Human Interest
Meet The “Prison Profiteers†Who Are Making Millions Off The Penal System (Video)
October 4, 2013
No need for big political talk to understand this story. Prisons are big business for lots of businesses. Global Tel* Link (GTL) makes more than $500 million a year exploiting families who pay up to $1.13 per minute to keep in touch with incarcerated loved ones. And GTL isn’t only one lining it’s pockets with prison money.
‘Global Tel* Link is one of five companies profiled in a new video series called “Prison Profiteers,†a collaboration between Beyond Bars — a Brave New Films project—the ACLU, and The Nation. With 2.3 million people incarcerated in the United States, prisons are big business; the goal of the series is to expose the myriad ways people enrich themselves off crime and punishment.’
– The Nation
A Clip Full Of Facts On Breasts: That’s A Good Look (Video)
October 2, 2013
The average bra size in the U.S. is 34DD! I mean… we need to change the way we look at breasts, everyone. A popular slogan of the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign is “Save The Ta-Ta’s” (hell, it’s the name of a friggin’ nonprofit). We approve that message. We even post on breast-related politics here! LOOK at the clip above. Change your point of view. Remember: From now on, you aren’t staring… you just looking at her breasts in a new way.
Posted in Human Interest, Videos | 
Tags: Boobs, Breasts, Change The Way You Look At Boobs, Ta Tas, tatas | 
No Comments »
Comedy: Woman Quits Job Via A Video Of Her Dancing To Kanye West’s “Gone” (Video)
October 2, 2013
How far is too far with all this technology we have? Hey… whether or not this is too far, it’s too funny! Check out how this woman does the modern version of “Take This Job And Shove It” set to the music of Kanye West (“Gone”).
This looks like something a cast member on HBO’s ‘The Newsroom’ would do. Great commentary on valuing shallow views-over-news stances in today’s information media. BUT… if this is really real… it was risky. And it probably helped that this lady works in a field where her job will involve making engaging videos.
Last funny: Though she had an ‘anti’ go-for-the-views stance message, the clip above has over 7 million views thus proving her point of quality over quantity. It took her one quality video like this to connect with people that generated views. Haha
Angola Prisoner Henry James, Freed by DNA, Speaks on His 30 Years of Imprisonment (Video)
October 1, 2013
You know, we try to come up with titillating titles to tempt our readers (one-time confession); but this title needed no tweaks… it just labels the story. Above: Amy Goodman, of Democracy Now, talks with former prisoner Henry James – a free man thanks to DNA evidence – who reflects on his case and 30 years of his life he will never get back. We say the brother is a former prisoner – NOT an ex-convict – because he should never have been convicted!
Now… James’ case is NOT a typical case. Nah, that would be ridiculous, right? BUT WAIT! James’ case is NOT typical… because evidence that could free him was actually found! It usually is not, and the convicted serve life without parole!
READ: FREED BY DNA, ANGOLA PRISONER HENRY JAMES (DEMOCRACY NOW)
VICE: Japanese Boyfriends For Hire (Video)
September 26, 2013
“In Japan, it’s not uncommon for successful women to pay attractive young men huge sums of money for a few cocktails and an hour of platonic companionship. VICE in conjunction with Schweppes sends correspondent Joel Cornell to Shibuya to explore this strange world and to find out if he can cut it as a professional boyfriend for hire.”
– VICE
Posted in Human Interest, Lifestyle, Travel, Videos | Tags: Boy toy, Boyfriends, Boyfriends for Hire, Boyfriends for Hire in Japan, Boytoy, Tokyo Toyboy, VICE | 2 Comments »
The Gun That Aims Itself: New Smart ‘Robo-Rifle’ Technology Can Turn Anyone Into Skilled Snipers (Video)
September 25, 2013
Texas-based TrackingPoint Solutions has released the first ever precision-guided firearm (PGF) – basically a long-range, laser-guided robo-rifle. Soon beginners will be endowed with the kill-at-will skill of trained snipers (e.g. one-shot kills at extreme distances) in no time! Talk about taking gun control in a whole other direction! Well… TrackingPoint CEO Jason Schauble refers to it as a step in the evolution of firearms. Um, yeah.
Watch the video and ask yourself this question: Has killing become too easy?
READ: LONG SHOT – INSIDE THE SCOPE OF SMART WEAPONS (MOTHERBOARD)
The ‘Willy Wonka’ Of Weed (Documentary)
September 25, 2013
“Anybody can make a ‘pot brownie’…”
– Tripp Keber
The National Geographic channel brings us a different kind of eye candy… for all you tokers’ taste buds. Legal weed is a coming business reality y’all. Bet on it. Pot entrepreneur Tripp Keber is. He creates pot-infused candy, sodas and other potent edibles in Colorado – since it’s been legalized in the state. He’s been dubbed ‘The Willy Wonka of Weed.’ (like “Willy Wonka” ain’t a ‘weed movie’ already). Watch Keber trying to give us a different way for folks to get a ‘mile high’ in the state of Colorado mind. Check out the Nat Geo clip above.
Posted in Film, Human Interest, Videos | Tags: Colorado, legal weed, Pot entrepreneur, Tripp Keber, Weed Edibles, Willy Wonka, Willy Wonka of Weed | No Comments »
Click, Print, Gun: The Inside Story Of The 3D-Printed Gun Movement (Video)
September 23, 2013
Cody R. Wilson is a 25-year-old University of Texas law student working to build semiautomatic weapons using 3D printers. VICE recently produced the above video profile of Wilson, his efforts to 3D-print guns, and his views on fighting gun control.
“Whatever your thoughts on gun control, it’s impossible to deny that the 3D-printed gun movement is something that doesn’t fit into the current legal framework. It’s either exciting or scary–or perhaps both–and that polarity is something Wilson recognizes, and which he knows how to bend to his advantage.”
– VICE
READ: CLICK, PRINT, GUN (FULL ‘VICE-MOTHERBOARD’ ARTICLE)
Posted in Human Interest, Opinion, Politics, Videos | Tags: 3D-Printed Gun, Click, Gun, Gun Control, Print, The Inside Story Of The 3D-Printed Gun Movement | 1 Comment »
Founder Ali Mahmoud Speaks On Alif Laam Meem – America’s First Muslim Fraternity (Video)
September 23, 2013
This looks interesting.
Ali Mahmoud shares the origins story of AΛM, aka Alif Laam Meem, the first and only nationwide Muslim fraternity in the United States. Though the things that come to mind typically associated with fraternity life probably turn off most followers of Islam, Founder and Executive President Mahmoud provides insight on the organization and why it might benefit those who belong to it.
“Why would any Muslim want to join a fraternity? …There’s some really good connections that build up over time in a fraternity… Some great leaders, Martin Luther King, was part of a fraternity. And just the human need to make friends… there was a void that needed to be filled… some kind of way for a Muslim male… [to live a] lifestyle that is synthesized with an organic college social experience.”
– Ali Mahmoud
You can learn more about AΛM by visiting the frat’s website – almfrat.com – and by watching the information brief after the jump.
London Skyscraper Melts Parked Cars (Video)
September 12, 2013
So, did you hear the one about the skyscraper in London that was scorching cars by reflecting focused sunlight down on them? No? Where have you been? Watch!
READ: LONDON SKYSCRAPER ACCUSED OF MELTING JAGUAR (BUSINESSWEEK)
ESPN: Revis Island – The Darrelle Revis Story (Video)
September 10, 2013
ESPN’s E:60 takes on the life journey so far of one Darrelle Revis. “Revis Island – The Darrelle Revis Story” takes us from Revis’ small-town upbringing and career beginnings in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania… to entering the nearby University of Pittsburgh… to joining the NFL and playing for the New York Jets… to tearing his ACL… and to getting traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers… all in the short clip above. Of course, Darrelle’s story is still being written.
Posted in Human Interest, Sports, Television, Videos | Tags: Documentary, E:60, ESPN, Revis Island, The Darrelle Revis Story | No Comments »
VICE: Ground Zero Syria (Video)
September 10, 2013
I don’t have the words. VICE brings us another necessary wake-up call about the horrors of human existence. This time: Syria’s civil war.
In 2012 VICE commissioned photographer and videographer Robert King to document the civil war that has been ravaging Syria for the past two years. Largely based on Aleppo, Robert’s footage of the violent conflict that continues to unfold in the region is perhaps one of the most thorough and brutally honest documents of a war that is increasingly destabilizing the Middle East as it spills over into neighboring Turkey and Lebanon. This full-length version of Ground Zero: Syria combines all six parts of our series to offer a startling glimpse into a chaotic war with no clear end in sight.
The documentary episode “Ground Zero Syria” (Chapter 1) starts with Part 1 embedded above. All the other videos in this 6-part series are embedded after the jump.
WARNING: EXTREMELY GRAPHIC, DISTURBING, AND VIOLENT CONTENT!
Posted in Cover Story, Human Interest, Politics, Videos | Tags: Chapter 1, Ground Zero Syria, Part 1, Part 1-6, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Robert King, VICE | No Comments »
Wesley Warren, Jr. – The Man With The 132-Pound Scrotum (Video)
September 2, 2013
Think you got the biggest balls? Not really, unless you are one of a relative few affected with Wesley Warren, Jr.’s affliction. Watch the above video in which Warren talks about how it was living with the affliction and how he ended up with a mega-swollen, mega-uncomfortable 132-pound scrotum in the first place. After the jump: at least one thing you want to know… How’s Warren’s sex life?
This is a strange story to be certain; but it is also a sad commentary on the lack of access to healthcare in the U.S., according to Warren.
– @ojones1
Posted in Health and Wellness, Human Interest, Politics, Videos | Tags: 132-Lb, 132-Pound, edema, Healthcare, lymph edema, lymphedema, Scrotum, Wesley Warren, Wesley Warren Jr. | No Comments »
Rich Kidd Gets It Crackin’ In Canada During The Caribana Festival (Video)
September 2, 2013
Ghana-by-way-of-Toronto rapper/producer Rich Kidd goes up to North North America for a work-cation – ending up at Canada’s Caribana parade, but not before doing some studio work with Young Guru, doing some stage time, and visiting The Remix Project (a community center for kids interested in music and film).
But the Kidd finally does get to the festival of fine women, and he gets it in. Chatting, partying… running amok on the streets… horsing around so wild he manages to break his ankle (different spin on “break a leg, Kidd“ to be certain). Now, you might think laughter is the best medicine; but check out the medical ASS-istance Rich Kidd gets instead. Crazy!
PRIORS: RICH KIDD – A VIBE CALLED QUEST FEAT. DENZIL PORTER & LORDQUEST
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in EVENTS, Hip-Hop, Human Interest, Lifestyle, Travel, Videos | Tags: Caribana, Rich Kidd | No Comments »
Morgan Freeman Covers ‘Twerking’ On HLN (Video)
August 29, 2013
‘Twerking’ has been added to the Oxford Dictionary. That’s bad. Having Morgan Freeman ‘reporting’ it as part of a morning broadcast… REALLY bad. He was wide awake at 5 AM to read this mini-story on ‘twerking’ … Now, if you read our last post related to Morgan Freeman, you know he could have been doing something… ANYTHING… better. Like catching up on sleep.
In the clip, he admits he hadn’t even HEARD of ‘twerking’ until HLN Morning Express had him reading about it that day. Should’ve gotten Miley Cyrus to read the bit. She could have covered other slang – like ‘pop the Miley molly’ or something. No sweatin’ (woooo). Hahaaa!
Posted in Human Interest, Television, Videos | Tags: HLN, HLN Morning Express, Morgan Freeman, Morning Express, twerk, twerking | No Comments »
VICE: Chicago’s Gang Problem & The Inequitable Sharing Of Nigeria’s Oil Resources (Video)
August 28, 2013
YES! Damn smart move by VICE: posting its HBO shows online for their fans who don’t have premium cable.
“Don’t nobody wanna talk no more. It’s so easy to get a gun out here. Everybody wanna shoot it out.”
Wow. Remember how we posted on ‘Chi raq’ (Chicago being a war zone akin to Iraq)? Well, VICE addresses that in this episode’s first half. For the last half, VICE documents Nigeria’s oil industry – oil theft, financial and social costs, and more.
Posted in Cover Story, Human Interest, Opinion, Politics, Television, Videos | Tags: Chi Raq, Chiraq, Gang Violence, Gangs, Gun Violence, HBO, Nigeria, Oil Industry, VICE, VICE on HBO | No Comments »
Questlove Tells Story Of How He Found J. Cole’s iPhone (Video)
August 28, 2013
In The Roots co-founder’s own words, this is the “long-winded version of the ‘how did Questlove find J. Cole’s iPhone.” Random. What are the chances???
Posted in Hip-Hop, Human Interest, Videos | Tags: ?uestlove, How Questlove Found J. Cole's iPhone, J. Cole, Questlove | No Comments »
Kanye West Opens Up About Being an Artist, Love For The Kardashians and Being A Father To His New Daughter ‘Nori’ (Video)
August 27, 2013
Not really into keeping up with the Kardashians, but mom Kris Jenner did a solid interview with Yeezus here. Check it out on what’s being billed as the ‘finale’ (series or season finale? not sure) episode of the Kris Jenner Show. Insight and exposed inner feelings of Kanye West are brought front and center during this sit-down.
Speaking on being able to turn his ‘star quality’ off and on, Kanye shares, “When I’m walking down the street… I’m a bit more shy and nervous.”
Kris responding with understanding, relates fans’ demanding expectation that stars be stars ALL THE TIME: “When people see you, they just expect you to break into a performance.”
Interesting… The two go on to talk about Kanye’s love affair with Kris’ daughter, Kim Kardashian, their brand new baby girl (North West), his relationship with the press and more.
Posted in Hip-Hop, Human Interest, Television, Videos | Tags: Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner | 1 Comment »
California Cleared To Start Force-Feeding Inmates On Hunger Strike (Video)
August 27, 2013
You’d think once folks saw the atrocity that is force-feeding of inmates on hunger strike they’d stop the practice, right? But you probably guessed that officials would do just the opposite. But that was just at Gitmo – a military prison in Cuba. The United States would NEVER allow such to happen on its soil… right? Right…? WRONG! A California judge just cleared the way for force feeding of the state inmates on hunger strike given ‘certain conditions.’
‘US District Judge Thelton Henderson is allowing prison doctors in California to force-feed inmates who are participating in a hunger strike. According to the ruling, if a prisoner is near death then a doctor is allowed to step in and intervene in the matter. As of now, 136 inmates are protesting living conditions and policies in place at facilities in the Golden State.’
Sorry, Yasiin. It doesn’t seem that publicity surrounding your courageous effort was enough to change the hardliners’ hearts and minds. We posted the gruesome Yasiin Bey force-feeding demo on here a while back.
– @ojones1
Posted in Cover Story, Human Interest, Opinion, Politics, Television, Videos | Tags: California, Force Feeding, Force Feeding Procedure, Hunger strike, inmate, Prison | No Comments »
Health: Western Style Toilets Are The Cause Of A Variety Of Ailments (Video)
August 23, 2013
It’s amazing to me how much I’ve discovered & continue to uncover over the years that what we’ve been taught in modern western culture was wrong. Everything from our diets, our economic systems, politics, & the way we treat each other. I’ve been fortunate to have been all over the world & learned many of the reasons we have so many problems in the U.S. on a variety of levels have been what we were taught & what’s pushed to us. I can recall my first time traveling to Japan & tripping at how most Japanese toilets were very simple employing a squatter’s method. On my second trip to Japan is when I found out that squatting is healthier for you. There’s also a new movement to get more Americans to understand this as well.
