Searching for the Authentic on a Motorcycle

New World Notes #409 (#358), 29:47 (January 5)
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This week's show is mostly monologue.  It's an extended "personal essay" by me, more or less in the tradition of Blue Highways and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.  With I guess a few echos of "News From Lake Wobegon."

It's about authenticity and its opposites.  It's also about motorcycle design, and simplicity versus clutter, and the rebirth of the "Indian" brand, and the quiet, subtle virtues of a Harley-Davidson. It's about how New England place-names sort of begin to make sense after you've lived here 20 or 30 years.

It's about corporate franchises and their phony food and their phony architecture--including fake gables, fake windows and even fake "widow's walks."  And it's about taking a motorcycle to search for "the authentic"--and sometimes even finding it when you get far enough out of town.  Uncasville, maybe.

This installment was previously broadcast, as NWN #358, in January 2015.

Trends

New World Notes #408, 29:00 (December 29)
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Botox for men. Extra points for the two-day-old-looking beard.

In places seriously, in places tongue-in-cheek, we take a look at some current trends. Important ones include the decline of suburbs and the increasing wealth of the plutocrats.

But let's not neglect Botox for men ("brotox"), celebrity vegetarianism, women NOT dyeing their hair, special-interest magazines, exploring power plants while naked....  Contributors include J.H. Kunstler, George Carlin, Paul Krassner, provincial newspapers, and singer David Rovics.

With a new foreword by K.D.  Previously broadcast, as NWN #217, in May 2012.

Comic Satire for Christmas

New World Notes #407, 27:15 (December 22)
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This year's Christmas show bears a certain relationship to last year's Christmas show.  The name of that certain relationhip is "identity."  (Yes, I stole that one from Peter Schickele/PDQ Bach.)

The show contains brief commentary by me, five satiric seasonal songs, and one imitation Broadway "big production number." All take a comic but critical view of American hypocrisies, religiosity, commercialism, class warfare, and other Christmastime traditions.

I'm especially fond of the pseudo- "big production number": Stan Freberg's 1958 masterpiece, Green Chri$tma$.  The audio fidelity is very good even by today's standards; the production is rich and sophisticated; the script is witty; and the message (alas) is still relevant.

Other contributionsare by Hugh Blumenfeld, Simon and Garfunkel, Anne Feeney, Roy Zimmerman, and Tom Lehrer.

Bah! humbug! and merry Christmas to all!

Scooter's War on Christmas Kickstarter

New World Notes #406, 28:33 (December 15)
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The Church fights back

A fine audio collage on Christmas and America produced by Scooter. A blend of social satire, inspired nonsense, improbable music, serious debate, standup comedy, right-wing craziness, & great fun.

This collage weaves together a debate on religion by the late Christopher Hitchens and Bill Donahue, a parody musical-comedy Christmas movie, a parody war movie (climaxing in the death of all three Chipmunks), ravings by Bill O'Reilly and a few televangelists, heavy-metal Christmas carols, standup comedy by Lewis Black and Sam Kinison, and more.

Last December we played a 12-minute excerpt from the piece. This year (what the heck) we present Scooter's tour-de-force almost uncut ... almost uncensored ... and almost unabridged!

Scooter, in a reflective moment

Scooter produces "The innerSide" radio program at KPFT-FM, Houston. Find more of his work at http://aksisofevil.org.

SCADs and Conspiracy Theories

Part 1: New World Notes #404, 28:49 (December1)
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Part 2: New World Notes #405, 28:38 (December 8)
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Lance deHaven-Smith

Public policy scholar Lance deHaven-Smith discusses the concepts of "conspiracy theories" and SCADs--State Crimes Against Democracy. "Conspiracy theory" is a pejorative term introduced by the CIA in the 1960s to smear critics of the Warren Commission Report. SCADs, though, are real crimes that high government officials (often conspiring together) committed.

Part 1 of this interesting talk discusses both concepts and provides some little-known facts about famous SCADs including Watergate and candidate Richard Nixon's scuttling of the Vietnam peace talks in 1968.

Part 2 says more about both concepts and provides many little-known facts about proven SCADs, probable SCADs, and possible SCADs. One focus is this country's many assassinations and attempted assassinations.

deHaven-Smith spoke in Denver on September 6, 2013. Robin Upton, of Unwelcome Guests (unwelcomeguests.net) provided an edited sound recording--which I have edited a bit more. Thanks to Robin.

Lance deHaven-Smith is Professor of Public Administration and Policy at Florida State University. His books include Conspiracy Theory in America (University of Texas Press, 2013).

Parenti Ad Lib

Part 1: New World Notes #402, 28:31 (Nov.17)
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Part 2: New World Notes #403, 28:00 (Nov.24)
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Michael Parenti

In Part 1:

Progressive political scientist Michael Parenti's unscripted reflections on capitalism, socialism, student rebellion, Cuban plumbers, Russian prostitutes, worker ownership of workplaces, and Parenti's former running mate--and former close friend--Bernie Sanders.

Plus a relevant song by David Rovics.

In Part 2:

Parenti takes on capitalism, socialism, public utilities, popular rebellion, plutocrats in general, the Waltons in particular, Occupy Wall Street, and the monetary system.

Plus a brief recorded Parenti essay from 2005--"Welfare for the Wealthy"--and a song by Monty Python's Flying Circus.

Parenti spoke in Springfield, Illinois, on October 6, 2015.  The original recording--which I have condened and edited--is courtesy of the Unifersity of Illinois at Springfield and Dale Lehman/WZRD (via radio4all.net).  "Welfare for the Wealthy" courtesy of L.A. Sound Posse.  Many thanks.

 Bernie Sanders (courtesy politico.com)

The Hidden Life of Garbage

New World Notes #401, 27:28 (November 10)
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Refilled glass soda-pop bottles (1949). Was this a bad idea?

We present Heather Rogers' 18-minute video documentary from 2005, Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden Life of Garbage plus introduction and other commentary by me.

It's about the growing mountains of waste generated by a consumer economy based on disposable products. It's about the inability of recycling programs to actually recycle most of the stuff they receive. It's about the massive "Keep America Beautiful" anti-littering campaign--an industry ploy designed to head off anti-disposables legislation.

We end with a couple minutes on plastic waste from Annie Leonard's The Story of Bottled Water.

"Gone Tomorrow" was adapted to radio by Robin Upton, of Unwelcome Guests.

Discarded water bottles at a landfill

 

Howard Zinn on War

New World Notes #400, 28:11 (November 3)
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Some highly relevant reflections on our wars by the late, great Progressive historian (and World War Two veteran), Howard Zinn. Among his main points:

War does not come naturally to people. If war resulted from human nature, national leaders would not need propaganda, the draft, and prisons to cajole and compel citizens to participate. It's the leaders--not the citizens--who want war. Therefore, the first step to war is a propaganda campaign at home. War solves no problems, transforms virtuous people into beasts, and kills primarily innocent civilians.

Introductory comments by K.D.

This installment was previously broadcast (as NWN #203) in January 2012.  Zinn's remarks are taken from a video interview (courtesy of brasschecktv.com) and a public speech in Madison, WI, in 2006 (courtesy of democracynow.org).

Howard Zinn died on January 27, 2010.

Howard Zinn (2009)

Unshackling Ourselves From War

Part 1: New World Notes #398, 29:15 (Oct. 20)
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Part 2: New World Notes #399, 29:00 (Oct. 27)
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Kathy Kelly

Veteran peace activist Kathy Kelly gives a powerful talk on the human costs of the US's elective wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. She tells stories of average people caught on the ground in a war zone ... and of US-government-sponsored lies, crimes, and fraud in our conduct of war and alleged "reconstruction."

She tells stories of the courage of ordinary people in the war zones--people working to ease the suffering and repair the damage to their and their neighbors' lives. And she calls on Americans to "unshackle" ourselves from militarism, the war industry, and endless war.

In Part 2, she also connects our military violence abroad and social problems here at home--such as police violence and our "broken" prison system.

Kelly--and other members of the organization Voices for Creative Nonviolence--has spent long periods living among the people caught in war zones in Gaza, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Kathy Kelly spoke in Syracuse, New York, on October 6, 2015. Original recording courtesy of Wilton Vought, of Other Voices, Other Choices. Many thanks. I have condensed the talk slightly for radio broadcast.

Energy News

New World Notes #397, 28:13 (October 13)
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Icebreaking ships in the Arctic

We look at recent (and other) developments--some of them good--concerning oil drilling in the Arctic (stopped for now), coal-fired power plants (dealt a setback by the EPA), Greenpeace's new head, Obama's record on the environment (bad) and otherwise (also bad), Jeb Bush's real name, and how some citizens in Denmark said no to nuclear and built the biggest windmill generator in the world.

Featuring commentary by KD and by Bruce Dixon, a news story from the New York Times, and a song by David Rovics.

David Rovics' song, "The Biggest Windmill In the World," recorded live in Boston by Chuck Rosina, January 2013. (Many thanks.) Bruce Dixon's recorded commentary courtesy of Black Agenda Report.

Arctic drilling rig being towed into position

Pinter on Truth, Lies, and War

Part 1: New World Notes #395, 29:05 (Sept. 29)
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Part 2: New World Notes #396, 28:54 (Oct. 6)
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Too ill to travel to Stockholm, Pinter delivers his
Nobel address by video from London, December 2005.

Playwright Harold Pinter's Nobel Prize acceptance speech of 2005 (newly edited by KD) is a stunning indictment of U.S. wars and imperialism since 1945.

Pinter contrasts dramatic art--where "truth" is elusive, perhaps unknowable--with public life. Here truth can be known. But citizens don't know the truth because the government is lying and deceiving nonstop to cover up its imperialist plundering and its vicious wars of aggression.

The heart of the speech is a stunning denunciation--and survey--of U.S. military aggression abroad since 1945. Pinter pays particular attention to the then-current war against Iraq and the proxy wars of the recent past (notably against the Sandinista government of Nicaragua, under Reagan).

Ten years on, this remains a powerful and moving indictment of U.S. foreign policy--and of the foreign policy of the U.S.'s "lapdog," Pinter's own country, the United Kingdom.

With an introduction by KD and (in Part 2) a relevant song by Ethan Miller & Kate Boverman.

Stockholm

2015 marks the 10th anniversary of Pinter's Nobel speech and the 85th anniversary of his birth (in October 10, 1930, in Hackney, London, UK). He died in 2008.

Thanks to the Nobel Prize Committee for the video of Pinter's address.  I have cut approximately six minutes from near the beginning of the speech (a close analysis of parts of certain Pinter plays) and shortened several long pauses.  The speech is otherwise complete.

Trump, Iran, and Government Lies

New World Notes #394, 27:52 (September 22)
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Voice of the Establishment (one of many):
House Speaker John Boehner (R, Ohio)

The Establishment is aghast at presidential candidate Donald Trump. Why? Because Trump cheerfully acknowedges that the System is thoroughly corrupt and serves the interests only of the wealthy and powerful.
 
KD connects the Establishment's rejection of Trump ... the phony Congressional "debate" over the phony "Iran nuclear crisis" ... and the huge gap between the Official Explanation of our government's policies and what those policies actually are.
 
Then Richard Saunders discusses many of the government's baldfaced lies and fake "crises" that have served as pretexts for war for more than a century--with a little help from the corporate-controlled media.

Plus a song by David Rovics.

Richard Saunders is Coordinator of the Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade.

Thanks to the Global Research News Hour for the Saunders interview (of September 2013), which I have excerpted and edited.

Consumed

Part 1: New World Notes #392, 28:10 (September 8)
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Part 2: New World Notes #393, 28:13 (September 15)
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Consumerism and overconsumption, from the perspective of "evolutionary psychology." A radio adaptation (by me) of the video documentary, Consumed: Inside the Belly of the Beast.

It's an interesting view of our addiction to consumer products and (relatedly) of our estrangement from nature. The piece offers some very good insights from the fields of psychology, sociology, and economic history. Introductions by K.D.

Part 2 includes also some reflections on the same theme by economist/philosopher Charles Eisenstein.

Steve Jobs introduces Apple's iPad

This two-part program was originally broadcast in February 2013.  

Thanks to Robin Upton, producer of Unwelcome Guests, for introducing me to the documentary.

Note: If you have any problems downloading the programs from the links at the top of the page, here is an alternative source of the program (broadcast quality MP3): Part 1 and Part 2 

Labor Day Musical Special

New World Notes #391, 29:13 (September 1)
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Bindery workers assembling the Sears, Roebuck catalog (1942)
(Click to enlarge.)

American Labor celebrated in some really good contemporary songs--by Anne Feeney, The Foremen, Mad Agnes, John McCutcheon, Utah Phillips, and David Rovics. Featuring (in order of appearance)

David Rovics, The Day the Minimum Wage Workers Went on Strike. An upbeat celebration of the working class and of strength in solidarity ... with some very nice banjo picking

Mad Agnes, Katie. A witty and sharp critique of bourgeois life from the perspective of the long-suffering--and admirable--cleaning lady

The Foremen, Workin' on an MBA. Comic satire of the cushy life & boundless self-pity of the men in the gray flannel suits--set to a tune that recalls a chain gang work-song. Yep, one of those voices is Roy Zimmerman's

Utah Phillips, Moose Turd Pie. Spoken, with a little guitar. Utah recalls (with only the slightest hint of exaggeration) the worst job he ever held

Anne Feeney, Business News / Hallelujah, I'm a Bum! A beautiful rendition of an 1890's song about unemployment. A fine homage to Simon & Garfunkel's 1965 classic "Silent Night / 6 o'Clock News" and a good song in its own right

John McCutcheon, Doing Our Job. McCutcheon applies Cal Ripken Jr.'s modest remarks upon breaking a major-league record to working people generally. A long-overdue celebration of the best of American working-class values.

This installment was previously broadcast in September 2010.

Charles C.Ebbetts, Lunch: Rockefeller Center (1932)

Ralph Nader and Chris Hedges

New World Notes #390, 28:15 (August 25)
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Ralph Nader

A conversation between two great Progressive activists and essayists: Ralph Nader and Chris Hedges. (Technically, Nader is interviewing Hedges.) They discuss

• the corruption of the System, including the Democratic Party
• the oppression by the 1% of everyone else
• the sad plight of college students and other young people in the ravaged American economy
• the necessity of nonviolent popular rebellion

And they agree that--by staying within the corrupt and corporate-controlled Democratic Party--Left-ish presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is doing more harm than good.

Introduction by KD.

Chris Hedges

Excerpted from an installment of the KPFK-FM program, Ralph Nader Radio Hour, July 11, 2015. Audio courtesy of ralphnaderradiohour.com.

Chris Hedges' new book is Wages of Rebellion: The Moral Imperative of Revolt (Nation Books, 2015).

Taken for a Ride

Part 1: New World Notes #388, 28:26 (August 11)
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Part 2: New World Notes #389, 27:22 (August 18)
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Boston

A documentary on how General Motors destroyed America's light-rail transit systems and then created the Highway Lobby. That forced Americans to buy cars, build millions of miles of new road, and suffer the bad results--greater expense, long commute times, destroyed cities, air pollution, and worse.
 
Jim Klein directed this 1996 documentary film, which I have (at long last) adapted to radio.

Los Angeles "Red Cars" (streetcars) slated for destruction

In Part 1: How GM bought up and intentionally destroyed city trolley systems, replacing the rapid and efficient streetcars (which commuters loved) with slow, crowded, polluting diesel buses (which commuters hated). GM built the buses and secretly owned the bus-line companies, but their real goal was to force people to buy cars.

In Part 2: How GM--aided by the oil companies, road-building companies, tire companies, and others--formed the "Highway Lobby" to ensure that almost all funding for transportation would be spent on new roads.  And about the struggle by cities to halt the growth of urban highways and promote more sensible--and more humane--transportation systems.

Alas, the Lobby--in cahoots with Silicon Valley--has a vision for the future: automated cars, and three times as many of them.

Atlanta

From Serving Money to Serving Life

New World Notes #387, 29:05 (August 4)
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A new audio collage by Chazk (aka Virtual Renderings), slightly condensed by me. It features selections from David Korten's Earth Day talk in Seattle (2015).

Korten shows that the fundamental maxims of corporate capitalism--"the Sacred Money and Markets Story"--are both false and preventing us from saving our environment (among other bad effects). Based on a synthesis of principles from religion, science, and mysticism, he proposes a different set of maxims--the "Sacred Life and Living Earth Story."
 
As usual, Chazk interweaves with the spoken words several relevant song passages, film clips, and other interesting audio.

With a brief introduction by me.

David Korten was a professor at Harvard Business School.  He is now an activist warning of the dangers--to society and to the planet--of unrestrained corporate capitalism.  His best-known books are When Corporations Rule the World (1995, 2001) and The Great Turning (2007).

A free archive of Chazk/Virtual Renderings' audio collages is available: see the link on the sidebar to the right of this page (under "Worth a Look").

The "Seven Sisters" and the Oil of the Middle East

Part 1: New World Notes #385, 28:50 (July 21)
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Part 2: New World Notes #386, 28:56 (July 28)
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The "Seven Sisters" was Big Oil. It was the cartel of huge private oil corporations that ended up owning almost all the oil in the Middle East. They stole and kept this treasure by hook and by crook, in violation of many laws, with help from corrupt monarchs abroad and muscle from the U.S. government, armed forces, and CIA.

We adapt to radio a new video documentary on the very subject.

Part 1 takes us from the founding of the cartel in 1928 (by Standard Oil, Shell, and BP) to the creation of OPEC in 1960.

Of note in Part 1: The story of how BP came to own all of the oil in Iran--and how, in 1953, Iran's parliament tried to regain control of the country's oil--and how the United States government responded by overthrowing Iran's democratic government and installing the Shah as dictator of Iran. (We then gave Iran's oil to US-based oil companies, not back to BP.)

Man of the Year: The last prime minister of democratic Iran, Mohammad Mossadeq (January 1952). For his crimes against Big Oil, the CIA ousted him and installed a brutal dictator, the Shah.

Part 2 takes us from the creation of OPEC in 1960 to the fate of Iraq today (its oil weath again taken away from the Iraqi people and again handed over to the big oil companies). Includes the Suez crisis, OPEC price hikes, Iraq's nationalizing of its oil in 1972 (succeeding where Iran in 1953 had failed), the Iranian revolution, and Gulf Wars I and II.

Introductions by K.D.   

New World Notes previously broadcast these two installments (as NWN #273 & 274) in May-June 2013.

Dispatches From the Class War

New World Notes #384, 27:51 (July 14)
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T.E. Lawrence ("of Arabia") astride Vincent SS100

Insightful comments on class conflict in America--some recorded, some read aloud--by Noam Chomsky; Nicholas Kristoff; Paul Burchheit; yours, truly; and (very briefly) George Carlin.  Plus a song on the same theme by Jonathan Blackshire.

Three Populists

New World Notes #383, 28:30 (July 7)
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Tommy Douglas

Three notable & highly entertaining populists, in their own words:

• Canadian reformist politician Tommy Douglas (d.1986), telling his comic fable about unresponsive politicians, Mouseland
• Texas journalist & commentator Molly Ivins (d. 2007), speaking in Berkeley, CA, around 2005. (Don't miss her stories about governor Rick Perry.)
• Texas commentator, agitator, & former state official Jim Hightower, with some recent brief podcasts.

Each offers a witty critique of The System--and a call to action.

This installment was previously broadcast, as NWN #187, in October 2011.

Molly Ivins recording courtesy of Scooter, of "The innerSide" on KPFT-FM (Houston, Texas). Jim Hightower's commentaries are from his Web site: http://www.jimhightower.com/air

Molly Ivins