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The Hear & Now: More than revolutionary, Gil Scott-Heron was true artistic genius

  • June 21, 2011 at 9:24 am

The first date my wife and I went on was Valentine's Day 1996. I took her to see Gil Scott-Heron, the influential musician, author and poet known as the godfather of rap, who died May 28 in New York City.

It was a test, really, because if she didn’t like him, our first date was going to be our last. At this point, all I knew about her was that she was easy on the eye and for whatever reason, she seemed to have an interest in me. That was enough to elicit my attention, but the first real test of our mutual compatibility hinged on whether she liked Scott-Heron.

The only reason I knew about the show at the Student Commons at VCU was because of a single flier advertising his appearance that night. I saw it on a rare walk through the campus. I was dumbfounded. how could I just now be finding out about it?

At that point, I was listening to Scott-Heron on a daily basis, and I immediately went to the office of the Black Caucus to make sure that this wasn’t some sort of joke. The girl in the office had no idea what I was talking about when I asked about buying tickets, and it took her a good 20 minutes before she found someone who did.

I didn’t mind waiting, though. I couldn’t believe that I was actually going to see Scott-Heron live.

When he came out that night, he started off with a rambling monologue that was equal parts comedy routine, political rally and religious sermon. his caustic, understated wit reminded me of the social satire of Dick Gregory and Lenny Bruce as he tackled a variety of subjects from Ronald Reagan (whom he eviscerated on the scathing “B-Movie” from his 1981 release, “Reflections”) to David Koresh, leader of the Branch Davidian religious sect, to the state of black America with derisively ardent humor and acumen. his stream-of-consciousness narratives engaged the listener as if he were talking to you directly. He had that elusive everyman quality of Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock with the brain and intellect of Cornel West, Noam Chomsky and Kwame Ture. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone before or since so casually enthrall an audience.

And then it came time for the music. Sitting behind his keyboard, he launched into a solo rendition of his plaintive ballad “Winter in America.” The starkness of the arrangement highlighted and punctuated his sparse, scarred vocal on this heartbreakingly eloquent assessment of moral bankruptcy. from there, Gil and his band launched into muscular 1970s funk-jazz versions of his biggest hits, including the Latin-tinged dance-floor stomp “The Bottle”; the acerbic junkie confessional “Home Is Where the Hatred Is”; and the subtle, unassuming soul of “Ain’t No such thing As Superman.” from beginning to end, I was completed riveted by the performance.

At the end of the concert, I looked over to see if my date enjoyed the show as much as I did. she smiled, and I knew she was transfixed, too.

We’ve been together ever since.

As with the music of Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield or Bill Withers, when I listen to Gil Scott-Heron, I want to be a better person. Though he probably will be most remembered for coining the phrase “the revolution will not be televised,” he was much more than that. He was Medgar Evers, Marvin Gaye, Richard Pryor, Maya Angelou and Alex Haley all in one package. Though he could never escape his addictive demons, his albums (my favorites are his 1970s and early ’80s collaborations with flutist Brain Jackson) and books convey a power, depth and intelligence that come from true artistic genius.

Thanks for everything, Gil. I’ll never forget you.

The Hear & Now: More than revolutionary, Gil Scott-Heron was true artistic genius

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Valentines Day Hand Book (Gifts and Idea's for Him and Her)Valentines Day Hand Book (Gifts and Idea's for Him and Her)Would you like to get some new unique ideas to celebrate valentines day this year?

Are you interested in the history of valentines day?

Do you want valentines day ideas, whether you are single or with a special someone?

Then this guide is for you! Romantic Valentines Day gives you romantic ideas to show your love, whether you want to spend a lot of money or have a romantic evening at home. You’ll also learn the history of Valentines day and the traditions that have evolved with it over the years.

Do you dread valentines this year because you are single? don’t worry, this book has ideas for you to celebrate as well, whether with friends or by pampering yourself.

With this guide, you’ll have a memorable Valentines day this year as you try some of these unique ideas and learn more about the history of Valentines day.

See for yourself the information included in this guide! Here is a list of the chapter titles:

Chapter 1: The History of Valentine’s Day
Chapter 2: Love
Chapter 3: Communicate Your Love
Chapter 4: Listen Up Guys
Chapter 5: A Woman Knows How to Spice it Up!!
Chapter 6: This Goes Both Ways
Chapter 7: Know Your Love
Chapter 8: Proposing on Valentine’s Day?
Chapter 9: Valentine’s Cards and Flowers
Chapter 10: 5 Top Unique Valentine Gifts For Her
Chapter 11: 7 Valentine Ideas for Kids
Chapter 12: 7 Valentine Ideas for Families
Chapter 13: 5 Valentine’s Ideas for Couples
Chapter 14: 50 Pick and Mix Romantic Ideas for Valentine’s Day
Chapter 15: 6 Simple Desert Recipes for Valentine’s Day
Chapter 16: Single and Female alone on Valentine's Day
Chapter 17: Conclusion
Chapter 18: About The Author
Chapter 19: In my own words…

Enjoy A Romantic Valentines Day this year! Take action instantly download this book to your Kindle so you can get romantic ideas to demonstrate your love.

Valentine’s Day Hand Book 101 on getting the right Idea and Gifts.

Valentine’s Day can be looked at in 1 of 2 ways and it is totally up to you how you decide you wish to approach Valentine’s Day.

Why not take a read of this ebook and make Valentine’s Day the year you planed and succeeded to make your significant other know and feel how truly special they are to you and how much you really do love them.

The contents of this book can be used for years to come whether this is your very 1st Valentines with your partner, 7th or 31st whatever it is, don’t make the mistake like so many countless others do and not bother to show how your mind and heart is feeling towards that very special person in your life.

Cynics say that Valentine’s Day is a fallacy invented by the greeting cards industry to increase our overdraft, just in case the Christmas credit card bill is starting to subside. Arguably the worst thing about Valentine’s Day is hitting the shops, usually at the last minute, to join everyone else in a manic search for a tasteful gift. If the thought of NYC or Oxford Street on 13 February makes you feel ill then why not sort out your Valentine’s Day gifts by shopping online this year.

Please just make sure you do, do something and don’t fall into the trap of thinking there’s always next year, as that year may never come back again.

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❤❤Valentines Day Fun Facts & Weird Celebrity Couples❤❤

  • March 11, 2011 at 11:25 am

Angie and Chad talk about some Valentines Day Fun Facts, and a few Odd Celebrity Couples too! Check out the NavigEaters too! www.youtube.com Screen Team puts out two videos per week, every Wednesday and Sunday. Subscribe for your weekly geekly fun! Facebook: screenteamshow.com Twitter: twitter.com Check out our new Facebook App: apps.facebook.com Music by Ronald Jenkees used with full permission

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    Chocolate Dipped Oreo Cookies Decorated with Hugs and Kisses 7 for Valentine's DayChocolate Dipped Oreo Cookies Decorated with Hugs and Kisses 7 for Valentine's DayOur Oreo Cookie assortment contains 7 chocolate covered Oreo cookie. They are drenched in premium milk chocolate and decorated with love and hugs and kisses with sugar hearts and pink and red sprinkles. Comes packaged in a clear round container with gold accents. Tied with a red ribbon. Perfect for Valentine's Day, Anniversary Gifts, Mother's Day gifts, Thank You Gifts, Hostess Gifts, and make charming wedding Favors! Actual Oreo decorations may vary.

    Care to leave a comment?

    VALENTINE’S DAY RAP

    • February 12, 2011 at 12:24 pm

    Main channel – youtube.com Fanpage – facebook.com TobyGames – youtube.com Daily Vlogs – youtube.com Shirts- bit.ly Twitter – twitter.com VALENTINE’S DAY RAP

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      Valentine's DayValentine's Day(10 assorted designs) 120 self-adhesive stickers. Acid free and lignin free. 1in. x 1in.

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      Valentines Day Rap [HD]

      • February 3, 2011 at 4:38 am

      ***2010 Version*** A song / rap about Valentines Day. In HD….ohhh feel the power LYRICS: Public holidays they really are the worst And when it comes to valentines it is the first Boxing Day, St Patricks Day, Mothers Day Who cares about woman anyway? Valentines Day, Valentines Day. Its the worst day in February Valentines Day, Valentines Day. Its the worst day in February Its for all kinds of people who are straight and gay Its only 5 days after my birthday You buy your girl some flowers, then buy her a ring Shes not gonna stop until your wallets thin Every year there is a lot of depression Dont spend that cash we are in a recession So hear what I say stop using that cash Buy something useful, buy some hash Valentines Day, Valentines Day. Its the worst day in February Valentines Day, Valentines Day. Its the worst day in February St Valentine, what the hell was he on He’s created a scam, and it is a con That Cupid what a bitch Hes not a fairy, he is a witch I could punch that fool in the face For he is a such a disgrace So if you hear me Cupid, listen to this rhyme You have missed me out 16 times Love is wrong! Hear this song! Love is a smell! It can go straight to hell! Love is False! It Has no Pulse! Love is Fake! And ends in Heartbreak! Valentines Day, Valentines Day. Its the worst Day in February Valentines Day, Valentines Day Its the worst day in February I’ve said it once and Ill say again Valentines day should come to an end The 14th of February is the Bane Every …

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        Valentines Day Hand Book (Gifts and Idea's for Him and Her)Valentines Day Hand Book (Gifts and Idea's for Him and Her)Would you like to get some new unique ideas to celebrate valentines day this year?

        Are you interested in the history of valentines day?

        Do you want valentines day ideas, whether you are single or with a special someone?

        Then this guide is for you! Romantic Valentines Day gives you romantic ideas to show your love, whether you want to spend a lot of money or have a romantic evening at home. You’ll also learn the history of Valentines day and the traditions that have evolved with it over the years.

        Do you dread valentines this year because you are single? don’t worry, this book has ideas for you to celebrate as well, whether with friends or by pampering yourself.

        With this guide, you’ll have a memorable Valentines day this year as you try some of these unique ideas and learn more about the history of Valentines day.

        See for yourself the information included in this guide! Here is a list of the chapter titles:

        Chapter 1: The History of Valentine’s Day
        Chapter 2: Love
        Chapter 3: Communicate Your Love
        Chapter 4: Listen Up Guys
        Chapter 5: A Woman Knows How to Spice it Up!!
        Chapter 6: This Goes Both Ways
        Chapter 7: Know Your Love
        Chapter 8: Proposing on Valentine’s Day?
        Chapter 9: Valentine’s Cards and Flowers
        Chapter 10: 5 Top Unique Valentine Gifts For Her
        Chapter 11: 7 Valentine Ideas for Kids
        Chapter 12: 7 Valentine Ideas for Families
        Chapter 13: 5 Valentine’s Ideas for Couples
        Chapter 14: 50 Pick and Mix Romantic Ideas for Valentine’s Day
        Chapter 15: 6 Simple Desert Recipes for Valentine’s Day
        Chapter 16: Single and Female alone on Valentine's Day
        Chapter 17: Conclusion
        Chapter 18: About The Author
        Chapter 19: In my own words…

        Enjoy A Romantic Valentines Day this year! Take action instantly download this book to your Kindle so you can get romantic ideas to demonstrate your love.

        Valentine’s Day Hand Book 101 on getting the right Idea and Gifts.

        Valentine’s Day can be looked at in 1 of 2 ways and it is totally up to you how you decide you wish to approach Valentine’s Day.

        Why not take a read of this ebook and make Valentine’s Day the year you planed and succeeded to make your significant other know and feel how truly special they are to you and how much you really do love them.

        The contents of this book can be used for years to come whether this is your very 1st Valentines with your partner, 7th or 31st whatever it is, don’t make the mistake like so many countless others do and not bother to show how your mind and heart is feeling towards that very special person in your life.

        Cynics say that Valentine’s Day is a fallacy invented by the greeting cards industry to increase our overdraft, just in case the Christmas credit card bill is starting to subside. Arguably the worst thing about Valentine’s Day is hitting the shops, usually at the last minute, to join everyone else in a manic search for a tasteful gift. If the thought of NYC or Oxford Street on 13 February makes you feel ill then why not sort out your Valentine’s Day gifts by shopping online this year.

        Please just make sure you do, do something and don’t fall into the trap of thinking there’s always next year, as that year may never come back again.

        Care to leave a comment?

        Linkin Park – Valentine’s Day (Official Music Video) [HQ] + Lyrics (Minutes To Midnight Booklet)

        • January 19, 2011 at 2:13 pm

        The video contains the song “Valentine’s Day” by Linkin Park in high quality and a homemade music video which contains parts of official music videos in high quality. The parts are taken of the music videos “Given Up”, “Leave Out All The Rest”, “Numb”, “One Step Closer”, “Shadow Of The Day”, “We Made It” and “What I’ve Done”. The videos are all made by Linkin Park except the second last video “We Made It” which is only featured by them and made by Busta Rhymes. The song “Valentine’s Day” is the ninth title of the album “Minutes To Midnight” which was released in 2007. The album contains several great songs like “Given Up”, “Leave Out All The Rest”, “Bleed It Out”, “Shadow Of The Day” and “What I’ve Done” which are known worldwide. If you like the short film, subscribe my channel, comment the video and give thumbs up.

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          Valentine's DayValentine's DayThe starriest cast you may ever see sparkles in a hilarious and heartwarming romcom from the director of Pretty Woman and The Princess Diaries. Stories crisscross, collide and boomerang in this look at a day in the life of love. There's a proposal. Flowers that didn't get sent. A big fat secret that's finally told. The "I'll show up and surprise him" that ended up surprising her. Fights, kisses, wrong turns, right moves and more. Whether new to or through with love, you'll fall in love with this 19-star, funny-side-up celebration of romance.

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          Rollin Job Beatz: Sneakers Collection vol. 1 – #1 “Valentine’s Day”

          • December 28, 2010 at 2:49 am

          Sneakers Collection Vol. 1 is a small project that makes the bridge between my 2 passions: music and sneakers. The concept is simple: 5 pairs of my favorite sneakers, for each pair a beat inspired by the shoes. #1 “Valentine’s Day” is inspired by the classic pair of Vandals High. The 4 other beats that will follow in the Sneakers Collection Vol. 1 will be for the following models: Air Max 90 “Infrared”, Jordan 6 Retro “Oreo”, Air Max 90 “Laser Blue” and Trainer SC High Retro. After the 5 videos will be released, I’ll put the 5 beats on free download on rollinjobbeatz.wordpress.com © 2010 Rollin Job Beatz – more beats available at: ROLLINJOBBEATZ.WORDPRESS.COM

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          Chocolate Dipped Oreo Cookies Decorated with Hugs and Kisses 7 for Valentine's DayChocolate Dipped Oreo Cookies Decorated with Hugs and Kisses 7 for Valentine's DayOur Oreo Cookie assortment contains 7 chocolate covered Oreo cookie. They are drenched in premium milk chocolate and decorated with love and hugs and kisses with sugar hearts and pink and red sprinkles. Comes packaged in a clear round container with gold accents. Tied with a red ribbon. Perfect for Valentine's Day, Anniversary Gifts, Mother's Day gifts, Thank You Gifts, Hostess Gifts, and make charming wedding Favors! Actual Oreo decorations may vary.

          Care to leave a comment?

          To: Taylor Lautner, “Hey Taylor,” Happy Valentines Day ’10! From: Chantae :)

          • July 21, 2010 at 4:27 pm

          Myspace: Myspace.com/ChantaeHMusic Facebook: www.facebook.com Twitter: Twitter.com/ChantaeH Tumblr: Tumblr.com/ChantaeH Shop Til U Rock: www.shoptilyourock.com The song is called “HEY TAYLOR”. :) I WROTE IT! Basically, I think the song explains it all. I wrote it a while ago, and I figured what better day than to put it up today. Enjoy! Let me know what you think. More videos coming soon, PS I’m recovering from a cold, so if you hear a country southern accent come up during this song, that;s why. I only get an accent when I’m sick. Why? I have no idea. “Hey Stephen,” © Copyright Taylor Swift & Big Machine Records. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. My Lyrics to “Hey Taylor”: Hey Taylor, I see looks can be reveling but I know theres a lot more to you. When I first saw you on summer land, I fell head over hells for you. Of all the girls who want to be with you, ya know, il be the one stick around and I wont ever go. Hey Taylor I’m sure you get this all the time but, I think that I am meant for you. Cause I cant help it if you look like an angel, cant help it if I want to be a wolf with you so, come feel this magic Ive been feeling since Ive seen you, cant help it if theres no one else, oooh I cant help myself. Hey Taylor, Ive been holding all this in, but Ive got more things to say to you. Ive never felt the way I feel, Cause ive never seen nobody shines the way you do. The way you talk, way you act, the way youve stayed the same, youve beautiful, wonderful, dont you ever …

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          When Jane's house needs work she takes her friend's advice and hires the hottie they recommend. And Dan is hot, annoying, sexy, loud, and he makes her temperature rise, not just from anger.

          Dan is good with his hands. When he takes on the job for the lovely Jane he figures it is his lucky day. BUT he has never worked for someone as fussy and demanding as his new employer. Every time she opens her mouth she insults him. After the first day he is ready to strangle her.

          What they don't know is Cupid has them in his sights and they don't stand a chance of escape.

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          Hard Love {Hiphop/Rnb} Instumental – TrackMasin *Valentines Day Beat*

          • July 4, 2010 at 6:07 pm

          Follow me on twitter! www.twitter.com Add me on Myspace! www.myspace.com ————————————— Sup Youtubes.. Sorry about the Delay in beats. I’ve been way swamped in School and stuff, so the beats been coming slow but now Im back! Im leaving for India in two days so Ima be gone for two weeks, but once Im back I’ll be back on my Grind! We’ll heres my beat for Valentines day so Enjoy! The Name of the beat is “Your my Angel” Comment, Rate and Subscribe!

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          A Valentines Day © Zacky Mc`Auliffe

          • July 2, 2010 at 6:01 pm

          Romance is in the air. Chocolate hearts, roses, and greeting cards are everywhere. If you really want to be romantic, ignore all of these commercial products this Valentine’s Day. Buying a card or some candy from the store only shows that you’re doing what’s expected. Going the extra mile to be creative shows that you really care. Wishing you Very Happy & Romantic Valentines Day MUSIC: Romantic hip-hop beat has a bit of a Latin twist in the chord progressions Beat made from scratch on Cubase Piano along with the synth strings All played in on KORG Trinity Special Thanks For The Music: Neils Wortelboer, Viraj Chhabra, Jordan McAuliffe [Jay], Domenico Potorti

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          Valentine’s Day – Linkin Park – Minutes To Midnight

          • January 11, 2010 at 1:53 am

          Valentine’s Day – Linkin Park – Minutes To Midnight Valentine’s Day My insides all turn to ash So slow And blew away as I collapsed So Cold A black wind took them away From sight Another darkness over day That night And the clouds above move closer Looking so dissatisfied But the heartless wind kept blowing, blowing I used to be my own protection But not now Because my path has lost direction Somehow A black wind took you away From sight Another darkness over day That night And the clouds …

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          Love is in the air and these cheerful creations by Brenda Ponnay are the perfect way to share a little Valentine's Day love with someone you care about.

          BE MINE is a perfect bedtime story for the child in your life or give a copy to your favorite Kindle owner or Kindle app user.

          Instead of printing valentines this year, save a tree and give this colorful little book, optimized for the Kindle and Kindle Fire. Share the love this Valentine's Day and BE MINE!

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