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Obama and the arts
This editor’s statement will appear in the Winter 2009 issue of Jazz Notes, the quarterly journal of the Jazz Journalists Association. — Barack Obama uniquely appreciates the role and value of creative expression. Barack Obama believes that the arts should be a central part of effective teaching and learning. Barack Obama supports increased funding for the National Endowment for the
A profile in courage
Gregory Good, Sr., my wife’s grandfather, 92 years old, recalls nearly getting shot down by Nazi fighters in this moving profile. Grandpa Goodie still suffers from post-traumatic stress and is attending therapy sessions with Iraq and Afghanistan vets.
A not-so-subtle contrast
As we bask in Obamaphoria, having exercised our inalienable right to choose our own political leadership, please take a moment to consider the plight of 28-year-old blogger Nay Phone Latt, who has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Burmese regime. News has also come of 14 Burmese pro-democracy activists who have received sentences of 65 years each.
On Enrico Pieranunzi
My review of pianist Enrico Pieranunzi at Birdland, now online at Jazz Times.
The week on disc (31)
In case you missed the last one… Mario Pavone Double Tenor Quintet, Ancestors (Playscape) Lionel Loueke, Gilfema + 2 (ObliqSound) Norbert Stein, Direct Speech (Pata Music) Peter Delano, For Dewey (Sunnyside) Javon Jackson, Once Upon a Melody (Palmetto) Harry Whitaker, One Who Sees All Things (Smalls)
Reacting
~ It’s important to have a hard-nosed look at the emerging Obama administration. What no one should accept is Ralph Nader, a 74-year-old white man, suggesting that Obama might turn out to be “Uncle Tom for the giant corporations.” [Update: I should have noted that Nader’s ancestry is Lebanese.] It’s not the first time Nader has lobbed racial rhetoric at
Sprucing up
New president, new blog layout. Like all blogs, a work in progress. Thanks for reading Lerterland during the Bush years and, now, the Obama years.
Hail To The Chief
We have prevailed in our task. God Bless America Land that I love Stand beside her And guide her Through the night With a light from above From the mountains To the prairies To the oceans White with foam God Bless America My home sweet home God Bless America My home sweet home — Israel Isidore Beilin (Irving Berlin), 1917