To be read as a direct continuation of Part 4; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-2020-summer-olympics-closing.html
Part of the music in this section was performed by the Tokyo Paradise Ska Orchestra.
Performing live on the Protocol stage. Turning it into a bandstand. Like you would find in a typical Tokyo park.
As was discussed extensively during the Opening Ceremony. As was discussed extensively at the 2021 Oscars.
The US Democrat Party is the Party of Slavery.
Jazz/Blues music is a good device. To discuss the differing fortunes of Black Americans following the US Civil War (1861-1865).
Black Americans in the Republican controlled Northern States. Were set free from slavery and given the same rights as everyone else. This allowed for a renaissance in Black American culture. Including the birth of Jazz/Blues.
While Black Americans in Democrat controlled Southern States. Were subjected to segregation and so-called; "Jim Crow" laws. Essentially slavery by another name.
Really all modern western Rock and Pop music has its roots in Jazz and Blues music.
This is particularly true of Ska which very clearly and directly grew out of Jazz. Reggae and Rocksteady grew equally directly and clearly out of Ska.
Ska was particularly adopted by the Punk scene. Which grew as a rebellion against the Blues-derived Rock genre. After it became bloated and self-indulgent.
There are numerous examples of this cross-over I could point to. Such as Gwen Stefani's No Doubt or The Offspring. However the biggest and best is probably The Clash.
As was discussed in the Opening Ceremony. In the section I entitled; "Intermission!" Featuring the Japanese Jazz pianist Hiromi.
Japanese society has really embraced Jazz. With it having been imported, like Baseball. By US troops stationed in Japan since World War Two.
Particularly Japanese youth culture, those Harajuku Boys and Girls. Has also embraced Punk music. Bands like No Doubt and The Offspring.
By its nature Jazz music is non-conformist. Songs aren't written or rehearsed in advance. The musicians just go where the music takes them, each and every time they perform.
Punk is also non-conformist. The music of rebellion.
Japan however has a very rigid and conformist culture. A tradition that began with the Tokugawa Class System. Introduced during the Edo Period.
So as a westerner. It's interesting to see how Japan has managed to take these very non-conformist, rebellious styles of music. Then adopt what seems to be very safe, sanitised versions of them.
In their, almost, uniform of white dinner jackets and bowties. The Tokyo Paradise Ska Orchestra certainly seemed very conformist and sanitary.
Particularly when compared to the Dreadlocked Rastafarians like Bob Marley. Who is synonymous with that Ska off-shoot, Reggae.
Hardcore Punk was begun by the US band Minor Threat in 1980. A much harder, more aggressive, rebellious form of Punk.
Due to the longstanding cross-over between Punk and Ska. Someone decided to combine Hardcore Punk with Ska. Creating the little known genre; "Skacore."
One of the more entertaining Skacore bands is the British band; "Snuff."
Who take their name from that very Colonial British saying. That if someone's not good enough, not up to the required standard. Then;
"They're not up to snuff!"
Snuff specialise in doing Skacore covers of well known Pop songs. Along with Skacore covers of popular British TV sitcom theme songs.
They are an absolutely hilarious festival band. Along with being a much sort after live support act.
Snuff are about as far away as it is possible to get. From the conformist, sanitary image of the Tokyo Paradise Ska Orchestra being put on show here.
One of Snuff's original songs that seems to be particularly popular in Japan. Is; "Hilda Ogden and the Plot Thickens."
Named after Hilda Ogden. That famous character from that famous British TV soap opera; "Coronation Street."
In its foul mouthed, barely comprehensible lyrics. Hilda Ogden and the Plot Thickens makes fun of that particular type of basement dwelling virgin.
Someone who has watched far too much Manga and convinced themselves they have magical superpowers. Like the ability to perform Jedi-like mind-tricks.
Speaking of basement dwelling virgins. Who've convinced themselves they have magical superpowers, allowing them to perform Jedi-like mind-tricks.
To coincide with the Olympics. Miley Cyrus did a commercial for Gucci's Flora Gorgeous Gardenia fragrance.
Much of this commercial was animated in the Manga style.
In keeping with the theme of the fragrance it showed Miley Cyrus in a garden surrounded by flowers. Particularly blossoming flowers like the Cherry Blossom or Lotus flower.
It was a very desperate attempt to fish for information. About the Olympics and Japanese culture.
It was also an attempt to further push that rumour that Miley Cyrus may be bisexual. The thing that was supposed to shock the World from its axis.
"Lady-Garden" being a euphemism for female genitala. One which, with that blossoming Olympic Cauldron. Japan seems well aware of.
At the time of the 2021 Super Bowl. I was all ready to entertain you with some absolutely Outrageous Lockdown Gossip! Rihanna and I as a married couple. Miley Cyrus having to audition for us both.
Rihanna also seemed to be up for some absolutely Outrageous Lockdown Gossip! Looking at all the pictures of her tropical garden she was posting on Instagram.
Then. Nothing Happened.
So all that Miley Cyrus commercial achieved. Was to highlight just how pitiful and hopeless the US/UK were in their efforts to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus.
Ska is a genre of music which is rather synonymous with me. It is certainly one I like to listen to.
I write under the name; "Sovereign." Except where that is unavailable. In which case I write under the name; "Sovereignaka."
A small reference to the British Ska band; "The Specials." Who spilt and partially reformed as; "The Specials AKA (also known as)."
The Specials are probably the most famous band signed to the British Ska label "2 Tone." Their logo is blue and white Sillitoe Tartan. The same geometric progression used in the Tokyo Olympic emblem.
On both hands I have thermal burn scars. In the shape of what is said to be Jesus Christ's stigmata.
"Ska" and "Scar" are pronounced exactly the same way.
I end each of my posts by giving the time in GMT and date in my location. The lack of a passport makes it hard to give a location outside of the UK.
This tradition began with the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake Disaster. The so-called "3/11 Disaster."
It was essential at the time. As we were all trying to track the second biggest Tsunami ever recorded. Making its way across the Pacific, backwards across the International Date Line.
So most readers probably don't notice that time and date on the bottom of the page.
To my Japanese readers. It sits there like a scar. A permanent reminder of the 3/11 Disaster.
A scar we all wear.
At around 18:30 on 6/1/22 (UK date) I don't know when I'll be picking this up again.
Edited at around 17:45 on 8/1/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;
The Tokyo Paradise Ska Orchestra's logo. Used on their drum-kit. Was very similar to an obscure album cover by The Specials. A collection of their rarer singles and live concert tracks.
Including a version of The Pioneers song; "Longshot Kick De Bucket." A song about people losing money by betting on horses.
As was discussed in Highlights Reel I. Team GB succeeding in the Equestrian events was seriously weird. Unhinged even.
I'm not kidding. If I'd said something like that to a Doctor over the summer. Then you wouldn't be reading this. I'd still be locked up in a psychiatric facility.
It was clearly, provably, completely detached from reality.
Derived directly from Jazz brass instruments are particularly important to Ska. Things like Trumpets, Trombones, Saxophones.
Here the Tokyo Paradise Ska Orchestra were joined by students from the Tokyo Katakura High School Senior Brass Band.
In a nod to the pandemic. How so much of everyday life was forced online. They appeared remotely.
It was actually a pre-recorded video. Making for something of musical challenge.
Keeping the live music in sync with the recording. Even highly technologically advanced Japanese recordings. Have a nasty habit of skipping and lagging unexpectedly.
In telling you the right answer. In the fourth month of the Pandemic, March 2020. I wrote about the death of my maternal grandmother. I've a few spares.
How she spent her life working as a hospital Pharmacist. Both within Britain's National Health Service (NHS) and before the NHS came into being.
Specifically I wrote about how she declined to be put on a ventilator. Understanding that it wasn't a question of her going on a ventilator and then getting better.
It was a question of her going on a ventilator. Then dying on a ventilator. Something large medical families know is a really unpleasant way to die.
At the funeral. What we got was a lot of messages of condolence. From many really highly respected British Jazz musicians. Reminding us. That little old lady definitely had a past.
Did I mention? She was a Pharmacist. Her husband was a Doctor. The sort of Doctor they had to tone all the way down. To make the Dr Gregory House character seem believable.
Did I also mention? The TV Show; "The Affair" is a massive, big budget Israeli Jewish love letter to me. Me and my family with a long history of horse ownership.
So Miley Cyrus' attacks on the bisexual community. Particularly the bisexual actress Anna Paquin. Were really not the way to pass an audition.
It was this grandmother who insisted that, as a child, I learned the trumpet as a musical instrument. A trumpet that was given to her by Bill Brunskill. Google him.
So that is actually me playing. On the hidden, bonus track. On The Offspring's 1998 album; "Americana."
Just kidding. That's a session musician cover version.
I grew up in a deaf household. A household without music. My attempts to learn music, without music. Did not go well.
I've still got that trumpet. Over this past couple of years. With all this talk of the history of music. The birth of Jazz and Ska. I keep thinking about picking it up again.
After all I've clearly got loads of free time. I
don't have to waste absolutely ages. Quietly absorbing other people's
psychotic little outbursts.
Everyone almost stopped, gathered together. For a special performance of; "Ue o Muite Aruko (I Look Up As I Walk)" by Kyo Sakamoto. Possibly the most globally famous Japanese song ever.
In 1945 the US dropped two Nuclear, Atomic bombs on Japan. The only time that Nuclear weapons have ever been used in anger.
This forced Japan's surrender, ending World War Two.
A surrender signed aboard the USS Missouri. Anchored in Tokyo Bay, almost exactly where Commodore Perry anchored his Black Ships in 1853.
After Japan's surrender the US militarily occupied Japan.
That's not me being dramatic. That is the correct legal term under the Geneva Conventions. The US military described itself as; "The Occupying Power."
In 1952 the US officially ended its military occupation of Japan. Yet kept troops in Japan under the 1952 "Security Treaty Between the US and Japan."
This was the continuing US military occupation of Japan. In all but name.
It allowed the US to station whatever forces it liked within Japan, with Japan getting no say. It allowed those US troops to attack whomever they liked. Again with Japan getting absolutely no say.
It did not obligate those US troops to protect Japan.
Perhaps most importantly. It allowed those US troops to violently put down any Japanese civilian protests. Regardless of what the Japanese government, let alone the Japanese public thought about it.
Almost immediately. The Japanese government started pushing for a revision of the 1952 treaty.
In 1960 the US offered them a new treaty. "The Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security Between the US and Japan (ANPO)."
The 1960 ANPO treaty was a big improvement on the 1952 treaty.
It obligated the US to defend Japan.
It gave Japan a say in how many US troops would be stationed in Japan. Along with an obligation for the US to notify Japan before those troops attacked anyone.
It also stopped US troops being able to violently suppress civilian protests.
Crucially it also had a sunset clause. A set end-date. Ten years after it going into effect.
By this point though the Cold War was really raging. In 1960 the US and the Soviet Union came to the brink of all out Nuclear war.
Due to the shooting down of a US U2 spyplane. Events portrayed in the 2015 multiple Oscar winning movie; "Bridge of Spies." U2 spyplanes were part of the US forces stationed in Japan.
At the time Japan was still at war with the Soviet Union. Japan continues to be, technically, at war with Russia. The status of the Kuril Islands/Northern Territories has still not been resolved.
So Japan was really concerned about the ANPO treaty dragging them into a Nuclear, shooting war with the Soviet Union. Having seen, first hand, what Nuclear weapons can do. Just 15 years earlier.
As part of the 1945 surrender. The US imposed the Peace Constitution (Heiwa-Kenpo) on Japan. Article 9 of which forbids Japan from having offensive weapons. Particularly ballistic missiles.
Meaning that if ANPO did drag Japan into a Nuclear shooting war with the Soviet Union. Then Japan would be fighting that war unarmed. Certain to lose.
So the proposed ANPO treaty triggered a year of mass protests against its signing. Known as; "The ANPO Struggle." These continue to be the largest civilian protests in Japan's recorded history.
As the protests grew in size they became more violent. On June 15th 1960 (15/6/60). ANPO protesters stormed the Japanese Parliament (Diet). One protester, Michiko Kanba, was shot and killed.
The death of this young woman led to such public outrage. That then US President Eisenhower was forced to cancel a planned visit to Japan.
Eventually though the ANPO treaty was passed.
It was while walking back from that final protest. That Rokusuke Ei wrote the lyrics to Ue o Muite Aruko. It is about his frustration at the ANPO treaty being passed.
It tells the story of a man looking up and whistling. A Displacement Activity. To stop his teardrops falling as he looks back at the failure and what has been lost.
Although those lyrics are deliberately metaphorical. So no-one can immediately tell that it's a protest anthem against ANPO.
So
here it could be taken as a reflection of how sad everyone is. That the
Olympics is now over. But don't cry, the Para-Olympics are just around
the corner.
Not that I think anyone in Japan was at all sad to see the back of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Everyone in Japan knew what Ue o Muite Aruko really meant though. So on its release in 1961 it went straight to the top of the Japanese music charts. Staying there for three months.
Japan then seemed to set about deliberately making the song extremely popular in the US. A way to take their ANPO struggle directly to the American public.
So they changed the title to; "Sukiyaki." A type of Japanese beef stew. Which has absolutely nothing to do with the song.
Yet sounds sufficently Japanese to American ears. Without being as long-winded and confusing as; "Ue o Muite Aruko."
A tactic which I sure will be amusing. To a whole host of Japanese, Chinese and other Asian restaurant owners in the US and other western nations.
The Japanese were successful in this effort. The now titled Sukiyaki topped the US music charts for some five weeks in 1963.
The first Asian language song to do so. The only Asian language song to do so. Until "Dynamite" by BTS, last year (2020).
The American government did seem to finally hear Japan's ANPO protests.
In 1965 NASA played an instrumental version of Sukiyaki to astronauts aboard the Gemini 7 space capsule. Making it one of the first songs ever played in space.
Also making for a coded gesture. That the US was prepared to bring Japan under its protective Nuclear Umbrella.
Space Rockets and Nuclear Missile really differ only in what you put on top of them. So Article 9 of the Heiwa-Kenpo also prevents Japan from having any serious Space Program.
In hijacking my relationship with Miley Cyrus. The US/UK have been trying to turn her into something of a Sharp Power/Propaganda weapon.
Loading it up with all these hidden, coded political references and diplomatic gestures. Such as rumours about whether she's bisexual. Or is, definitely, really, really racist.
In this performance of Ue o Muite Aruko/Sukiyaki. Japan is further trying to drive home the point to the US/UK.
That people have been doing this sort of thing all day, every day. Since, really, the invention of Pop music.
The technical level the US/UK are trying to do it at through Miley Cyrus. It is absolutely pitiful.
We're being extremely charitable when we describe it as; "Pre-Kindergarten."
It is embarrassing to watch. Let alone be formally allied with.
At around 18:35 on 8/1/22 (UK date) I'll pick this up tomorrow.
Edited at around 17:10 on 9/1/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;
Perhaps due to its role. As a Significant Sharp Power/Propaganda Weapon during the Cold War.
Sukiyaki/Ue o Muite Aruko has been covered and sampled extensively. Along with being used in numerous soundtracks. For movies, TV shows and videogames.
The song's Wikipedia page cites some 70 examples. I dread to think what the full list is.
As this is the Olympics. I'm sure you could talk about each and every one. If you so wish.
I was particularly interested in the fact it appeared on the soundtrack for; "M*A*S*H." Both the movie (1970) and TV (1972-1983) versions.
M*A*S*H is set during the Korean War. So I can only hope this was deliberate.
Really the main reason for the US ending its formal military occupation of Japan. Through the imposition of the 1952 Security Treaty.
Was that it wanted to re-deploy those US troops. Using them to fight the Korean War (1950-1953).
The use of US bases in Japan to provide logistical support to the Korean War. Made Japan a legitimate military target for North Korean and Chinese forces.
This saw Japan being taken to the brink of Nuclear war with China.
A Nuclear war which due to Article 9 of Heiwa-Kenpo Japan would be fighting unarmed. The 1952 Security Treaty wouldn't see the US help them.
That is really why the Korean War ended in stalemate.
US-led forces realised that if they pushed up to the Chinese border. Then China would respond with Nuclear weapons.
While China realised that if they advanced south beyond the 38th Parallel. Then the US would respond with Nuclear weapons.
As you may have learned during the 2018 Winter Olympics. Held in PyeongChang, Republic of Korea (RoK/South). That Nuclear stand-off is still going on now.
It was this experience of the US nearly dragging Japan into Nuclear war. Which was a significant driving force behind opposition to the ANPO Treaty.
The movie and TV show; "M*A*S*H" are a metaphor for the Vietnam War.
I think it is often forgotten that South Korea were dragged into that war. Fighting alongside the US against the North Vietnamese and China.
Due to Article 9 of the Heiwa-Kenpo. Japan were able to avoid that obligation.
Beyond US bases in Japan being used for logistical support. By that time under the defence of the US Nuclear Umbrella.
I was also interested in Sukiyaki/Ue o Muite Aruko featuring on the soundtrack to; "The Man in the High Castle."
As this isn't a meeting of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). I think that's something we can describe as an; "Amazon TV Show."
This tells an alternate history. In which the Axis Powers of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan win World War Two. Dividing control of America between themselves.
The Japanese Fascists are based in Silicon Valley.
The Man in the High Castle is amongst only a handful of things that seem worth watching on Amazon Prime. It seems particularly pertinent now.
What with the Biden regime functioning as a sort of Vichy/Quisling government. First and foremost serving a Foreign, Fascist power.
The 1990 version of Sukiyaki/Ue o Muite Aruko by Selena also seems to be of particular significance.
Selena Quinttanilla-Perez was a US Popstar in the late 1980's and early 1990's. There was a renewed interest in her in 2020. When Netflix released the show; "Selena: The Series" about her life.
While we were all in Lockdown. Being forced to stream anything we could lay our hands on.
All the attention surrounding that Netflix show. Is something I'm now wishing I'd paid a lot more attention to. With the name Selena being more or less meaningless to me.
However from a glance at her Wikipedia page. I gather that Selena was the first Hispanic or Latina American female Popstar.
Being variously described as; "The Mexican Madonna" or; "The Mexican Janet Jackson." Two of her contemporaries.
Despite being described as; "Mexican" Selena was born in the US State of Texas. Living her whole life there.
The US State of Texas was a particular focus of the 2021 Super Bowl.
Its long history of fierce independence. Seceding from both Mexico and the US at various points. Almost constantly threatening to be a nation in its own right.
A recurring theme of, certainly the past two Super Bowls.
Has been the attitudes towards the people who live in those 48 anonymous States. Somewhere in the middle of the US. Of which Texas is one.
The attitudes held by people living in those Liberal, Democrat bastions of California and New York. The two States on the fringes of the US.
The bases of the Fascists. In The Man in the High Castle.
In recent years growing numbers of Americans have been abandoning the Liberal, Democrat 'paradises' of New York and California.
Choosing to move to some of those 48 anonymous States in the middle. Particularly Texas.
They've been shocked to discover. That the people living there aren't the Republican voting Rednecks the media has told them to be so afraid of.
Particularly in Texas people are actually, I hesitate to use the term; "Liberal." As that has been hijacked by a political ideology that is anything but.
"Sensible" seems to be the better term.
Something highlighted in the TV show; "9-1-1 Lone Star." In which a metropolitan, metrosexual Fire Captain is enticed to head a Fire House in Texas.
He agrees only on the condition. That he can be as provocative as possible to those backwards, Redneck Texans.
He is almost disappointed then. That Texas doesn't have a problem with his gay firefighter son, his Trans man firefighter or his Muslim woman firefighter.
This is a State that cares nothing about the interracial marriage. Between the Texan White Male firefighter and his equally Texan Black female dispatcher wife.
It is appropriate that a TV show is used to highlight this.
It is the tax breaks given to the Entertainment and Tech sectors. Which are helping to draw people from the fringes to the centre-ground.
At around 17:25 on 9/1/22 (UK date) I'll pick up and improve this tomorrow.
Edited at around 17:25 on 10/1/22 (UK date) to really tidy the above and copy & paste;
As has been discussed extensively during these games. As was discussed extensively during the 2021 Oscars.
The US Democrat Party is the Party of Slavery.
Their entire existence is totally dependent on their ability to subjugate the population. Keeping all power for themselves.
Initially the Democrats did this through actual slavery.
Then the Republican Party fought a four year civil war. The US Civil War (1861-1865). To force the Democrats to give up, abandon slavery.
The Democrats though merely changed tactics.
Subjugating the population through segregation and so-called Jim Crow laws. Essentially slavery in all but name.
It took more than 100 years for the Democrats to be forced to give up on segregation and Jim Crow laws. Through the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's and 1970's.
Again though the Democrats simply changed tactics.
Adopting the political ideology of Liberalism. Subjugating the population by turning them all into victims. Totally dependent on the Democrat Party.
It is the inevitable Totalitarianism of Liberalism. Identified by the Austria School of Economics. Which saw the birth of Neo-Liberalism. A rejection of Liberalism.
Black Americans though still seem to be stuck back in
the Neo-Colonial/Liberalism era. Generally being very enthusiastic in
embracing their victimhood.
Whereas Asian-Americans generally tend to reject the notion of themselves as victims. Wholly dependent of a single political party.
Something which is particularly true of Asian Americans with links to Communist nations. Like China or Vietnam.
This
refusal to be victims. Forced the Democrats to unleash a systematic
campaign of violence against Asian-Americans. Most notably the March
16th 2021 (16/3/21) Atlanta Spa Shootings.
A very literal attempt to beat them into submission.
The submission and subjugation of the Stop Asian And Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Hate astroturf/Democrat recruiting campaign.
Between these two extremes. Of the Black American community and the Asian American community. You have the Hispanic American community.
The Democrats have long traded in Hispanic people.
Just as they traded in Black people prior to the US Civil War. Illegally importing them from Latin America then filling out ballot papers on their behalf.
Democrats have also used the same tactics of systematic violence against the Hispanic American community. That they're now using against the Asian American community.
Most notably the June 2016 attack on the Pulse nightclub in the State of Florida. The August 2019 mass shooting in El Paso, Texas.
As will no doubt come as a shock to the Democrats. The Hispanic American community isn't one uniform block.
Just as the Black American community isn't one uniform block. Just as the Asian American community isn't one uniform block.
So there have been recent signs of an increasing backlash against the Democrats. Among the Hispanic American community.
Activist from Black Lives Matter, trying to co-opt Hispanics into supporting their hate group. Often find themselves being met with the response; "#IAmNotYourMule."
A reference to the type of dumb animal you expect to do all the work for you. Allowing you to ride around on its back.
While perhaps being a reference to the famous; "40 Acres and a Mule." The reparations made to freed slaves by Civil War General Sherman. In Special Field Orders 15.
Selena performed in genre of music known as; "Tejano" or; "Tex-Mex."
This mixes traditional Hispanic vocal styles. With the rhythms of US Cowboy Country & Western Swing music. Which itself has its roots in the cotillion Waltzes and Polka of 19th Century Europe.
Take note of that detail. It will come in useful later.
If you're a fully paid up member of Stop AAPI Hate. Then I'm just going to assume that you'll be working in crayon.
Probably the only example of Tejano that I was familiar with. Prior to having to sit down to write this was Freddy Fender.
I deployed his song; "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" with devastating effect in the summer/autumn of 2020. Back when Britain thought it had the Pandemic beat.
Forgetting that Wu Xing truism. Metal follows Fire.
When Metal inevitably followed Fire. A lot of Tiers fell back into place. As Pandemic restrictions returned.
Steeped in Latin American Ranchero culture. Tejano music is very macho, very machismo. As is US Country music.
Selena was really a trail-blazer. Being one of the first women to perform Tejano. Certainly the first to be successful at it.
Making Selena something of a Feminist icon.
Touching on that big, recurring theme of these games. Improving rights for women. Particularly within Japanese society.
As one of the first women to perform Tejano Selena faced a huge, misogynistic backlash. Including attacks on what she wore and how she presented herself.
She was frequently accused of being too sexual for a Hispanic woman. Along with being accused of being too sexual for her young fans. A poor role model.
Exactly the same attacks levelled against Madonna. Exactly the same attacks levelled against Janet Jackson. Her contemporaries.
Exactly the same attacks the US/UK are attempting to load onto Miley Cyrus. In their effort to hijack my relationship with me. To turn her into a Sharp Power/Propaganda weapon.
So this is Japan further trying to drive home that point to the US/UK.
That people have been doing what they're trying to do with Miley Cyrus. All day, every day. Really since Pop music was invented.
The technical level the US/UK are trying to do it at through Miley Cyrus is absolutely pitiful. Embarrassing to be associated with.
Selena died at the age of 23, at the height of her fame. Murdered by Yolanda Saldivar. Her manager and supposed friend.
Something which serves as a warning to Miley Cyrus. About the US/UK's attempts to hijack her relationship with me.
As the first and only Hispanic American female Popstar Selena was massively famous. The result of having a market monopoly.
So her death prompted a mass, almost nationwide outpouring of grief. The then Governor of Texas even declared her birthday, April 16th, to be; "Selena Day."
That Governor of Texas was George W. Bush.
The same George W. Bush who went on to become President of the United States.
After his Democrat opponent, Al Gore. Had his challenge to the election result heard by the Supreme Court (SCOTUS).
George W. Bush was US President on September 11th 2001 (11/9/01). The day of the so-called; "9/11 Attacks."
In response President Bush led NATO in the 2001 Invasion of Afghanistan.
In 2003 President Bush then led Britain into the Invasion of Iraq.
Something which led to the following argument, ad nauseam;
US/UK: "Don't call it a Military Occupation!"
Everyone Else: "Perhaps if you knew the correct, legal term for it. You wouldn't be making such a mess of it."
Over the course of his Presidency George W. Bush did seem to go on something of a spiritual journey. Seeing the errors of his ways and learning from his mistake.
Something the former Biden regime, led by President Obama. Still seems utterly incapable of doing.
I understand President Bush's path to rehabilitation started in 2005. Around the time of those Live 8 concerts.
Something which seems to have been foretold in the 2003 Johnny Cash song; "I Hung My Head." Yes, from that Johnny Cash album.
At around 17:50 on 10/1/22 (UK date) I really want to get this finished after dinner.
Edited at around 19:45 on 10/1/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;
Apparently. The US media coverage of Selena's death was on such a vast scale. It was comparable to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
It was the assassination of JFK which ended his opposition to the Civil Rights movement. Increasing pressure on the Democrats to abandon segregation and Jim Crow laws.
Despite this, apparent, mass coverage of Selena's death in the US. I don't remember it being covered in the UK at all.
Although I was busy being about 10 at the time. So if it had been covered I doubt it would have registered.
I do remember watching Nelson Mandela being freed from prison. Being annoyed that cartoons were being cancelled. So we could watch this one, random Black man walk along a street.
As a child. I had absolutely no concept of the significance of the event.
Selena also helped launch the career of Jennifer Lopez. That star of the 2020 Super Bowl. The Super Bowl that should have led into the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Jennifer Lopez made her debut in a 1997 biopic of Selena's life. As was discussed at the 2020 Super Bowl Jennifer Lopez was initially an actress before making the move into music.
This all touches on another recurring theme of these games. The ever increasing pace of modern life. Particularly technology's role in speeding everything up.
If Google wasn't available. As it wasn't at the time. Then I would have dated or placed that 1999 trip to Seville, Spain. In terms of it being;
"Around the time Jennifer Lopez launched her music career."
That video of hers was everywhere at the time. The one with the man using dial-up Internet to watch Jennifer Lopez online.
In what now seems to be a forerunner of Onlyfans. It certainly seems to have been a commentary on Internet pornography at the time.
A video which, thanks to Google. I now know is called; "If You Had My Love."
There is, of course, another way. That I could date or place that 1999 trip to Seville, Spain. Although there aren't videos of that on the Internet. Or, at least I hope there aren't.
Let's just say. Sebastian Coe wasn't the only one with a hot, wet crotch.
During this performance of Ue o Muite Aruko.
All of the performers in the park stopped doing their various leisure activities. To come together to perform a mass, flashmob like dance routine.
A very energetic and gymnastic dance routine.
One that explored the concept of Sport as Art and Art as Sport.
The Olympic sport of Karate is divided into two discipline. Kumite and Kata. Kumite being the sport while Kata is more the artform.
The 2024 Summer Olympics will see Break-Dancing or; "Breaking" debut as an Olympic sport. In no small part due Japanese and other Asian youths obsession with it.
The Winter Olympics has long had Figure-Skating amongst its sports. It is much culturally richer for it as a result.
You certainly don't get nonsense like Tom Daley at the Winter Olympics.
Showing how things tend to improve. When Tennis isn't included.
To be continued in Part 6.
20:25 on 10/1/22 (UK date).
