Friday, June 10, 2016

DOES GOOGLE PROVE THAT RACISM STILL INFILTRATES SOCIETY?

DOES GOOGLE PROVE THAT RACISM STILL INFILTRATES SOCIETY?

Written by: Colin Bruce Munro Wood – 06/10/2016 – 8:00PM ET


I came upon an article on USA Today, written by Jessica Guynn in San Francisco, Ca, in which a story about Kabir Alli, an 18-year-old senior at Clover Hill High School in Midlothian, Virginia, didn’t believe his friends when they told him that a search on “3 Black Teenagers” on Google would turn up degrading mug shots, and thug stories. 

Whereas, a search on Google for “3 White Teenagers” popped up lovely pics of teenagers smiling and having fun, and nice stories about being friends. 

So, I decided, since I’m always battling with African American Republican Conservatives that racism does still exist, to take it a step further than only one search, and looked up “4 Black People”, and “4 White People” in a Google search engine. 

Study the results below, separated by the dotted line.  Then continue with my article below.



www.dailystormer.com/another-dead-white-kid-four-black-people-holding-the-gun/
1.      
Mar 6, 2016 - Another Dead White Kid – Four Black People Holding the Gun. Daily Stormer ... Black Mob Kills and Dismembers Young Woman. May 8, 2016.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAa-0of6zcE
Mar 5, 2016 - Uploaded by Colin Flaherty
Another Dead White Kid -- Four Black People Holding the Gun About the Author Colin Flaherty is an award ...

www.breitbart.com/.../coen-bros-on-oscarssowhite-the-oscars-...
1.      
Breitbart News Network
Feb 4, 2016 - “You don't sit down and write a story and say, 'I'm going to write a story that involves four black people, three Jews and a dog,' — right? That's ...

theracecardproject.com/know-four-black-people/
1.      
I only know four black people. Add Comment. Gabriela Swain, Ionia, MI. I was raised in a predominantly White/Hispanic town in mid-Michigan. What few colored ...


www.imdb.com/title/tt2235108/
1.      
2.      
Internet Movie Database
 Rating: 6.3/10 - ‎18,229 votes
Directed by Justin Simien. With Tyler James Williams, Tessa Thompson, Kyle Gallner, Teyonah Parris. The lives of four black students at an Ivy League college.

https://www.reddit.com/r/WhitePeopleTwitter/.../the_four_types_of_white_people/
1.      
Feb 24, 2016 - The four types of white people (i.imgur.com). submitted 3 months ago by Bebedvd · 29 comments; share. all 29 comments. sorted by: best.

crossroadsantiracism.org/.../four-ways-the-blackwhite-binary-ought-to-concern-white...
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The Black/White binary's divide and conquer dynamic among People of Color allows White People to continue to retain and expand societal benefits while ...

https://twitter.com/bruhhhcomedy/status/687075292960014338
1.      
2.      
Jan 12, 2016 - There are four types of white people pic.twitter.com/CjjbGJi4gd. Retweets 2,197; Likes 2,792; Jeremiah Aldape Moondragon Kay Haley ...

uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/White_people
1.      
2.      
Diversity says that, if four white people are playing bridge in the cafeteria during their lunch break, inviting the janitor to join them will only improve the bridge ...


So, I ask you.  Do you now see why some of us believe that racism still exists in America?  It certainly does, and it rears its ugly head on the web. 

“A 2013 study by Latanya Sweeney, a professor at Harvard University, found "statistically significant discrimination" in online advertising results. Names associated with black people "generated ads suggestive of an arrest in 81 to 86% of name searches on one web site and 92 to 95% on the other," the study found, while names associated with white people generated more neutral results.” (Jessica Guynn, USA Today, June 10, 2016) 

A week out from the remake of “Roots” on The History Channel, a week in which I battled with many online about there being no reason to remake or show the movie nowadays, because African American’s have risen above it, and don’t need a reminder anymore, as Snoop Dogg basically put it, unquoted.  However, what he is being ignorant of, and I hate saying this, because I am a fan of Snoop Doggity Dogg, but it’s true, is that those who still are racist do exist, and they and racism still needs to be brought into the forefront until it truly is not an issue in our country anymore. 

In reality, compared to mankind’s historical time on earth, it hasn’t been that long since slavery existed really.  So, why would you expect racism to not be a hindrance less than a hundred years removed in the south, of segregation? 

No matter my color, I believe we all in this country who truly believe in equality and our Constitution’s original meaning, have a task to continue to make racism look disgusting, wrong, and immoral.  We must continue to bring these faces, and voices, and personalities to the forefront of public knowledge, so that their ugly heads can be seen and trounced upon by the sect of society that loves all races, and all people.  Only that way, will racism truly end. 

The nation as a team can come together and stomp it out, once and for all, before it lingers into the 21st Century for too long, and destroys another era. 

I can only hope that this century brings a new age of love, glorification of others, support of all races, and peoples, and global unity in a way we have yet to be seen in mankind’s history.  We came close in defeating Hitler in WWII, but it still didn’t include all countries. 

Never mind the never ending ridiculous war in the middle east.  When will they all look in a mirror and realize they are not different from each other, but simply hold different beliefs, and like America, share their lands?  They allow some stories written thousands of years ago to kill millions of innocents to this day, for what result?  You’d think after 5,000 to 6,000 years of war, one might realize no one is going to win, and just shake hands.  But, all many of these folks have ever known, who involve themselves in evil empires, totalitarian armies, and terrorism, is war, anger, brainwashing, and hate. 

The only way to change that, is to change how we raise our children, whom we allow to be in power, and whom we allow to voice hatred without punishment. 

One slight downfall about democracy and America, however, is the freedom hate groups have, as long as they aren’t “caught” harming others.  Also, how many of these hate groups infiltrate the policing society, not only down south, but right here in good old New York. 

As I’ve discussed in an earlier article, a few months back, I have seen many people pulled out of their cars by officers, on routine traffic stops, for over 30 years of driving. 

I’ve driven truck around the NE, around the country across and back, up and down each coast a few times, and all over NYS and PA for 8 years as an Insurance Man.  I guarantee, without a doubt, that 99% of the time, those pulled from their cars on routine traffic stops were African American.  Not white, not Chinese, not Mexican, not any other race but African American. 

Again, I ask you the reader….do you not see a trend here? It is real, it is still a problem, and it must still be dealt with Snoop Dogg. 

I am sorry if it hurts you, but it shouldn’t.  You should be proud of your ancestors for what they endured and still brought forth a beautiful society of Africans in America who have helped form our Country into the most wonderful place on earth, regardless of racism and hate.  African culture perforates all of America, and without it, we’d be one boring society! 

So, help rid America of all racism and hate, or at least let’s reduce it to the smallest percentage of people in the history of our country, together as a nation, race to race, hand in hand. 

God Bless this great Country that is all of ours, in this grand melding pot!
How can you help?  By supporting your local minorities. Volunteer in community programs.  Write your own articles. Voice your opinions on Facebook.  Call out racism when you see it! 

Be courageous, be real, be a human being! 

“In an emailed statement, Google said its image search results are a reflection of what's on the Web, including the frequency with which certain types of images appear and how they are described.” (Jessica Guynn, USA Today, June 10, 2016).

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Saturday, June 4, 2016

THIRD DISTRICT CRIME WATCH by Dani Cronce (Binghamton Councilwoman)

Third District Crime Watch
Written by: Dani Cronce -Binghamton Councilwoman – 05/31/2016 – Released 06/04/2016 – 08:15PM ET, Edited by: Colin Wood


3rd District Crime Watch

The 3rd District statistically suffers from the highest crime rate in Binghamton.  With open robberies and shootings happening all too frequently.  There is a need to act now!

Safety is everyone’s responsibility.  Binghamton's 3rd District Crime Watch is here to make a difference.  

Good things happen when concerned people work together, and since the first meeting the 3rd District Crime Watch has been making a positive difference in our community.

Our first mission is creating a community awareness.  Residents need to be aware of who their neighbors are.  When we see people acting suspicious we should contact authorities.  We can all keep our neighborhoods safer.

An important part of community policing is to create a relationship with the residents and the police officers.  Having meetings with the residents and police officers help to build a stronger bond of mutual trust.

Causes
Our group examines the causes of the high crime rates witnessed within our district.  To fight crime, we must look into the need for more jobs, the need for adequate transportation.  Also, a lack of proper after-school activities are among the top issues.

Lack of jobs take us in a downward spiral.  It creates blighted neighborhoods and breaks down our families.  Losing our manufacturing companies has been a serious issue for Broome County.  We must find ways to create jobs.


One thing that we may not think much about, is the need for jobs for those who have been convicted.  Binghamton offers temporary jobs to ex-prisoners that often times only last for 3-6 months.  This leads to reoccurring unemployment and more crime.  We are currently looking into ways to help create jobs for the recently released convicts.

The need for local jobs within walking distance is needed.  We are currently working with local leaders to find work opportunities.  The need to readjust the Broome County Bus schedule is a major issue for those who don't have cars.  The bus does not travel within the time or destination that many, low income workers need.  The low income workers are being forced out of work.

After school activities is very important to our youths’ development.  We see the need for mentoring.  We are starting a yearlong mentoring program called “Innovation 72 Kids”, with I'm Dope Without Dope.  “Innovation 72 Kids” is a noncompetitive sports team that will mentor our youth.  Volunteer coaches will lead the youth and help them make wise choices.  Kids can always use additional adult leaders in their lives.

We are currently working on housing issues and creating a student association for the 3rd District.  These students will be liaisons between the students, the local leaders and residents.

We look forward to becoming more involved with the local residents and organizations.

3rd District Crime Watch believes our neighborhoods safety is our concern.

Wood News Agency, LLC                                                      Binghamton, NY
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EVITA...EVITA...





EVITA….EVITA….

A review by: Colin Bruce Munro Wood – 06/04/2016 – 01:33PM ET


I’ve found writing this review to be my toughest one to put on paper, thus far in my review-writing experience.

To start, the Firehouse Stage in Johnson City is one heck of a place to put on any show, in a small atmosphere.  I’ve seen a number of different stages built and set by the talented Gene Czebiniak, and they all have their own character.  The Evita set, although somewhat simple in nature, was effective in telling the story, and the coloring was very warm.  It was a very dark show many times, lighting wise, but my biggest struggle was with the sound.  The backtracks overloaded the singers many times, and unfortunately the lead of the show most of the time, was hard to understand, especially on low notes.  Maybe a better Mic placement would solve that, as the other performers who did the typical mouth mic, were easier to understand, except again, when the music drowned them out.  For such a small space, I don’t believe the backtracks need to be so loud, and the singers should always be louder than the music!

Unfortunately, because I decided to wait to watch the show, to know the storyline, I did not look up anything about Eva (Evita) Peron, or her story, and due to the sound issues, I left still at a loss as to what I just watched.  I, of course, am quite familiar with some of the tunes from the show, but not well enough to know the lyrics any further than a few words here and there.  Neither have I been able to get through the film without losing interest, to be honest, before I move on to the actual review of SROIII’s production of EVITA.

For the first time ever, since I’ve known and seen Scott Fisher-directed shows, can I maybe say that a couple roles were miscast.  I will not point out which ones, but I do believe that there other very talented people in the area, and in the very show I watched, that may have filled a couple of the roles a bit more sassily, interestingly, and vocally stronger.  Of course, sometimes, people don’t audition, so what are you to do?

I like to shake it up a little, so I’m starting with the chorus of Evita.  AWESOME!!

I could leave it at that, but I can’t.  As usual, just like every other large chorus filled show that I’ve seen SRO put on, they truly nailed every moment and every note of every scene, and along with Che, completely carried this show to the end!  The dancing numbers were precise, interesting, and fun to watch.  I wanted each of the major chorus numbers to continue further!  Bravo to Ann Szymaniak, Kaylea Lockwood, and Jean Graham for a fantastic job in capturing not only the movements of the time, but the nuances, and characterizations of Argentinians and Spanish dancing! The vocal strength and sound of the chorus was fantastic!

A major shout out to costuming and hair & make-up design under Jan McMahon, Wilfred McDaniels, and Jessica Yonkoski Ford, respectively.  The amazing quick costume changes blew my mind, and they were beautiful, and sexy at the same time!  Hair and make-up for the women and Eva Peron were very professional, and not a strand out of place!  The women looked fabulous throughout the entire performance!  The men were quite handsome too!

Thank you to the Schoor Family Firehouse Stage for instilling a great House Manager, in an also equally talented Laura Liburdi, who took her ability to make anyone smile and spread it around the house prior to the show, and during intermission.  A nice addition to any theater for sure!

So, notably out of the chorus we had some fantastic performances.  Hannah Truman, previously seen with SRO as Cosette in Les Miserables, shared her incredible sweet vocals with us as Peron’s Mistress, who oddly has a small part where she is thrown out of the house to the street, and throws up a heart breaking ballad, when we don’t even know the character at all… Please, don’t get me started on this Rice/Lloyd-Webber concept of a show…

Eric Bill was Agustin Magaldi, a character, whom I didn’t really understand the purpose of, except he was a love interest of Eva’s I guess.  Eric was excellent though!  He was one of the few characters in the show that held a respectful accent throughout his performance, and in his singing, and played his character with a delightful humorous lightness, that caused you to really like him.  Along with his superb acting ability, he moved great, and most notably sang his heart out.  He is lovely to listen to.

Some other chorus shout outs are deserved before we get on to my star of this performance of Evita by, SROIII Productions.  In seeing Norah Ford for the first time since she performed one of the two young Cosettes that I was honored to work with in 2013/14, I was shocked at how quickly her voice had matured.  Norah had one of the loveliest sounds in the entire show, and I truly wished there had been much more for her to sing than what we got to hear.  But I can tell you right now, just as I was right about Meg Ryan in the early 80’s on As The World Turns becoming a big star one day, this Norah Jones is going to be a star herself, if she keeps that voice out in the public on a regular basis! Fantastic, my little Cosette turned Evita star! Keep up the great dancing and singing!  Another young standout was Josh Mertens, whom I’ve had the luck of seeing in EPAC’s The King and I, and I think Pippin at JCHS.  He was on my side of the stage quite a bit, and has a great voice, and showed great stage presence throughout his performance.  I hope we all see more of Josh in future shows around the area.

Over all, a well-directed show again, by Scott Fisher, he perfectly cast the role of Che, with the always amazing Andrew Simek.  This was the greatest performance I’ve seen Andrew give to date, and he only continues to get better and better, and truly has the quality of voice, energy, acting, and over-all performance that belongs on every Broadway stage possible!  Andrew was all over the stage, filled with sarcasm, anger, care, love, and many emotions which he threw around the theater like a roaring tiger!  His vocals were out of this world, without a single note missed, and a clear thorough control of his diction, and volume!  Andrew, as always kept my heart pounding, and I desired to see him on stage for every scene.  Just phenomenal!!!

Gene Czebiniak was Juan Peron, and did a fine job putting forth the seriousness of his role, and was debonair and gentlemanly in his handling of his wife, Evita.

Eva (Evita) Peron was performed by the talented Caitlin McNichol.  It was obvious that this was a role that Caitlin has wanted to perform for a long time.  It showed mostly in her eyes!  Although, she did not struggle with any pitches throughout her performance, it was tough to sometimes hear her lower register, or to make out much of her diction, and the storyline as well, to go with it.  I believe, maybe, a different microphone location would truly solve that problem, as in one scene her hat completely covered the mic, and they had to turn it off, making her close to inaudible.  However, amidst these technical difficulties, Caitlin performed well, and with the right acting choices, and facial expressions, she held the stage.

Overall, the performance by the entire cast was good, and worth seeing, if you are available tonight at 8pm, or tomorrow at 3pm at the Schoor Family Firehouse Stage in Johnson City, NY.  You may also catch it next weekend.

I will call out Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webber however, for putting together, what really seemed to be a useless show, about a woman, I know scant information about, and was very hard to follow, with so many words which sometimes sounded as though they were forced to fit into the music.  To me it is not an overly enjoyable show, but to each their own.  I imagine there are many who love this show as well, and my opinion in that matter, doesn’t matter!

However, this performance was fun to watch, thanks to a great supporting cast, and an outstanding Che!

Wood News Agency, LLC                                                                         Binghamton, NY

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