Eclectique|916

Eclectic types tend to keep their fingers in a lot of pies…and cakes. This blog, of course, being no exception. That’s why Eclectique916.com is helping the “Makes-Me-Wanna SHOUT! Chocolate Layer Cake Baking Challenge“ get the word out that the contest is looking for contestants with a passion for baking, age 18 years and up, and residing in the Washington, DC Metropolitan region to compete in the 2012 contest and support the work of Martha’s Table, the 2012 beneficiary. The contest is presented with Eatonville Restaurant, the Zora Neale Hurston-themed sophisticated Southern food sister to the Langston Hughes Busboys and Poets hangout in Washington, DC.

Entry forms are due February 1, 2012.

(Mailed entries must be postmarked February 1, 2012 and received by February 4, 2012 – P.O. Box 21204, Washington, DC 20009) That’s pretty soon, but the process is simple.

Got a chocolate layer cake recipe (like German Chocolate, Devil’s Food…anything with chocolate cocoa in the batter)? Just jot it down on the entry form after filling out all the contact information, tell the story of the cake (what inspired the recipe, who laps it up, who shouts about it etc.), check the signature box, and click the SUBMIT button. That’s it. No entry fee. No purchase required. No baking…at least not yet.

Up to 15 entries will be selected for the semifinals and judging event with special guest judges (cookbook authors, food professionals) March 24, 2012 at Martha’s Table. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Martha’s Table (www.marthastable.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping at-risk children, youth, families and individuals in the DC community improve their lives by providing educational programs, food, clothing and enrichment opportunities.

Five finalists go to the Final Five in April for a chance to win the first prize.

First prize: $500 + your winning cake on the Eatonville Restaurant dessert menu (the 2011 winner is still a best seller), and a $250 gift card from King Arthur Flour, one of several sponsors of the contest. The winner also gets the fame that comes from being #1! Read about Decoyise “Dee” Brown, the winner of the 2011 challenge in the Washington Post. Dee will be on the noon newscast of local CBS affiliate WUSA9 Friday, January 27 interviewed by J.C. Hayward.

For more information visit www.shoutbakingchallenge.com, email contest[at]shoutbakingchallenge[dot]com or call 202-939-0794.

You can also download and print a contest brochure (2 pdf docs) from these links and give it to a friend:
Cover
Inside/Entry Form

Douglass Dilman is “The Man” and the first Black President in the 1972 drama based on the novel by Irving Wallace and staring James Earl Jones. The film is back in limited distribution through independent collaborative efforts and coming to National Geographic (Grosvenor Auditorium – 1600 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036) Tuesday, February 7 to kick off Nat Geo’s “Tuesdays at Noon” Black History Month events.

In “The Man,” Senator Douglass Dilman (James Earl Jones) through the law of succession suddenly becomes the first black man to occupy the Oval Office. “The Man” remains unique in that the film presents the black president as the central dramatic character confronting the political and social weights of his position. Sound familiar? In addition to Jones, the film features actors from television and film’s “Golden Age”: Burgess Meredith, Jack Benny (in a cameo), Janet MacLachlan as Dilman’s activist daughter, George Stanford Brown, Martin Balsam, Barbara Rush, and William Windom. The screenplay for “The Man” was written by Rod Serling (“The Twilight Zone,” “Requiem for a Heavyweight”) and directed by Joseph Sargent (“Something the Lord Made,” “A Lesson Before Dying”).

Eclectique916 continues to campaign for “The Man,” a film that is less than 50 years old and yet practically obscure. According to the documentary film “These Amazing Shadows” about the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry, 50% of films produced are lost. This spans from the silent film era at the top of the 20th century to the present. Feature films produced in the last 50 years are also vanishing. “The Man” is considered one of them. To date, only three 16 mm copies of “The Man” have been identified/found. It is highly likely the original film is 35 mm. To date, the location of that 35 mm reel is a mystery.

The book was taken out of print then re-released in 1999, the year after President Bill Clinton’s “impeachment” by the House of Representatives prompted by the “Monica Lewinsky scandal.” The Senate acquitted President Clinton. In the book, but not so much in the film, Dilman also faces impeachment.

James Earl Jones wrote the introduction to the 1999 version of “The Man.”

His [Dilman] intention is to be president of all the people. He has no axes to grind, even racial axes. He simply cares for the national good.
James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones recently received a life-time achievement Academy Award aka Oscar during his theatrical run of “Driving Miss Daisy” in London in November.

The book went back out of print but recently re-emerged as a Kindle edition. The film is not available on DVD, Blueray or streamed. Thanks to the efforts of persons like Clayton LeBouef (“Something the Lord Made,” “Homicide: Life On the Street,” “The Wire”), who will talk about preservation of films like “The Man” February 7, the Rod Serling Memorial Foundation and this blog, “The Man” is back. It’s the beginning of a project to bring attention to significant films (many recent) that deserve extended distribution. If not for an informed and conscious audience, these films will be lost forever.

VOTE!

Douglass Dillman’s campaign begins with a vote — on Turner Classic Movies. The overview page for “The Man” includes a link to vote for the film to be released on DVD. And you don’t have to register to vote on TCM.

Vote for “The Man.” See “The Man” for yourself February 7 at National Geographic “Tuesdays at Noon.” Additional screenings (including outside DC) are TBA.

While everyone’s hunched over the carving stations in South Carolina and now Florida, the sitting President of the United States makes an historic state of the union address which, again, E-Bert and I have thrown the ball around. This toss, “Why isn’t the press hyping this?” Has 2012 already been declared a “lame duck” year? Is this the make-or-break speech? If no one else, the President and his White House appear to be pretty focused on matters of state.

Tomorrow, President Obama will deliver his State of the Union address at 9:00 p.m. ET. During that speech, he’ll lay out his vision for an America where hard work and responsibility are rewarded, where everyone does their fair share, and where everyone is held accountable for what they do.

There is a range of ways to get involved with this year’s State of the Union address.

Immediately following the President’s speech on Tuesday, be sure to stay tuned to WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU for a live panel featuring senior White House advisors answering your questions about the speech. Then, on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, a group of policy experts and advisors to the President will sit down for Office Hours on Twitter — discussing the issues that matter to you and your community.

Finally, on Monday, January 30, President Obama will join the conversation in a special Google+ Hangout, a live multi-person video chat, from the White House.

Participating in the Hangout is easy — just visit the White House YouTube channel to submit your questions and vote for your favorites between now and January 28. A few participants will be chosen to join the President in the Google+ Hangout to ask their questions of the President live!

Check out WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU to learn more about watching the enhanced State of the Union online and all the ways you can ask questions this week:

WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU

Here’s the full lineup — all times are ET.

Tuesday

9:00 p.m.: Watch the enhanced version of the speech that features graphics, data and stats that highlight the issues the President is discussing on WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU. Use the Twitter hashtag #SOTU to discuss the speech live.
10:00 p.m.: Immediately following the speech, pose your questions to a live panel at the White House. Senior advisors will answer your questions about the President’s address submitted via Twitter (use #WHChat and #SOTU), Facebook, Google+, and an in-person audience of Tweetup participants.

Wednesday Office Hours Schedule

All Day: Josh Earnest, Principal Deputy Press Secretary, answers your questions on Twitter (@jearnest44)
1:00 p.m.: Office Hours with Mark Zuckerman, Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council
3:00 p.m.: Office Hours with Dan Pfeiffer (@pfeiffer44), White House Communications Director

Thursday Office Hours Schedule

10:00 a.m. Veterans: Matt Flavin, White House Director of Veterans and Wounded Warrior Policy
11:00 a.m. LGBT: Miriam Vogel, White House Senior Policy Advisor and Gautam Raghavan, White House Associate Director for Public Engagement
12:00 p.m. Women: Racquel Russell, Special Assistant to the President for Mobility and Opportunity and Avra Siegel, White House Deputy Executive Director for the Council on Women and Girls
1:00 p.m. Seniors: Jeanne Lambrew, Deputy Assistant to the President for Health Policy and Nick Papas, Assistant Press Secretary
2:00 p.m. Latinos: Felicia Escobar, White House Senior Policy Advisor, Julie Rodriguez, White House Associate Director of Public Engagement and Luis Miranda, White House Director of Hispanic Media
4:00 p.m. Small Business Owners: Christine Koronides, Senior Advisor for Economic Policy, National Economic Council
5:00 p.m. African Americans: Danielle Gray, Deputy Assistant to the President for Economic Policy
6:00 p.m. Asian American Pacific Islanders: Chris Lu, Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary
TBD Youth: Administration official to be announced

Friday Office Hours Schedule

11:00 a.m. Foreign Policy: Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting
12:00 p.m. Education: Roberto Rodriguez, Special Assistant to the President for Education Policy
1:00 p.m. Health: Jeanne Lambrew, Deputy Assistant to the President for Health Policy and Nick Papas, Assistant Press Secretary
2:00 p.m. Energy: Heather Zichal, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change and Dan Utech, Deputy Director for Energy Policy
3:00 p.m. Consumer Protections: Brian Deese, Deputy Director National Economic Council
4:00 pm The Economy: Jason Furman, Principal Deputy Director National Economic Council
5:00 p.m. Job Opportunities: Portia Wu, Senior Policy Advisor for Mobility and Opportunity Policy
6:00 p.m. Urban Issues: Racquel Russell, Special Assistant to the President for Mobility and Opportunity

Monday January 30

President Obama participates in a Google+ Hangout from the White House

It appears the media is already bored with fmr Massachusetts Governor and presidential candidate Mitt Romney. They want to wrap this up after SC and move on. The media was bored with Obama the day after he was elected. Anyone remember how pundits were already picking horses for the 2012 race no less than 24 hours after the new first family walked out on the stage in Chicago. 2008 seems so last week. And why so much focus on the #2 guy? When has 2 become as important as being #1. I hated being #2 even when my pre-K class lined up according to height.

E-bert and I are tossing this ball back and forth. The ball is former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, son and brother of presidents.

What Laura Bush said
Several news outlets are circulating a story from former First Lady Laura Bush’s remarks at an event in Sarasota saying she and her husband, President George W. Bush, hoped Jeb would run in 2012. This started with the Florida-Herald Tribune (at least from my end); it’s now on CBS News, the Guardian, the Daily News, Houston Chronicle and Huffington Post sites. This is also running alongside another story that Jeb Bush will endorse Mitt Romney at the end of the month. Two Jeb Bush trains running. But one must keep in mind, there are certain members of the Bush family and their political friends who don’t just blurt things out.

E-bert’s got the ball. He says, check out the photograph BuzzFeed attached to the story about the endorsement. You have Jeb about to shake hands with President Obama. The sign behind him is for the White House summit “Winning the Future.” This is a story about Jeb Bush endorsing Mitt Romney. But where’s Mitt in this picture? Shouldn’t this story about an endorsement include a photo of the person being endorsed? Hmmm.

We’re now chuckling at the caption on the CBS News site:

Bush, who speaks Spanish and is married to a woman born in Mexico, has been active in trying to bring Hispanic voters – a crucial and growing vowing bloc that usually supports Democrats – to the Republican Party. Earlier this year, he said Republicans should not just run for president by attacking President Obama.

Is this a fishing expedition? In 2000, a (fluent) Spanish-speaking candidate married to a woman “born in Mexico” or Mexican American wouldn’t have a prayer. But we have President Obama, or as the media likes to spin it – the age of “post-racial America.” You have to say “hmmm.”

Republican establishment strategies bring it down to one simple goal (cue Charlie Sheen) – winning. A Jeb Bush endorsement is key for Florida (remember 2000?). Hardcore Democrats or Democrat leaning voters have hardcore memories for better and worse. Independents live in the moment (financially speaking). In “The Sting” the backroom gang used “The Wire,” a set up con so old no one would remember it. It’s been 4 years since 8 years of Bush. People will remember “The Wire” as a HBO series.

The RNC convention is taking place in Tampa, Florida. South Carolina primaries are up next. Media’s talking about Steven Colbert’s run in the primaries. Power struggles continue within the party. Long odds for a photo finish. And still too soon to tell.

There’s red meat in Iowa. The Republican Iowa Caucuses. Any predictions? There’s plenty of them. Who will pull out an upset? Is this blog ready to take notice? Nope. Too soon to tell. Party establishment operatives are still at working removing tea party fat. New Hampshire, South Carolina, Florida. Conservatism? Rare, medium, or well done? The U.S. map becomes a carving station for the Republican party ticket. Will there be political blood on the floor in Tampa come August?

It’s January and I’m starting to feel a draft.

Ebert adds some flavor to the predictions for 2012
[E-]BERT’S PICKS FOR 2012

1. Jeb Bush drafted to be the Republican presidential candidate. Romney on ticket as VP.
2, The media starts talking about the American Elect third-party movement.
3. Hillary Clinton replaces Biden on the Democratic ticket.
4. San Francisco wins the SuperBowl.
5. Hawks cool the Heat in the playoffs.
6. New N.B.A. stars – Durant and Curry.
7. The Prince comes to the Washington Nationals.
8. A major earthquake hits the US
9. The governor is forced to “Walk” in Wisconsin.

10. Lady Gaga kicks off everything tonight.

It’s the 4th day of Christmas. Where are my calling birds?

Last week I noticed a front-page story on the “Express” newspaper about holiday gift giving may be postponed until after December 25th due to the economy and the anticipation of deep price cuts for consumer items. Fortunately, this all fits in perfectly if you’re expanding and bringing “diversity” into your holiday.

Today is the 8th and final day of Hanukkah. Hanukkah celebrates the triumph and miracle of the light over darkness. The Hanukkah story is a war story from over 21 centuries ago. The unarmed Maccabees defeated the great Syrian Greek army who ruled much of what is called the “holy land.” These former rulers defiled the Jewish temple. After the battle was won (considered a miracle), the temple was rededicated but there was not enough oil to light the holy temple. The little oil there was available astonished everyone when it burned for 8 nights. No gifts are required, but if one must “tis the season,” it’s usually a token.

Today is the 3rd day of Kwanzaa: Ujima (collective work and responsibility). This 7 day African American celebration of the values and/or principles that nourish and uplift family, community, and culture has a gift giving finale on January 1, New Year’s Day for Kuumba, the 7th principle meaning “creativity.” The official Kwanzaa site has gift recommendations:

Gifts are given mainly to children, but must always include a book and a heritage symbol. The book is to emphasize the African value and tradition of learning stressed since ancient Egypt, and the heritage symbol to reaffirm and reinforce the African commitment to tradition and history.

The Twelve Days of Christmas is more than just a jolly song. Christmas Day all the way through January 6 (Three Kings Day) celebrate the birth of Jesus and the visit of the three kings or magi who brought gifts to the infant. Three Kings Day, Twelfth Night or Epiphany is a Christian holiday celebrated in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. It marks the official end of the Christmas season. According to the LA Times, Mexican shoppers are feeling the pinch to meet children’s expectations for Reyes Magos, even with the lure of sales after January 1. The three Kings were named Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar from Ethiopia. It’s hard to believe there’s no one in Mexico or Spain who can play Balthazar in the 21st century without resorting to this:

After January 6, it’s time to gear up for Mardi Gras. The King Cake has a plastic toy baby baked inside. Whoever gets the slice with the toy infant buys next year’s King cake. Fat Tuesday is February 21. I’ve done the New Orleans Mardi Gras. I put the crowds into two categories: for tourists, it’s a wild party. For locals, it’s a time to get together with family watch the parades, cook up some food, and have folks over. To be honest, I didn’t fee safe around the tourists. And I’m from DC.

But I was there with a friend bearing gifts of pound cake as you’ll see in the video from the Church Lady Cake Diaries. Happy Holidays!

A lot of stuff is about to close down come 2012 — here in DC. There are a few things I’d like to see; one, I’ve already been there and done.

Andy Warhol’s Headlines

National Gallery of Art – until January 2, 2012
This one’s a maybe. It got a lot of good local press and buzz in anticipation of the exhibit’s opening in late September. The Newseum is across from the National Gallery; but it has a $21.95 admission fee. The National Gallery of Art is free. Perhaps my interest is seeing how Warhol plays in the west wing of the gallery which is nearly always reserved for works pre-20th century. The exhibit is a first all around in terms of Warhol’s work with a newspaper front-page format. Perhaps a visit is a matter of seeing what the fuss is all about.

30 Americans

Corcoran Gallery – until February 12, 2012
I’ve got a little time on this one, but I may see it earlier than later because word on the street is that the fuss is legit. This exhibit takes a bold step in framing the exhibit in what the curator and the collectors (who have loaned the art for this exhibit) deem as important contemporary African American artists of the last 3 decades. The art is part of the private collection of Don and Mera Rubell who live in Miami, FL who have plans for DC‘s art scene. DC has always been a city that appreciated the greener grass from another yard.

30 Americans from Corcoran Gallery of Art on Vimeo.

America Eats Tavern

405 8th St NW Washington DC 20004 – until July 4th 2012
You can say Jose Andres ThinkFoodGroup has done it again, or done something else. (photo right: America Eats version of Key Lime Pie – deconstructed) When the National Archives opened its exhibit “What’s Cooking Uncle Sam,” an exploration of the government’s historic role in the production, regulation, research, innovation, and economics of our food supply, Jose Andres was front and center to pair the NARA exhibit with an experiential dining exhibit in the old Cafe Atlantico restaurant. This is not only an experiment in museum exhibition but also restaurant exhibitionism. America Eats Tavern is a sponsored restaurant (Dole Pineapple, America Express). It’s essentially in a pop-out space (temporary) owned by ThinkFoodGroup. According to our server, the America Eats restaurant will move to a new location in 2012, Cafe Atlantico will re-open in a new location, and the 8th Street location will be a test kitchen for the ThinkFoodGroup. [All servers are well schooled in the menu and the restaurant. This is not the gig until a part in the movie comes up.] Food is now big business for Jose and yet it looks like he’s still having fun. The America Eats Tavern is definitely a foodie experience with its contextualized menu describing the historical origins of every dish and drink based on Jose’s extensive collection of American cookbooks.

KEY LIME PIE
1890s
Limes arrived in the Florida Keys in the 1830s, thanks to a US Consul from Yucatan, Mexico. Two decades later, sweetened condensed milk was invented and the new invention rapidly took hold in the South, where fresh milk spoiled quickly. By the end of the century, the two ingredients were combined to create the famous unbaked pie, not long before a hurricane wiped out the original key limes in the 1920s.

Let’s also remember that American food and flavor has evolved over the years with each encounter. I would say for the better. BTW, Jose’s from Spain. I suppose he’s become our new Tio of what America eats.

As for “What’s Cooking Uncle Sam,” the book is more interesting for me than the exhibit. It’s a start in using original documents from the archives file to appeal to audiences that have fully embraced the foodie craze. But for me the exhibit has lots gaps including stories of the beginnings of the school lunch program. This could’ve been enhanced with testimonials from persons who ate the wheat bread with apple butter (this wasn’t mentioned in the exhibit, but it was served in schools in DC). The Olio Margarine busts are interesting (yes, margarine was treated like “crack cocaine” thanks to the Margarine Laws demanded by dairy farmers); and the testimonials that gave rise to food regulation that saved lives might make a Tea Partier think twice shutting down the government. But how has the government effected our eating habits? This is the question “What’s Cooking Uncle Sam” is exploring. However, overall the exhibit is uneven and really goes off topic ending with recipes from the White House. Many of us never knew what U.S. presidents ate. Was it determined by the USDA? BTW “What Cooking…” is free; America Eats Tavern can cost up to $60 for a 3 course experience with drink — and until July, a portion of the sales will benefit the National Archives — but the experience was worth it.

Gemal Woods’ “The Angle”

Gemal Woods at Park Triangle is turning out a new on-line series that looks fresh. It’s called “The Angle,” an “Eclectic Docuseries.” Hmmm I like his style. I’m impressed by the talent Gemal’s brought into the studio or found round about us. Gemal is making me forget that DC is a “government town.” Check it out!

Episode #5: The Actor (feat. Clayton LeBouef) from Park Triangle Productions on Vimeo.

Zoo Lights

If I was making a romantic comedy film set in DC, this would be one of the first locations I’d scout out (until January 2)

Zoo Lights at the National Zoo. It’s Free. It’s beautiful. It’s magical. And yes, people made “Tron 2″ jokes about it, but who cares. Zoo Lights juice provided by Pepco.

And of course, I’m still just scratching the surface.

2011 turned out to be a year of renovation and dramatic change in so many areas. This year, I contracted my first home renovation — for my bathroom. This was not an eye candy renovation; it was a necessary one. Once the project was underway, my car decided to play dead at the same time. My lap top didn’t want to turn on. And internet access became sketchy until the lap top was repaired and Cricket mobile broadband entered the picture. Even this blog became a casualty of “my situation” (code for the renovation project) in addition to other things that began to reflect years of neglect. Multi-tasking was not an option. I was out of my element/my space for a month with my things in different places and work to do to pay the bills for everything and more. I could only focus on what was in the moment right there before me.

There are also emotional and even metaphysical adjustments that changes to one’s physical space can trigger. Can these things blow your mind? Hell yeah! Once a renovation gets started, it’s the point of no return. It’s a major investment that will require recovery and hand holding. I want to remember the material lessons from my first home renovation because the results (which are great) are making me forget the experience, or as I called it, “the middle passage.”

Here are my lessons that I’ve shared with others – especially apartment dwellers:

1. If you live in an apartment or home with only one bath or one kitchen, be prepared to live out of your apartment for at least 1 month. This mostly applies to any work requiring plumbing, major wiring, knocking out walls and major construction. Paint jobs are a breeze. Some carpentry like cabinets or shelves might not throw you out of your digs. But regardless of what your contractor tells you (like 7 – 10 days), I’d estimate 4 – 6 weeks per room. 2 – 4 months if an architect is involved.

2. Whatever budget you have, add 30 – 50% more (including item 5). People will say “yes” to your budget and “yes” to additional items for the project. I was advised years ago to purchase my own materials to avoid upticks. However, you know how time consuming shopping for materials is, especially if this is not your profession or even hobby. Basically you’re paying someone to do that for you and to use their discounts as much as possible; just be prepared to pay.

3. Pre-approve purchases all purchases. Some little items are necessary, some big items not so much. Know the difference. You need to know where your money is going and why.

4. Bring contractors down to earth re budget and time. See items 1 and 2. Once the room is gutted, there’s no turning back, so might as well keep it real from the top.

5. Budget for some pampering like a massage or even counseling. Major changes in your space are just that — major. They do affect your psyche. You may feel like your world’s turned upside down. You may find some other problems lurking in those walls or other places that needed attention years ago. It may feel like the world’s crumbling all around you. But always remember, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

6. I would suggest some kind of warranty in the contract. Stuff might not work 2 – 3 weeks later. It’s been a month for me, and so far so good. But it doesn’t hurt to be covered for the “what if.” If car mechanics offer it, why not everyone else.

7. Cover all your stuff with plastic or drop cloth. Regardless of what you’re told (remove items from surfaces), best to put everything under wraps or pack it away. The dust that gets kicked up is amazing. Unless you have Felix Unger doing the work, you’ll have to a clean up after. There will be lots of trips to the laundry and maybe the need for a professional cleaning crew.

8. Ask your contractor to bring their own damn paper towels and cloth wipes. Even when I tried to hide my dust cloths, they somehow found them and used them for their work. The paper towels were gone. I didn’t replace them. Perhaps contractors should ask for these items up front as part of prep.

Personally, I don’t know anyone who didn’t go through some kind of upheaval during a home renovation or major repair. It’s the way of that world I’ve learned. Self care is key. As I grow into my new world ordered, I see the need to make additional changes on so many levels….including this blog.

If there’s anything the Obama administration can and should do is be bold on matters of jobs and an even newer vision for economic equity. For sure a bold approach will anger people on both sides of the equation. When politicians get in campaign mode, they get a little bolder. They start naming names. They may start pulling back on a couple of messaging points too. “Jobs” (and I’m not talking about a surname but it fits the bill) doesn’t seem to be one of those back offs, at least for now. In fact, it’s more of the political measuring stick with the potential to be a slippery slope for Republicans on the domestic front. Or more like the story of Brer Rabbit and the tar baby.

In 2008 the Obama camp went all out to win and found themselves in a situation in which they are not only bringing mops and buckets to clean up the messes of the previous tenant, but to manage interests in the old (idealistic dreams of a simplistic past that never really existed) in a world that’s dramatically changed in the last 20 or even 10 years economically, socially, demographically. “Jobs” have a simplistic one syllable ring in the social landscape. But not so simple in the new economy.

“Made in America” has mean more than just a political talking point. Made to last, Made better, Innovative would be selling points for the consumer who doesn’t have the disposable cash to buy better, buy more, or buy to replace. What does obsolete mean to people who are already implementing their own “austerity” plans?

Selling the new trade agreement means assuring Americans that this does not outsource more industrial jobs. However, a few trends loom. As we become more global, workers will become more mobile, that includes U.S. workers. One can look simply at a Hollywood trend, i.e. the recent “Karate Kid.” I will always consider the (Will and Jada Pinkett) Smiths’ version a very important film on this topic.

Kobe Bryant and various b-ball inspired nations trying to finagle a deal during the NBA lockout. This is why we shouldn’t be too quick to condemn immigration. Americans may find themselves in the same boat, trunk, or cargo (not the same kind from the good ole days I hope). What will jobs mean as more blue collar labor becomes “titanium collar” (robotics). Can we get along with machines? Who better to clean up the radioactive mess when the earth decides to roll over in bed?

Another trend – Made in the U.S. may = cheap labor. Recently, I reviewed two IT contracts. One from India, the other from the U.S. The rates in India were higher. Why is this? Maybe it isn’t a question of why, but “when.” It was bound to happen. Call centers have been outsourced to the Philippines AND the U.S. But wait, Ikea even European nations are outsourcing to the U.S. I seriously doubt you will see the union label on these products. Is that the Republican job plan? To bring jobs into the U.S. where labor will be is cheap. Where unions have limited or no power. Where the middle class economy is so pitiful that people will take what they can get for any pay. Is this what the troops are looking forward to when they begin returning from Iraq at the end of the year? Is this why Republicans shoot down the president’s job bill before it reaches the floor? There’s always a kickback for cheap labor in someone’s pocket.

Monday, Walter Isaacson’s biography of the late great Apples genius Steve Job will be rolling off the prin–…uh downloaded onto iPads and (dare I say Kindles and other devices) around the world. According to the book, Steve Jobs was not impressed with his meeting with the president because of his focus on what why “things can’t get done” vs. what is possible. One would take that as yet another criticism of Barack Obama’s pragmatism, cautious, incremental, or “weak” approach to governing. But how does a producing visionary think? According to a recent article, Steve Jobs told President Obama he was heading for a one-term presidency if he didn’t adopt a more “business friendly” policy….

Jobs told Obama that American regulations make it more difficult for Apple to build its products cheaply in the United States compared to the cost of building them in China. Chinese health and safety standards are more lax than the United States.

Could the jobs bill be the “briar patch” Obama has been waiting for?

Many moons ago, I had this wish to go to New York and have Andy Warhol do my portrait. It never happened and I’m sure there are apps that can give one a Warholic hue. Friends at Busboys and Poets have collaborated with the recent National Gallery retrospective of Warhol’s “Headlines” work in what’s call WARHOL OFF THE MALL. This Saturday, Busboys and Poets hosts a performance event, Electric Newspaper, 7 PM at the 5th & K, NW location.

Here’s the blurb and info.:
A Modern Take on Warhol’s Electric Newspaper. Bringing the news headlines to life! …through a multimedia experience of overlapping performance and visual art we explore the ironies and idiosyncrasies of the mainstream news narrative. This multimedia event will draw on Andy Warhol’s HEADLINES art (currently on view at the National Gallery of Art) to explore the manipulation of the mainstream media and the role of artistic interpretation. The event is centered around Warhol’s “Electric Newspaper,” an audio collage of news clips, live music and beat poetry that reveals the absurdity of the mainstream media. With our modern reinterpretation of the “Electric Newspaper” we create a similar experience with a performance-driven event focused on today’s news headlines: TROY DAVIS, DC & PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD and OCCUPY WALL STREET. Live performances by Christylez Bacon, Adriel Luis, Gowri K,
Elahe Izadi, Head Roc, Elizabeth Acevedo, Kickrocks dance crew, Huda Asfour, Bruce Lebovitz, Joe Madison and Saleem Waters. // This event is part of the “WARHOL OFF THE MALL” series, a collaboration between Busboys and Poets and the National Gallery of Art. Tickets: www.Bit.ly/HeadlinesDC. $10 (advance), $15 (at the door)

DEAF JAM

Also this weekend, I’ve got two ITVS Community Cinema events of DEAF JAM back-to-back.

Deaf Jam Trailer from DeafJamdoc on Vimeo.

Saturday, October 22 at 5 PM – Busboys and Poets, 14th & V, NW, Washington, DC
Sunday, October 23 at 3 PM – Washington DC Jewish Community Center, 16th & Q, NW, Washington, DC

FREE with reservation – visit www.communitycinema-dc.org for Eventbrite links and additional information.

ABOUT: Filmmaker Judy Lieff’s DEAf JAM, the story of deaf teen Aneta Brodski’s bold journey into the spoken word slam scene. Longing to explore and fully participate in the hearing world, Aneta dives into ASL poetry, a vibrant three-dimensional art form where body movements convey meaning. ASL poetry liberates a deaf poet from the confines of spoken language. There is no paper or text. Rhymes are measured in hand shapes and meter in movements. Images cut and dissolve as its verses transcend all spoken word.

Artist line up: Quest Visual Theatre, spoken word poet and rapper Connell Crooms aka Bam Bam, and choreographer, actor, dancer Fred Beam.

Film is open captioned; ASL interpretation will be available.