TigerHawk

Los Angeles (California) Economic Melt-Down worsens...

We here at TigerHawk have clear observations on the current economic malaise which has spread in pandemic proportions globally.However knowing the idea of thinking globally and acting locally, we are rivetted by the state of California's fiscal crisis, and the corollary local emergency of the municipalities such as our own Los Angeles City. We can quicky surmise the equation. A collapse in the L.A Housing market, plummeting home/property values wiping out equity, lower property tax revenues, less money for City Hall to function.Well, the scenario depicted has reached Emergency magnitude in Los Angeles City (apparently the County is in the black),with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa now the Unions' adversary number 1.

Tiger's personal network in the City of Angels covers much geographical, socio-economic, ethnic and professional ground.Thus we're able to access real-time intelligence on the temperature in this great metropolis to match any corporate media reporters.Yesterday one of my favorite librarians, who I will keep anonymous, whispered that they were  (all City workers) on furlough starting in July , losing 2 full days a month without pay.A 10 % loss of income. 'I'm one of those people who lives below my means, but most of my friends are looking for other extra jobs to make -up the loss of income,' she whispered matter-of-factly.'I intend to enjoy myself and explore more of L.A this summer..from the beaches to your events, Tiger.' She stated emphatically. I was both honored and troubled. The Library Lady, one of my favorite in our City of Angels had her program together.But I found out later that other City employees were in a state of stress.My friends;clerks,gardeners and janitors,art instructors- all working class champions were up for not just furlough of 26 days a year, but total job elimination.Firing!!

In response the L.A unions have blasted Mayor Antonio with protests and other civil dis-obedience tactics etc. (A special Dog-Team is shadowing the man for personalized picketing through the city.He just was observed with a new newscaster lady-friend.Might get interesting very soon).In passing we must mention the recent terrorism inflicted on good teachers of the LAUSD (Los Angeles Unified School district)who were threatened with lay-offs in July, in spite of Obama's stimulus package.I also have teacher friends who are affected.Some survived the lay-offs, some did not. What a state of early 21 st century modern society where teachers and librarians along with janitors and gardeners are sacrificed for fiscal and market dictates.We can see the demeanor on the trains/buse and in cars on the L.A Freeways.It's not All good. We are here focusing on L.A, not the state of California (which is in dire straits).Note the degree of our collective confusion as the Governor 'Terminator'Arnold is a Republican facing a $24 billion short fall and L.A's Mayor Antonio a Democrat with $500 million budget gap.Bi-Partisan economic chaos.Curses on all our houses?

Disclosure..We here are totally dissing the established Finance and Economic orthodoxy as the melt-down is a stunning indictment of their rigid ideology and methodology.Hence we are quite intrigued with reports from Milan,Italy of the 2 Japanese gents stopped with Billions in ther possession of US Bonds.Could this be a way out for California and other municipalities? Could it be TigerHawk's Bail-out/Stimulus Plan on the way? We will keeo you posted.Here is the info..:)

http://www.japantoday.com/category/crime/view/2-japanese-...

(Just Friday.June 12 the LA Public Library posts the notice that due to mandatory furloughs all City branches are closed the 2nd and 4th Fridays , starting July 10,2009).

Music and Cinema relief for Summer L.A!!

We here at TigerHawk embrace the arts and music as immediate tools to comfort in our era of fiscal melt-down and ideological madness. We are pleased to be kicking off the annual L.A Festivities with tonight's Opening of Grand Performances downtown at the California Plaza.The 2009 season Cubana Son singer Albita is included.A must attend night. As usual, GP over-lap with the Los Angeles Film Festival which opens June 18,2009 in Westwood.A John Malkovich production about immigrant children to be screened.We will post a new Summer Calendar of all the exciting events.We say tell the politicos to get a life and stop believing they 'runnin' thaangs'.All they running is the modern social compact into the ground.A few fun items are the 24th Annual Israeli Film Festival,The Dances with Films Festival and the SilverLake Sunset Junction, where Isaac Hayes was booked for his last gig, which he never made.

The House of Kuti

Finally, we must plug for The Hollywood Bowl Summer 2009 series which we attended last year.The opening artist on June 21,2009 is Nigeria's Femi Kuti,eldest son of the great Fela Kuti. You know, the Kuti men are off the chain. Last year the younger Seun Kuti was star billing for our above mentioned Grand Performances, accompanied by Fela's Egypt 80(formerly Africa 70).What a night of dance, energy, consciousness and fun.Femi knows the L.A crowd is talking about Seun, his younger sibling.So he must throw down.Yoruba -style.Ache'! He will.DNA, elementary Watson,DNA.He's a Kuti. We recommend album 'Fight to Win' by Femi.Echoes of his dad, lyrically and rhythmically , Femi on trumpet bringing the Afro-Beat.Fela paid the personal price of brutality, imprisonment and family terrorism by Nigeria's military regimes.His sons are deliberately addressing Africa's ills, not missing a beat. Afro-Beat! Femi's new album , first in 7 years is 'Day by Day'.Polished.'Fight to Win ' features Mos Def and Common.A good blending of African-American and African musical powers.Much like Zap Mama and Angelique Kidjo on their recent projects with Erykah Badu and Talib Kweli.We here are still trying to get the hook-up for Femi.Seun's project is self-titled 'Seun Fela and Egypt 80'.Egypt 80 are remnants of Fela's world class Africa 70 orchestra.They brought tears and memories to the California Plaza crowd last year.A moment to experience and reminisce. Stay tuned.

Music Playlist added Friday June 21,2009.'House of Kuti & guest Artists'.

Up with Obama Stimulus plan.

Down with Terminator Arnold and Mayor Antonio's draconian cuts.

www.twitter.com/tigerhawk2012

Ache',Paz Y Luz,

TigerHawk.