TigerHawk

Haiti Lotus...Dr.MLK's Beautiful Struggle...

noreply@blogspirit.com (TigerHawk) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:35:00 -0800

Celebrating Haiti Lotus on Dr.Martin Luther King's Day 2010

'The most curious aspect of this story is that no one has said a single word to recall the fact that Haiti was the first country in which 400,000 Africans, enslaved and trafficked by Europeans, rose up against 30,000 white slave masters on the sugar and coffee plantations, thus undertaking the first great social revolution in our hemisphere. Pages of insurmountable glory were written there. Napoleon’s most eminent general was defeated there.'

Fidel Castro

January 16,2010

'We must move past indecision to action. Now let us begin. Now let us rededicate ourselves to the long and bitter, but beautiful struggle for a new world. This is the calling of the sons of God, and our brothers wait eagerly for our response.'

Dr.Martin Luther King

Riverside Church,NYC

April 4,1967

“As a lotus flower is born in water, grows in water and rises out of water to stand above it unsoiled, so I, born in the world, raised in the world having overcome the world, live unsoiled by the world”
(Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C.)

Earth-Tremors in Boston, Nuclear Bombs in Port-Au-Prince

We here at TigerHawk have been concerned about the trajectory of Barack Obama's Presidency.We make no claims of political punditry, yet we have a clear grasp of US political dynamics and history.Everyone knows ours is a posture of 'Critical Support'.We hate where we are presently as 'we told you so' is in order.However, let's go south to the former 'Pearl of the Antilles', former St.Domingue', now called Haiti.The western portion of the island Hispaniola, shared on the east with The Dominican Republic.There is so much to absorb and process after the 7.0 earthquake, we feel we're at an existential moment for lovers of the Caribbean history and it's peoples. We will here now on this blog post, a work in progress tie some threads not often explored.First things first.Our heart-felt thoughts and prayers with the resilient and courageous Haitian nation.A one Enriquillo-Plantain Garden fault mercilessly unleashed devastating power on Wednesday January 12 near 5.00 p.m as the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates rubbed each other.Reports on the ground suggest several Hiroshima type destruction magnified.Worse the fragile Haitian infrastructure was unprepared with most concrete structure lacking steel re-inforcement.Building regulations is not a government priority in a place of subsistence material living by millions.Tiger refuses to watch the TV images.We knew of the pain in Haiti pre-quake. Our hearts with the spiritual children of Toussaint L'Ouverture, Jean-Jaques Dessalines and Henri Christophe.The former slaves who became generals and bested the elite of Napoleon Bonaparte, the British military and the Spanish Empire. We return to the significance of Haiti beyond the continuos refrain of 'the poorest country ' in the Hemisphere.Really? How come? Anyone checked out the reasons for this conclusion so comfortably and smugly bandied around with sense of exasperation and hints of 'it's a waste' sending aid as 'they always have corruption and waste'? Other popular questions are why the eastern half of the island fares better? We will happily return the favor.But first off to Boston, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts to be precise.The noble Senate seat held for 46 years by Edward Moore Kennedy is now occupied by a one Mr.Scott of pick up truck fame.This is an earthquake.If we were David Plouffe, the general of Obama's brilliant 2008 win, we would be collectivelly and royally pissed.What a waste of a vision , a loss of a momentum and our oppurtunity for historic transformation.Barack doesn't even realize the link between Massachusetts and the destruction in Haiti.The portent of his Presidency un-ravelling.Remember, we here are critical supporters.That's why we're so alarmed.Hold your seats while we the TigerHawk crew break it down.

Breaking It Down.Haitian message for Barack.Reversal of Fortunes

Now, back to Haiti.We felt Fidel Castro's article of January 16,2010 most timely.In the midst of media framing and covert agendas regarding white supremacy and cultural dynamics, Senor Castro reminded us what these elites obsess about concerning Haiti.The successful African slave rebellion which was the earthquake of the time. The climax came in 1804 when the Haitians declared the first Black Republic .

'Obama Should Never Forget The White House was Built by Black Slaves'

Uruguayan Writer Eduardo Galeano

In July 2009,newly minted US President Barack Obama made his first official international summit.Trinidad was the venue and the occasion was The Summit of the Americas. 32 democratically elected governments and 800 million Hemispheric citizens were the focus of the gathering.Much anticipation was in the air , Cuba and Venezuela topics of concern in relation to US hemispheric agenda.Cuba , not being an 'elected' government was absent, but was supported heavily for lifting of US trade embargo.A famous video clip surfaced of Venezuela's Hugo Chavez and Obama in intense one on one.Chavez gave Obama Galeano's book 'Open Veins of Latin America : Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent'

The summit was long on pageantry and ceremony , but short on action and results with a lame communique', reflecting Obama's refusal to lift the 50 year embargo.A bitter disappointment for the Hemisphere. One must note that Obama's presence as the first American of African descent struck a chord in the whole hemisphere.The collective Americas psyche is of a paternal White authority ignorant and indifferent to the regions issues, history, causes and culture.Les Gens de Couleur.We list a few books in the left margin here under TigerHawk library.We now note Hugh Thomas' 'The Trade :The story of the Atlantic Slave Trade :1440-1870 ' .We add S.Klein's ' African Slavery in Latin America and the Caribbean'. These two works make clear the broad reach of the Slave Trade in this Western Hemisphere, much more than is currently recognized. Haiti or St.Domingue was France's treasure allowing the pre-Revolutionary 'ancien regime' to be the wealthiest nation in Europe. Perfume, cotton, sugar were a few of the commodities that slaves planted and harvested for France.

Trinidadian author C.L.R James in 1938 wrote the detailed account of Haiti's Slave Revolt called 'The Black Jacobins : Toussaint L'Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution'. We highly recommend this narrative despite James' flirtations with Trotskyite notions in critique of the class issues in France and the island.We come to know the giants Dessalines, Christophe and of course L'Ouverture.

The Haitian warriors , recently enslaved, defeated the best of late eighteenth century Europe's crack military. Some where in London's British War Museum the story is recorded. Napoleon's brother in law LeClerc along with veterans of Napoleon's campaigns in Egypt and Europe were bested in the Caribbean by these Africans.The Spanish even threw in a brigade or so to maintain appearances of Empire.They too were destroyed.One must be fair and acknowledge the impact of dysentery and other tropical illnesses on the Europeans. We know however the same diseases did not stop Cortes, Pizarro and the Conquistadores from ravishing Mexico and South America.A century plus an idealistic native of L'IndoChine in Paris pondered on the Haitian guerilla strategies for his own people.Ho Chi Minh harassed the Imperial Japanese Command, and took the brunt of the globe most powerful military arsenal-The US Military.

The 1804 Earthquake of the Americas

We must know that the declaration of a Free Black State of former slaves shook up Europe and the Americas. An earthquake with aftershocks centuries later. In Creole earthquake is Te Tremble'.The Earth Shook.After 13 years of bloody war on the island of Hispaniola , the world knew of the new black reality.Political and diplomatic black sovereignty.Toussaint had been deceived and imprisoned in France, while his trusted General Jean-Jacques Dessalines became Emperor before his assassination 2 years later. Henri Christophe another general took up the mantle.One is reminded of the Toyotomi and Nobunga warlordism in 1580s Japan before the stability of the 1603 Tokugawa Shogunate at Edo. A national identity was forged out of war.The presence of the former slave hold out was not well received by the colonial and slave holding territories. The British in Jamaica and Barbados were always on the lookout for a Messiah like Toussaint to disturb the docility of the slaves.The American slave-holders had sleepless nights with one eye open and guns ever ready. The Pony Express mail service abruptly stopped black men from riding, lest they find a secret means of communicating rebellion across wide American distances.

Napoleon totally broke after an exhausting 13 years fighting in the Caribbean sold vast lands west of the Mississippi to the young US government, in a stroke magnifying the terrritory of USA. The Haitians preempted the State of Israel by centuries announcing any former slave who reached the island's shores was granted citizenship and maybe some land.That there sent the powers in Alabama, Jamaica, Cuba, Brazil,Louisiana totally berserk.These Haitians were messing with the stability and authority of the Plantation society.Further , in 1815 Simon Bolivar after evading an attack in Jamaica came to Haiti looking for money, arms and men to liberate New Granada (Colombia),Bolivia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama and Peru from the Spanish Empire.The then Haitian President Alexandre Petion , willingly obliged the American patriot with the promise to free the black slaves and mulattos at the moment of American liberation.Bolivar reneged on the deal, but Hugo Chavez never forgets the historic ties between Haiti and the South American independent Republics.

The comment is often made with a whiff of smugness, 'Haiti is so poor'.Any one ever asked how come? Let us tell you a piece of the tragic story.In 1825 France's Charles X sent an armada of 14 heavily gunned ships and thousands of troops, demanding Haiti pay France 150 million Gold Francs for ending slavery and the slave-based free labor working the same plantations. Gun Boat Diplomacy French style.Again the Japan/Nihon parallel is fascinating.US Commodore Perry placed his 'black ships ' in Edo Bay in 1853,prying open Japan to world trade after Tokugawa Ieyasu's closure of circa 1603.Hazards of Island peoples. No croissantes were not the alternative prize. Destruction and re-introduction of slavery.That was the beginning of a century plus tragedy of Haiti's economic gutting and political corruption as International Bankers, including New Yorkers got on the Debt gravy train.Every peasant Haitian was taxed to help pay for the equivalent of $ 21 Billion US.

Ache',Paz Y Luz,

TigerHawk

Remember : Audio version of Blog read by link in Right Hand Margin.

(A work in progress)

Brazil's Candomble Music Heals...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

noreply@blogspirit.com (TigerHawk) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:22:00 -0800

Candomble from Bahia(Yorubaland),Brazil

Our early and faithful TigerHawk blog readers know we have always sang praises for Brazil's cultural and musical influences.One of the first posts 4 years ago was a tribute to Antonio Carlos (Tom) Jobim.A loss to Architecture and a gain to the world's music.There have been others over the years.We have shared the essence of Candomble processes especially early in the new year, when the women in Bahia go to the water and remember the blessings of Yemanya (Iemanja),the Yoruba Goddess or Orisha .We have mentioned the excitement by Angelique Kidjo in an interview to fellow L.A -based Yoruban DJ Nnamdi.Our Paris/NYC-based Benin vocalist was in rapturous joy informing the speechless international-renown journalist/DJ that YorubaLand was in Bahia, Brazil.She heard the sounds, smelt the food and saw the vibrant colors as if in West Africa.

We have always come back to this well of spiritual and musical healing in Brazil.We have honored Clara Nunes and showed how Bebel Gilberto, Joyce,Luciana Souza, Luciana Mello and Rosalia de Souza just a few ,have in their popular music sang songs of devotion, Cantos de Candomble.We highly suggest Gal Costa's double CD of recent years entitled 'Cantos de Jobim'.We particularly love Joyce's tribute to Jobim's longtime collaborator Elis Regina on 'Astronata-Songs of Elis Regina'.The majesty and the inspirational essence cannot be denied in all this music from Brazil's mix of African and Portuguese heritage.It is reported often that Tom Jobim and Baden Powell spent that memorable weekend in Bahia and with much beverage and joy wrote many of the standard Afro-Sambas.Tiger has a special love for 'Canto de Ossanha', the Candomble devotional hymn originally channeled through Baden Powell.Three different versions are deliberately included for Tiger's pleasure.Choose your preference.We must mention Black Orpheus/Orfeo Negro , that breakthrough film in 1959 which spread the samba idea world-wide.

We were privileged to see Bebel Gilberto perform at the Hollywood Bowl this past September.Seu Jorge was sharing the bill with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.What a magical evening.We met Seu backstage, but Tiger's pen failed him and Seu exclaimed 'It not working'.We have a scratched autograph from a Brazilian Prince who continues the spirit of Nasciemento and Baden Powell and Caetano.

We will be adding to this playlist, but we sincerely hope it inspire you and gives you as much pleasure as we feel to share.

P.S.To be a part of our cool and fun collective of multi-cultural events, contents, flava etc :) e-mail to tigerhawk2012@gmail.com Subject VIP

Happy New Year 2010.

Ache',Paz Y Luz

TigerHawk

Dr.Burning Bush on H1N1 &Reform..Winter Solstice 2009...Holiday Soul

noreply@blogspirit.com (TigerHawk) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:20:00 -0800

Winter Solstice 2009 ...

Today Monday December 21 we entered the season of Winter.On the Pacific coast it occurred at 9.47 a.m.As practicioners of the organic traditional, we here at TigerHawk celebrate and recognize this natural seasonal change.The shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.Tomorrow, like clockwork, as a pendulum reaches an extreme, the days begin to lengthen inching towards the Spring Equinox on March 20,2010. No accident that the world of Christendom celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ within a few days of the Winter Solstice, perfect alignment with earlier tradition such as Egypt and Sumeria.We are in good company.

Introducing (again) Dr.Burning Bush..Speaks on H1N1 and Health Care Reform

Dr.Burning Bush aka Dr.Barney has become a respected and trusted friend of the TigerHawk project.A well travelled and well read gentleman of culture and taste, Dr.Burning Bush is also a retired medical practitioner.Our readers may recall an earlier exchange between Dr.Barney, his wife Lady Sher and Tiger over Obama policy.We proudly introduce this deep thinker and caring American to our global audience.As this morning the US Senate blocked a Republican Party attempted filibuster with 60 Democrat (& Independent) votes, President Obama may get a Christmas gift of a Senate bill by Christmas Eve.No moderate GOP such as Olympia Snowe or Susan Collins to give a bi-partisan Christmas cuddly vibe.The self-destruction by Democrats was over and the reality of a split Senate is here. We preferred the Medicare expansion in lieu of the Public Option, however we reluctantly support the outcome.President Obama shared the victory in an on-line letter earlier.

"Finally, this reform will extend coverage to more than 30 million Americans who don't have it.

These are not small changes. These are big changes. They're fundamental reforms. They will save money. They will save lives."

Remember, we give Barack Obama 'Critical Support'.We present Dr.Burning Bush a few days earlier.The sacred Winter Solstice.We expect this premiere writing on-line by our distinguished gentleman will be followed by many more.

Enjoy

Dr.Burning Bush on H1N1 and HealthCare Reform

Filibuster Proof Winter Solstice Soul Music

We applaud Senator Harry Reid and the Obama White House(notably Jim Messina) for getting the Filibuster-proof 60 votes.No moderate Republicans to make a bi-partisan affair like for the Stimulus package.So be it.Tiger remembered the Four Tops' hit 'Are You Man Enough' and felt a Soul music playlist is in order, as Barack Obama attains a major legislative advance.We played Curtis Mayfield's 'Move On Up' last year after Obama's historic electoral victory.Will we get back to that vibe?

Happy Holidays.Enjoy!!

Ache',Paz Y Luz

TigerHawk

Les Africaines....Another Look at Barack...Happy Holidays...

noreply@blogspirit.com (TigerHawk) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:09:00 -0800

Cantos de Les Africaines(Yin of Africa)

'To live is to create.To live is to espress, and to express you have to create.Creation is never merely repetition.To live is to express oneself freely in creation.'

Striking Thoughts

Bruce Lee

Folks, we here at TigerHawk embrace the multi..May it be media, culture,genre or language.Songs of the African Women.So the above heading may not make the grade with a language teacher blending Spanish/Espanol with French/Francais.Last post we revisited Marie Daulne (Zap Mama) whom we met at Los Angeles' Grand Performances on August 15,2009.In fact we were at the Albita show at same venue,where our Cubana brought so much energy to the Bunker Hill Saturday night crowd, we saw The Orishas manifest in the form of the Venice Beach Drum Circle playing the traditional Yoruba from Cuba and Candomble via Brazil.How did all these people wearing no shoes get from the beach way out there to concrete corporate canyon Down Town?Yes y'all the Orishas son En Calle de Los Angeles.Mucho mas Poder.Power.Dancing continued in the Grand Avenue Plaza normally vibrating to the power of corporate finance and conservative suit and tie.Not that night of Cubana Albita who sang praises to San Lazaro/Babalu.The children of Africa of every color were dancing and beating the rhythm.Ritmo! Toca! The well-suited security detail sensed best to leave the revellers alone and tactfully negotiated an agreed time to disperse.Midnight.Unprecedented.Spontaneous.We we there.Just then DJ Nnamdi, the world renown Yoruba DJ , promulgator of African music and journalist, popped up and commanded.'Be here August 15.I'm playing.Zap Mamma.Zap Mamma' He repeated and moved ahead in a clandestine African strut with his asleep baby daughter over his shoulder.We looked at the schedule for 2009.No Zap Mama.We were privileged to inside 411(info) two weeks out.We thanked the Orishas.Mama Africa and her diaspora and children, wonders always.Subtle, mysterious,effective.Always on Time.We will share the Zap Mama experience and meeting in another post.Exhilirating and empowering.

The women of Africa have been represented over the years at this Grand Performances series in L.A.An outdoor amphitheatre overlooking the edifices of modern finance and business dominance.Not on these nights when we claim it All as ours.Music is the weapon observed Yoruban Fela Kuti.Younger son, Seun Kuti(backed by Fela's Egypt '80) had shaken up the solemnity of prestigious Bunker Hill in 2008,fellow Yoruban Nnamdi again the opening DJ.The synchronicity was too much as 'by accident' Nnamdi while reporting for the BBC on Michael Jackson's effect saw Tiger in NoHo and audio recorded the TigerMan for that special weekend world broadcast.Also, the Down Town Art Walk encompassed the nearby blocks and street dancing exploded in a Michael Jackson tribute as reported here .Energy , spontaneous, breaking out where we were conditioned to be sober and proper.We Love it!!

Sara Tavares from Cabu Verde(Cape Verde) via Lisbon,Saoud Massi from Algeria via Paris, Maria de Barros also from Cabu have brought the Yin of Africa in song and dance over the years.Amana Melome' is based in Hollywood and Rome.The favorite stop every Summer in a North American Tour.Of course NYC has Central Park.But talk to the Africains and Africaines as we did.L.A is special.Magical.The mysterious Vibe is here.One need just check the Reggaeton party crowd , nominally Mexicans moving on the dance floor with the passion of the islanders from Cuba and Puerto Rico and Panama isthmus.Something is in the air.Remember Cubana(then almost 80 years old) Celia Cruz 'La Vida es Una Carnavale' topped the charts in US & Mexico out lasting local Mexico City stars like Thalia (new Mrs Tommy Mottola).

We posit.Yes, we here at TigerHawk dare go out here and present an idea that The City of Angels is also the City of the Orishas as other Yin influences from China, Thailand, Japan,Vietnam and Hawaii converge here with African diaspora.This we suspect is what the African artists and musicians feel and sense.The Ghost in the Machine is Yemaya and Oshun(and other Orishas) in Down Town L.A Skyrises and the children on the streets beating the drums and vibrating the memory of joy and healing.It's ok with us if you either disagree or don't feel us.We're just putting down what we recognize.

So we compiled the following playlist.Angelique Kidjo is a member of the African family, herself Yoruba from Benin via Paris and now NYC.A gracious ambassaor.She and Marseille-sourced sisters(Cameroon/French) Les Nubians were early year performers at Grand Performances.Their music is an education and tribute to African history.Makeda whom Israelite Solomon desired and entrapped, to Senegalese Scientist/Scholar Cheikh Anta Diop,the sisters proudly shares these icons with the world.We were compelled to add 'Yamore' to the playlist.What a beautiful song of African melody and feeling with the Parisian flavor of accordion.Performed by the Malian of Royal descent Salif Keita and joined by the mother of Cabu Verde popular music,Cesaria Evora(Maria de Barros' mentor).We experienced Salif at the Santa Monica Pier a few beautiful Summers ago.ENJOY!!

'What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them-that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.'

Inauguration January 20,2009

President Barack Hussein Obama

Another Look at Obama..Jump starting Barack Chronicles.

Yesterday Thursday December 10,2009 US President Barack Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo,Norway.The speech of acceptance ws itself an indicator of our 44th US President's impact on our collective psyche.The right wing heavies like Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich applauded while the liberal base was embarassed at the notion of 'War to make Peace'.Fascinating as the same day international progressive journalist Alexander Cockburn wrote a strong article impeaching Obama for abandoning the liberal constituency.We shared the writing via e-mail and in the process realized that there are levels to Obama yet to be understood.In our e-mail we expressed continued 'Critical Support' for the Obama Administration and declared pleasure with the 'Net Neutrality' policy and hoped that the Medicare expansion for 55 year olds was an Obama initiative in lieu of 'Public Option'.

We have decided to re start the 'Barack Chronicles'.Many months have past and no entries.We confess confusion at the Obama Administration and our responding position.All is clear now.We have a good idea at the Harvard lawyer's modus operandi.We were never vested in him politically as much as we admired the Hero aura in the brilliant campaign to win the White House.

We reviewed our last entries in the Barack Chronicles and were stunned at our observations and views written in 2 separate pieces on February 20, 2009.So much has changed in the dynamics since , yet the fundamental elements are still there in place.

We share them again .

Obama and Our UnCharted Course...Icon,Institutions and Ideology.

http://sites.google.com/site/tigerhawkmichael/obamaandouruncharteredcourse

Barack's Canada and Stimulus Victory...The Week when Obama changed gears.

Grab the link from main page here

Chronicles in the Age of Barack

Happy Holidays

Ache',Paz Y Luz

TigerHawk

Remember..This ENTIRE Blog is on AUDIO!!

P.S/Addendum @ 4.00 p.m Saturday December 12,2009.

The beauty of the African music created and enhanced the original playlist.Les Nubians pay tribute to Fela Kuti in 'Lady Shakira', Angelique recognizes Mother Africa aka Mariam Makeba doing a cover of 'Malaika', and Angelique as always shares her Yoruba faith in 'Babalao' and 'Iemanja'.Again the power of the Orishas in this digital medium is felt.South African Dave Mathews pays respect to Angelique in 'Iwoya'.Zap Mama brings to polyphonic and polytonal world of the Congo Rain Forest and the resident pygmies.

Cantos de Les Africaines

Ache'

Touch of Zap Mama...Festival delayed to 2010

noreply@blogspirit.com (TigerHawk) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:03:00 -0800

The Arts and Wellness Festival moved to 2010!!

Friends, after review with our dynamic staff we agreed to postpone our Arts & Wellness Festival to early in 2010.

Stay tuned for details.

Taste of Zap Mama.

Summer 2009 was musically satisfying here in Hollywood/Los Angeles.We saw great artists close-up and want to share our experiences.

Today we kick off with a bit of Zap Mama(Marie Daulne from Belgium) who stole our hearts at Grand Performances Downtown L.A on August 15,2009.A wonderful spirit up close as well.

Yaku is one of the gems from Marie's 'Ancestry in Motion' sharing the sounds of the Congo Rain forest.

Yaku by Zap Mama

Happy Holidays

Ache',Paz Y Luz.

TigerHawk

Bonus (once more) Bandy Bandy Video with Zap Mama and Eryka Badu

TigerHawk presents Arts and Wellness Festival

noreply@blogspirit.com (TigerHawk) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0800

Invitation to Arts and Wellness Festival

Fellow pioneers,originators,and independent spirits we here salute your steadfastness in our era of 10.2 % unemployment and US Healthcare Hysteria.

We here at TigerHawk are issuing an end of 2009 present.

Our own Arts and Wellness Festival.

Saturday December 12,2009

Special (TBA) location in Hollywood.

The line up is incredible as we publish this post:

A Shaolin Warrior from Henan province,China and his US martial arts ensemble(mainly female).

A popular Hollywood Vocalist hot off a House of Blues performance.

A Chiropractor/Acupuncturist who is also a Black Belt in Tae KwonDo.

DownTown L.A's hottest Live portrait artist.

and more added every week.

We will screen a Film which was shown @ Cannes, France with reception and Q&A with producers.

For RSVP seating and reception please e-mail tigerhawk2012@gmail.com.First come, first served.

Subject:Tiger's Arts & Wellness Film Screening and Reception.

Other festivities are planned during the duration of the Film in our Inspiring Special location.

TigerHawk bonus: Soulful playlist.

We are encouraged by Obama's nuanced play for 'public option' in healthcare reform legislation.We can say we have been reading the 44th President while maintaining a posture of 'Critical Support'.

We share a soulful playlist when America's music was more optimistic, inspiring and frankly more beautiful.

A glimpse of the vibe and flava of our upcoming Arts & Wellness Festival and other events in 2010.

Enjoy.

Click link for a separate page of Playlist!!

Ache',Paz Y Luz.

TigerHawk.

TigerHawk's WTF ...Carving out Sustainable Space

noreply@blogspirit.com (TigerHawk) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:55:03 -0700

So don't you forget (no way) your youth,
Who you are and where you stand in the Struggle.

'So Much Things to Say'

Bob Marley

TigerHawk's appalling statement.

The following is a summary of a heated exchange TigerHawk engaged with a respected and dear friend Dr.Barney of the Burnin' bush and wife Lady Cher.

Dr.Barney : Tiger we are seeing the limits of the US Presidency.You forget Obama is just there 8 months, but 8 years of W and decades of powerful interests.He is a political genius and making chess moves we don't understand.

Tiger :Barney, I'm not naive, please don't insult my intelligence.What I'm saying is he's been to eager to appease the right wing and quick to abandon the democratic coalition , the bedrock of his campaign.At the core, I'm an FDR kind of progressive.He ain't give us no bones.

Dr.Barney : Give me an example...

Tiger : Look, when the criminals removed the duly elected President Zelaya of Honduras, the Obama Administration fumbled and stumbled about negotiations, while the OAS unequivocably condemned the assault on democracy in our Hemisphere...

Dr.Barney : I wasn't too pleased about that but you see what I mean, the President is not as strong as we think.

Tiger : W had no problem asserting his agenda internationally including wars....Even when not elected in 2000

Dr.Barney : Let's not forget the differences and not follow the 'hatred' being spouted by these extremists.He's better than W..

Tiger :Barney my real issue is Barack after the stimulus package passed for $787 billion, he squandered precious political and desperate financial capital when he and Geithner gave the banking sector over $ 1 trillion. We know there is more needs for unemployment and the physical economy and another round of stimulus may be needed.Further, homeowners now after the banks enjoyed their TARP funds can't get rasonable re-financing and credit is tight.What was the point? Why is he currying Wall street?

Dr.Barney : OK Tiger, what you're saying there is no difference and you rather elect a Jeb Bush ?

Tiger : Right now, the way he is going at least we know a Bush agenda and can respect the focus and consistency.Yes.

Dr.Barney : Tiger, you're had unrealistic expectations and you are now being unreasonable. I can't believe you said that.

Lady Cher : Tiger, I'm appalled.

Carving our Space

'The money changers have fled from their high seats in the temple of our civilization. We may now restore that temple to the ancient truths. The measure of the restoration lies in the extent to which we apply social values more noble than mere monetary profit.'

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Inaugural Speech March 1933

"Should he(Obama) win the White House, and it's winnable, will he be FDR who challenges Wall St's dominance or will he be as they say in Latin American political circles a violin: Placed by the Left but played by the Right??"

TigerHawk

September 15,2008

Our consistent and loyal readers of this blog recall we came to Barack Obama as a subject after the Denver Democratic Convention and before the mid-September 2008 Financial Crisis.They will also remember we stressed the idea of the Hero's journey as posited by American anthropologist Joseph Campbell.

The past 2 months have been most uncomfortable as we observe this early Obama Administration.We even suspended our Barack Chronicles, as we correctly anticipated a deluge of post-Inauguration hype and controversy coupled with contradictory even counter-productive policy.We are now poised for the Congressional Health Reform debate and still Obama falls short of our FDR ideals.In fact the so full of high expectations Obama Presidency seems to be now more a 'violin'.

What happened? Future historians may dissect the path to this moment .We all know that Bill Clinton brilliantly practiced political 'Triangulation' whereby he out flanked the Republicans and then gave the grateful centrist Democrats a place on his bus to pass legislation.We suspect the genius Obama is practicing political 'Trigonometry' where the liberal Democratic agenda is devalued, the Blue Dog conservative Democrats are appeased, and the Republicans are invited to drive the bus.We are told it is bi-partisan.

We here at TigerHawk have conceded that Barack Obama and his guru team of Axelrod-Emanuel-Jarrett is beyond our intellectual and ideological compehension , and we hereby abandon attempts to read the US political tea leaves.We are not even holding our breath for a 'public option' in the signed Health bill, secretly hoping Obama pulls a W and inserts the needed public option after the contentious Conference Committee.That will salvage our hopes of his Presidency being redeemed of its populist and progressive impact.Instead we have committed to 'Carving out our space' as Obama does his sacred mathematics.We will still grant Critical support.Emphasis now on critical.We will not condemn and demonize him as the Fox news and US Right are doing calling him names like anti-Christ and Hitler.However as political sophisticates we will examine the essence of his programs and legislation on a case by case basis.From there we pursue happiness and liberty.There is much work to be done at home in US and abroad. Wall St's precipitated economic meltdown pushes higher unemployment as the Dow jones flirts with 10,000.We are of the Paul Krugman School of Economics which believe the $787 Billion stimulus was a good start but more is needed, and precious political and finance capital was squandered by investing $1 Trillion in the banking sector.These finance institutions now boast 3 rd quarter profits while Main At Americans still suffer economic anxiety and pain.We here at TigerHawk look to US and global democratic and popular groups who walk a bold and visionary path through and beyond the finance created economic downturn.

Sustainable is the Way

We are encouraged and excited by positive and disciplined Americans who tout an alternative vision to the Corporate path embrace by the Obama circle.We had hoped the Administration would have been in the forefront , alas was just a promise.We will note however the Obama Administration' strong re-affirmation under the new FCC Chairman of it policy of Network Neutrality.We thank them publicly, as we here at TigerHawk are beneficiaries of stable digital media creations and productions.We give credit and support where it is due as in this case.We are excited to share with our readers analysis and prescriptions of our global material condition.When we see the absurdities such as China buying land in Africa to feed Chinese and Africans starve, we remember we have no time to be distracted by the dictates of US corporate power agenda, and Obama 'Trigonometry'.Fellow Americans have heeded the clarion call for justice and sustainable economics.We are pleased to share the work of Yes! Magazine, devoted to such ideas.We expect to continue in this vain while we revive the Barack Chronicles to keep abreast of this Democratic Administration where so much high expectations once resided.

What the F...(WTF)??

We share the attitude of Oscar winner Tim Robbins of Culver City's Actors' Gang.When informed by sober and realistic accountants and staff that the economy signalled a demise of his theatre group, Robbins exclaimed WTF? Further our star of 'Shawshanks Redemption' and 'The Player' added

'...This is exactly the time, when things are falling apart,when the economy is bad, it's time to drop ticket prices,it's time to create free nights, it's time to figure out how to produce even though the economics says 'don't produce'......'

We here @ TigerHawk echo Robbins sentiments exactly.In fact in an additional L.A Times interview while acknowledging the ravages of what he termed 'the crap economy', our American hero invoked the name of Franklin Roosevelt's Federal Theatre Project (FTP) which not only gave employment to actors, directors, writers and other stage craft, but via vaudeville and such raised the spirits of millions of Depression-era Americans. We strongly believe this is the essential mission of our generation of artists, musicians,DJs, film-makers and company.Maybe somewhere out there a quintessential American production, concert or play will wake up the Franklin Delano Roosevelt asleep somewhere in Barack Obama's soul.

Ache',Paz Y Luz,

TigerHawk

A Sirius Time........August Currents 2009

noreply@blogspirit.com (TigerHawk) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 09:57:00 -0700

Our Sirius Time

The August 1-7,2009 issue of The Economist's cover story features Barack Obama's image and captioned Çrunch Time'.We here at TigerHawk totally agree.Many recent events and hints are out there,and last Friday's weekend retreat to Blair House by The Obama Administration and advisors signalled Team Obama recognize the pivotal moment.The essence of the cover story is that the coming 3 weeks are the moment of truth for the ENTIRE Obama Presidency.We concur.When this blog started on our Obama journey in September 2008, we attached ourselves to the Joseph Campbell 'Hero' notion.Barack Obama was the first political subject explored by TigerHawk since our blog debut August 2005. Now a full year later, the mysterious 'Hero' energy envelopes Barack Obama.Let's take our Hawk's Eye view here.Riding the thermals and air gradients we survey the history time-lines in play. President Obama had another birthday on August 4.

Julius Caesar's great nephew Octavius was anointed Caesar Augustus by the Roman Senate and the first Roman Emperor.Pax Romana started with this Roman.Further in recognition of glorius military victory, the same Senate which murdered Julius granted the month after Julius'(July) the name August.Equal 31 days for each ruler's month.In the words for the occasion it was noted he had conquered Cleopatra's( and Mark Antony's) Egypt in this sixth month , formerly Sextilis of the Roman calendar,he also stabilized the contentious Empire.The August reign covered 27 B.C to 14 A.D.

Sirius Time 2009It is intriguing that even then Egypt figured in Roman political calculations,cemented by Julius Caesar and then his ally Mark Antony's love for the Ptolemy desendent Cleopatra.Patriarch Ptolemy being one of the 4 trusted generals of Macedonian Alexander the Great.The Roman Empire basically absorbed the Greek civilization, so Egypt was a worthy jewel for the Latin glory.The wise Egyptians intuited the link between the summer flooding of the mighty Nile and the Heliacal(with the Sun) rising of Sirius(The Dog Star).Sirius which represented Goddess Isis is larger than our Sun, and in our Dog Days of Summer is thought to enhance the Earth's heat. (Editor's note:We feel obliged to mention that the Dogon people of Mali knew of the Sirius A and B Star system and their creation myths were transmitted to French anthropologist Marcel Griaule , in the early 20th century.The Dogon awareness of Sirius caused esteemed scientist Carl Sagan to lose his scholarly cool and cast demeaning aspersions on the Dogon experience).

In 2009, the Full moon in Leo for Sirius was this past Wednesday August 5.Barack celebrated birthday on Tuesday.When the first African-American President visited Cairo, the street merchants sold T-shirts claiming Barack, new King Tut for the World.We never got the scoop, but the young King Tut-ankh-aten(living image of Aten) became Tut-ankh-amum(living image of Amum).The name change is most profound and political.King Tut's father Akhanaten attempted imposing monotheism based on the Sun.The vengeful and powerful priest-hood switched the young man's allegiance to a more priest friendly poly-theistic theology.Tut moved the capital from his father's power centre at Armana, to the priests' preference at Thebes.The young ruler passed away at nineteen in 1349 B.C,engendering a murder mystery. The modern day Cairo merchants must know why they believe Obama fits that misguided boy-King's role.

August Currents..Flying with Hawks..

Four years ago on Aug 12 this here TigerHawk blog was launched.Our premiere post was inspired by the majesty of overhead Hawks as Tiger recovered from a mysterious ailment and was transformed into TigerHawk.We had no idea where we would end on our journey,but strongly felt that the convergence of Digital Publishing opening for individual content, net neutrality and broad-band proliferation, the moment was oppurtune to creatively espress and share on-line.This has been a most miraculous and humbling experience.We committed at the go to be responsible and be inspirational, non-partisan, informative, yet stimulating. Our audience growth and support are testaments to these goals being manifest.We say a loud Thank You to our readers Old and New.

We have striven to be responsive and relevant to the moment and have been serendipitiously led down surprising avenues.Our focus on Barack Obama evolved in such vain as Joseph Campbell's ideas of Hero in human mytholgy triggered a unique contemporary narrative.The Egyptians placed much value on the Hawk, with Heru (Horus) sometimes with a Hawk's head.Many cultures believe this high performance aerial predator to be a messenger from the heavens. The military prides their most deadly apparatus with Hawk power such as TomaHawk missiles, Black Hawk helicopters and Global Hawk remote control aircraft.

The breezy Los Angeles morns and afternoons can displace the summer heat in August ,and we know why L.A keeps us enthralled.Totally magical.Timeless currents we call August currents.We fly with the Hawks.Once a violinist friend was rehearsing for a TV show and the director needed the artist to cover a popular Johhny Gill song carefully for a beauty contest segment.The director then agreed the violinist was then free to do his thing.Our heavily accented Latin violin master suggested You mean I can FLY!!'. We feel that way .R.Kelly won Grammy for the said notion.As American as Apple Pie.Freedom.

"Let God Let Loose

What no Man can take from Us,

Freedom!!"

Tuskegee African-American Airmen on formation Flight Take-off

Courtesy Layon Gray's

Black Angels over Tuskegee

Layon Gray's Moving Tribute to the Black Tuskegee Air-Men.

Right this moment we are almost moved to tears as we recall that scene in a play staged in North Hollywood recently.We are determïned to interview the amazing writer/actor/director Layon Gray and The Black Gents of Hollywood.The Whitmore-Lindley is a modest smaller theatre in NoHo Theatre district on Magnolia Blvd.The play 'Black Angels over Tuskegee' is now off to North Carolina for the national African-American Theatre Festival, but the band of black thespians took our hearts.Economy of dialogue yet colorful and eloquent,Gray brought to life the mental , emotional and spiritual struggle of those Black Airmen,the Red Tails in WW II who fought 2 wars.In tha air over Nazi Germany and US racism.The engineering and technical skills demanded are deliberately exposed by Gray, showing the calibre of educated young black men who volunteered , sat a rigorous exam,bore racial hostility, and took a risk for a better career oppurtunity in a pre-Civil Rights America.The scenes on the tight stage are brilliantly choreographed to show the disciplined flight formations and their brotherly radio banter during combat and loss.Tear-jerking.A Red Tail survivor at a performance volunteered that Layon Gray was so accurate , he wondered to whom he spoke as this veteran never got a call.

CAST

Derek Shaun Jerimah
Demetrius Gross Percival
DonnSwaby Theodore
Layon Gray Quentin
Thom Scott Abe
Jay jones Elijah
Doug Purcell Major Roberts
Narrator Antonio D.Charity

Layon Gray and Black Gents of Hollywood, we salute you as we honor the Tuskegee Air-men.You were Free.They were Freer.Free like the Hawks!!

To Be Continued..A Work in Progress now...

August 2005 TigerHawk blog posts:

The Power of Jobim

Brando signature...Quemada?Quemaida/Burn!

Ache',Paz Y Luz

TigerHawk

Mucho Mas Caliente con Michael Jackson

noreply@blogspirit.com (TigerHawk) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:32:00 -0700

Grand Performances Heat Up!!

The upcoming weekend the Grand Performances music concert series hosts Latin heavy hitters.Cuban 2 time Grammy winner Albita is up Saturday July 18,evening @ 8 p.m.We've seen her before elsewhere.Traditional Cuban Son generously flavored with the Yoruba religious sentiments are her rhythmic signature.However Albita's resonating Cubana vocals are authorative and command attention.The music is infectious and moves the crowd.The program indicates that the charismatic female vocalist of New York's Yerba Buena, Cucu Diamantes represents on Friday, July 17 @ 8 p.m.Friday @ noon showcases Colombian Justo Almario and the Afro-Colombian Ensemble.Over-all a pulsating and entertaining weekend of Latin flava.

We designed a play-list as a tribute to Michael Jackson sharing our favorite tracks which we consider gems seldom played in radio-rotation.

It is July and it is Hot.

Stevie Wonder created 'Hotter Than July' in 1980

N.B A special Stevie work as it is both influenced by Bob Marley,and is making a tribute to the Reggae Prophet, while honoring Dr.Martin Luther King's birthday.Early in the Reagan Administration Stevie Wonder was on the front-line demanding a King Holiday and liberation of Apartheid South Africa.'Happy Birthday is a driving reggae composition for King.

We present Mucho Mas Caliente Con Michael Jackson(Much Hotter with Michael Jackson)

We combine these with samples of artists at the Grand Performances, and a few dashes of Stevie's 'Hotter.......

Mucho Mas Caliente con Michael Jackson

Mucho Mas Caliente con Michael J

Happy Bastille Day to the les citoyen(ne)s de France!

Enjoy

Ache',Paz Y Luz

TigerHawk

Art Walk in L.A means Street Party!!..Maxwell's Back Y ALL!!

noreply@blogspirit.com (TigerHawk) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:50:00 -0700

Downtown L.A's Art Walk..a must do!!

Summer is in full swing and many exciting fun events to take our minds off the political and economic issues.In fact , we here suspect a corporate conspiracy in L.A where everyplace presents FREE Live music and entertainment.Is this a sophisticated social'pressure-cooker valve like Trinidad and Brazil where Carnival gives the favela and Laventille denizens fantasies of rulership and equality?As a San Francisco conspiracy researcher says, food for thought, grounds for further research.We will add the list of happenings here as confirmed .We never want to let a good,Free party go to waste.

Talking about parties,yesterday, the second Thursday of the month, we here experienced a fun and surprising L.A street Party going on.The venue is the hard-core Down-town Los Angeles which in recent years was deemed 'skid row'.The wonders of developer tax abatements and gentrification. Buildings formerly closed and disrespected, now have a face-lift and sport the lease ads for 'Lofts'.Many so-called hipsters now navigate their canine companions through streets formerly deemed a Demilitarized Zone, fit only for armed LAPD and their worthy criminal nemeses.More lights, new restaurants,more 'Public Safety'personnel on bicycles.Look Pops, I can walk the streets with no mace!

These very refurbished concrete towers now house a generation of Art galleries.Yesterday was the monthly L.A Arts Walk. We had a blast.50 plus galleries open their doors to the uninitiated and connoisseurs alike to sample the global cutting edge art, particularly Digital Art.

Artists of Impact

We viewed a lot of art, particularly in early afternoon to beat the after 7 p.m wine guzzling party set.A few we decide to mention for their deliberate use of art as a tool of social and political empowerment.After all , we are TigerHawk.Synchronicity was as often in play.A few years back we met a gentleman at Barnsdall Art Park who demonstrated a European-made camera-phone , which he used to create digital video .He was since flown to Paris to represent Los Angeles' Digital Art community. Yesterday that gentleman Rex Bruce was in the curator seat of The Los Angeles Center for Digital Art,as we entered his 5th street gallery.There was a vague recognition which became concrete with salutations all around.After a few years we finally got to his place. 'Limbo' was the theme of featured artist Hector Mata.Embracing Catholic ideas of displaced souls, Mata digitally photographed the marks of the US/Mexico border and numerous items left in the Arizona desert by Mexican migrants attempting the dangerous trek northbound.Mata's intention is laudable:To put a human aspect to the faceless travellers whose precious belongings are clues and evidence of their individual efforts.We spoke briefly to Peruvian Mata and he explained that he took 2 years and much miles to research and document these stories. A bald-headed man of intense energy, he definitely saw the art as a vehicle to raise awareness to this contemporary South West narrative.

By this time a mysterious very red-headed woman in white shorts and a toy-like camera,became our walking companion along L.A's streets. We first crossed here path at Bert Green Fine Art Gallery at corner of 5th and Main streets.Bert Green is the director/curator.The artist we most viewed was Barron Storey.A series of illustrations almost comic book like featured 'Çard-board Zombies who come for our Piggy Bank'.A comment on the on-going economic melt-down and its human/social dislocations.A sober and attention-grabbing series of frames.Our red-head fellow traveller whom we call Ms.R accompanied us to the new Rowan Gallery.Here we met painter Andrew Cortes and his photographer brother David.The bed products firm HUG for Home Urban Gear had contracted Andrew to design their bed linen and such. Senor Cortes, a slim and pleasant student of Cal State University Long Beach impressed us. Unpretentious and open , he reflected his layered paintings and their depth.Brother David was there to assist and network.Ms.R having lived in Prague,Czech Republic was impressed with Korean-American Kate Hers who did a video work in German with English subtitles.Kate signed a contract in German to only communicate in german while in Berlin for a stipulated period.The subject of the displayed video.Ms.Hers was presented at the Compact Space on 6th st.

Robert Vargas uses Charcoal

It was nearing 6.30 p.m and we had promised our friend Robert Vargas who had earlier co-incidentally' walked by, to return to his charcoal portrait session.Robert is a special person.He once sketched TigerHawk using charcoal at the counter of a trendy Los Feliz eatery and got numerous paid requests for same.A former Conga Room music booking agent, Mr.Vargas is a major force in Los Angeles' exposure to World music the past 15 so years.Of Lakota heritage,Robert is a powerful and mesmerizing persona .Robert was surrounded by a crowd, more than half women as he sketched a sitting lady. On his hands and knees several persons were amazed by his accurate portrayals in charcoal , including Ms.R. While a three piece rock/reggae band and DJ performed.

As the evening moved on Robert captivated more sitting models, male and female, including TigerHawk once more.the crowd grew larger , coming from Main St now promoted as 'The Old Bank District'. The streets took on a Carnival vibe with dancing in response to the DJ playing Michael Jackson, James Brown and other funky tracks.All the galleries were packed, all hot and much0 vino.The office crowd showed up and the traffic reflected L.A's multi-cultural mix.Many Asians,Whites,tourists,Latins.Formerly skid-row street mainly showed black and some brown faces. Restaurants with their side walks patrons were packed.Were we really in Los Angeles? Or in Europe ?It all seemed so surreal.

Over a late night dinner,which Robert generously sponsored, the multi-talented man revealed the social and politcal dynamics of the new art scene in downtown Los Angeles,where he has lived for 5 years.Suddenly, the link between his physical hard work on his knees and the street poor and working classes became clear.Mr.Vargas was making a powerful statement of 'Walking the Walk' by example.Work, physical demanding work is his life.We here say to Senor Vargas...Saludos y Mucho Gusto.(Subscribe to the RSS feeds for updates).

TigerHawk Music BONUS...Our Summer 2009 Artist Pick...Maxwell!!...He's Back Y'ÁLL

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BLACKsummersnight

Ache,Paz y Luz

TigerHawk

Michael Jackson Live Coverage ...Mucho Mas Caliente!!

noreply@blogspirit.com (TigerHawk) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:27:00 -0700

Editorial Event!! Michael Jackson Memorial at Staples Center ,Los Angeles.

Live at 9.00 a.m Pacific Time Tuesday July 7,2009

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/cbs-news

We are today Monday July 6,2009 coming off a strange US July 4th which was on a Saturday, and Friday the extra Holiday .Really Michael Jackson's untimely passing was in the ethers.Tiger felt a sense of deja vu.hin Manhattan,NY in December 1980, Michael Jackson in BelAir,LA 2009. Lennon away from recording and releasing 'Starting Over' , Michael Jackson not touring for so many years and returning with 'This is it' concert series. We have the L.A Staples Center the epi-center of NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers, the scene of a global event-The Michael Jackson Memorial. AEG who cemented the 50 concert UK deal with Jackson own the Staples, the venue of the last recorded rehearsals. Los Angeles is once more the ground zero of Global Media.

For us here at TigerHawk, the synchronicity and timing is pointed.We were preparing a special Music playlist of Artists scheduled to perform here in L.A this July for the Grand Performances downtown a few blocks from Staples.A wonderful and diverse line-up to enhance L.A's summer vibe. Well, as Stevie Wonder penned his 'Hotter than July' project in 1981, we were going to call the play-list 'Mucho Mas Calinte..' After all we are in July and the music is mucho caliente.

Now , as Michael's loss is in this July moment, we've change it to 'Much Mas Caliente con Michael...' We have been fans of Michael Jackson since the Jackson 5, and like many appreciated the fusion with Producer Quincy Jones on 'Off the Wall' and 'Thriller'. Since the latter Michael took the producer's reins with mixed results of overall albums, yet always beauty, brilliance and musical gems.The Special Edition of Thriller recently released contains fascinating insights by Quincy and Rod Temperton on the intriguing creative process behind this muti-Grammy winning classic. Our select play list are selections from these works we feel are under-played on radio and clubs.

We can discuss other aspects of Michael's cultural and iconic impact at another time.Today we honor his work and memory.

Michael,Thank You for the Music.

Enjoy.

'Mucho Mas Caliente con Michael J ' playist from us here at TigerHawk

Ache',Paz Y Luz,

TigerHawk

Femi Kuti Opens Summer 2009..'Tempest' in Hollywood..Shaolin warrior goes Tiger

noreply@blogspirit.com (TigerHawk) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:12:34 -0700

Femi Kuti opens Summer 2009 at Hollywood Bowl

Friends welcome to Summer 2009.Sunday June 21,2009 was the Summer Solstice here in Hollywood/Los Angeles.the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Yoruba cosmology and traditions,Eleggua is the 'Opener of the Way'.One of the seven (7) significant Orishas.He is equivalent to St.Michael The Arch-Angel.So it is most welcome and appropriate that Yoruban from Nigeria ,Femi Kuti, son of the great Fela Kuti opened the Hollywood Bowl Summer 2009 season on the Solstice.TigerHawk was blessed with a seat a few feet from the stage, able to sit near Santigold, who along with Raffael Siddiq entertained the capacity crowd.All respects to these 2 artists (an autograph from Philly's Santgold was obtained), but Femi was whom the 12,000 audience mainly came to experience.

We were not disappointed, however we believed there was un-necessary adjustments of the sound levels by the Bowl's engineering to mollify the hillside neighbors, resulting in Femi's continually signalling to raise the volume.Honestly, something was taken away from the full impact of the West African's polyrhythmic and horn sections. Yet we were thrilled by Femi's juggling; blowing on the saxophones(tenor and alto), playing the key-boards, dancing and belting out emotional vocals of Africa's redemption, human sagas, and social justice. Cuts from the new album 'Day by Day' were interspersed with his cult standards such as 'Blackman Know Thyself' , Sorry Sorry' and 'Beng Beng Beng'. What energy and joy.A powerful start to our Summer 2009 in Los Angeles.Femi is continuing in his father's footsteps of political and social controversy in Nigeria.The Lagos authorities had just recently closed one of his night clubs.Thank you Yoruban for the benediction and blessings.Ache'.

Shakespeare causes a Tempest in Hollywood.

One of TigerHawk's joys SummerTime in Hollywood is the Independent Shakespeare Company outdoor series.A few years back we wrote here on 'Richard II','Mid-Summer Night's Dream' and the Scottish play (Mac....). This week David and his crew threw up the outdoor stage at Barnsdall Arts Park. Shakespeare's later play , 'The Tempest'dealing with the island tropics and the magical is the opening curtain tonight Friday at 7.30 p.m.We can't wait.Henry V continues the royals series and sure to shed light on English societal mysteries since the Normans and their Conquering William grabbed the British Isles in 1066.Last year 10,000 plus attended the series. RSVP is highly encouraged.

Shaolin warrior XJ and a new Tiger Fighting style

We have all heard of the legendary Shaolin monks who through discipline snd virtue defended the honor of China, challenged tyranny and brought highly effective martial arts to the Chinese people.This is not legend but fact.Their danger to Chairman Mao's brain-washing was such that he ordered more fires and persecutions of Shaolin monks much as the Manchus and Ching dynasties.TigerHawk as a beneficiary and supporter of the arts had met a group of Shaolin warriors a few years back through Master Hugh(originally from Jamaica). Fate would put us again in contact in China Town at a Vietnamese-Chinese temple.Now again in Hollywood TigerHawk 'stumbles'upon young Shaolin Master XJ training students in his shealth-regimen and fighting techniques.We recognized each other immediately.'Too much co-incidence'.

This week as TigerHawk stopped by to say hello to XJ, he noticed his students perform a very dynamic and graceful choreography of arm and leg moves.Intuitively TigerHawk sensed a familiarityand asked XJ the name of the forms.XJ smiled and said 'Tiger'.Óne more time, please?''.'Tiger'', he repeated. Amazing.Í created this particular combination, can you help me edit the video?' People, Tiger will soon share the 'Tiger'fighting form from Shaolin warrior XJ on these pages.In the interim here is XJ's site with his history from the legendary Henan province and his personal path expressing 'The Way'.Remember Yoruban Femi exhorts us to 'Fight to Win'.

Ache', Paz Y Luz

TigerHawk

P.S We share in the loss and memory of 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson.

Emergency L.A (California)...Music and Cinema Relief Summer 2009..House of Kuti!!

noreply@blogspirit.com (TigerHawk) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 17:44:00 -0700

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-carrying-134-bil-worth-of-us-bonds-detained-in-italy

(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.

1 million Baracks....Tiger's Spring 2009 Break/Interlude

noreply@blogspirit.com (TigerHawk) — Sat, 16 May 2009 16:15:00 -0700

Tiger grabs a Spring Break/Interlude.....needs not 10,000 but 1 million Baracks!!

We here at TigerHawk have been left in the dust by the Obama Express.What is the deal? How many major policy initiatives are they managing simultaneously.We confess that our Barack Chronicles have been overwhelmed by the pace and magnitude of our 44th US President.So have our vaunted TigerHawk 3.0.

Back in 1989 the militant (love that media term) Rap group Public Enemy released and declared

''It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back."

About the same year P.E were the signature track on Spike Lee's 'Do the Right Thing' titled

'Fight the Power'.

We suggest that Barack Obama lighten his load by cloning or multiplying his efforts.

We know he is going to mess up in some things and we are some time going to get disappointed.

So spread the load.

We need not 10,000 Obamas(Driving Us Crazy), but 1 million Obamas.In the interim..

Our brilliant TigerHawk response?

We take a time out.

We now enjoy our Spring 2009 Break/Interlude.

Of course our Tiger vibe is all about the music .

We therfore share a special music playlist.

Tiger 2009 Spring Break/Interlude.

(Click the Play Button)

Enjoy.

Ache',Paz Y Luz!!

TigerHawk

Quo Vadis ....The Cardinal Blesses Tiger

noreply@blogspirit.com (TigerHawk) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:31:00 -0700

Tiger revisits Catholic Cathedral.....Laptop mystery!!

Mi Gente,my people.Been a minute since we've posted here.Tiger experience some intrigues and his ever present laptop was stolen in Hollywood.We have been in re-grouping mode and hence a disruption in our rhythm.However, the Tiger roars defiantly .We're back.We will not be denied.In light of the diversion we enter an abbreviated and combined post here to suffice 'Barack Chronicles ' as well as TigerHawk 3.0.

We had been confused back in the early 90s when reports arrived of corporate and government officials losing their important laptops. Let's say we now have more sympathetic respect for those situations. Interesting, the hardware is of no use to the perpetrators, as a true dyed in the wool open-source/Ubuntu/Linux revolutionary, the codes are demanded to start up the machine.So who ever you are out there, we have some surprises.Just beware who's drinking latte next to you with the cute smile.

As Holy Week arrived, Tiger found himself drawn to the Los Angeles Catholic Diocese's Cathedral.The Cathedral of Our Lady Queen of the Angels serves some 4 million souls..The architecture grants inspiring space.Spanish Architect Professor Jose Rafael Moneo designed a construct of no right angles, sub-consciously invoking mystical feelings.Palm Sunday, I joined the faithful in taking a palm branch as the priest gave a special 'Hosana' delivery, commemorating Jesus' Jerusalem entry on a donkey.

That week which just culminated in Easter Sunday, when Christ's resurrection is celebrated, granted a moment to reflect on the power of the Catholic church over 2 millenia.On my way to my Temple of Eastern flavor, I felt a humbling bond with these Catholic souls, remembering the amazing Jesus story.The fresh spring air added to the sense of renewal.L.A spring is most magical when the light subtly alters the senses.

Quo Vadis??

The Church of Rome is built with St.Peter's Basilica at the center of the Vatican.In fact,Peter is the chief cornerstone of the Church.He is the First Pappa.In John 13:37, Peter asked Jesus 'Whither goes thos ,Lord?' Jesus cryptically told Simon Peter that where he was going Peter could not go at that moment, but would follow him later.Then Jesus predicted the thrice denial by Peter before the cock's crow.That exchange in Latin is distilled to 'Quo Vadis,Domine?'.Peter since followed his Master in martyrdom, and begged the centurions to make his crucifixion different as he deemed himself not worthy of the same.The Romans were happy to oblige by hanging him up-side down.Roman engineering never limited.

In 1895 a Polish writer Henry K Sieliewicz wrote a series about the early Christians in Nero's Rome.The collective title was 'Quo Vadis'.Mr.Sieliewicz had researched the Roman Empire extensively, and it was his support and sympathy for Christianity that guided the masterpiece. In 1905,Sieliewicz won the Nobel Prize for Literature. 46 years later, MGM studios releases 'Quo Vadis' starring Robert Young as the centurion Vincius, and Deborah Kerr as his Christian love interest. Before the 'Sandals and Swords' genre was made popular by Russell Crowe's 'Gladiator', Hollywood captured the global audience's imagination with the excesses and dangers of the Roman Empire.As Nero persecuted and murdered the Christians for a mysterious fire in Rome,Peter experienced his doubts and almost abandoned his flock.The question returned this time to him from his Lord...'Quo Vadis ?'

So when the Catholics in the City of Angels celebrate Palm and then Easter Sundays, they make the spiriitual and emotional intersection of Simon Peter and Jesus Christ on the edge of the Pacific., in the land of the Native Americans.

Tiger Blessed by The Cardinal....Quo Vadis for us....

As often occurs with Mr.Tiger, famous personalities and celebrities get relaxed and genuinely connect .Easter Sunday at the Los Angeles Cathedral, Cardinal Roger Mahoney was in full regalia,mingling in the cafe and passing out Easter blessings. I had been recognized several times prior, even having a discussion about my laptop and WiFi access at the Cathedral's Downtown L.A location, surrounded by Law courts and government buildings. This special Sunday, I decided to use my Social Capital and request an autograph from this world renown disciple of Simon Peter.Signore Cardinale Roger Mahoney was most gracious and generous writing 'Easter Blessing' on my proffered sheet of paper.Seeing the bold and distinctive gold ring on his right hand, I felt a sense of awe and gratitude, almost as if St.Peter himself had whispered a prayer.

I then remembered the Al Smith dinner in New York City, at the peak of the Presidential campaign when Senator Obama, resplendent in white tux, sat proudly and comfortably next to New York's Cardinal Egan.New York inaugurated Cardinal Egan's successor this week.'Quo Vadis?'

Ache',Paz Y Luz

TigerHawk

Cantos de Santo for Holy Week

Cantos de Santo for Holy Week 2009

TigerHawk

Haiti Lotus...Dr.MLK's Beautiful Struggle...

“As a lotus flower is born in water, grows in water and rises out of water to stand above it unsoiled, so I, born in the world, raised in the world having overcome the world, live unsoiled by the world”

Brazil's Candomble Music Heals...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Dr.Burning Bush on H1N1 &Reform..Winter Solstice 2009...Holiday Soul

Les Africaines....Another Look at Barack...Happy Holidays...

Touch of Zap Mama...Festival delayed to 2010

TigerHawk presents Arts and Wellness Festival

TigerHawk's WTF ...Carving out Sustainable Space

A Sirius Time........August Currents 2009

Mucho Mas Caliente con Michael Jackson

Art Walk in L.A means Street Party!!..Maxwell's Back Y ALL!!

Michael Jackson Live Coverage ...Mucho Mas Caliente!!

Femi Kuti Opens Summer 2009..'Tempest' in Hollywood..Shaolin warrior goes Tiger

Emergency L.A (California)...Music and Cinema Relief Summer 2009..House of Kuti!!

1 million Baracks....Tiger's Spring 2009 Break/Interlude

Quo Vadis ....The Cardinal Blesses Tiger