the issue enough thought, but I told him I respected him for standing up for what he believes in.
he's trying to revolution this,
dazz.

Songs of the Moment
Ice Cube - The Predator album

Extreme Wheelchairing

2007-02-12T13:36:00.000-05:00

This video is pretty cool but also touching. It's good to see him doing whatever he loves (skatepark tricks and such) despite having what seemed to be an obvious physical disadvantage.
I hope a buddy from college, Prest0, has seen this. Time to look him up on Facebook.
dazz.
PS - My previous post was my 100th post! Weeeeeeeeeeee!

Songs of the Moment
K-Os - flyPaper, and most of the rest of the Atlantis album
Public Enemy - Greatest Hits Live Album