Artwork by Brandon Puckett, Good stuff bro! Came out Hot!

JW

I will say after watching my own mother battle cancer and use chemo– newly diagnosed cancer patients may want to seriously consider alternative methods.  Chemo and radiation  quickly show a noticeable diminishing effect on the body.  I think the argument is often made that if the patient can go through chemo & radiation (and it does destroy the canacer) then their body will be able to bounce back.  However, if the cancer is not destroyed, as was with my mother, then the body is not only weakened by the cancer, but no longer has the strength to fight on against lost cells and cancer.  If the chemo and radiation doesn’t work it actually seems to assist in killing the person faster.

RIP MOM.

-KV

Reid is quoted during a private conversation as saying that Obama would be a successful choice for president because he is a “light-skinned” African-American “with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one.”

CNN discussion:

Race, a topic that has been brushed under the rug for far too long, still seems to be too taboo to discuss openly.

I believe the topic is still very touchy because there are many who still say all the wrong things that are offensive and rude.  Also for many people, race, is a common day denominator that affects everyday living.  Racism has become more institutionalized event though it is less acceptable in the blatant form when two people are face to face.

To date, there still has not been a uniting force that has clearly addressed the issue without dichotomizing it.  I believe that a central figure head such as Obama could help with this.  He could serve as a symbol of all races coming together and taking part in the American dream.  I feel it would be in American societies’ best interest if Obama did speak honestly about how both Black and White Americans can feel, but why new generations should focus on American National Identity.  Instead of concerning ourselves with looks and causing a weakening separation we can become stronger working together and appreciating one another with the understanding that all people are original.  There are obviously some issues of the past that should be discussed and understood (even emplimented into history lessons in school) .  With a clear idea of past and present injustice we can move forward more equipped to understand race as it exists currently and to again more forward.  Finally as a majority we must understand how the past has come to create the present and what we can do to move away from institutional racism altogether.  It is important we begin moving on, accepting all types of people as equal human beings with free will, and continuing the vision of the land of opportunity.

If issues are addressed and education systems are re-formated to instill new values in children , older generations will soon die out, and new generations  will naturally have a  more forward mindset.

-KV

It’s probably because Michael Cera cracks me up…but I thought this was too funny!

-KV

The last couple times I traveled I noticed the body scanners that seem to be gaining more popularity. A hot topic in the news since the Christmas day bomb scare seems to be preparing people for the future use of these machines. Maybe, for some it serves as a way to re-assure their security.

But what do these machines really mean for us?

It seems to me the use of these machines will increase the amount of profiling in the airport setting. Should we accept this just because media has shifted our fear to terrorists with a particular image? Or, in the interest of security, should we realize any kind of person could potentially have ill intentions? To profile particular people is a direct opposition to American’s implied beliefs, however, many reporters seem to accept that people traveling from specific regions and with specified appearances will be pulled to the side for extra screening. A fox reporter suggest that all “black” and “middle eastern” people should be extensively checked before being allowed to fly.

I believe this thought process isn’t what will keep us truly safe if that is our concern. We should be more careful across the board and keep an eye out for unusual behavior. If these scanners are used on some people they should be used for most everyone. I have heard you can opt out of the scan and instead get a hand pat down .. either way all people should be equally affected by our changes in airport security. Profiling specific people will only lead to unjust hate and fear when anyone could be involved in terror like behavior. Let’s face it, the “terror groups” watch US news too and if they think that people of a specific look will be looked at more closely maybe they will find someone that doesn’t fit that profile knowing they might more easily slide through. My point is this, with this new wave of technology we must be careful to protect our human rights & we aware that it is not safe to culminate all ones fear into a particular image. This irrational fear that can come from media and other sources will only weaken sound decisions about war, human rights, and justice.

–KV

Watch here to find out more about the body scanners as reported on CNN:

JANUARY 29th, 2010 MIKE POSNER & SPECIAL GUEST will be performing live in Bloomington, IN.

Tickets are on sale @ Ticketmaster or call (812) 325-8829 [for discount tickets]

For VIP email: bfaentllc@gmail.com

Joby Wright has finally released his new mixtape, REAL LIFE RAP Vol. 1. The 23 song mixtape is Joby’s view of “real life” as it seems to him.

“I wanted to bring my vision of life to my fans so that they could get to know me for who I am and what I stand for. I feel like too much music today is processed and manufactured; but my vision of music is to identify with the people. Real Life Rap. ”

–Joby

With song’s such as “Real Life Rap”, “Still Grindin”, and “Grown Folk Music” the listener can definitely relate and come to identify with Mr. Wright. Wright articulates his ideas without excessive use of profanity or overuse of ideas and concepts.

The album will be officially released in Spring 2010 and will be available for download on datpiff.com, iTunes, and Joby Wright’s myspace (www.myspace.com/jobywright).

In 2009, Lil’ 1 released the Married 2 Tha Mob Mixtape.  Married 2 Tha Mob was recorded & distributed through BFA Entertainment LLC.

Lil’ 1 has gained popularity in the Midwest performing with artists such as Ludacris, Soulja Boy, Twista and The Game as well as making numerous club and special event appearances. For more on Lil’1 check out his myspace.

Lil’ 1 is currently in the studio recording his new mixtape while also working on the BFA mixtape.  Look and listen to Lil’1 in 2010, one of the hottest unsigned artists of the year!

Happy New Year Everyone! It’s 2010, so out with the old, in with the new!

BEST WISHES FOR 2010!