Volume 2 Issue 17

by Earl "We One" Strozier

 It tries. This thing Pain, induced by Fear

To wrap its arms around the hearts of Angels.

This thing- enraged Pain,

Hunts me, releasing its hounds.

My heart and its Will to love are the game.

In fear I run into the Night tossing my heart

To the wind and dream it

To be a Black bird giving flight.

Traveling to an Ocean of Peace that ripples

Broken reflections of the moon

As I dance on the back of the Ocean

Turning Summer salts into the wind.

Meanwhile, Pain this thing

Labors on dark deeds to steal a heart's Joy.

The chaos of the streets kills the images of Rainbows

In the minds of children.

This place plays with their minds

Painting concrete Picasso

Reality on the minds of children. Pain, this thing

Gives birth to a Spawn of half-ass-ed demons

That chase me down back streets wishing to steal

Children's dreams kept hidden safe in my back-pac.

The pain we cause comes looking for me.

So, I go running down back streets

Tossing pictures of an Ocean of Peace...

With waters that ripple broken reflection

Of the moon onto the children.

Screaming at the top of my lungs: "You are Angels!

Dropping warnings on the ground

In secret text that read: "Play no more in this place

It will cause you pain. Fly away and find Peace.

If not, Angels fall victim. Engulfed in pain.

An endless Game of Pain that preys on the minds

Of the next cycle of falling Angels.

( Reprinted from the play "You're Tripping.")

About We: William Shakespeare's prophetic observation, "the whole world is a stage," reduces everyone to bit players. Such a sobering realization leaves one wondering, who is really directing this drama. Like Shakespeare, Earl "We One" Strozier explores those supernatural forces which seem to intervene with very natural outcomes in his cutting-edge play. "You're Tripping" examines the implications of immortal question. Debuting Wednesday, April 28, 1999, at Clark-Atlanta University, it adapts the hip hop genre' to a dramatic format. We One's penetrating insight fashions a tapestry, which accentuates the versatility of spoken word as a performance venue. His incorporation of the classic elements of conflict, resolution and climax to showcase rhyming free style dialogue is a breakthrough for the Atlanta poetry scene. We's production provides support for the workability of the Atlanta Vibe's unique concept of collaborative development.

Utilizing expressions of twelve spoken word artists, We One shaped dialogue to create scenes that exploit the strengths of his cast of emerging performers. Their raw up-front expose is explosive in character while soft and contemplative in content. We skillfully illuminates the lack of moral conscience of a Christians world. Devoid of empathy, they hide behind masks trying to disguise the true self. In the tradition of Shakespeare, We teaches the lesson, "All is well that ends well." Venue

by John Burl Smith

Over the last three to four years, interested observers have seen the Atlanta poetry scene ebb and flow with the coming and going of new spots and personalities. These upheavals provided impetus for efforts to elevate the character and strengthen of the performance challenge existing at the time. Projects like Level 2 Art Gallery's specialized performance venue, Ying Yang's rotating host and performance line up, as well as, the publication of T.H.I.N.C. (Teaching Humanity In New Consciousness): The Chrysalis of Evolution were such events. Last Wednesday the Atlanta Vibe experienced another leap forward with the debut of You're Tripping a play by Earl "We One" Strozier.

Mad props go out to the cast of fresh talent which was anchored by some wily old veterans from the wild west days of only open mic shootouts. A volatile mixture of flame throwing mad booming hip hoppers from back then "Queen" Nairobi, Kimani of The Mighty I AM Project, and Yohannes Sharriff Smith of T.H.I.N.C. fame blended their considerable talents to accentuate some exciting performances by new comers Nicole Daniels, Kimi of Clark-Atlanta U, and JB author of Broken Spoken Words. Drummer extraordinniare Sundiata brought his fifteen years of dramatic experience to the stage, as the director, sharing a wealth of knowledge with the young cast.

"We One" did more than merely put together a performance venue for hip hoppers, rhymers and mic rockers to exhibit their wares, he showed that these genres are part of black creative expressions. Coryphaeus Rasheeda Abdula, who designed two emotively vibrant pieces, gave a strong performance as a struggling dancer. From the musical libations of trumpeter Sun Nova (Dash) to "We One's" closing soliloquy, this is a very entertaining production. Other Essays by John Burl Smith

The Dark Knight-Batman/White Ninja/Zorro has discovered the power of speech. The Dark One/Ninja/Zorro speaks in many tongues, a gift that makes it difficult to shut him up. Bat Cave

Giwayen Mata at Spelman

Young people speaking to the spirit of blackness and rising to their power are the underlining themes of a wonderful experience in sisterhood this weekend at the Spelman College Fine Arts Theater. This celebration "in honor of mothers, sisters and daughters" seeks to uplift women through spoken word, dance, percussion and vocal expressions. Dynamic soul-stirring ensembles will present three evening shows beginning Friday night April 7, 1999 at 7:30 and a Sunday afternoon matinee at 2:00 p.m.. Tickets are $15 and $8 for the Matinee. A signer will communicate for the hearing impaired. This is truly entertainment for the whole family. Before taking Mom out for the obligatory dinner, take in a show designed to increase her sense of well-being as well as her middle. For information and full schedule of shows call 404-559-0353. Atlanta Vibe

Disgruntled says: Some people learn how to drive; others are taught. Those taught are the ones who insist on driving down the entrance lane making it a real pain to get on the expressway.

Disgruntled wants to know: Why can't everyone do a nifty lane change and come to an abrupt halt?

Disgruntled feels: like another one. Disgruntled

You made some of us very happy. The smiles on those family members' faces was worth every physical danger, and yes, even criticism. Kudos Reverend Jesse Jackson for making that trip to Yugoslavia anyway. Many Americans believe your diplomatic efforts made the day. In fact, a bit more diplomacy with a consistent message is needed to cool the tinderboxes in places other than the Balkans. Kudos Rev. Jackson for seeking a peaceful resolution. Kudos

On all the talking heads, including members of the Clinton Administration, who saw evil in Rev. Jackson's efforts to inject some diplomacy in U.S. foreign relations. We should be applauding when lives are saved, rather than criticizing the guy who proposed we talk instead of bomb.

by Dot Smith

"Buyers can end food wars" (Atlanta Journal Constitution, 5/3/99) offers a laissez-faire approach to the hormone-treated beef controversy that should strike accord in capitalistic breasts. Yet, contrary to an open market scenario where consumers decide whether a product fails or flies, the European Union (EU) is barring U.S. hormone-treated beef imports. This departure from free and open markets raises questions about EU motives.

On the surface, it is easy to dismiss the EU's action as an effort to shield domestic meat producers from competition. Though plausible, a more cogent explanation may reside in a desire to protect the public. After all, there is a body of scientific evidence linking at least one of the most common hormones used in U.S. beef production to cancer. More important, there is a glaring lack of scientific research on the long term health consequences of human consumption of hormone-treated meat. Both the General Accounting Office (GAO) and the Consumers' Union have issued warnings about potential hazards to human health caused by consuming products from "recombant Bovine hormone (rBGH) or "Bovine Somatrotropin (BST)- treated cows. (For additional information, e-mail: alliance@mr.net ). In addition, there is the disturbing link between deadly strains of foodborne diseases, such as campylobacter, salmonella and E-coli, associated with antibiotics used in U.S. agriculture. This combination of reasons seem to scream government intervention.

Certainly, the idea of free choice is appealing. However, the American laissez-faire experience has shown the public can and do fall prey to a whole host of abuses. From time to time, government intervention is a necessary evil to protect consumers from unscrupulous individuals and foreign governments. Though arguably misguided, the Clinton Administration's "War on Drugs" is an excellent contemporary example of government intervention in the market for goods and services; Prohibition and the Sherman Anti-Trust Acts are others. Unfortunately, government can sometimes be overzealous in its protection, and therefore abusive. To ensure this does not happen, people must be ever vigilant. If it does occur, people must be willing and able to pressure government to make changes in its market intervention strategies, i.e., repeal of Prohibition.

Armed with "honest" state-of-the art info, consumers should be free to decide whether or not to drink alcohol, smoke pot or eat hormone-treated meat. Problem is, who provides the information? For obvious reasons, it is imprudent to rely solely on producers who invariably profit from restricting information. Unfortunately, government officials and elected representatives are often too financially tied to industry to be a totally reliable source of "honest information." Even the media fails to provide all the information consumers need to make an informed choice. Too many of those who should provide consumer information practice keeping the public relatively ignorant. "Let the buyer beware" rules the land. Informed buyer is an oxymoron.

An American consumer, I have never seen a label on supermarket meats identifying them as hormone-treated. A survey of Atlanta metropolitan area stores verified there are no labels. It also showed no choice in the U.S. beef market. Basically, you got beef - you got treated meat. Over 90% of U.S. beef is hormone-treated. Where is our free choice? Will European consumers be better informed than Americans? Not likely! So, by restricting the importation of hormone-treated beef now, the EU may just be protecting its long-run public interest. DISHing It Up Hot!

by Yohannes Sharriff Smith

At Midnight everything changes. Click! Tick tock...

5 til midnight. The clock still moving at light speed.

Trees burn providing heat for escaping thoughts

Desperation! 5 til 12....

Twenty dollars left in my and pocket.

I holla, "Bills due with no food!"

My dizzy reflections bouncing off chrome,

Like street life...like hungry days and sleepless nights.

Like bright search lights,

Sirens, and emergency medical units,

Like psycho-delic cisco Crisco

Burning disco ball glittering.

Glistening globe turning...metallic weapon drawn...

Palm flat spin...Hand on grip!

Tight. Target...confusion...

Losing my college credit...click...Russian roulette...

Tick tock...4 til midnight. And everything changes.

I'm hustling to pay for classes;

I'm failing to pass...the blunt.

Inhaling hellish fumes...Memories.

Choking on parents dreams.

Choking on Smoke and mirrors...

Better shackles for my babies...burdens...maybe?

Not so heavy. John and Dot's eyes

Gleamed with so much hope. Riot in my soul.

Mama, the whole world is on fire... Tonight!

I'm surviving on lies...

Surviving on the acid grinding in my gut.

Drowning every time I hear the clock turn...Click!

I swear that damn...tick tock... burn! 3 til midnight.

Burn Beautiful Black Ghetto Baby Boy...Educated...Missed.

In truth, the aspiring scholar hustles to pay the rent.

Dollars spent...Heaven sent...I holla, "Jesus!"

Smoking...thinking...Am I failing?

The lesson exhaling...losing my balance...my focus.

Hocus pocus...hope is...

Hope seems hopeless...foreign.

Gun in hand...in darkness, lying on my bed.

Dreaded clock sounds...tick tock...2 til midnight.

The room spinning by the light of a flickering candle.

Clock...tick tock...Innocence lost...

Click...1 til midnight.

Tonight necessity might make killing convenient.

Convenient store clerk...jerk...

Jerked chain around my neck...noose forcing me..3 to...

One second left til midnight. Click! Clock...tick tock...Midnight.

CooCoo...CooCoo. Pow! And everything changes. Intuit

Warning!! AT&T Worldnet Users should beware of the number their computer dials up to access the Internet and how that number is treated if you use AT&T as a long distance carrier. Check your statement. If you use 404-443-1300 and spend time on the net, you could be in for a rude awakening. One customer identified over $400 in long distance charges for this number. All calls were made in her local (404) calling area. AT&T blamed the charges on Bellsouth. According to AT&T, Bellsouth treated the number as a long distance number. Hood Notes

"If we acted out the Ten Commandments in our daily lives, we would not feel the need to keep them posted or "wag the dog" trying to convince people we are godly. Public prayers will not solve the problem of a spiritual void. I am for the separation of church and state. Religious views are so diverse. More important, people can get downright fanatical about their faith. If we were to bring religion back to public schools, whose views would we choose? Someone is bound to be slighted in the selection. We have fought this battle before. Let's keep the church and state separated. The DISH

"In reference to the Littleton, CO massacre, I don't believe we can place all the blame on any one thing. Sure, parents deserve some blame for not paying attention. It would be foolish to lay the blame on taking God out of public school. How can you take God from any place where He wants to be? The notion that he can be so moved shows a lack of belief in the Almighty. So, that is not the answer. Since watching the CBS report on Charter Behavioral Health Care System and reading The Phantom response by Stazja@aol.com , I looked into the drug fluvoxamine found in one shooter's bloodstream. Are psychs and legal drugs the common thread in school violence? A dedicated DISH reader - Janice P. Mailbox

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