Cut, Evade, Repeat

A crowd of nearly 5,000 taking part in this week's Moral Monday protests. | Photo: Google Images

The title of this post is a play on the title of a radio commentary I heard Monday from Chris Fitzsimon, director of N.C. Policy Watch. Listen to it below...

Fitzsimon hit the nail on the head. The N.C. Republican Party has waited years upon years to take control of government. When it finally got its way, its leaders are making sure that people who disagree with them can't do anything about it.

MSNBC's The Last Word did a segment Monday on the ghastly voter suppression law that could soon become law if signed by Gov. McCrory. Now, I know MSNBC is notorious for leaning left but the show cited an editorial written by the Winston-Salem Journal, which supported Gov. McCrory, that bashed the new law calling it a "cynical effort to take from certain groups of Americans their most cherished right."

As I alluded to in my post last week, McCrory and his pals in the General Assembly are doing everything they can to suppress the voting rights of minorities, the poor, the elderly and students - among many other things.

I know the people of North Carolina will not stand for it. Many have been voicing their concerns since this unruly regime has taken office through numerous platforms including Moral Monday protests - this week's being the largest ever - with thousands coming together at Halifax Mall in Raleigh.

I've already said a lot about this barbaric Republican regime but I won't stop until every last behind is voted out. It's mind boggling to me how these "legislators" truly think they're making this state better. HA! What a joke. If anything they're making it much worse.

Is this North Carolina? I don't know what state I'm living in anymore. This barbaric regime has come in and wreaked havoc on the state I used to love. Now I don't know how much longer I'm going to stand living here.

Until then, I will continue to fight this regime and I hope you'll join me. If you support all of these changes I sincerely hope you're satisfied.

NMM: The TeenHoot Edition

TeenHoot concluded Saturday night so I thought about dedicating this week's New Music Monday to some of the artists who performed there.

Now, you may be asking: what the heck is TeenHoot? Great question!

TeenHoot is an annual festival in Nashville, TN featuring some of the best up and coming artists, giving them a chance to showcase their talents and interact with fans from around the world. The two day festival includes performances and a chance to meet the artists as well.

I try to watch it every year and hope I can be there in person to see it someday!

So without further ado here are some of the featured artists - who are all amazing by the way!

First up is Tristan Blaine. At just 14, Tristan is well on his way. He's put some great cover vids on his YouTube including one of Chris Brown's "Fine China" which is below. He released an EP on iTunes called Up, Up and Away back in April which includes some of his original work as well.

Next up is someone who's not only an amazing artist but an amazing person as well: April Lockhart. She's the middle child in a musical family. She was born with UBS, uterine band syndrome, and lost her left hand but that didn't stop her from pursuing her dreams.

She released an EP called Different back in 2011 and has since been doing some cover vids on her YouTube. Check out the title track from her EP below. It's a beautifully-written song.

Next up is Tyler Matl. The 19-year-old has a huge following, with fans in over 30 countries and over 200,000 views on YouTube. After the successful release of his debut album, Wonderstruck, Matl released an EP called Searching For Juliet back in April. Here's one of the songs off that EP.

Next is Macy Kate. She's an amazing, soulful singer who has already burst onto the music scene. She decided to go full time with her music after the boot camp round on this past season of The X-Factor and has since gained a lot of popularity. Macy also has a band - along with Cade Larson, Nick Lopez and Austin Anderson - that has become very popular and has opened for Aaron Carter, The OMG Girlz and Seven Nations.

Recently, Macy and her band recorded a cover vid of the Imagine Dragons' hit "Radioactive" along with YouTube sensation, Kurt Schneider, which is also available on iTunes. Macy and her band has released many more cover vids on YouTube.

Last but definitely not least is Alabama Capital. The band is made up of two brothers from Ohio, Nathan and Caleb Montgomery. These guys are the real deal, combining powerful vocals, amazing guitar riffs as well as a message family to their fans. You can go to the band's website and download an acoustic EP for free, which includes this song, "Self Made Millionaire."

Speechless

Photos: OpenDurham.org / WNCN

I apologize I haven't blogged much this week. A lot has happened both good and bad.

You may recall a post I wrote a few weeks ago regarding an issue facing my church, Grey Stone Baptist's, name. Leaders were contemplating whether to ax "Baptist" from the name.

After little real discussion - only one open forum - the measure was barely passed Wednesday night in a church conference. 

All I can do is shake my head. I'm all for "modernization" and whatever but not this. Grey Stone Baptist is all I've known since diapers. It's unbelievable that the church I've grown up in is masking its true identity - at least in the public eye.

Is it really going to make that much of a difference? I mean, church visitors aren't stupid. They'll eventually find out Grey Stone is a Baptist church one way or another; especially since nothing else at the church is changing...yet.

I'll say it again: what's next? Are we changing the names "Christian" or "Christianity" all because people have negative opinions about those names? Absolutely not.

In my opinion, I believe the whole thing is a silly waste of time. I have much more to say about this but, since it's in writing, I'll refrain from doing so.

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In other news, I can't believe what the "lovely" state legislature is doing. The Republican-controlled General Assembly has turned the clock back 50 years all in just a few months. Passing pointless tax reform, cutting education - again - which will make our teachers 46th in the nation in salary and passing redonkulous - yes redonkulous - restrictions on voting.

I could probably write a novel about the inhumane laws and regulations passed but let's look at the voting one which has royally pissed me off.

The bill, named HB-589, would not only implement new voter identification laws but would restrict so much more.

According to WNCN, the bill also ends same-day voter registration, cuts early voting by one week and eliminates a high school civics program that encourages students to register ahead of their 18th birthday. In addition, it weakens disclosure requirements for campaign ads and allows political parties to rake in unlimited corporate donations.

Another thing missing? Students at state colleges and universities being able to use their college identification card at the polls. If I'm not mistaken, this was supposed to be included in the list of acceptable forms of identification but was obviously taken out - no surprise there.

Let me sum it up for you: if you don't have a driver's license, non-operator I.D. card, tribal/military I.D., or passport you're screwed.

I'm really getting sick and tired of Republicans putting down young men and women as well as minorities and the elderly. It's our civic duty to vote and this General Assembly is quickly taking that away, piece by piece. 

Supporters in the General Assembly say this addresses the state's voter fraud problem but, funny thing is, voter fraud is virtually non-existent in North Carolina. 

In 2012, for instance, nearly 7 million ballots were cast in both general and primary elections. Of those 7 million, the State Board of Elections reported a minuscule 121 were found to be suspicious of voter fraud - a whopping 0.00174 percent of the ballots. GASP! - and only one of those was found to be actual voter fraud. The State BOE also found no history of such lawbreaking in the past.

If you voted Republican, I hope you're satisfied. I hope you also know that multiple policies put forth by your people have altered my livelihood. Yea how does that feel? 

If you want this state to go to Hell in a hand basket then be my guest. I'm not going to sit around and watch it happen. The next election can't come fast enough - if I'll even be able to vote in it.  

I don't know what to say. With both the church thing and the ever so increasing suppression by this GOP regime happening, I honestly don't know where I live anymore.

NMM: We Are Moody

(L-R) We Are Moody: Tommy Murphy, Matt Fowler and Brandon Hassan | Photo: Twitter / We Are Moody

If you watched The X-Factor this past season, you may have seen Brandon Hassan. The teen singer from Irving, Texas started out as an individual act on the show but was later placed into a group called Playback with other teenage singers. 

But Playback is not the only band Hassan is involved with. Before The X-Factor, he was in a trio with friends, Tommy Murphy and Matt Fowler, called We Are Moody.

Since being on the show, Hassan has grown in popularity and was the video contest winner for this year's TeenHoot Festival in Nashville, meaning he and We Are Moody will perform there this summer.

Recently, the band had a YouTube series called "#WeAreMoodyWednesdays" in which a cover video was uploaded each Wednesday for five consecutive weeks. 

The trio took those songs and turned them into an EP entitled I Feel Like A Lion On Top Of A Mountain. The EP includes songs such as The Lumineers' "Ho Hey" and Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning" - just to name a few.

We Are Moody's style is very unique. It's basically a cross between jazz and folk with guitar, piano/keyboard and light percussion the dominating instruments.

My favorite song off this EP is the band's rendition of Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" - taking the song and putting a twist on it to make it like we're hearing it for the first time.

Check it out!

No Not That One

Photo: KDFW

David Underwood had a hard time finding his house this week.

He and his wife searched all over the Fort Worth, Texas neighborhood to find a home that had been in his family for decades. They thought it had just simply vanished.

Well it did.

According to local news station, KDFW, city crews accidentally demolished the wrong house. The city acknowledged the flub in a prepared statement, noting that crews demolished a home at 9716 Watercress Drive when they should have demolished a home on 9708 Watercress Drive.

Underwood will be compensated for the loss but, according to ABC News, he and his wife do have a permanent home located elsewhere. The city is investigating what exactly went wrong.

Wow, just wow.

Making A Difference

Chy Johnson with Carson Jones (left) and the football team | Photo: Dave Knoer / K-Kamera.com

In it's 22nd year, Nick News with Linda Ellerbee is the longest-running kids' news show in television history. And I've been a fan of it ever since I can remember.

I've always loved the intriguing, thought-provoking stories and how Ellerbee presents them in a way only she can.

A special edition of the show aired on Monday night simply titled "Everyday Heroes" - 22 minutes worth of amazing stories and triumphs I might add. Even more amazing was the heroes were all teenagers or younger, taking on adult-sized issues.

One in particular was Carson Jones, a popular high school quarterback, who befriended a special needs student, Chy (pronounced Shy), who was being bullied.

Instead of taking physical action against the bullies, Jones and his friends sat and ate lunch with Chy everyday. Chy became the center of attention and was a vital part of the football team's state championship run.

I'd be remiss if I said this story didn't make me tear up. In a time where bullying is costing more and more teens their lives it was inspiring to see this guy take a stand and make sure the bullies didn't win. 

You're probably busy at work, school, or somewhere while you're reading this but I'd ask that you take just 22 minutes out of your life to watch this. The video is posted below.

I believe this special should garner even more awards for the already decorated Nick News and Ellerbee.

Nick News: "Everyday Heroes" S1

On The Zimmerman Case

Like many I was saddened to hear the verdict handed down in the Trayvon Martin / George Zimmerman case.

My thing is, none of this would have ever happened if Zimmerman hadn't taken the law into his own hands and followed Trayvon. I listened to his 911 call and the dispatcher clearly told him that they didn't need him to follow Trayvon. Plain and simple.

But no. Zimmerman felt, as the "neighborhood watch" guy, that he should instantly become a cop and pursue this young man despite the dispatchers already sending police officers to the area. It's amazing to me how one little decision could have impacted the entire situation.

What upset me even more than the verdict was how the two defense attorneys, Don West and Mark O'Mara, gloated the entire time after the verdict. I watched their press conference and they didn't give condolences to the Martin family once. Instead, in my opinion, they seemed to have made it out like Zimmerman was the true victim.

Additionally, O'Mara remarked that if his client were black "he never would've been charged with a crime" despite being advised not to bring race into post-trial discussions. 

Another issue I had was the treatment of star witness Rachel Jeantel, who was Trayvon's friend. After her testimony, many people took to social media to criticize her. 

That included struggling Olympian, Lolo Jones, who's known more for her off-the-field controversies and athletic inconsistency than her successes as an Olympian. In a tweet, Jones compared Jeantel to Tyler Perry's "Madea" character saying, "Rachel Jeantel looked so irritated during the cross-examination that I burned it on DVD and I'm going to sell it as Madea goes to court." 

The tweet has since been deleted but that didn't stop people from admonishing Jones for her actions, especially given the situation Jeantel was thrown into at the young age of 19.

I can go on and on about this case but I think I'll leave it at that for now. I, along with many others, was heartbroken by the outcome. Despite being found not guilty, George Zimmerman will never be free. He'll have to live with this for the rest of his life regardless of whether it was "self-defense" or not.

Reflections will continue to support the Martin family and I ask that everyone please pray for them as they continue to go through this difficult time.  

NMM: Shaheen

Photo: ShaheenOfficial.com

It's been eight months since I first introduced you to Shaheen Jafargholi. The teen sensation from Swansea, Wales is back with a grown up image and sound. He's shortened his name to just Shaheen but that hasn't changed any of his true talent as a singer. 

His latest single - called "Star Sign" - is ridiculously good! The song has a smooth, cool feel that will get stuck in your head for sure. When I listen to it I can almost imagine myself sitting in a music club or somewhere listening to it. 

Shaheen is definitely on his way to international stardom.

Have a listen!

Modern Day 'Robin Hood'

Photo: Rick Guy, The Jackson, Miss., Clarion-Ledger

It's not everyday that you hear this kind of story.

A Belhaven, Miss. man - who calls himself "Chane" - has reached his goal of filling 100 potholes across the city of Jackson. Sounds pretty harmless, right? Well he's being sought after by police.

Why?

"Chane" has been stealing asphalt from the city and repairing the potholes himself, spray painting a shiny arrow to point out the hole and that it's been fixed by a citizen. He's doing this because it looks like the city workers won't do it like they're suppose to.

"Chane" told local station 16 WAPT that he's spent about $40 on the work himself. The mayor still doesn't like it, releasing a statement saying that he applauds the improvements made but doesn't approve of the use of city resources without the proper steps being taken to do so.

Should we even call it stealing? If you look at it this way, I'm sure he pays taxes to the city. The city uses tax dollars to purchase its resources. I think it's just as much his as it is anyone else's.

The man is trying to make the city's roads better because the city apparently can't. This could have been prevented from even happening if the city had done its job and patched the problem spots in the first place. 

Considering that there are probably many other, more legitimate, crimes going on in that city I wouldn't be worried as much with this guy. With murders, rapes and other heinous crimes going on, if your only concern as city officials is a mysterious citizen taking asphalt to patch potholes, I'd be pretty happy. 

On P.J. Hairston

Photo: Mr.TarHeel.com

You knew it'd only be a matter of time before I'd write something on this.

Whatever happened involving UNC basketball player, P.J. Hairston - we really don't know other than some bits and pieces - it's unfortunate for all involved. That being said I have some issues I'd like to raise.

First off, leave Coach Roy Williams alone! Coach has been clear that he doesn't know every fact yet and can't make a specific statement nor a decision on Hairston's fate until all the facts are released. 

Apparently local station, ABC11, didn't get that memo when reporter, Tamara Gibbs, "caught up" - more like chased down - Coach Williams for additional comment. He politely said he wouldn't give additional comment on the matter.

I'm highly disappointed in ABC11 for this. This is poor journalism in my opinion and, frankly, insults the very character of the journalism field. 

I know the media will be the media but, good Lord, leave the man alone. He's already said that he will no longer make any comment until all the facts are available. You should go through the proper channels to get a comment and not chase the guy down the street.

The next issue is: why are we just talking about P.J.?

Another local station, WRAL, posted a great story linking the man in question, Haydn “Fats” Thomas, to other athletes from the state of North Carolina. 

This included former Riverside and current Indianapolis Colts tight end Weslye Saunders as well as former Hillside and Duke wide receiver Desmond Scott. Scott played for the Blue Devils as a senior last season.

It's also amazing to me that people have suddenly forgotten about what I call the "Convenient Case of Lance Thomas" concerning the former Duke basketball player. 

Thomas was sued in 2012 by a New York jeweler for failing to repay a 2009 purchase of $67,800 in high-end jewelry, which he was loaned when he made a $30,000 cash down payment at the store, according to the court complaint discovered by the Associated Press. Much speculation abounded as to where Thomas got the $30k from and if that was an "impermissible benefit" as defined by the NCAA. 

Conveniently, the jeweler, Thomas and Duke kept mum on the issue and the NCAA closed the case with no penalties.

According to the News & Observer, the NCAA doesn't have subpoena power to talk to former athletes or third parties. So I'm guessing the same will apply to Desmond Scott who will not be penalized because he's a former athlete? My, my how convenient, right?

I'm sick and tired of people thinking UNC is the only school that's involved in these things -whatever they may be. I bet just about every university with a sports program has had these problems. They just don't get publicized as much or they just haven't come to light yet.

If the NCAA wants to ensure that its athletics programs are fair for everyone, I believe the legalities should be changed so that it has subpoena power to question former athletes of any wrongdoing. Especially if the wrongdoing occurs while the student-athlete is at his/her school. Such as in the case of Lance Thomas. 

It's not fair for these cases involving former players to just blow away in the wind like dust all because the NCAA doesn't have the power to question like it does in cases involving current athletes. 

NMM: Brandon And Savannah

Photo: NinonSpeaks 

Brandon and Savannah Hudson will stop at nothing to achieve their dreams.

The teen brother/sister duo from Florida have always been passionate about performing since a very young age. Recently, they took their act to the big stage of America's Got Talent where they performed one of their original songs "All The Runaways" impressing the audience and the judges. The song itself is one that will get stuck in your head with a nice, driving beat and cool lyrics to match. Can't wait to see and hear more of them.

Have a listen!

P.S. Shoutout to Brandon and Savannah for following me on Twitter! Much appreciated!

Review: The Kings Of Summer

(L-R) Gabriel Basso, Moises Arias and Nick Robinson | Photo: The Kings of Summer / CBS Films

What did you do to get away from your pesky parents? Did you go out into the woods with your buddies and build a house? That's what some teenagers decide to do in this coming-of-age comedy that was well-received at this year's Sundance Film Festival.

What To Know

Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts

Writer: Chris Galletta

Stars: Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso and Moises Arias

Rating: R for language and some teen drinking. Parents Guide

Plot: Meet Joe (Nick Robinson) and Patrick (Gabriel Basso), two friends whose parents are driving them to their boiling points. After the recent death of his mother, Joe's relationship with his father (Nick Offerman) is strained at best. It doesn't help that Joe's father is getting serious with a new lady Joe doesn't approve of, equating her to a "spider woman from the gutter."

Patrick's relationship with his parents (played by the always funny Megan Mullally and Marc Evan Jackson) is not quite as bad. The only problem is his parents are protective of him - a little too protective. His mom won't even let him walk around the house without wearing socks.

Fed up and wanting a change, Joe decides to build a house in the woods to get away from the hell that is living with his father. After giving it some thought Patrick joins him. Also joining them is a strange guy named Biaggio (played, brilliantly, by Moises Arias) who walked home with Joe from a party. He ends up being arguably the most likable character in the film.

While in the woods, the teens learn everything about the great outdoors. But, most of all, they come away from their experience learning a lot more about themselves and their families. In turn the parents learn a lot about themselves as well.

Family Friendly? No. Overall, it did have some positive messages but there's quite a bit of language - of course since it's rated R - plus scenes of teen smoking/drinking and a frightening scene as well.

Should You See It? YES! This is, without a doubt, the best movie I've seen all year! It has everything you could ask for in a film: a great story, some drama, love and a little laugh. Vogt-Roberts does such an amazing job combining the quirky, comedic aspects with the dramatic aspects of the film.

Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso and Moises Arias were amazing. I already knew about Gabriel from seeing him in Super 8 and Moises from Disney Channel shows. All three actors had breakout performances including Arias who had the best performance of his budding career.

The film elements all come together to present a clear message to its audience: teens don't just want to be independent of their sometimes pesky parents. They want to find meaning and purpose in their lives. The Kings of Summer is a true gem of this year's film lineup but will, unfortunately, be overshadowed by those big budget cash cows.

If you can, you should definitely go see it!

It's playing locally at The Chelsea Theater in Chapel Hill, N.C. at least until Thursday (7/11). You can go to the film's website to find a theater near you if you're not in the local area.

I normally don't include videos in my movie reviews but this teaser trailer was hard to pass up.

On Abortion

North Carolina protesters rally against proposed abortion restrictions in May | Photo: PolicyMic

Abortion is a hot topic across the nation. This week, North Carolina has been in the spotlight as tension mounts and protesters on both sides come out in droves to promote their sides.

Let me be clear, I don't want to start World War III with this post. As I've said earlier, if you disagree with me fine but, if you find it necessary to express your thoughts, please do so in a mature and professional manner.

First I'll address the N.C. Legislature. WRAL reports a bill that was supposed to be about foreign affairs was overhauled Tuesday - with little to no public notice I might add - into an omnibus bill that included many restrictions on abortion practices in North Carolina.

According to WRAL, Gov. Pat McCrory said in the past that he was against any new restrictions on abortion but Republicans in both the House and Senate have enough of a majority to override a possible veto.

Senator Tom Apodaca, R-Henderson, told WRAL that [the Democrats] routinely forced bills through during  last-minute votes when they were in control of the legislature.

So does that give the GOP a free pass to do the same? Absolutely not. 

For once - and only once - I agree with Gov. McCrory when he told WRAL that this kind of cheap trick of sliding language into unrelated bills is wrong and should be stopped.

Now onto abortion itself.

My stance has always been the same: I don't agree with abortion personally but I will not stand there and tell a woman what she can or can't do with her own body. 

Isn't it bass ackwards how these legislatures, mostly made up of men, can make up laws that tell woman what they can do with their bodies? I feel it's not my position as a man to make those decisions for women.

That's my stance and it will not change.

NMM: Triple The Tunes

(L-R) Spencer Cane, Emblem3 and David Nail | Photo: Spencer Kane Music, Emblem3, David Nail

Haven't done this in a long time so I've got three, count 'em, three fresh songs for you to listen to. Enjoy!

First up is Spencer Kane. The son of a pastor, this teen artist and actor from Indiana grew up in a Christian home and recorded his first music video at age five. After singing in his church, Spencer competed in a county talent contest in 2010 in which he finished second. In 2011, he released his first original song, "Best Friends" and has continued to record music since.

Spencer recently came out with an EP called One of the Kind which has five new songs that combine cool music with inspirational lyrics. The title track off the EP is just one example of his amazing talent.

Have a listen!

Next up is a band that many of you have probably heard of. Cue the screams...it's Emblem3!

Since my NMM post on them last year, the trio of guys from Huntington Beach, C.A. finished in fourth place on The X-Factor, signed with Simon Cowell's record label and released a brand new song as a part of an upcoming album called Nothing To Lose which you can pre-order on iTunes right now. 

The song is called "Chloe (You're the One I Want)" and is quickly gaining airplay on the radio. One of our local stations here in North Carolina, Pulse 102 FM, has been playing this song pretty regularly. "Chloe..." is definitely one of those feel good songs of the summer. 

Get ready to rock out!

Last but certainly not least is one of my favorite country artists, Grammy and Academy of Country Music Award-nominated David Nail. I was fortunate enough to see him in concert twice back in 2011, once at the N.C. State Fair and again a couple months later. I was not disappointed in either of these concerts.

Now, David is back with an all new song called "Whatever She's Got" and it's sure to be yet another hit for him. This is definitely one of my favorite songs from him by far.

Listen to it right here!