Due to technical difficulties, there is no Nash Holos audio archive for May 27, 2007. Apologies for any inconvenience...
However, the archives for Chetverta Khvylia (4th Wave) have been update for this week. Enjoy!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Corporate greed redux
The Washington Post reports that small Internet radio stations have been offered a break by the recording industry group SoundExchange.
This money-skimming outfit has offered to reduce the royalties it collects for music played online. It initially tried to triple current rates, retroactively yet, but is willing to settle for a mere 10 percent of all gross (not net) revenue up to $250,000 and 12% of all gross revenue above that amount. How generous. And how nice for them that they seem to have the US federal govt in their pocket.
Some more backgrounder here and here. Check the comments ... very illuminating, and sometimes entertaining!
If mainstream media and the entertainment industry don't pick up on the public mood and make some signficant changes to their business model soon, things could get very interesting. "Necessity" being the "mother of invention" and all...
In the meantime, may we suggest the RIAA, SoundExchange, and their legal beagles read this little story about a goose that laid golden eggs once upon a time.
Of course it is possible they may not get the message.
This money-skimming outfit has offered to reduce the royalties it collects for music played online. It initially tried to triple current rates, retroactively yet, but is willing to settle for a mere 10 percent of all gross (not net) revenue up to $250,000 and 12% of all gross revenue above that amount. How generous. And how nice for them that they seem to have the US federal govt in their pocket.
Some more backgrounder here and here. Check the comments ... very illuminating, and sometimes entertaining!
If mainstream media and the entertainment industry don't pick up on the public mood and make some signficant changes to their business model soon, things could get very interesting. "Necessity" being the "mother of invention" and all...
In the meantime, may we suggest the RIAA, SoundExchange, and their legal beagles read this little story about a goose that laid golden eggs once upon a time.
Of course it is possible they may not get the message.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
New Chornobyl video game
I can't make up my mind about this new video game ...
Will it help the players learn a bit of Ukrainian history and maybe something about the consequences of not respecting the perils of nuclear energy?
Or will it just desensitize them by confusing the reality of human suffering (i.e., the consequences of such disrespect) with the stuff of science fiction and fantasy?
Will it help the players learn a bit of Ukrainian history and maybe something about the consequences of not respecting the perils of nuclear energy?
Or will it just desensitize them by confusing the reality of human suffering (i.e., the consequences of such disrespect) with the stuff of science fiction and fantasy?
Pop from Ukraine - Charity from Austria
EastBeat is an intriguing musical and charitable collaboration between Austria and Ukraine.
The project involves a compilation CD of some very big name Ukrainian artists, with proceeds of CD sales going to the Kherson Children's Hospital. Names like Mandry, Iryna Bilyk, Okean Elzy, and others.
H/T to Vasyl at his uamuzik blog for this info. Vasyl, not surprising, played a significant role in this project. Get all the details here.
EastBeat's website is here and there's a permanent link on this blog. Expect to hear and read more about this in the future!
The project involves a compilation CD of some very big name Ukrainian artists, with proceeds of CD sales going to the Kherson Children's Hospital. Names like Mandry, Iryna Bilyk, Okean Elzy, and others.
H/T to Vasyl at his uamuzik blog for this info. Vasyl, not surprising, played a significant role in this project. Get all the details here.
EastBeat's website is here and there's a permanent link on this blog. Expect to hear and read more about this in the future!
Moscow planning to move in again?
Gee, what a surprise this is:
Many people in Russia would support a merger with neighbouring Ukraine, according to a poll by All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center.
You gotta wonder what kind of polling this is. Another exercise in PR, maybe, to test the waters of public opinion? Or a "trial balloon" to flush out Ukraine's political allies before sending tanks down from Moscow?
I find it interesting that the analysts don't point out that those in favour of such a "merger" ... even according to this ridiculous poll, amounts to less than half the population of Russia.
You'd think that maybe such erudite minds might consider that Putin & Co. may have cause to worry about such low public support, which may have something to do with the fact that there's no iron curtain to block the winds of freedom from blowing into Russia these days.
Of course, they might know something the rest of us don't ...
Many people in Russia would support a merger with neighbouring Ukraine, according to a poll by All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center.
You gotta wonder what kind of polling this is. Another exercise in PR, maybe, to test the waters of public opinion? Or a "trial balloon" to flush out Ukraine's political allies before sending tanks down from Moscow?
I find it interesting that the analysts don't point out that those in favour of such a "merger" ... even according to this ridiculous poll, amounts to less than half the population of Russia.
You'd think that maybe such erudite minds might consider that Putin & Co. may have cause to worry about such low public support, which may have something to do with the fact that there's no iron curtain to block the winds of freedom from blowing into Russia these days.
Of course, they might know something the rest of us don't ...
Canadians shooting Klezmer film in Ukraine
The Socalled King of Klezmer is a film project being developed by Montreal based documentary filmmaker Garry Beitel of Beitel/Lazar Productions and the National Film Board of Canada.
They are getting ready to embark on a journey, a cruise even, to make a film about Josh Dolgin, aka. Socalled, the young, eclectic, and talented musician who through his love and creation of hip hop, discovered a whole new world of mixing possibilities with traditional Klezmer music, and his own diverse musical influences.
The "Socalled" King of Klezmer, directed by Garry Beitel, begins on a trip down the Dneiper River in Ukraine, on the Dneiper Princess cruise ship, aboard the first ever Klezmer Cruise, that will have other talented Klezmer musicians, and enthusiasts who are also re-discovering their Jewish history and roots, and getting a taste of the Ukrainian culture.
To date, video posts by the production crew include such titles as: Arriving in Kyiv, Klezmer cruise jam session, concert in Kyiv, cossacks and choir, and Sevastopol and Socalled. The group encourages reader interaction, tips, and posting on their blog (here).
Thanks to Irena Bell, producer of the Ukrainian program in Ottawa, for this tip!
They are getting ready to embark on a journey, a cruise even, to make a film about Josh Dolgin, aka. Socalled, the young, eclectic, and talented musician who through his love and creation of hip hop, discovered a whole new world of mixing possibilities with traditional Klezmer music, and his own diverse musical influences.
The "Socalled" King of Klezmer, directed by Garry Beitel, begins on a trip down the Dneiper River in Ukraine, on the Dneiper Princess cruise ship, aboard the first ever Klezmer Cruise, that will have other talented Klezmer musicians, and enthusiasts who are also re-discovering their Jewish history and roots, and getting a taste of the Ukrainian culture.
To date, video posts by the production crew include such titles as: Arriving in Kyiv, Klezmer cruise jam session, concert in Kyiv, cossacks and choir, and Sevastopol and Socalled. The group encourages reader interaction, tips, and posting on their blog (here).
Thanks to Irena Bell, producer of the Ukrainian program in Ottawa, for this tip!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Eurovision 2007
I decided to write a post about this year's Eurovision and Ukraine's entry after all.
Initially I had thought that Vasyl's post at his uamuzik blog would suffice, and kind of agreed that Verka Serduchka was an embarassment.
But, well, even then I had to admit that altho I found the visuals rather revolting, I found the tune quite catchy. (Yes, I am a true "radio" person... give me audio any day!)
Anyway, I was chatting with my radio colleague Pavlo this morning, and admitted to him that Verka has actually been growing on me. We agreed that really, whether or not you like his/her act, s/he does do what s/he does well, i.e. show biz.
It seems, tho, that in coming around, I'm swimming against the current, as usual. Pavlo (who was a prominent broadcaster in Ukraine before coming to Canada a few years ago and so knows these things) told me that Verka has never been really appreciated at home, i.e., in Ukraine, because s/he uses a lot of "surzhyk" ... Ukraine's equivalent of the Canadian prairie Ukie lingo known as "half na piv". Language being a touchy issue amongst Ukrainians, I guess that's understandable. But s/he made a decent living touring ... mostly in Russia, where s/he was very popular.
The operative word here is "was." Apparently, Russians have no sense of humour whatsoever and their noses can get seriously out of joint over even imagined slights. It seems an influential Russian national (or two) interpreted Verka's nonsense phrase (lasha tumbai) in the Eurovision entry as meaning "Russia goodbye" and then, as per usual, the rumour took root. So now post-Eurovision, Verka is persona non grata in Russia. Sheesh. They really need to get a grip, learn to lighten up a bit. Life is short... Oh well.
Although I am not a big fan of drag queens, I think there is room for a variety of styles of artistic expression in a vibrant culture. That gives everyone choice, and (at least in theory) keeps everyone happy. So while it's not something you'll likely find on Nash Holos, I still tip my hat to Verka Serduchka for great showman(person?)ship and audience draw.
Since I discovered Eurovision a few years ago, I've come to the conclusion that it is sure a lot more interesting than American Idol or the Canadian version. Maybe because it's just entertainment for its own sake, not entertainment for the sake of commerce? And western commerce is so uninspired. If they were smart, the record labels would be beating a path to Verka's door, but they are more smug than they are smart, as arbiters of culture tend to be.
Anyway, if you want to see the Verka Serduchka Eurovision entry, go here. To date there are over 800,000 (!) hits at this site alone, and there are several other sites with almost as many. The winner, Serbia, had a lovely entry but hasn't been getting near the hits on YouTube. (My personal favourite for this year was by Sarbel from Greece, who Pavlo describes as Greece's answer to Ricky Martin.)
Oh, and if you haven't seen the 2004 winning entry by Ukraine's Ruslana, it's here. Enjoy!
Initially I had thought that Vasyl's post at his uamuzik blog would suffice, and kind of agreed that Verka Serduchka was an embarassment.
But, well, even then I had to admit that altho I found the visuals rather revolting, I found the tune quite catchy. (Yes, I am a true "radio" person... give me audio any day!)
Anyway, I was chatting with my radio colleague Pavlo this morning, and admitted to him that Verka has actually been growing on me. We agreed that really, whether or not you like his/her act, s/he does do what s/he does well, i.e. show biz.
It seems, tho, that in coming around, I'm swimming against the current, as usual. Pavlo (who was a prominent broadcaster in Ukraine before coming to Canada a few years ago and so knows these things) told me that Verka has never been really appreciated at home, i.e., in Ukraine, because s/he uses a lot of "surzhyk" ... Ukraine's equivalent of the Canadian prairie Ukie lingo known as "half na piv". Language being a touchy issue amongst Ukrainians, I guess that's understandable. But s/he made a decent living touring ... mostly in Russia, where s/he was very popular.
The operative word here is "was." Apparently, Russians have no sense of humour whatsoever and their noses can get seriously out of joint over even imagined slights. It seems an influential Russian national (or two) interpreted Verka's nonsense phrase (lasha tumbai) in the Eurovision entry as meaning "Russia goodbye" and then, as per usual, the rumour took root. So now post-Eurovision, Verka is persona non grata in Russia. Sheesh. They really need to get a grip, learn to lighten up a bit. Life is short... Oh well.
Although I am not a big fan of drag queens, I think there is room for a variety of styles of artistic expression in a vibrant culture. That gives everyone choice, and (at least in theory) keeps everyone happy. So while it's not something you'll likely find on Nash Holos, I still tip my hat to Verka Serduchka for great showman(person?)ship and audience draw.
Since I discovered Eurovision a few years ago, I've come to the conclusion that it is sure a lot more interesting than American Idol or the Canadian version. Maybe because it's just entertainment for its own sake, not entertainment for the sake of commerce? And western commerce is so uninspired. If they were smart, the record labels would be beating a path to Verka's door, but they are more smug than they are smart, as arbiters of culture tend to be.
Anyway, if you want to see the Verka Serduchka Eurovision entry, go here. To date there are over 800,000 (!) hits at this site alone, and there are several other sites with almost as many. The winner, Serbia, had a lovely entry but hasn't been getting near the hits on YouTube. (My personal favourite for this year was by Sarbel from Greece, who Pavlo describes as Greece's answer to Ricky Martin.)
Oh, and if you haven't seen the 2004 winning entry by Ukraine's Ruslana, it's here. Enjoy!
Somewhere in California ...
... ethnic entertainment, in all its glorious diversity, is catching on! Or maybe, more accurately, the MSM is starting to notice that lots of people like it, even if they don't.
... This event brought together diverse ethnic groups and families for a fun event. The music, dancing and singing provided a full afternoon of quality entertainment, and all for free. The Irish and Gaelic dancers and costumes were every bit as colorful as the lively El Folkloric Hermonica. But who would have expected Russian, Ukrainian and Hungarian folk dancing to draw as much admiration as Mexican folkloric among the large Latino audience? ...
Who'da thunk, eh?
Full article here.
... This event brought together diverse ethnic groups and families for a fun event. The music, dancing and singing provided a full afternoon of quality entertainment, and all for free. The Irish and Gaelic dancers and costumes were every bit as colorful as the lively El Folkloric Hermonica. But who would have expected Russian, Ukrainian and Hungarian folk dancing to draw as much admiration as Mexican folkloric among the large Latino audience? ...
Who'da thunk, eh?
Full article here.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Turning a new leaf?
... or just reading the writing on the wall? Or finally realizing that shock jocks are out of touch with the public (and reality)?
In the wake of the Imus, Elvis & JV firings and the Opie & Anthony suspension, now might be a good time to take some advice from Mancow. Not the Bay Bridge blocking Mancow of old, but the new, rested, relaxed, reflective and self-regulated Mancow who’s now advocating that radio personalities practice responsible radio. To aid jocks in being responsible on-air, Mancow has created Ten Commandments for Radio Personalities.
So, great. I'll be getting competition from the big guys now.
In the wake of the Imus, Elvis & JV firings and the Opie & Anthony suspension, now might be a good time to take some advice from Mancow. Not the Bay Bridge blocking Mancow of old, but the new, rested, relaxed, reflective and self-regulated Mancow who’s now advocating that radio personalities practice responsible radio. To aid jocks in being responsible on-air, Mancow has created Ten Commandments for Radio Personalities.
So, great. I'll be getting competition from the big guys now.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Petro Sydorenko,Vichnaya pam'yat
A very touching obituary on the artist Petro Sydorenko, here.
I unfortunately wasn't aware of Mr. Sydorenko and his brilliant work. Sounds like another unsung hero and a national treasure Canadian society was content to remain buried, quite possibly simply because he was Ukrainian and of little interest to Canada's nativist establishment.
Well, at least there was a great article written about him while he was still alive in the New Pathway .
There's also a nice tribute by blogger Peter McCormack.
Deepest condolences to the Sydorenko family. A great loss to all of us as well, tho.
I unfortunately wasn't aware of Mr. Sydorenko and his brilliant work. Sounds like another unsung hero and a national treasure Canadian society was content to remain buried, quite possibly simply because he was Ukrainian and of little interest to Canada's nativist establishment.
Well, at least there was a great article written about him while he was still alive in the New Pathway .
There's also a nice tribute by blogger Peter McCormack.
Deepest condolences to the Sydorenko family. A great loss to all of us as well, tho.
1937 - communists weren't content with starving 7 million Ukrainians to death
More ugliness about communism's past revealed here .
Seventy years ago, following a decision by the top Party bodies in the USSR another bloody “purge” began. It was to last for two years. Historians often refer to this campaign as the “Great Terror”, while ordinary people call it simply “Thirty Seven”.
... More than 1.7 million people were arrested on political charges from 1937-1938. If one adds the victims of deportation and those convicted as “socially harmful elements”, the number of those repressed came to over two million. ...
Nineteen Thirty Seven was the revival in the twentieth century of the norms of the medieval Inquisition ... as during the Inquisition, the main proof was the ritual of “confessions” by the accused themselves. The endeavours to gain such confessions, combined with the arbitrary and absurd nature of the charges led to the mass use of torture. In the summer of 1937 torture was officially sanctioned and recommended as a method of running the investigation.
... Throughout the entire country meetings were held at which people were forced to energetically applaud the public lies about the exposed and neutralized “enemies of the people”.
Contemporary historical knowledge about the period of terror needs to become commonly known. ... The history of the Soviet Terror must become not only a compulsory and considerable part of school education, but also the subject of serious efforts in public awareness-raising in the broadest sense of the word. ...
As one of the most terrible anniversaries in our shared history approaches, “Memorial” calls on all those who care about the future of our countries and peoples to look back unflinchingly at the past and to try to understand its lessons.
Hear, hear. (But I'm not holding my breath it will happen in my lifetime.)
Seventy years ago, following a decision by the top Party bodies in the USSR another bloody “purge” began. It was to last for two years. Historians often refer to this campaign as the “Great Terror”, while ordinary people call it simply “Thirty Seven”.
... More than 1.7 million people were arrested on political charges from 1937-1938. If one adds the victims of deportation and those convicted as “socially harmful elements”, the number of those repressed came to over two million. ...
Nineteen Thirty Seven was the revival in the twentieth century of the norms of the medieval Inquisition ... as during the Inquisition, the main proof was the ritual of “confessions” by the accused themselves. The endeavours to gain such confessions, combined with the arbitrary and absurd nature of the charges led to the mass use of torture. In the summer of 1937 torture was officially sanctioned and recommended as a method of running the investigation.
... Throughout the entire country meetings were held at which people were forced to energetically applaud the public lies about the exposed and neutralized “enemies of the people”.
Contemporary historical knowledge about the period of terror needs to become commonly known. ... The history of the Soviet Terror must become not only a compulsory and considerable part of school education, but also the subject of serious efforts in public awareness-raising in the broadest sense of the word. ...
As one of the most terrible anniversaries in our shared history approaches, “Memorial” calls on all those who care about the future of our countries and peoples to look back unflinchingly at the past and to try to understand its lessons.
Hear, hear. (But I'm not holding my breath it will happen in my lifetime.)
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Ukie shindig in New Jersey
Oh my, this looks like a ton of fun!
On Sat. June 9, 2007 the Ukrainian Cultural Center in cooperation with [other kind and generous folks] will host the inaugural Ukrainian Day in New Jersey.
This event will feature a festive dinner of traditional food and drink, and performances by Otaman Karpat IVAN POPOVICH; Violin Virtuoso VASYL POPADIUK from Canada; award winning singer and performer from Ukraine, LUDMILA FESENKO; dance ensembles Yunist and Barvinok from NY and NJ; fashion show by GALIT COUTURE. Dance the evening away to the melodies of popular band VIDLUNNIA. ...
To top off the festivities, the SECOND UKRAINIAN VARENYK EATING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP will be held, with the Champions of Canada and Ukraine participating. ...
Since this will be the first event of its kind in the State of New Jersey, TV-1- the premiere television broadcasting company throughout Ukraine – will be present, along with other American, Ukrainian and Russian press from local newspapers, radio and television stations.
Unfortunately, that won't include me as a trip to the other side of the continent isn't in the Nash Holos budget, but we wish the organizers best of success and "Mnohaya Lita!" in this inaugural bash, and many more to come.
On Sat. June 9, 2007 the Ukrainian Cultural Center in cooperation with [other kind and generous folks] will host the inaugural Ukrainian Day in New Jersey.
This event will feature a festive dinner of traditional food and drink, and performances by Otaman Karpat IVAN POPOVICH; Violin Virtuoso VASYL POPADIUK from Canada; award winning singer and performer from Ukraine, LUDMILA FESENKO; dance ensembles Yunist and Barvinok from NY and NJ; fashion show by GALIT COUTURE. Dance the evening away to the melodies of popular band VIDLUNNIA. ...
To top off the festivities, the SECOND UKRAINIAN VARENYK EATING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP will be held, with the Champions of Canada and Ukraine participating. ...
Since this will be the first event of its kind in the State of New Jersey, TV-1- the premiere television broadcasting company throughout Ukraine – will be present, along with other American, Ukrainian and Russian press from local newspapers, radio and television stations.
Unfortunately, that won't include me as a trip to the other side of the continent isn't in the Nash Holos budget, but we wish the organizers best of success and "Mnohaya Lita!" in this inaugural bash, and many more to come.
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So thrilled to see this today! Thank you to my dear friend and writing mentor, Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch , and best-selling children's a...
