Pictures say a thousand words!

Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Bill Clinton at a White House breakfast

McCain voted against MLK Day

McCain is on his "Service to America", but many people don't know the service he speaks includes voting against the federal holiday honoring Dr. King. In August 1983 he fought the holiday, voting to block a piece of bipartisan legislation honoring him that was supported by even conservative Republicans--including Dick Cheney(then congressman)--and signed into law by President Reagan.

McCain went on to resist recognizing a King holiday in his home state of Arizona. When Arizona's state legislature failed to pass a bill recognizing a holiday honoring Dr. King, the governor at the time, Bruce Babbit, created the holiday by executive order. Babbit's successor, Gov. Evan Mecham rescinded the order as his first act in office, doing away with the holiday. John McCain's response? He defended the governor, not Dr. King. (After undoing the holiday, the same governor went on to publicly support referring to Black people as "pickaninnies").

In 1990, seven years after his initial vote, McCain went along with establishing a King holiday. On the campaign trail in 2000, facing questions about his history on this issue, McCain declared he had "evolved."

Looking at the rest of McCain's public record, even recently, it's hard to see much evidence of an "evolution". In fact, McCain has consistently opposed a civil rights agenda:

He voted an amazing FOUR times against the Civil Rights Act of 1990--a bill designed to make it easier for employees to prove job discrimination and imposing harsher penalties on bosses who discriminated.
In 2004 he opposed affirmative action in college admissions--a key component of the 1964 Civil Rights Act that is among King's key legislative victories.
He has voted at least 8 times against raising the minimum wage.
And as recently as last month, he argued against federal intervention to help Americans, disproportionately Black Americans, who have faced foreclosure during the housing crisis.

Listen to PUBLIC ENEMY song "By the Time I get to Arizona"

Jah Lion the Artist

This talented artist has his hands in many things. A community organizer, teacher, musician and artist who never stops looking for that "masterpiece". He is currently working on a special collection of portraits for the Lead Belly Exhibit and producing tracks with a few blues samples. Based in the Washington DC area we got a chance to see his latest canvas and had to give you a preview. He has painted notable heads of states and judges including graphic designing as well. Stay tuned for a possible exhibit of him doing a live painting while you enjoy music, food and drinks.
Big Up to Jah Lion!
www.Bookido.com
www.LeadbellyTV.com

Zimbabwe election and democracy

Zimbawe is a country that has been through many changes. The beautiful land first belonging to the Shona people and then colonized by British invaders like the diamond miner Cecil Rhodes on to a proud independent movement lead by Robert Mugabe and the ZANU political party. I have visited Zimbabwe and seen with my own eyes the mis-handling of land ownership in this country and during my visit I also witnessed black farmers and military veterans "squatting" on wealthy landowners who were thousands of miles away while the poor had no farm land to grow crops or livestock. In 2000 Robert Mugabe who was the first president of a free Zimbabwe since 1980 ordered the people to take back their land. Ironically a few years later he bulldozed the land where hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans lived and traded. Now in the recent weeks the country is facing a turmoil over who won the recent election. The problem remains that the opposition party has been supported by the same colonialist and western powers that enslaved Zimbabwe for over 50 years making it hard for some to trust their real intentions to power. Now Mugabe is calling for a recount when many election monitors say that he and his ruling party clearly lost. Why not step down and allow a change so that the people can feel that they are truely part of a democratic society?Research for yourself to see the true facts behind this complicated yet talented land in the southern African region. Next we will show you pictures of fabulous Shona stone sculptures that are selling for thousands of dollars across the world by art exhibitors.

Vice Prez authorized torture

The White House was directly implicated for the first time last night in the decision to torture Al Qaeda prisoners. Sources say that Vice President Dick Cheney and a handful of other top politicians met in secret and agreed to the mistreatment of prisoners, according to ABC TV News and the Associated Press. As part of the decision-making process, they were given demonstrations of the techniques used. _Associated Press

Frank Shamrock vs Kung Le for Strikeforce championship

Greetings and peace be upon all. This is Headmaster Abraham Hardy of the Hacomtaewresdo Warrior Arts. The following videos are a overview and highlights of what i consider was one of the most epic mixed martiall arts fights in history, based on the two legends who did battle. I have followed the careers of BOTH these warriors, they being Frank Shamrock versus Kung Le. They fought for the strike force middleweight title, and in the following is basically a video chronology with their personal highlights, pre fight interviews, the fight, and after fight interviews.
Cung Le is a multiple time San Shou champion (Chinese rules kickboxing)as well as being a San Shou coach. In San Shou you can kick and punch like in kickboxing, but you also can use takedowns, throws and suplexes. Being in movies as well as ruling the San Shou world for years, he was in other types of competition (like the Shidokan)and he became a human highlight reel. Cung Le was criticized by many as being only a San Shou fighter and that he would not succeed in mixed martial arts versus tougher competition and he silecced his critics as he always did in the past.
Frank Shamrock is one of the greatest fighters in mixed martial arts history. He began his training in submission fighting under his older brother Ken Shamrock in the Lion's Den. From there, Frank went on to fight in the Japanese Pancrase association as well as others, and later the Ultimate Fighting Championship(UFC) attaining the lightweight (later renamed the middleweight) title. He defended his title multiple times and became an unbeatable force, winning soundly in repeated fashion. He split from his older brother Ken, and further refined and enhanced his training and skills, and continued in his winning ways. He has had numerous championships being a 5 time undefeated UFC heavyweight champion, World Extreme Cagefighting champion, the fourth King of Pancrase, and a WKC submission champion.




Kung le Highlight reel


Kung le Interview before championship fight


Frank Shamrock highlight reel



Frank Shamrock at fight conference for the Championship fight


Frank Shamrock vs Kung Le championship fight highlights



Fight Review of Championship Match ( WARNING ; Some adult language )


Cung le Chsmpionship Victory Speech


Frank Shamrock after - Fight Interview vs Kung le

Walk Like a Warrior

A Chinese-born design student in Helsinki has chosen to document the "Warrior" sneaker, a Chinese national gym shoe that came out in the 70's. Shumeng Ye returned to China and documented the folks who wore these shoes, also capturing their lifestyle at the same time. It is ironic how something that was meant to be generic, practical, and uniform, for wear by the "people", can be considered a desirable fashion collector's item in Paris 30 years later. Colette will be selling the photographic project in form of a book, and it will come in a package with a pair of your very own "Warriors".

For more info, head over to www.bookofwarriors.fi

Check www.bookido.com for the book as well.

Murakami Exhibit hits Brooklyn

It seems Japanese artist Takami Murakami has gone coast to coast with his latest exhibit location landing in Brooklyn, NYC. His work has been known all over the world and especially for the most bootlegged pocket book in the world--Louis Vuitton Monogramouflage print. Jay Z has mentioned he saved his fireplace empty for a commissioned portrait and well Kanye West hired him to do the artwork for his Graduation album. Here are pictures from the opening night.
www.Bookidomusic.com latest podcast shows

Maharishi laptop case

Maharishi has made it an art with the use of camo which hardly comes as a surprise with Maharishi founder Hardy Blechman's authoring of the book Disruptive Material: An Encyclopedia of Camouflage.

African Martial Arts History ; The first martial artists and warriors

Greeting from Headmaster Abraham Hardy of Hacomtaerwesdo. In the following is some videos of the rich history of the Kemetic and African martial arts i wanted to share. General information that all should know, but specially those of Kemetic (African)decent, because this it of that lineage. Listen on, be enlightened, and enjoy. Knowledge is power, peace !
- Headmaster Abraham Hardy, The Nubian Warrior

Lesson #1


Lesson #2


lesson #3

Introduction Of Headmaster Abraham Hardy of Hacomtaewresdo

Greetings and may peace be unto all. I am Headmaster Abraham Hardy of the Hacomtaewresdo Warrior Arts and the Hacomtaewresdo Combat Arts & Urban Combatives Association. For some basic background on myself, I come from a family of military men, boxers, wrestlers, and martial artists. I have trained in the martial arts since 1993 studying a many number of martial arts disciplines over this time, and when i turned 19, i founded / codified my family's fighting arts. This is comprised of four fighting systems, a system of warrior philosophy, a combat fitness system, and a martial arts association to oversee it all. Martial arts wise, i see them as a vehicle of self development and a weapon of self defense first and formost. Everything is oriented towards street self defense/combat. I heavily emphasize total development in my brand of warrior arts, focusing on function combat, fitness, warrior philosophy and character building, and building of scholarly knowledge through learning warrior history and culture. All these aspects are seperates of one whole, and make the Hacomtaewresdo arts, WARRIOR arts.
I am the youngest African American Headmaster instructor in the History of the World United Martial Arts Federation, and hold recognition for the most "martial system progress" in the organization as well. They recognized my system of warrior philosophy (Universal Belief and Warrior Philosophy System) as a legitimate system of philosophy, as well as given me recognition / certification as a Master of the martial arts. My brand of martial arts and association ( Hacomtaewresdo Comabt Arts & Urban Comabtives Association ) is based on the promoyion and spreading of the African warrior tradition. Africa is where the martial arts and sciences originated and these warriors as well as their decentants in other parts of the world created what we know as martial arts, of which other cultures of the world developed martial arts from. Younger generations do not know these things and much knowlege and great stories go untold due to people simply not knowing. So my association strives to bring this lineage that has been lost to time, back to light and the forefront.
For more about my self and background, go to www.myspace.com/nubianwarriorking and for more about my association and fighting systems, go to www.myspace.com/hcwcauca
May peace be upon all !

Strength and honor, what does not kill you, makes you stronger !
Walk in peace , but be prepared for battle !
- Headmaster Abraham Hardy, The Nubian Warrior

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh200/Ultimateone_bucket/YMCAallday112.jpg

CITY OF MEN movie trailer

GREAT MOVIE AND IF YOU HAVE SEEN CITY OF GOD THAN YOU KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT.

DJ PREMIER LIVE IN PARIS

fresh kicks for the feet

Check out the Puma clyde "Poison Frogs"

$3 trillion dollars? Was it worth it?

Why did America vote for Bush in 2004 again? The war in Iraq has costed 4,000 lives over 30,000 wounded and 40% of the $3 trillion dollars BORROWED was from other countries. How can you be a conservative and folks are not conserving anything?Everyone agrees the economy is tumbling so again what was the reason America voted for Bush in 2004? Fear? We went to Canada recently and the dollar was laughed at.

NOTORIOUS

Pictures of the new Biggie Smalls movie titled Notorious.
Looks like a Faith look-a-like.
www.Bookidotv.net

AFRICA ON THE RISE AGAIN

***THIS IS A OLDER ARTICLE BUT RELEVANT TO TODAY'S CHALLENGES***
Africa is on the Rise
By Alvin Singh II
Part I
The following article is the first part of a three part series on the recent developments of African trade, U.S. business policies in Africa, aid development and the results of the Fourth Annual African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum in Dakar, Senegal.

Behind the invalid headlines of “Africa seems hopeless”, there is a more promising reality that Africa is leaping forward.

The home of over 850 million people, Africa is a diverse continent of languages, cultures, political governance and achievement. Africa has recently emerged as a top priority among world leaders. At the July 6-8 2005 G8 Summit held in Gleneagles, Scotland, Africa formed the center of the forum’s many global discussions that were briefly delayed by bomb attacks in London. One of the major topics discussed during the summit was the cancellation debt for 18 developing nations, 14 of them African nations, in a total amount of $40 billion dollars.

With the recognition of HIV/AIDS as a global crisis, the G8 leaders agreed to work on a plan to provide universal access to anti-HIV drugs in Africa by 2010. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said the G8 deal represented “a good day” but was only “the beginning” towards the fight against AIDS and poverty around the world. Many people in Africa are not sitting still, waiting for the West to help with the complex issues confronting the continent. The entrepreneurial spirit in Africa has risen to new heights and investments on the continent are showing positive returns.

Without question the recent trade boom in Africa has largely come from the oil and mineral industries who have been exporting Africa’s abundant natural resources for centuries. Angola, long divided by the mid-1980’s cold war conflicts and a protracted civil war, has shown economic growth of 14%, the fastest in Africa in 2004. A stable economy, encouraging private sector investments and rising currency values in non-oil producing nations like South Africa are a positive testimony of Africa’s business future. South African Finance Minister Trevor Manuel wrote that commitment to train a million health workers by 2015 must be “largely an African initiative, but needs partners- people thinking, and spending, long term”.

Having cancelled a fraction of Africa’s debt to the IMF and the World Bank, the industrial powers might consider what to do about the remaining $286 billion. With aid in development and infrastructure Africa can finish rebuilding the economies it deserves. According to Corporate Council on Africa, President Steve Hayes and AGOA co-chair “AGOA benefits Africans by creating jobs and stability. But such progress is overshadowed because we continue to keep our (U.S.) markets shut to agricultural goods or undercut African farmers with large subsidies. Africa’s comparative advantage is in agriculture where 70% of Africans earn their living”. The total amount of trade between Africa ad the U.S. rose 37% to $44.4 billion dollars in 2004. AGOA exports showed a substantial increase up 88% to amount $26.6 billion dollars with apparel and agricultural products accounting for more than half of the non oil exports.

United States exports to Africa increased by 25% to $8.6 billion making Kenya and Nigeria the fastest growing markets. However, the overall levels of U.S. direct investment in Africa remains low at a total 1% of U.S. FDI worldwide.

In order for trade to be strengthen and investments trusted in Africa, the continent has been challenged to deal with corruption and political stability that will lower the risk for foreign investors who wish to market in Africa and also buy from African companies. Once the problems of corruption are tackled and handled effectively and honestly Africa can then continue its work towards constructive development with proper communications and means of transportation. Africa is on the rise towards a new future that many people believe will be the true calling of democracy and a decline on poverty.

Amateur MMA fights defended by pastor

Finally a religious leader speaks on the importance of MMA training and what positive benefits it can bring to troubled youth. Going to the gym or dojo can humble some students and decline bullies who think they can push on teh small guys or girls.
L.A. Times reports:
Pastor T.J. O'Donnell thought that by offering mixed martial arts training, he had found a sure way to lure young people away from vice and direct them toward the word of God.

He didn't expect to encounter the long arm of the California State Athletic Commission.

O'Donnell rented out the second floor of a San Bernardino carpet store where volunteers at his 777 Ministry taught aspiring fighters jiu-jitsu, karate, wrestling and boxing. He then announced plans for the 40 members of his young flock to fight in his church's first MMA event.

"It's like when a church threw rock concerts to reach the young people," said O'Donnell, 35, a former tattoo artist who praises God for helping him reform after shooting a man with a .22 revolver in 1994. "Only now, MMA's the thing."

But state investigators were tipped off about fliers advertising the unlicensed amateur fights -- known as "smokers" -- and issued the pastor a cease-and-desist order last month.

The commission has shut down at least two dozen similar events in the last year, saying fighters' health was in danger because there are no rules regulating amateurs in the popular combat sport.

"It's a huge problem," said the commission's executive director, Armando Garcia, whose investigative team closed down a Whittier smoker this month. "At this rate, we're expecting to shut down 50 more shows by the end of this year."

Four D's-REAL THROW SOME D's on it!

1. Decide what you want
2. Determine to make it happen
3. Diligently do everything
4.Detach yourself from the result

TEACH THE CHILDREN THE TRUTH AND DON'T LET television mislead them!
RSS- www.Booktravels.net to get the altest posting and updates!

PUMA X '68 OLYMPICS (FIGHT THE POWER)

Before Tibetan monks were protesting the 2008 Olympics with China there was another protest 40 years ago! I know that the month of February bka Black History Month, aka the coldest month in winter(Im still getting chills) has already came and went. But if all else we get to recognize the achievements of many heroes/heroines that have contributed greatly to our world who were Afrikan/Arikan –American. We must recognize the stance taken by those against the authority that was against equal rights, representation and justice.(Ok had to hit you with a lil hstory book language) So our sneaker manufacture comrades at PUMA decided that a shoe should commemorate an everlasting moment within those turbulent 60’s when Black pride was beautifully rampant throughout the inner cities in America. Yet a down south brother from Texas named Tommie Smith who was a track star, along with his fellow teammate John Carlos from Harlem during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico decided as they graced the 1st and 3rd place medal stand to raise their clenched black gloved fist(black power salute) for the world to recognize that they too were connected to the struggle of equal rights in America and abroad for those of Afrikan decent. Respectively PUMA has decided to create two shoes ( all red and all black) to recognize this important symbol-imagery in American and Olympic History. I could get more detailed but the image and the shoes speak for themselves…UHURU!!
GET UP STAND UP
KYLE is co-founder of Precise Minds Filmworks and can be reached at the link section of this site.

Wally Island Yachts

Wally Yachts has done it again. They are always creating more ways for the rich to enjoy luxury to the maximum. Just when you thought Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin" video yacht was huge this boat has them beat. A 325 ft. yacht that resembles your own private island on water. A tennis court or a swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, your choice.

Virgin America offers movies

Billionare Richard Branson has finally won the battle against FAA regulations to start a airline in the US market. Although gas prices are really high these days for the airline industry Virgin America a branchof the Virgin Group (known for taking risk)offers a unique setup of entertainment for each passenger. If you travel like we travel(www.Singhworldtravel.com) then you know that watching a good movie of YOUR choice is worthwhile. They are also working on a wi-fi internet capability as well.

SPRING TEES ON THE STREETS

GET HYPE AND START ROCKING SHIRTS THAT MEAN SOMETHING. ATLEAST KNOW WHAT YOU WEARING!
CHECK OUT THE PETE SEEGER TEES, JERRY GARCIA, PGM, BOB MARLEY, LRG, EVENA SKATEBOARD COLLABD WITH DGK X BEANIE SIGEL!

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

FAT JOE REALLY NEEDS TO CHECK OUT WWW.BOOKIDO.COM
EXERCISE YOUR MIND AND BODY!!!
GET HEALTHY AND SMART FOR 2008!

BUN B RELEASING A NEW ALBUM

BUN B NEVER SEEMS TO SLEEP. EVEN AFTER THE PASSING OF HIS LONGTIME PARTNER HE IS CARRYING THE UGK TORCH AND WORKING ON A NEW ALBUM AND PROMOTING THE UGK LEGACY EVERYWHERE HE GOES.

BUN B X DJ PREMIER--HOUSTON FINEST

GURU DAN INOSANTO

Guru Dan Inosanto is a encycopledia of martial arts history and techniques. A true legend who has dedicated his entire life towards the study of marital fitness and spirituality. A Filipino American who trained with the late Bruce Lee for 10 years and developed a friendship that has been a influence onhis studies.
he was Bruce Lee's sparring partner and they both taught each other various moves and combinations. Inosanto has a martial arts academy in Los Angelas and I advise anyone to go by and see or if you not scared join a class!
He has a full yearly schedule of seminars and camps that are forever evolving into mixed cultural cross training. A expert at escrima Inosanto has written books, produced videos and has been even featured in a few movies.
For more resources search:
Kali
Jeet Kune DO
www.Inosanto.com
Silat
Escrima
Arnis

Man jailed in Dubai for 4 year for.....

A father-of-three who was found with a microscopic speck of cannabis stuck to the bottom of one of his shoes has been sentenced to four years in a Dubai prison.

A search by customs officials uncovered a speck of cannabis weighing just 0.003g - so small it would be invisible to the naked eye and weighing less than a grain of sugar - on the tread of one of his shoes.

Dubai International Airport is a major hub for the Middle East and thousands of Britons pass through it every year to holiday in the glamorous beach and shopping haven.

Keith Brown, a council youth development officer, was travelling through the United Arab Emirates on his way back to England when he was stopped as he walked through Dubai's main airport.

Check out the book: Last Man Standing by Geronimo Pratt www.Bookido.com

Let's play ball Obama!

A interesting website by a group of basketball players endoring Barack Obama. Word is if he wins the national election he will be the Baller-in-chief.
www.ballersforbarack.com

G Unit makes fun of Fat Joe

The never ending war of the words keeps coming in the world of Hip Hop. G-Unit releases a counter mixtape to Fat Joe's new album "Elephant in the room".
As always 50cent the G Unit crew minus Young Buck attack Terror Squad and continue to diss Fat Joe check out the mixtape cover.

Stussy x turntable lab DJ bags

Strictly for live men not for FRESHMAN!
Here are two DJ bags in collaboration with Stussy and Turntable Lab!
One of the best websites for DJ equipment and production gear.
www.turntablelab.com

REDBELT movie trailer (MMA Movie Sony Pictures)

Check it out Heres the Trailer!

Brotherhood

courtesy of Gridiron Gang

Art to appreciate

Rafiq is an Afghan artist living in Washington DC area. Rafiq says, “Most Afghan artists draw traditional art but my style is abstract and surreal. My work has been compared to Dali and Picasso or a cross between the two.” Rafiq has created an astonishingly large body of work, which can be viewed online at his website, or his Facebook group.

LRG x Casio

Casio G-shock watches has teamed up with the design team at LRG to create this limited edition collabo. Check the color details. These were only released at special accounts stores across the US. Check for more collaborations from LRG like snowboards, tents and barware!

YES WE CAN AF1s

The only candidate with their own AF1 designed sneaker. This is a strange mix of politics and fashion in one. Urban culture never shy's from making somehthing unpopular into a "cool" accessory. What do you think about this? Will there be more?Does Obama have a pair?Will a Presidential Obama put more pressure on sneaker manufactures to practice fair labor laws?

Amazing how painters can turn anything into a artistic canvas.

YES WE CAN