The Ahn Trio

True Blood for the Holidays

Muse - Uprising

It Only Takes a Girl

Welcome to 1984

A George Orwellian society seems to be at our doorstep. Perpetual wars, Big Brother surveillance, a society ran by a privileged elite. Pessimistic? Perhaps but consider the endless greed and corruption, assaults on peaceful protesters, and most recently the government bills of NDAA & SOPA. Betrayed and realistic seem more accurate.

The recent provision in The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is violating our bill of rights. Writing into law an assumed role for the military in domestic terrorism that did not exist previously. Authorizing secret military kidnappings, indefinite detainment, torture and assassinations against our own citizens. 

The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) is a bill effectively ending the internet as we know it. Authorizing the federal government and corporations to shut down web sites without a trial for posting a single piece of copyright-infringing content. Lacking concrete definitions of what would qualify as criminal conduct making false accusations all that more probable.

Our freedom of speech is under attack. If you agree, then please make your voice heard. We need to stand up to this oppression now more then ever and take our country back. Join local protests, sign petitions, call your government officials and remember to vote. If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention.

Florence + The Machine - Drumming Song

Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out

Occupy the Ports

Today marked another important milestone for the Occupy Movement. Protesters along the west coast took to the waterfront this morning. Portland, San Diego, Los Angeles, Oakland, Tacoma, Seattle & other port cities were disrupted to varying degrees. Once again there were many arrests and violent confrontations. Southern California saw an increased amount of police and victory was claimed on both sides. For protesters, the point was to continue the OWS discussion by effecting the ports (not stopping them) while promising future demonstrations. Occupying Wall Street, Occupying foreclosed homes, Occupying the Ports.

Mumia Abu-Jamal

Philadelphia Prosecutors announced today that they are no longer seeking the death penalty for Mumia Abu-Jamal. A highly controversial case that has lasted 30 years. Similar to what Hurricane Rubin Carter experienced. A fabricated trial built on corruption and racism that influenced witness testimony, police, jury members, attorneys & the judge as well. Not to mention an obvious lack of evidence. To his supporters he is not only innocent but a political prisoner wrongfully accused. To some he is believed to be a cop killer. I encourage you to view the video here and on his website and determine for yourself if you can justify his sentence of life in prison.  

http://www.freemumia.com

Charlie Brown Christmas - Performed by the Cast of Scrubs

Billy Joel - Piano Man - 1975

Harry Belafonte on Occupy Wall Street

Need Act 2011

Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) has put forth a bill that would cease the profiteering in our financial institutions. In 1913 congress attempted to stabilize the banking industry. Thanks to bad policies and little oversight a great imbalance has occurred. It has become so undeniably evident that the Occupy Wall Street movement was conceived. The solution is what both libertarians and conservatives have long aspired for, the ending of the Federal Reserve.

The National Emergency Employment Defense (NEED) Act of 2011 would place the Federal Reserve under the control of the U.S. Treasury. The wall of separation between commercial and investment banking that was knocked down by repealing the Glass-Stegall Act of 1933 would be reconstructed. As well as implementing new rules for the financial industry in hopes of ending the horrible abuses we are currently enduring.

99th Problem

Thank You Mr. Frank

Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank has been politically active for nearly 45 years. Passionately fighting for people's quality of life with his quick wit and sharp tongue. One of the first openly gay members of congress in 1987 who believes his coming out was helpful to the cause of gay rights because "the best antidote to prejudice is reality." 

After seeing the redrawn lines of his district and in the midst of a terminally divided government, Mr. Frank has decided to retire. The redistricting adds 325,000 new constituents and would no longer include New Bedford, one of his strongholds. Whether then spending his time left campaigning for one term (as he planned to retire at the end of 2014) he has decided to retire early and continue fighting for federal deficit reduction and for changes in the financial industry.

Barney Frank stood up to the banking industry in the aftermath of our financial crisis, refusing to apologize when they complained of his harsh tone. At 71, his retirement is certainly well deserved. Although he made clear that this is not a retirement of his advocacy, believing that he will have a greater impact writing and speaking for change outside of the constricting political process.

Within Temptation - Shot In The Dark

Within Temptation - The Howling

Be Thankful & Know Your History

While I fully support the concept of Thanksgiving, my heart is not entirely in it. I embrace the idea of being thankful for what you have and grateful for the people you hold dear but I am Native American and for most of us it is a reminder of the beginning of a sad time for our people.

In 1621 a group of religious separatists aka pilgrims from Plymouth, England came on the ship called the Mayflower and landed near Cape Cod, Massachusetts. They came poor, sickened with disease and struggled to grow crops. Many were dying. Squanto, a Native American found them in a pitiful state.  The Wampanog tribe helped them survive the winter and taught them how to grow food. My people were wary having experienced European slave traders, but it is their way to give freely to those who have nothing. 

To most of the colonists the Native Americans were considered heathens and of the devil. They saw Squanto not as an equal but as an instrument of their God to help his chosen people. At the first Thanksgiving, they came together sharing food. That was the last bit of  harmony that the colonists and my ancestors shared. What came next? A history full of betrayal, blood and tears. A true genocide of the Native American people.

Reflection is necessary and is needed often, not just once a year. It is important to be thankful but also to be educated by knowing your history. It is by this that you can come up with your own conclusion. Don't take everything a face value. Do your research and remember to analyze. Not all things they teach you in school are entirely accurate.

Twitterpated

Twitter was been around for many years. I was always curious but had opted out since I was already social networking in numerous other ways. Well, I could deny myself no longer. I have given in and within the last 48 hours have become completely twitterpated. Following my favorite musicians, news media sources, actors, movements, comedians, and friends in text based posts no more then 140 characters long was finally too much temptation for this geek to handle. Especially with my short attention span, it was just what I needed. If you enjoy my blog then I welcome you to follow me @MtntopPrincess. Much love to the outernet. 

Dear Mr. President

I proudly voted for you during the last election and I ask one thing of you now. Please help the peaceful occupy wall street protesters. Our rights to freedom of speech and to peacefully assemble are being violated to a scale that I thought we had moved past in this country. Instead, I am being reminded of the horrific 1968 Chicago Democratic convention beatings and the massacre at Kent State in 1970. Pregnant women, war veterans, senior citizens, college students,  and many others are being brutally attacked by police and you do nothing. I beg you to step in and help us now. If you are the man I believe you to be then you will stop this madness.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments

Lady Gaga - Bad Romance

Police Pepper Spray Seated Protesters

Police Lieutenant John Pike of the UC Davis Campus first shows off his red canister of pepper-spray and then douses 30 peacefully sitting demonstrators at point blank range. I encourage you to email and call this pathetic excuse for an officer and a human being as I have. The police are meant to protect and serve. Instead I see a large amount of fascist, totalitarian and unaccountable wall street thugs.   

 His number is 530-752-3989 and his email is  japikeiii@ucdavis.edu

Lady Gaga - Poker Face

Global Revolution

Happy Anniversary OWS! Today marks the two month anniversary of Occupy Wall Street. Despite the countless arrests, police beatings and break ups of their encampments; protesters remain ever vigilant.

  

"You cannot evict an idea whose time has come. We are the 99%. We are everywhere" - OWS

 http://www.livestream.com/globalrevolution/share?utm_source=lsplayer&utm_medium=ui-share&utm_campaign=globalrevolution&utm_content=globalrevolution 

John Lennon - Instant Karma

Makana - We Are The Many

I can not imagine a better anthem for the Occupy movement. This song is so pure, so heartfelt, so honest. It brought tears to my eyes. Makana was hired to perform for the APEC convention this past weekend. He played this song for over 40 minutes at the event in Hawaii; in front of President Obama, China's President Hu Jintao and many other world leaders. Such a courageous spirit. A true inspiration for the movement. Mahalo Makana.

Youth Bring Hope To Occupy Portland on 11.11.11

Because of 7,000 protesters like the girls below; Occupy Portland was not shut down as eviction notices had promised. Another victory for the Occupy Movement.  

Berkeley Protests

The honorable men and women who wear uniforms of authority have been disgraced. Seeing police beat up peaceful protesters makes me ill. I know California is a military state but to see such a travesty in this day and age in my own country is hard for even me to believe. The videos below are of students and family members protesting peacefully and being beaten for exercising their constitutional rights. Brutality will not silence our voice. Power to the peaceful!

K'NAAN

Phenomenal poet, rapper, singer, songwriter and instrumentalist with roots laying in Somalia and Canada. Currently placed at the helm of educating the world about not only his homeland Somalia, but calling to end all bloodshed and violence. Specifically trying to avoid gangster rap cliches realizing that kind of lifestyle is nothing to brag about or strive towards. I was a little late at falling in love, "Wavin' Flag" was my first official taste of his music and was also 2010's FIFA World Cup anthem. One of my musical dreams is to see K'nann and Michael Franti collaborate. They are masters of rhyme and are both dedicated to helping the world move in a positive direction. Maybe someday my dream will come to fruition. I am sending this post to both of my idols in hopes they will consider intertwining their wisdom to create an enlightened message that the world is in dire need of.

http://knaanmusic.ning.com/

Dylan Brann

Author of Lifeline, The Russian Diary, Red Phantom, winner of multiple writing contests, and in my opinion the next big thing that Hollywood is waiting for. As I've mentioned in previous blogs, I am a connoisseur of music. I am a connoisseur of literature as well. I dearly love movies, reading, art and music til no end. Mr. Brann manages to seamlessly include something for every genre lover. Every piece verging into the worlds of  action, suspense, violence, love and mystery. The sky is the limit for this young up and comer. Make sure to check out the links below and purchase his novel as well. Receive the luxury of loving this artist before everyone is doing it.

http://www.amazon.com/Lifeline-ebook/dp/B004RCLVZ0

http://dylanbrann.com/ 

 http://dylanbrann.tumblr.com/

https://twitter.com/#!/DylanBrann

http://www.facebook.com/LifelineNovel 

GerbArt

I dedicate this post to the fantastic creations of Gerben denHeeten. There is no shortage of treasures when it comes to his comedic satire and undeniable passion for art. His unique twist on beloved classic pop culture makes this geeky girl laugh every time. If you are a fan of art, comedy and comics then make sure to let him tickle your funny bone. Also, purchase the sweet looking phone case below. He's dutch, an artist and from the Netherlands, what is there not to love?

"Star - Sexy Stormtrooper" iPhone Cases by GerbArt | RedBubble:

http://www.redbubble.com/people/gerbart/works/7871440-star-sexy-stormtrooper

http://www.gerb-art.com

http://www.sexbommen.blogspot.com

http://www.pinupyourwife.com

http://www.redbubble.com/people/gerbart

http://www.stripster.eu/blogs/Gerben

Loreena McKennitt

Loreena McKennitt is a world wide celebrated singer/composer. Self managed, self produced and the head of her own music label. She has been creating hypnotizing music for more then two decades. Winner of countless awards and the founder of many charities. Loreena McKennitt is truly gifted and a shining example of music shaped by creative expression through education and tradition. Her music is simply timeless and is a pure pleasure to listen to.

http://www.quinlanroad.com/

Gods and Greek Economy

Jurassic Park Character's Awful Realization

Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole - Somewhere over the Rainbow

The Goat Rodeo Sessions

The Goat Rodeo Sessions is a recent collaboration of Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer, and Chris Thile. A mostly instrumental album where Celtic, bluegrass and classical music form a sublime fuse. What is a goat rodeo you may be asking yourself. The urban dictionary describes it as the most polite term used by aviation people (and others in higher risk situations) to describe a scenario that requires about 100 things to go right at once if you intend to walk away from it. There couldn't be a more accurate or humorous title. Simply put, it is music in its purest form created uniquely by four gentlemen who are masters of their craft. 

http://www.yo-yoma.com/news/goat-rodeo-sessions                             http://www.punchbrothers.com/

                                            

This Is Halloween - Jack Skellington

Halloween

Halloween is an old and multicultural tradition, with history stretching all of the globe. The ancient Celts believed the spirits of the people who had died in the past year would walk among the living. Foods and sweets would be left out to pacify these spirits. Halloween has Pagan origins as well, but the name is derived from the Christian holiday "All Hallows Eve", the evening before "All Saints' Day" November 1st. The holiday was adapted in hopes of stamping out Paganism. Over the years, some of the darker aspects of Halloween have been replaced by more family friendly festivities. But the supernatural ties still hold strong today.

In Ireland, which most would agree is Halloween's birthplace. Celebration includes fireworks, monkey nuts (peanuts), and barnbrack (a fruitcake with charms baked inside). In Mexico, there is "The Day of the Dead" an indigenous holiday dating back thousands of years. The Aztecs originally kept and displayed loved ones skulls making shrines with flowers, candles, pictures and food for the dead. In Romania, at least for the tourists; the major attraction is seeking out Dracula in Transylvania. While in the United States, the holiday often means costume parties, trick or treating, harvest festivals, haunted houses and pranks for all ages. 

Halloween is truly my favorite holiday. Steeped in dark mystification. I love dressing up, even though as a female the outfits always seem to have some element of a call girl. I embrace it all the same. The last night of the autumn harvest, the world changes from sunny warmth to cold winter. The land from fertile to barren. If the Celts were right, soon the supernatural forces will get the opportunity to break into the world of the living. Evil mischief abound! Happy Halloween! 

Flobots

Are you hungry for a political rock and hip hop hybrid? Then Flobots will feed your need. Straight out of Denver and after my heart. Full of such much passion and adrenaline, it's impossible not to be motivated by them. Every member represents peace, hope and change. Below are my favorite videos. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

http://flobots.com/

Rise

 

White Flag Warrior 

Why Occupy WallStreet? 4 Reasons

Occupy Oakland Attacked

Mumford & Sons - The Cave

Yell Fire Protesters Tribute

A Day of Protests

Protests are beginning to unfurl;  not only in the United States but all over the world. Inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement. Men and women of all ages against economic inequality and corporate greed.

 

 Madrid 

Defend Occupy Wall Street

 http://civic.moveon.org/defend_ows/?rc=c4_defend_ows_letter.fb.v3.g0

At 7am tomorrow Mayor Bloomberg is evicting the Wall Street Protesters. Please sign the petition on the link above to defend the protesters. We have less than 24 hours to try to stop this.

Adele - Someone Like You

Michael Franti & Spearhead

I consider myself a connoisseur of music. I can appreciate every genre. It is in that spirit that this post and others sure to follow are devoted to. Music that has an important message are true treasures. Somehow becoming more than the sum of its parts. Around 2005 I was introduced to Michael Franti & Spearhead. I had heard their music on the radio and knew I liked them but once I saw them perform live, I was hooked. There is a presence about Michael Franti, an aura. Together they are truly magnificent. Performances and lyrics that strike down to the very core of your being. I've been to several of their shows and have been lucky enough to meet them on a couple occasions. They will often interact with their fans after the show & you can tell that together you are apart of something bigger than yourself, something more relevant than just a great concert. Michael Franti is the ambassador for CARE, a leading humanitarian organization that is fighting global poverty. He is the creator of the Power to the Peaceful Festival in San Francisco. He also supports St. Jude's Ranch for children, Soles 4 Souls, Amnesty International, Waterkeeper Alliance and many others. He is truly making the world a better place.

http://michaelfranti.com/

Wall Street

Perhaps we are on a brink of a transformation. I understand that greed and corruption are nothing new but it appears to be running rampant. Whether or not you agree with the protests on Wall Street (and the growing protests around the United States) one thing remains true; the wealth gap has grown out of control and the imbalance is impossible to ignore. Courageous men & women are making tremendous sacrifices in hopes of creating a very much needed change.

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace"

 http://occupywallst.org/ 

Ode to Jacqueline Carey

Jacqueline Carey is by far one of the most talented authors to grace the world of fantasy. Few writers are able to truly captivate me and provide such an immediate addiction. The series that starts with Kushiel's Dart is particularly my favorite. Love, war, betrayal, mysticism, sexuality, religion. No stone is left unturned and Phèdre nò Delaunay is perhaps the best female lead ever written. 

The books are complex and can be difficult to read for some. They are not like The Sookie Stackhouse and Twilight series. It isn't that I didn't enjoy those books as well, but they are truly on different playing fields. This series is composed in Old English. I was so blissfully lost in her writing, I began speaking Old English by accident. There are many twists and turns and will leave you on the edge always wanting more. 

http://www.jacquelinecarey.com/index.htm

Health Care

After working in health care for many years, I've seen a lot. People uninsured (or insured with terrible plans) opting not to see a doctor and attempting to stitch themselves after a nasty laceration. Families unable to purchase expensive labs tests and medicine that can help save their life. It pains me to see such struggles for something that shouldn't be an issue to begin with.

The United States health care ranks lower then France, Italy, Spain, Japan, United Kingdom, Canada & Israel. Who has the best health care? Apparently, Switzerland does. They have access to the latest technology, just as Americans do and with low wait times comparably for appointments and procedures. 99.5% of Swiss citizens have health insurance. They buy insurance for themselves; there are no employer sponsored or government run insurance programs. 

In many ways, the Swiss system is similar to the systems of Massachusetts and PPACA. There are government mandates involved and  it is understandable that both liberals and conservatives would find their system less than perfect. But we have to start somewhere. It is foolish to continue this way in order to maintain our untainted ideology. Health care is a right, not a privilege. 

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs was a legend in his own time.  A brilliant inventor and business mogul. Co-Founder of both Apple Inc and Pixar Animation Studios. In the late 1970's he helped create the first successful personal computer. While CEO for Apple he was responsible for the release of the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad. He is forever imprinted in our past and future technological endeavors. The world has lost a true visionary today.

"Stay hungry, Stay foolish. "

Geeks Rule

I love RPG's, Comic Con, Science, History and Fantasy. Yes, I am a geek and proud. The Big Band Theory has 16,437,336 Facebook followers, so clearly I am not alone. I want to dedicate my first blog post to the geeks. Especially my fellow female geeks out there. Janina Gavankar is a self proclaimed geek and absolutely my female geek role model. 

http://janinagavankar.com

Yesterday, astronomers and physicists discovered that not only is the universe expanding like a vast inflating balloon, but its expansion is speeding up. The Geeks shall inherit the earth, whatever is left of it.

Live long and prosper. Do or do not there is no try.