The Revolution Will Not Be Televised – Gil Scott Heron (1975)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ5NnSqyE_g

“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” is a poem and song by Gil Scott-Heron. It was the B-side to Scott-Heron’s first single, “Home Is Where the Hatred Is”, from his album Pieces of a Man (1971). It was also included on his compilation album, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (1974).

It’s interesting to know that long-time Miles Davis bass player Ron Carter played the funky bass on this track.

Mass Games of Arirang

Mass games or mass gymnastics are a form of performing arts or gymnastics in which large numbers of performers take part in a highly regimented performance that emphasizes group dynamics rather than individual prowess.

Because of the vast scale of the performance, with often tens of thousands of performers, mass games are performed in stadiums, often accompanied by a background of card-turners occupying the seats on the opposite side from the viewers.

Mass games are typically used to emphasize themes of political propaganda. They developed alongside 19th century nationalist movements, particularly the Czech Sokol movement, as they embodied youth, strength, militarism, and unity.

Today, mass games are regularly performed only in North Korea, where they take place to celebrate national holidays such as the birthdays of rulers Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. In recent years, they have been the main attraction of the Arirang Festival in Pyongyang.

The 2004 film A State of Mind details the training of two young girls from Pyongyang who perform in the mass games.

(source: Wikipedia)

Part 1/2
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBm8hXyUl1g

Part 2/2
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8V8ndvG2fU

Big Stick Diplomacy & Dead Reckoning

Stuff I learned today: Big Stick Diplomacy & Dead Reckoning.