Author's posts
News Digest 2-16-24
The White House confirms that Russia is developing an anti-satellite system…Caitlin Clark blows past the NCAA women’s college basketball career scoring record.
Soundtrack to the Struggle: Carl Van Vechten and the Harlem Renaissance
It’s 1906 in Harlem. The first sparks of a cultural explosion have just ignited. Artists, writers, musicians, and composers are flocking to this city-in-a-city. One of them is Carl Van Vechten. Who could have predicted that the Harlem Renaissance’s greatest advocate and chronicler would be a young white man from Cedar Rapids, Iowa? Carl Van …
News Digest 2-15-24
A mass shooting at a parade honoring the Kansas City Chiefs…teachers in Iowa would be allowed to carry guns under a bill approved by a legislative committee.
Soundtrack to the Struggle: John Hammond’s Advocacy
One of swing music’s greatest propagandists, John Henry Hammond II was responsible, at least partially, for discovering a remarkable list of musicians through the years, including Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Charlie Christian, George Benson, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen. Although these artists would certainly have made it on their own, Hammond’s intervention made …
Talking Pictures 2-14-24
The Zone of Interest (2023) and I.S.S. (2023) with Hollis Monroe, Phil Brown and Monica Schmidt.
News Digest 2-14-24
The House votes to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Majorkas…Cedar Rapids has a new Chief of Police.
Soundtrack to the Struggle: Cab Calloway – Everybody Sing Along!
Cab Calloway’s subtle but indelible influence on American culture began the moment he forgot the chorus to his own signature song. Picture the scene: The club is packed. Dancers fill the floor. Calloway steps to the mic and begins that new song he’s been dying to sing. He reaches the chorus. Something catches his eye. …
News Digest 2-13-24
President Biden says the U.S. continues to negotiate a potential deal between Israel and Hamas…Republicans in the Iowa legislature are proposing allowing teachers to carry guns.