Art Star: Ctotheb

Showing posts with label Ctotheb. Show all posts

We are not losers.

Feels good to be awake.

I just got back from a service trip with my middle schoolers in Little Haiti.* It's amazing how much energy you get from teaching (though it always leaves you dog tired). After 10 hours in the van, with another hour of driving ahead of us, I turned to my kids and said, “I love y’all but I am ready to go home.” Undoubtedly they agreed. Not that we weren’t having a good time! We filled the hours with stories and sleep but mostly music.

Music flowed throughout the whole trip as we picked our themesong, danced on the streets of Little Haiti and all of us, students and chaperones alike, felt the joy and pressure of sharing our music with the masses.

Initially we played it safe, sharing music that you’d hear on the radio or that you knew would be appreciated by your friends. The generational gap furthered the divide; students inundated the car with contemporary hits while chaperones dug into our ipod’s crates to find that “You ain’t up on this!” classic of yesteryear.

But really, how many times can one listen to Black and Yellow** or No Hands?

When it was my turn to plug in my iPod I didn’t know where to start.

I got caught between playing music that is dope and music that they (my fellow passengers) would like. My taste is fairly eclectic and I generally listen to music that helps me write (lyrics and otherwise) but it got me thinking about the difficulty that comes into making any kind of art.

I think the best art hits people on a variety of levels. You get the high end, intellectually stimulating stuff that still gets people interested who are like, “Ooh, that’s shiny!”

I’d much rather make an artifact than be hot but isn’t the truly timeless able to do both?

I don’t buy albums as much as I used to*** but one album I’m absurdly excited for is Lupe Fiasco’s latest effort.

I thought this album was NEVER going to come out after fans had to protest and petition just to get a release date but the fantasy is now reality.

I’d read that Atlantic wanted him to have a more commercial appeal and I believe Lupe has been able to achieve that with the records I have heard thus far off of Lasers.

Lupe is an emcee after KRS’ own heart. He is a master of edutainment. From I’m Beamin’, to The Show Goes On, Lupe uplifts and empowers while giving you a lil’ something to dance to.

On an interview with DJ Semtex, Lupe called “All Black Everything” his best song yet. And he is absolutely right.

This song has that eschatological flow; makes you feel like life can be better than this.

I’ve been playing it all day! Reminds me of a sermon I heard that talks about how one can tell unconditional love. When it's real, it adds value.

It’s not just about the hottest song, or using music to pass the time, the best art feeds the soul.

*They managed a fantastic blog with a ridiculously long name.
**Black and Yellow has successfully supplanted A Milli as the most over-remixed song of all time. (Sidenote: Did you know the official video has 45 million hits on youtube?! Applaud this man.) There should be a Rushmore for this sort of thing.
***As it is currently, mixtapes>>>albums

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On Thirstiness (and being used)

Sipkin, Antonelli/News, Mordovets/Getty

I had two friends in college who, during overlapping eras, were generally considered the flyest sisters on campus. They both pretended to not know this while wielding their power.

One sister had them flocking from the summer before her orientation. Facebook was still a novelty then but fellas knew enough to use it like Mel Kiper’s Big Board. Her everyday photos were the talk of the town, upperclassmen and incoming students alike undoubtedly anticipated their chance.

I was in a relationship at the time and viewed the sister as just that. I had no intentions toward her, having known her from the independent school circles back home (where one of my homeboys ADORED her), it was just cool that she was coming to Davidson. As wholesome as I was, even I subconsciously engaged in the free agent pursuit.*

Now, I told you that I knew everybody was going after her but it wasn’t until one particular evening that I realized how absurd it really was. I went down to her dorm room to see how she was doing and literally saw a line of brothers waiting to chop it up. Her fineness transformed a dorm room into the DMV.

She was braiding one guy’s hair (the frontrunner at the time), getting help with class from another, talking about music with a third, and getting invited to a step show by a fourth! Having known her the longest (and still having no untoward feelings, consciously at least) I stepped past the crowd and exchanged pleasantries. The intrigue had its ebb and flow; (it’s not like she got less fine) but no one really succeeded (I define success in this situation as being a publicly acknowledged situation). Many found solace in saying “whatever” but still found time to ridicule her ex-boyfriend—another student—for letting her get away.

This episode taught me a valuable lesson that I want to share with you in light of the Carmelo Anthony situation. Teams, like thirsty upperclassmen, often fail to realize when they are being used. They might have valuable assets but it’s all about timing.

Let’s take the Nets for example. Do they have a bright future? Absolutely. Young players, cap flexibility, draft picks (and the win drought that guarantees the quality of those picks) and the eventual move to the county of Kings. And it is those things, save Brooklyn, that they are offering for Melo’s services. If he did wind up in Newark, is Carmelo really getting anything better than what he had in Denver?** No.

For longtime Art Stars, y’all know I’m a Knicks fan til eternity. Bias aside, Melo makes sense for the Knicks. It took me a while—had to let the burns heal—but I’ve talked myself into the proposed trade of Felton, Gallo, Eddy Curry’s snacks, and Chandler for Melo, Billups, and etc. I really believe this trade lets us walk away with a better team for the playoffs and Billups will be washed up right in time for us to chase Deron Williams. (I want no parts of Chris Paul’s knees. Him and Amar’e will look like a couple of Golden Girls by the time that arthritis sets in.)

It’s not even like Melo on the Nets makes them a threat. They’re being used. (In this analogy Denver is the girl and Melo is said girl’s fineness.) The Nets are driving up the price to the point where the Knicks (if Jim Dolan can find somewhere to sit down and shut the hell up) might have to say, “You alright but…nah I’m good.”

Without the Nets being so thirsty, the Knicks could just wait til free agency and give Melo a max offer under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. But just like all the brothers in the dorm room, the Knicks are gonna have to do a little bit more to stand out.

Which sucks.***

But I understand where the Nets are coming from. Melo is a great player and if you can make the move for him, you’ve got to, right? I’m reminded of the many times I’ve chased a girl that a friend of mine also fancied. The second girl, aforementioned in the first paragraph, created a rivalry between one of my homeboys and I. I didn’t stand a chance but kept on trying, unfortunately driving up the price for him. He ended up with her and now they are far from friends. I kept it moving with my proverbial draft picks (read: my dignity and sanity) and will be married in June.

Peace.

*At least that’s how the lady I was with saw it. Perhaps this was because I—once again, subconsciously—walked my own girlfriend off the sidewalk to talk to her or would end arguments by saying, “Screw this, I’m gonna go see how (aforementioned sister) is doin!”

**Aside from helping to create a murderer's row of player's wives/girlfriends (Kim Kardashian, LaLa, and occassional visits from Beyonce is a legendary lineup)

***This is not like LeBron being a free agent and every team having a right to throw their hat in. Melo ain’t even that good. And the Nets are the only ones messing this up for my squad!****

****If the Nets really do mess this up for the Knicks by either obtaining him or making us trade everybody but Amar’e and Spike, I hereby renounce New Jersey. It’s that real.

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The Top 5 Art Star Series Of All Time

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The Season before the Glory (NBA Preview 2009-2010)

Tonight begins the season before the glorious mission...the King in the Empire State.

Not that this is a throwaway season; just saying 2010 can't come soon enough.

It's a year where there are five teams (Celtics, Lakers, Magic, Spurs, and the Cavs) who are head and shoulders above the competition and a majority of the league doesn't have a chance. Most teams who are like this probably don't care that much because they're in the 2010 sweepstakes.* But what makes this season worth watching are those teams in puberty.

Remember that girl in your high school who had the braces and the acne but became AMAZINGLY good looking during college?

Or how sisters weren't really checking for you until you hit your growth spurt? That's where Atlanta, Portland, Chicago, Oklahoma City, Toronto, and Washington are. The first three are good enough to make the playoffs and the last three are intriguing enough to watch em try.

The table seems set for an epic Finals. Lakers- Cavs. Shaq and Kobe have their final confrontation,** LBJ and Kobe prove who is the best,***and Nike makes enough money to pay their shoemakers fairly.**** If you're a fan of epic showdowns, this has gotta be what you want.

Too bad it won't happen. In fact, I believe that the Cavs won't make it past the second round of the playoffs.

Here is my prediction for the East:

1. Boston

2. Orlando

3. Cleveland

4. Atlanta

5. Chicago

6. Washington

7. Toronto

8. New York

9. Miami

10. Detroit

11. Charlotte

12. Philly

13. Indiana

14. Milwaukee

15. New Jersey

Boston will sweep NY

Orlando takes it to the Raptors

Cleveland over Washington

Chicago over the Hawks

Boston gets the best in a rematch against Chicago from last year's thriller.

Orlando beats Cleveland again and the new Superman will dominate his predecessor.*****

Boston (if everyone is healthy) should thrash Orlando with defense, grit, and that hunger you just can't teach.

While I believe the Celtics will be in the Finals, they won't play the Lakers.

Yes, Kobe is the baddest ting alive, they're the defending champs but it's not the same squad. Honestly, I don't want to see Kobe and Artest play together; I want to see Artest guard Kobe. They had bad blood in the Rockets-Lakers series last year and I can't see them coexisting. Artest is known as a loose cannon and Kobe is known as a reserved, cold, assassin.******

This is how I see the West shaping up:

1. Spurs

2. Lakers

3. Portland

4. Denver

5. Dallas

6. New Orleans

7. Utah

8.Oklahoma City

9. Phoenix

10. Houston

11. Golden State

12. Clippers

13. Memphis

14. Minnesota

15. Sacramento

Spurs take OKC

Lakers brush Utah

Portland takes NO

Dallas disposes of Denver

Lakers over Portland

Spurs over Dallas

Spurs beat the Lakers. It's a mental sport and San Antonio has the best run team in the sport.

And that my friends is why I believe it will be Spurs-Celtics and the Spurs will win the championship.

Let the games begin...

*Obviously the Knicks are in this bunch and I worry for them and their fellow cellar dwellers who I don't think really have a plan B if they don't get a top-tier free agent. Could it be that the LeBrons and DWades of the world are merely flirting with them only to make their current teams jealous(read: pay them more)? I've built up so much anticipation for July 2010, if LBJ signs to another team, he may enter the Jordan-Miller-Mourning zone of hoopers I despise.

**Shaq might not retire but this is his last year in the playoffs unless he joins another contender.

***If you are over the age of 15 you understand that LBJ and Kobe are one of the best to ever do it. If you are under, you prolly think Jordan is overrated and didn't even blink when you heard Magic and Isiah aren't really friends.

****And still won't.

*****Shaq must take it personally that Dwight Howard calls himself Superman right? Seeing them play will probably feel like this.

******I don't care what any Laker fan might say. His teammates don't like him. One day psychologists will use "Kobe Doin' Work" to research Stockholm syndrome.

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Can somebody give Tyson Gay a hug?

How does it feel to put in your all and have it not be enough?/Instead of all full, you're awful and it's so damn tough- Chris B. "Lyrics of Fury 2k5" circa 2004.*

Although I am ecstatic that Usain continues his dominance, my heart goes out to Tyson Gay. He's a great athlete but this rivalry is becoming more and more uneven. He ran a 9.71 in Berlin and no one cares! It's the third best time ever! I probably don't have to tell you who has the top two times...

That brother needs some serious pastoral care.

How was he supposed to know that his career would serve as a footnote in the story of the once in a century phenomenon known as Usain "Lightning" Bolt?!

And I thought lightning wasn't supposed to strike twice, eh? How many times can one man break his own record...and barely look like he's trying.**

Let's just say Tyson was born in 1974 instead of 1982. Still had the same conditioning, resources, and everything that has made him the athlete he is today. Is there any question about his potential stardom then?

He'd be the guy Michael Johnson hands the torch to in 2000. Triumphant enough in 2004 for America to soon forget the doping scandals that were to come. His rivalry with Bolt would be bigger and he might not even play second fiddle.

This would be a "changing of the guard" story rather than what it is now. A tale we've seen so often in sports. A legend decimating the best of the mortals.

Ali did this to Frazier.

Jordan to Barkley, Ewing, Drexler, Malone, and anyone else in his path.

And now Gay must pay the price. He's playing Salieri to Bolt's Mozart.

Yesterday on Twitter I called Tyson the Patrick Ewing of track. This prompted a debate as some felt that it implied Bolt was Jordanesque.***

A friend of mine, obvious Jordan worshiper, offered that the most he could do was compare Bolt to LeBron. I scoffed at this because while I think LeBron will be the G.O.A.T, he isn't yet. Bolt is more than potential. He is now.

But don't let me argue for him, in Bolt's own words:

usainboltI was made for speed - 9.58 - how do you like that - to the world

usainboltWho faster?

*Yeah I quoted myself. Kinda cocky I suppose. But this is a story about Usain Bolt so humility must be scarce. Oh yeah, here's the referenced track.

**No really. Have you seen this?

***Which is exactly what I meant.

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No Excuses

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Realest Sharpton Ever Said

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Made from the Best Stuff on Earth

How do they do it?

How does Snapple keep coming with these exclusive flavors?

They tell you on the bottle about how rare these fruits are (for example: I had Peach Mangosteen today. Never even heard of Mangosteen before! Allegedly, at least according to the bottle, Queen Victoria would offer knighthood to anyone who could get her one.) and yet still they sell thousands of bottles!

I got one in Penn Station today for $1.75, that's practically free in Manhattan prices!

Some of y'all are gonna think I'm trippin' but the question still remains: With Snapple claiming to have all natural ingredients, and boasting such variety with these exclusive fruits, how do they do it? Is there some deforestation afoot? And who is picking these fruits?

We need some answers!

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My Mind on Shuffle: No rocks at the throne

The surreal state of shock is still in the atmosphere.

I was on my way to the Garden on Thursday, to pick up the vibes outside as everyone anticipated the NBA Draft. Walking down 34th, I felt the buzz start to pick up as news of Michael Jackson's health started to spread. Street vendors stopping people on the street to let them know he suffered cardiac arrest. By the time I got in front of the Garden, I heard scalpers proclaim, "How am I supposed to sell this stuff? The King is dead." Yet still, I didn't want to believe it. I noticed a lag in my cell phone's network as I sent out texts asking about this news, assuming many others were doing the same. As my frat brother made his way down the street to me we both blurted out "Did you hear?!"

And by that time it was confirmed. My Mom returned my phone call, with tears in her voice, "Christopher, he's gone." In the same voice, no doubt, she'd use if a family member had passed. I didn't want to accept it, and in many ways spent this whole weekend denying it, but an icon who very much framed the expectations my generation has for icons, is gone.

For us 80s babies, who are too young to remember Thriller but too old to forget images of people fainting at his concerts, Michael Jackson has been a constant. In many ways, understanding his death is like hearing that the Sun just died. Of course he's mortal but don't front like you too didn't wonder, "Michael Jackson is dead?"

I can't remember any celebrity whose death has stopped the world like this. We've felt shock, and even horror, but I have never seen so many people take it this personally. There are reports of Times Square groaning as the crowd read the breaking news. Over the weekend I've realized how so many moments in my life had the King of Pop's influence.

Watching concerts on video. Countless attempts at Moonwalking. Friends dressed up as Michael Jackson for Halloween (one Halloween where three girls dressed up as Moonwalker, Mike from Thriller, and "Off the Wall" era Mike)

My senior year, my frat's winning show had a Thriller homage. The runners-up used that Smooth Criminal lean.

As I turn on video channels, read the news, you see so much love poured out for a man who tragically did not always feel this love in life. Even in this mourning, there are still those expressing their foolishness through tasteless headlines, ignorant facebook statuses; a barrage of tweets from twits. All revealing the hypocrisy so common in the human condition: a perverse readiness to dish out that which you'd never receive.

Michael Jackson was not a perfect man; like all of us he fought his demons but had the misfortune of wrestling in public. To those who still bash him and are quick to bring up his controversies, understand this: Nothing that you say can take away from his legacy.

Most of your heroes are complex and ALL of them have something they were ashamed of. If you have no reasons to mourn him, then you have even less reasons to tarnish his legacy. It is a shame that we often give flowers when the recipient can no longer smell them, (as a friend of mine remarks, we give flowers to the dead but no soup to the sick) and is cowardice to speak ill of one who is unable to retort.

Let's do more than play his music, let's listen to the words and express a love for one another that he undoubtedly possessed.

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My Mind on Shuffle (Premier Twitter Edition)

Art Stars may be familiar with my erratic series known as "My Mind on Shuffle"

Well I got to thinkin' (get your umbrellas out) and have decided to make this a staple of Art Star through using my tweets throughout the week (and you thought Twitter was a waste of time ha!)

If there are tweets worthy of sharing with you all, they shall be posted!

If you tweet something to me that must be shared with fellow Art Stars...they shall be posted!

Enough with my declarations...let's get into some tweets shall we?

Across the nation, June often means election time for city elections, primaries, etc. Upon my return to East Orange, I was overwhelmed with the amount of Obamaisms candidates flagrantly misused. Thus provoking this tweet:

I_AM_CtotheBSMH at local politicians swagger jacking Obama's movement. Unlike the Pres, YOU might not be the change we need

Which led me to think about an article from Glenn Beck (back when he was on CNN and didn't dabble in as much lunacy) and the failure of local governments for most chocolate cities:

I_AM_CtotheBOne argument repubs have I agree with: local officials in our chocolate cities (mostly dems) have their hand in why these cities haven't recovered

My attention soon turned to sports, specifically, the Magic-Lakers series. Phil Jackson is on his way to his tenth championship ring, and though I have resentment toward him going back to his days with the Bulls, I couldn't help but notice how bombed out and depleted he is starting to look. Thus, provoking the question:

I_AM_CtotheBWho is stealing Phil Jackson's essence?

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Blame it on the E-uh-uh-E-Economy

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On this day we become legendary

Everything we dream of.

If you're new to Art Star, a Cavs fan, or find my beloved Knicks laughable, you may wonder why I am talking about Bron Bron in MSG a day before he begins feasting on the Orlando Magic.

Tonight is the night we learn where the Knicks pick (and I guess the other cellar dwellers are there too).

From all accounts this is a weaker draft than the last two (though, one can never be TOO sure on someone's potential...peace to Darko and Kwame Brown) but I'm still excited.

And guess what? I don't even want the number one pick.

That's right my fellow lotterarians, you can have Blake Griffin.

For that matter, keep Rubio, Thabeet, Jennings, and whoever else keeps Chad Ford awake at night.

All I'm saying is when I turn on MSG next season, all I'm trying to see is more of this:

Please believe this is the future. Anything else is unacceptable.

From Exit 30 to 34th St.

Stay thirsty my friends.

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Happy Mother's Day from Vybz Kartel

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In Memoriam

I walk to the post office on a rainy day.

Heart burdened by the loss of my brother, hands burdened with packages I return for my mom. As I turn onto Evergreen, I see a house and my inner voice beckons me to cross the street. Within feet now and the voice becomes imperative and demands that I do so. I oblige and walk on the other side of the street to see the house is adorned with a “beware of dog” sign. I am thankful for this insight but do not feel that the Holy Spirit was the source of this warning; perhaps moments passed where I remembered former trips to the post office with said sign. Nevertheless, I am in the post office soon enough.

Another exercise of patience as I make my way to the front of the line.

Music coming through one headphone as the artist speaks of a mighty Savior whom he is deeply in love with. I should get my player fixed. Soon I am at the front of the line and the man might as well be speaking another language because I am not fully present. My current state is further proof that there is no timetable for grief and I remind myself that I have now known of his fate for a little over a day. I return packages and receive my receipt and confirmation of delivery form as I continue on my journey. Am tempted to walk along freeway drive instead—the longer walk could prove therapeutic—but have no interest in feeling the chill against my neck prolong—so I retrace my steps. These steps that bring me parallel with the house adorned with a “beware of dog” sign.

My view has changed. I notice how the house, like another two doors down, is boarded up. The house in between may have been spared from the tornadoes of foreclosure but there is no guarantee that it is inhabited. But the house that represented a warning for me earlier is now a shell; the “beware of dog” sign and satellite dish, indicators of the house’s legacy. Then I heard the familiar voice say that I felt the way I did because I could not see the whole picture. My reaction, though genuine, is grounded in limited information. If only I knew the totality of my brother’s state, the fullness of joy he is ever present with, would my sorrow subside and my persuasion be furthered strengthened that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

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Life Over Death

So how many of your facebook friends/people you follow on Twitter* had some version of "R.I.P Big Poppa" as their status?

Still hard to believe that it's been 12 years since he's passed--even harder to believe there are kids who claim to like rap and are unfamiliar with his music--but it is time for a movement that truly honors his legacy.

Though he and Tupac are remembered for the "East Coast-West Coast beef" that was largely fueled by media sensationalism--and integral in both of their untimely deaths--these icons are so much more than that.

Are we willing to boil their legacies down to the fatal moments that took them from us?

Billy X. Sunday over at XXL, brought this point up before but I'mma say it again, May 21st is much more important that March 9th. Let's celebrate the day of Biggie's birth if we really appreciate his legacy.

Go to a great concert, listen to great music, express yourself through poetry/music, or help a young person find their voice through these mediums.

But don't just stop there. Celebrate June 16th for Tupac.

May 30th for Big L.

March 2nd for Scott La Rock.

January 21st for Jam Master Jay.

May 17th for Freaky Tah.

September 9th for Soulja Slim.

Perhaps you find this overwhelming. Or maybe you wanted me to list artists who died non-violent but still too soon (Big Pun, Lefteye, and Aaliyah come to mind).**

We could fill our calendar with days of remembrance of favorite artists who are no longer with us. Let's celebrate these legacies everyday through true appreciation of their art.

If we can divorce ourselves from our collective infatuation with death dealing, praise the artists that are with us, and make sure new generations NEVER forget the history of our music, then we are doing their legacies justice.

It warmed my heart to see Biggie's lyrics on Facebook all day today, and Diddy twit away with memories of his friend, but let's be back at it on May 21st.

If Hip-Hop will live, it can only do so through an everlasting conversation between generations.

*I've taken to calling the people who follow me on Twitter, "my disciples" (no blasphemy) cuz honestly disciples did follow someone's every word. But what is a good term for the people you follow? P.S. If you wanna follow me on Twitter, the name is I_AM_CtotheB. Preciate it.

**November 9th, May 27th, and January 16th respectively.

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Songs that can do no wrong by me, Vol. II

Good people of Art Star!

Please accept this latest episode of "Songs that can do no wrong by me"

Hope you enjoyed the last episode, here is the tracklisting:

Nat King Cole feat. Nas- The Game of Love

K-OS - The Avenue

Beres Hammond- I feel good

Shabba Ranks- Twice my age

Busy Signal- Hustlin

Vybz Kartel- Selassie I Love We

Bob Marley- War

Barrington Levy, Busta Rhymes, Kardinal Offishall- No War

Download this week's podcast here

As always, please comment and let me know if there is a special song you want me to play for you next time...

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Celebrate with Buju

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Now I know, there are many in the Art Star movement celebrating this day on your lonesome...

Fret not!

No need to be sad in your singularity...Buju Banton has the remedy!

Employing one of the most unique voices in music, let the sweet melodies of each timeless classic sweep you of your feet and let you dance the night away.

So whether it's a special someone, family, friends, or someone you'd like to get to know a little better, don't keep the love to yourself.

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Songs that can do no wrong by me

Art Star pham,

I must confess.

I love music.

I'm not gonna lie and say I listen to every genre but I feel pretty eclectic.

Admittedly, my musical foundation is a reggae/hip-hop/gospel blend but even I get surprised by what comes up when my iPod is on shuffle.

Thus, in an effort to make a memory in the moment, I present:

Songs that can do no wrong by me (DOWNLOAD PODCAST HERE)

Please comment with requests, shoutouts, or just to lemme know what you think about the music.

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Moments vs. Memories

Blogging, like many forms of entertainment in our culture, forces contributors to make a firm decision.

Hot or substance? But above all else, can I stay relevant?!

Once upon a time, being hot meant people thought about you this month. But with the oversaturation of media, you're lucky to be the biggest story of the day.

Who am I kidding? Unless you are the leader of the free world, you're gonna need to do something pretty outrageous, otherwise nobody is checking for you.

And maybe that is what we need, a collective exhale and repudiation of the current state of affairs. With billions of media outlets, blogs, twits, and those loathed facebook "25 random things about me" notes, everyone is trying to get their voice out.

But, like that angry little kid in the Incredibles once opined, if everyone is special, then no one is.

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Say Nothing, Do Nothing, Be Nothing

When is it ever okay to witness suffering and do nothing about it?

I can't help but respond to the response to my call of action, which resounds as a call of apathy.

Much love, and I am excited about the dialogue, but I am saddened because the perspective exhibited in this post is not uncommon.

It must be comforting to discuss human suffering in the most self-removed and theoretical methods. On both sides of the fence, the self-righteous and the indifferent, at their worst are doing nothing. What fails to happen, regardless of their stance, is an honest engagement with their discomfort.

Even those who seem to not care at all--and watching the playoffs isn't the only criteria for not caring...in fact, I don't believe anyone gives their all to the struggle until it reaches their doorstep--have not engaged their discomfort.

And if you've seen the aftermath of this fighting and are not uncomfortable at all, then I believe you have breached your contract with civil society.

Of course a conflict between two states boils down to a struggle for power.

Yes, citizens of a state have an obligation to hold their government responsible.

But, in this day and age, when we are more globally connected then ever, placing the limits to our civil society within our own nation is outdated.

That line of thinking is isolationist, utterly selfish and provides a slippery slope that potentially justifies inaction when acts of genocide (apparently the only act smartblackboy feels justifies other nations peeking over the fence) occur.

It is not a matter of doing what's right simply because so many innocent (I cannot help but assume your definition of "innocent civilian" is framed by making the American experience a universal experience) people are caught in the middle of this. Rather, it is understanding that we are far too connected to view this as their problem.