July 26, 1990: From Crip Camp to Change

30 years ago yesterday, our disabled neighbors to the south achieved a momentous and awesome milestone. They were finally heard and acknowledged as a group. As well, a lot of the American disabled community's concerns were addressed and dealt with, and remain so to this day.

After you watch this incredibly awe-inspiring coverage of July 26, 1990, I highly recommend watching the Crip Camp documentary on Netflix, showing how a group of disabled friends meet and bond at Camp Jened, near the Woodstock site, in 1971. The disabled at that time seemed to be just starting to find their voice among themselves as a group. And while it is fascinating to watch very early black-and-white footage of them enjoying fun in all its usual teenage forms (these being hippie times, that's sex, drugs and rock and roll), much more important are the bonds that continue as they leave camp behind and attempt to integrate into a society which is in no way ready for them. And they do protest, shut down streets in New York City, and make themselves heard in Washington.

They are not treated with kid gloves at all. Not by a long shot.

Think Vietnam War era protests.

But the seeds for that wonderful signing ceremony in July 1990 are sown.

And the celebration is earned.

I know that some may have a problem with the term "crip".

None of us wants to hear it screamed at us on the street, obviously.

But the people in the film use it to make a point, likely about how late 60s/early 70s society saw them at the time.

They are just people. Like anyone.




And I have just discovered that Netflix, along with producers Barack and Michelle Obama, consider Crip Camp's message so important, they have made it available on YouTube for free, in case Netflix is not an option:




Mike Hebert

Bill & Ted Face The Music Trailer

There was a time, back in the now oh-so-ancient 1980s, when people went out to the movies to laugh, enjoy themselves and have a good time.

Nothing was tied or connected to anything else in terms of character or plot. Or very loosely if there were connections.

People just enjoyed themselves, said "Man, that rocked!", and went home happy.

And that's the spirit that Bill & Ted Face The Music seems to convey.

And I am all for it.

A song that can save reality, and change the world?

Bring it on dudes!

Anything will help at this point!

It would be nice if you had rockers like Steven Tyler or Alice Cooper in your band!

But times and pop culture being what they are, we'll understand if you can only get Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran.

But anyway, we'll see you either on demand  or (maybe) in theatres September 1.




MTMG

Oh Those Facebook Memories...Bon Jovi 2010

Facebook reminded me today that 10 years ago tonight, I was at this Bon Jovi show at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium with my good friend Randy. Rest in peace, my friend. You made this show happen for me, and I will never forget the fun.



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Respect For Jennifer Hudson

Wow...I think I know what I'm doing New Year's Eve, seeing as how Respect is now opening on December 30.

Miss Franklin chose her, after all

And for those who don't know (or somehow don't remember) what a vocal powerhouse Jennifer Hudson is, here is a clip of her singing the showstopping song from Dreamgirls, One Night Only:






I can't wait!



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Old Guard Trailer

I have to say that I'm not often actually intrigued by new Netflix offerings before I actually see them.

That changes with The Old Guard.

The film, set to be released on July 10, stars Charlize Theron as Andy, the leader of an ageless group of mercenaries who have been around since the Crusades and have fought thousands of battles since then. A pesky little thing like death never seems to get in the way.

The only wrinkle being that of course, the (literally) old bodies really start to hurt after a while.

And Andy deals with all this while training new recruit Nile (Kiki Layne) and dealing with forces that want to exploit and monetize her secret to immortality.

Like I said, looks very intriguing.


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