Wrapped Around [My Blog]

kəˈflɛz.ɡi

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:10:00 +0000

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Sport Report - NYC Marathon & Olympic Speedskating

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

U.S. Speedskating

It's been a long time. A.G. was right. I would blog again. It's a form of narcissistic therapy though (can therapy be anything other than narcissistic?) so I don't look at it as necessarily a good thing. In my case anyway.

The skinny: the above Colbert Report clip shows journalists on various outlets both gleefully proclaiming that the winner of the NYC Marathon (Men) was an American and exasperatedly flubbing his name. At first glance the spelling may look a bit odd but I'm pretty sure they get their reading material in advance & have at least 30 seconds to look at it before lights, camera, action. I remember there was this thing we had when we were kids that would help us pronounce words that were new to us. Rules of something... What was it again...?

Oh, that's right. PHONICS!

You may not be pronouncing it natively but it sounds better than "kifle...kefleg...klifeg...seriously?!" or "Wow. Tough name for an American."

Where do journalists get their degrees these days? Off the back of Froot Loops boxes?! (No disrespect to the J School peoples.)

Unless your name is Running Dog Coyote Cloud (English translation, of course) your name is NOT "American." They all have their origins somewhere outside of this slab of land we now inhabit in the Western Hemisphere.

Also, if Hooked on Phonics didn't stick, you could always Google/Wiki the name. IPA right there. Go on. Put those Investigative Journalism course credits to work!

Bacon Vodka

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:51:00 +0000

Compliments of the Muslim Baconator Mo.

Too Much Teriyaki Beef?

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:54:00 +0000

Word on the 街 is SEEDA is retiring. Could be a la 50 Cent or maybe Nigo offered him a lifetime supply of BAPE paraphernalia.

I don't really go for the 12-y.o. as thug image SEEDA pushed but I heard he's a pretty nice MC. And this clip dissing Nigo's J-Rap group Teriyaki Boyz (see boy band x street wear impresario x Pharrell beats) makes me laugh. It also makes me want some yakitori.

Shouts to Seiji for hooking me up with a copy of the album. どもありがとう!

Green Spaces for Poor Places

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Thu, 21 May 2009 02:09:00 +0000

I always seem to find a point of ~~contention~~ interest when watching PBS. This time it was while viewing their Blueprint America: Road to the Future special exploring infrastructure development in U.S. cities. The urban planner in me was suddenly aroused by the mention of Robert Moses, the urban planning equivalent to Zoltar, only unfortunately he was successful in executing his evil, racist, classist plans of ~~destruction~~ development. (He's known as Master Builder for a reason, after all.)

Highlighted was the plight of Nos Quedamos, a grass roots community development organization in the Bronx. For approximately 15 years they have been attempting to not only stop the city from expanding the Sheridan Expressway, but to decommission it in favor of creating a pedestrian friendly green space.

WHAT??! Poor people of color wanting exhaust-free air with...grass? I mean, listening to NYDOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan going on and on about the amount of green spaces created in Manhattan over the last couple of years - acreage akin to "40 football fields" - and those to come such as this summer's closing off of Broadway in Times Square to vehicular traffic, one would think Nos Quedamos' plan would at least be considered if not entirely, then as a hybrid/compromise type deal.

Ninguna manera.

You see, green spaces and bike lanes are great for places like the Meat Packing District and Times Square. Pero communities in the outer extremities, populated by poorer people, especially of color, already bordered by three other highways with no hope of racial gentrification on the horizon don't need that.

Nos quedamos, indeed. As long as we remain in our proper place.

More info:
Southern Bronx River Watershed Alliance
Volunteer Match>Nos Quedamos
Sustainable South Bronx
Highway Robbery

Blueprint America: Road to the Future Overview+Clips

Lessondary Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:18:00 +0000

They're here! Leave it to Mo to stop everything & cop 'em as soon as word went out in Twitterville that they arrived in NYC.

The homies Tanya Morgan are pretty busy these days & word around town is they certainly did their thing on Brooklynati so if you don't have it, go get it! If you do have it, you might as well pack your bags, get your Survival Kit, & move. They can help.
...

This is the 2nd installment of Spec Boogie's Summer Movie Video Series where the homie spits over soundtracked movie clips. "That boy good!" (c) Coming to America (I waiting for that one. Hint, hint.)
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Che Grand's video for Girls Talk from his upcoming Everything's Good Ugly. Track by none other than Lessondary producer Aeon.

...

Until the release of Donwill's concept solo release Don Cusack in High Fidelity, there's the Laura's Song maxi-single.

Plus, check Lessondary cameos on projects such as Donny Goines' The Breakfast Club. (Bit o' a recurring theme, this movie-concept thing, eh?)

[Update: You can win a Survival Kit from FWMJ's Rappers I Know. I'm sure someone can come up with a better reply than first dude.]

BKLYNATI DAY, Part Deux Ni ( 二 )

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Tue, 12 May 2009 21:03:00 +0000

JPN ナンバーワンです！ How they got the fitteds before they're even available in BKLYNATI USA is beyond me but they're out there! (via Mo)

BKLYNATI DAY

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:27:00 +0000

Just got this package today. I am really loving the execution on this project. Well, except for the fitteds but that's another story. (Hopefully they will materialize soon!)

Survival Kit (complete with welcome letter from Mayor ?uestlove) + municipal website for BKLYNATI USA = Total Package. Oh, almost forgot, there's the album. Dope rhymes, dope beats. This is not a review. Just some advice - cop that.

'Nuff said.

iTunes
Survival Kit

Pulse+LPR

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:22:00 +0000

The homie Yushi a/k/a Pesu teaching the kids @ Pulse/Vibe Mag event. Shouts to Y az & the Old-Soulz collective!
...
Some random shots caught in between venues:

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LPR
Welcome to BKLYNATI! (Drop 5-12-09) Hey guys, think you can hook a sista up with a side job @ the Brewery???

J.Cole says...a lot actually. Kid can spit. I was thoroughly impressed.

Parting shot...G'nite.

Bacon as Brain Food, Part Deux

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:23:00 +0000

Via the ~~homie John Saan~~ part-time Muslim Mo (@Wunmic for you Twitter folks). I love bacon but to me the texture is a large part of the enjoyment so I'll pass on the paste. But if you're into spreadable edibles you can cop the squeeze now from the good people over @ ThinkGeek.com.

Bacon as Brain Food

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 17:55:00 +0000

Not that type of brain. We're talking center of the physiological universe brain - nervous systems and such. According to a recent study, a bacon sandwich is the perfect remedy for a hangover. It even replenishes neurotransmitters eviscerated by all those orange oil + Thai bird chili infused vodka concoctions you imbibed the night before. (By you I of course mean me.) I wonder if a Porchetta sandwich is a comparable substitute. One can only hope...

*Dear Mo: there's also a bit in there about why bacon is so irresistible. So don't be ashamed of your love. It's only natural.

KRAZY! Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:06:00 +0000

This past weekend saw pretty much non-stop action all over the place as DJ MURO was in NYC, spinning at Santos on Friday w/ Q-Tip + Rich Medina*, & APT on Saturday w/ Chairman Mao (for the release of their Run for Cover II collabo). In between, Cut&Paste 2009 went down at Webster Hall, the crew (4 of us) polished off a bottle of wine in 10 minutes, I totally geeked out when Rich Medina introduced me to MURO, showing him my Pedobear-stickered iPod w/ Microphone Pager albums listed, met Tomoya/CLV from BBPBX crew (I want that MURO jacket!), paid for 0 drinks, got felt up by some random yakuza dude (nice tats, tho), & had Chairman Mao laugh HARD while he watched, proceeding to play slow jams. Considering the drink to paying ratio I really can't complain. Plus, Tomoya works at THE ramen spot, Ippudo, so it seems I'll be going there even more often. (Where you at, Shoefleur?!)

Sunday was supposed to be a day of leisure (+ detox). A trip to the Japan Society w/ FROactiv and the homie Kiwon, lunch/early dinner then bed. Nope. KRAZY was, well, crazy. First we sat for a screening of Paprika. (PARENTS: Do NOT bring small children. While your squirming is amusing to us single & free people, we fear your actions may induce long term emotional scarring even more so than the anime.) Then we discovered the Pac-Man console, had a few battles, then meandered into the anime bonanza room where you can watch several films simultaneously or settle into cozy little nooks for individual viewing. Next trip I'm bringing popcorn; Kiwon's got us on the beers. Our lunch/early dinner began with the trip we dare not speak of but concluded nicely at Bon Chon. & by concluded I really mean continued until sometime after ten pm with seafood pancake + several rounds of fruity soju + other concoctions (thanks, Kiwon!). I think I'm still hung over but that won't stop this weekend.

Roomie Afton Supa Fly Snukka is leaving NYC for pastures further south (Florida for now). So if you're around come out & send her off right! Shenanigans start tonight in the LES, tomorrow & Saturday are still TBD. Stay tuned...

*Rich Medina is one of the proudest poppas I've ever met. Just ask him about his "li'l Samurai" and he'll no doubt oblige, showing you iPhone pics of the cutie by the dozens! Just be sure to make the bar/bathroom run BEFORE approaching him. ;-)

Case of the Mondays

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:14:00 +0000

I tweet therefore I am. Or am I? If a tweet goes out and no one replies, does it exist? Who knows, but sometimes you come across gems like Erykah Badu's anomalous stalker narrative in real time, further threatening the obsolescence of online publishing.

That is, of course, if you care...

Recession Teflons?

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:43:00 +0000

A few days ago, venerable* brander/taste-maker/blog-ghostwriter(?) jeffstaple twitted that despite economic hard times, Reed Space was still rocking. My inbox has seen a steady increase in brand launch and anniversary invites and there are those I know who are still in the planning stages. With businesses shutting down left and right, record unemployment rates, and wait-lists for city grad and bar school programs, one would think starting their own business, let alone one dependent upon disposable income people don't really have, a fruitless endeavor.

Apparently not so. Real research and ruminations aside - those should be left to the pros over at Freakonomics - I posed this question to Scrills, 1/2 of the creative duo behind Cookie -n- Cream(see above event tonight). The short answer: kids love treats. Make 'em feel special, build that relationship, and they'll not only keep coming back but they may even share with their close friends. Sharing is caring. And they can care. A lot.

So, run with your ideas, creatives! Get your nurture on and be free! (Yes, that means YOU, FROactiv!)

You may also wanna check this out when thinking about your foundations. There's a book too but the online content is more dynamic. (You gotta keep up.)

Bamboo Banger - 1 YR Anniversary for Cookies -n- Cream
Thursday, March 19th 10pm-4am
Katra 217 Bowery (corner of Rivington)
...

*[venerable: respected but not yet canonized. That would be HF. But he's still a slash/slasher + hypherner.]

It's not easy being...chartreuse

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:38:00 +0000

Beau decided we'd have old-school soul night, complete with clementine vodka cocktails. He youtubed this vintage Whitney, knowing full well how I feel about Donny Hathaway covers. I can't front. This was a great cover. Even if, when hunched over in that outfit, she looked like Zorak.

Case of the Mondays

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:42:00 +0000

NYC cold + wind = stay at home weekend for me. I accomplished some much needed cleaning, a bit o' reading (the February Esquire was an excellent c2c read, compliments of AG), and some movies.

The Taste of Tea - I love this movie. The Mountain Song was stuck in my head all weekend, thankfully knocking this out.
...

This is just hilarious. The brilliance of it is that if, like me, you have an acute disdain for autotune, you can mute the video & laugh at the captioned lyrics (& Optimus Prime on the pole). Enjoy!

(Full post/Tanya Morgan Presents Ilyas (i-EL) - The Prelude)

Maybe someone should remix the Mountain Song w/ autotune? Too much maybe...?

Monkey Business

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:51:00 +0000

The Delonas Cartoon in today's NY Post has caused quite an uproar. I received e-mail after e-mail calling for a boycott of the NY Post. And then, notification via Twitter of the inevitable - Al Sharpton will be on CNN to discuss controversial cartoon. I guess one monkey don't stop no show so all of them have to jump in.

We're sensitive and defensive because many wounds aren't healed but just below the surface, easily reopened. But, as was the case with last year's Assassination of Clinton/Obama exhibit, this cartoon can represent something else. Maybe, just maybe, it's not a literal depiction of a specific person but more metaphorical commentary on a specific point of view. Maybe the cartoonist thinks the stimulus plan is so simple and lame it could've been written by a chimp. (For the record, Obama would NOT be the chimp in question. Do you really think he wrote that entire plan himself?)

With the signing of the most important piece of economic, hell ANY, legislation of our lifetime we are either talking about Jessica Simpson's weight, Chris Brown beating Rhianna, or a monkey in a cartoon that may or may not be a reference to President Obama. We should be talking about whether or not we think monetary policy is enough to fix this mess, what happened with TARP and if this plan has more oversight and accountability built in.

Instead of calling for the boycott of a tabloid - not a newspaper - that nonetheless endorsed Obama (albiet tepidly), and co-signing the relevance of a stooge "leader" such as Al Sharpton, why don't we check out some information and have really meaningful conversations?

- Stimulus Plan Press Brief
- Economic Commentary on RGE Monitor (Nouriel Roubini's blog)
- Economics for Dummies
- Book: Where Does the Money Go?

Oh, and about stooge "leaders" - Burris? I told you so.

Journey of almalgamated dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:31:00 +0000

If you're not busy (or afraid of snow), come out tonight for the exhibit opening of Journey of amalgamated dreams @ the Artgate Gallery in Chelsea. It's a group show based on the use of layers both physical and conceptual in both 2D and 3D platforms, including the works of this guy. (He's my director so I told him he gets a link, but no explicit plugs!)

Haiti: Hunger & Hope

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:39:00 +0000

Nigel Barker has graciously dedicated his time and photography services to an organization I've collaborated with, Edeyo. He went to visit Bel-Air, an impoverished area of Port-au-Prince, where Edeyo has built and maintains a K-6th grade school, Ecole du Bel-Air. This school is one of the VERY FEW schools in Haiti that does not operate at a profit. There is no tuition charged, there is no charge for uniforms or school materials, and there is NO CHARGE for school lunch. It opened in 2007 and in 2 years it's enrollment has grown by almost 50% (from 88 to 172). Everyone who does anything for Edeyo, MYSELF included, does so as a volunteer. There is no budget for staff or administration.

Nigel visited Haiti in June of 2008 and was so struck by what he saw, he created an exhibition around the community and the foundation. The opening for this exhibit is Thursday, January 8th, at Milk Gallery in the Meat Packing district.

Some of the honored committee members are Adrien Brody, Susan Sarandon, and Spike Lee. (For a full list of 'sell-ebs', click Edeyo link above.) Of course Mr. Barker will be there to present his work. I don't care if you come for star-gazing or for the cause, just come out and support. (Re-evaluating the ends justifies the means clause.)

Thank you and goodnight.

Click to enlarge invite above and RSVP to Yvette@Edeyo.org. (Please note press affiliations if applicable.)

Previous events: Colors for Haiti (For those that came out, thank you and we look forward to seeing you @ Milk!)

Double Happiness 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:01:00 +0000

I came across the movie Double Happiness on IFC. It stars Sandra Oh as the dutiful but independent (eldest) daughter pulled between her desires and the expectations set upon by her old-school immigrant family (read: father). This exchange struck me and I couldn't figure out if I had seen the movie before or just that part. Then I realized it sounded just like the exchange I had with my father the previous evening. (Both father's statements and daughter's replies were strikingly similar. If I had seen that movie before, I would have summized we (sub)consciously plagerized the script.)

Dad: We did not bring you here to ruin your life. We brought you here for the opportunities.

Daughter: Yes, Dad.

Dad: From now on, you must only seize the best opportunities.

Daughter: Yes, Dad.

Dad: Are you going to enroll in [blah, blah, blah] college?

Daughter: Yes, Dad. I'm just trying to decide.

That night she goes on an arranged date. She bolts. The next scene is a family dinner where daughter tells father she's leaving and ruins what looks like a really tasty meal. That's it.

Oh would it were so easy. Or is it? There's no clever screenplay here. I see both sides and tend to suffer from Hamlet syndrome. What if Dad is right and I'm wrong? What if I'm right and Dad's wrong? What if we're both right? Or wrong? Or partially both? Or wholly neither?

We're all going through transitions. Constantly. (Change is the only constant, right?) I wish I had a magic 8 ball right now but alas Santa didn't leave one under the tree this year. All I do know is that this year will go as fast as it has come, and no one knows when they're last last is gonna happen.

Oh, and while living long is great, getting old...SUCKS.

So here's to realizing and recognizing happiness. And doubling up on it whenever possible. 'Cause it may feel nice, but it doesn't come easy.

AOKxTMxHiero @ Knitting Factory. TONIGHT

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 23:01:00 +0000

One of the last Hip Hop shows @ the legendary Knitting Factory. Ever. (The Friday night show looks to be pretty dope as well.)

Colors for Haiti

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:39:00 +0000

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
- Frederick Douglass

As some of you know I have been working with a foundation called Edeyo (Eh-Day-Oh). Restaurateur, "nightclub impresario," and Haitian expat Unik Ernest (PM, Lily Pond, Merkato55) has rallied a few volunteers to put together fund-raising events to support the school Edeyo built and supports, Ecole du Bel-Air, located in an impoverished district of Port-Au-Prince. The situation is dire and this is one of the few, if not the only, schools that is completely FREE for students and families - no tuition, all supplies and uniforms are paid for by the school, and all meals are free. Needless to say this is a necessary and daunting task.

Aside from Unik's annual birthday/anniversary fundraiser, we have a few events coming up soon. We are establishing Colors for Haiti as our signature event where artwork from the students will be displayed, and bid on, alongside the works of other artists. This year we have contributions from:

Nigel Barker
Mark Baptiste
Walter Chin
Renato Dagostin
Michael Edwards
Marianne Fourie
Antonio Ibarra
Seiji Fujimori
Mariko Ouchi
Douglas Morionne
Garalde Pradieu
Carlos Van der Roer
Nicolas Wagner

Signature drinks provided by Cuca Fresca.
After party @ Bijoux Lounge (Merkato55 downstairs)

Donations will be accepted at the door. So don't be stingy! 'Tis the time of giving!

When: Tuesday, Dec. 9th, 7PM-11PM
Where: Merkato55, 55 Gansevoort St.(bet. Greenwich & Washington), NYC
RSVP: Doris@edeyo.org

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Coming soon: Nigel Barker exhibit - Haiti: Hunger & Hope @ Milk NYC. Stay tuned...

Mock New York Times

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:21:00 +0000

These mock New York Times were being given out this morning at Columbus Circle. There was a film crew present recording people's reactions but they were a bit cagey when questioned. I don't know if the NYT was actually behind this or it's some marketing stunt a la HBO's True Blood, but I did enjoy this article:

*Click pics to enlarge.

[UPDATE: NYT cites Gawker report that names the Yes Men as responsible party. Whoever did it, kudos for the bang up print job.]

Happy Burfday, Von Peaaaaaaaaa!

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:35:00 +0000

Today, for Mr. Pea's born date, the ever-altruistic MC wants to give YOU a gift. That's right. The Further Adventures of Von Pea are available for FREE HERE.

If you are interested in sending him something in return, take a look at his wishlist.

Weekend Wrap-up

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:41:00 +0000

Saturday:

Journeyed out to BK for my first ~~rockers~~ ~~dancehall~~ ~~soca~~ hip-hop video shoot since Wu-Tang shot their videos in Stapleton. From the heart of Bed-Stuy, indeed. Check out Spec Boogie's Kid Gorgeous NOW and look out for the video soon to come.

...

Sunday:

Roomie brunch @ the Half King complete with green eggs, ham, turkey sausage, biscuits & gravy, and fuzzy mimosas. Needless to say we spent the better part of the afternoon on their comfy loveseats. Good thing they had nice visuals. Current exhibition: 21 Months on the Road photo retrospective of the Obama campaign by Scout Tufankjian. (Our brunch was better, you tweet-up punks! So nah!)

Noticed the banner on the long stumble to the train station:
Apparently Chelsea residents are still pretty ticked off about this.

First Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Canela_NYC) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:37:00 +0000

Well dear, how do you feel about Obama winning the presidential election?

One thing I know, I will be praying for him for wisdom, understanding, steadfastness, strength and faith in God. He will certainly need it.

I am proud because he is of my same race but also a bit worried... I really hope he does a good job because he is not only representing the United Stated...but I feel that in a special way he is representing blacks around the world.

At least he is intelligent, eloquent, goes to church (hope it is a good church) and loves his family.... that's a good start.

Love,
Lorena

My sister Lorena in Panama sent me this e-mail today and, in the midst of 'back-to-the-daily-grind' work, it made me pause.

Between commentaries on the symbolic (ir)relevance of an Obama Presidency to the endearing anecdotal pieces regarding our ongoing struggle for equality, logical analysis and sentimentality almost eliminated the initial emotional conflict that consumed me right up to 11/04/08 10:16pm: the battle between elation and melancholy.

How do I feel about Obama winning the presidential election, indeed.

I am happy. He is the personification of the oft-heard parental adage 'you can be whatever you want to be.' I personally didn't realize how many limitations I put on myself until Obama was elected. Sure, I thought, I could be whatever I wanted to be - doctor, lawyer, candlestick maker - but president of the United States of America? Never entered my mind. And now it's a reality for my brother, nephews, cousins, and future generations. A friend of mine noted that their newborn son would never know a time when it was absurd to envision a black president. Deep.

I am sad. Obama literally brought hope to generation(s) of apathetic citizens. And let's be real, it wasn't just 'young people' he had to inspire to vote. The process of getting elected has been an uphill battle (slope = undefined) and with all the current issues facing this country, including rapidly disintegrating diplomatic relations with Russia, his presidency won't be a cakewalk either. More than tough decisions, he's going to have to make even harder compromises and it's likely he'll disappoint many of his ardent supporters who treat him with an iconic (damn near religious) reverence. It's also likely he'll do something to make his opponents say 'told you so.' He is mortal. And this presidency in particular is fraught with a whole heap of pressure to put on one person.

If the takeaway from this election is that individual actions amalgamate into mass action that makes a difference, overall I think I could be pleased with that. If we as a people can now get passed the historic moment to realize he is just one man and that we all must take responsibility to be more informed and active in our government (and let that be the new 'patriotism', not xenophobia) then things might be OK.

It is starting to sink in and spread. It'll be interesting to see where this goes.

[Note: The New York Times online shop has been hung up since yesterday with people clamoring to get a reprint of the Nov. 5th edition. Luckily I have a wonderful director who gave me his copy (I owe you big time, Bill!). He also put me on re: preservation tactics. If you don't want your saved newspapers to disintegrate over time, you're gonna need some of this stuff. However, it could be easier to just bookmark this site - a graphic composite of international headlines from the day.]