FOR YOUR
LISTENING AND VIEWING PLEASURE:
Sunday, October 31, 2010
VIDEO -- Battle of the Giant Poets [for Ken] Musical Finale: This Land Is Your Land
FOR YOUR
LISTENING AND VIEWING PLEASURE:
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Op-Ed On Election Home Stretch: Breaking Down Barriers From The Back Of The Bus
-- photo by Gary Lewis
By KEN KRAYESKE
Editor's Note: This essay also appeared in The Torrington Register Citizen, CtNewsJunkie.com and TheCornerReport.com ... In addition, Ct Capitol Report posted it with the headline, 'KRAYESKE says CAPITOL REPORT wrong to shut third party candidate out of poll'
How many journalists and voters watched the four debates for the 1st Congressional District?
Of those, how many watched carefully?
Those who did watch discerned that I can make my colleagues in politics and journalism uncomfortable.
Discomfort is good. It is a precursor to change. Things are not OK. Our elected representatives are not doing enough for the middle class and the poor or anyone below the elite 1%. The elite 1% have compelled the government to do their bidding over last 30 years, resulting in the worst rich-poor gap in our nation's history.
The power elites do not want class warfare. They want class surrender and / or class ignorance. You don't have to be a Socialist or even a Green Party member to witness the obscene transfer of wealth from the middle class to the top since the Eisenhower years.
This has been the thrust of our campaign:
* Health care is a human right.
* Education is a human right.
* We need to correct the illegitimate transfer of wealth.
While we have torn down some barriers -- participating fully in four debates -- many thick walls to open civil discourse remain.
The Hartford Courant, for example, interviewed only the Democrat and Republican candidates for office. A smaller competitor -- The Torrington Register Citizen -- somehow found the resources of interview third-party candidates. This is a matter of editorial integrity when supposedly covering a campaign of ideas.
Our campaign revealed in the press and in debates that the incumbent, Democrat John Larson, was out to lunch when Congress voted on loosening Depression-era safeguards for the financial system, resulting in our ongoing crisis. Our campaign exposed Republican Ann Brickley's ignorance of the transfer of wealth as an issue, and she was chided for that by more than 50 shouting residents at a West End community meeting in Hartford. In front of more than 100 people at the Hartford Public Library, Brickley was unable to answer a question about the Hartford viaduct and its replacement. As part of the Eisenhower Interstate System, the viaduct is a federal issue requiring federal funds. Yet, while refusing to interview and virtually ignoring third-party candidates, The Courant proclaimed Brickley as a qualified candidate. Even by the wildest stretch, can anyone call this editorial integrity?
Our cultural events, including Battle of the Giant Poets at Szechuan Tokyo, raised awareness about the endangered acts of free speech and dissent during the era of the so-called Patriot Act. Two of the poets -- Ravi Shankar and Iyaba Mandingo -- were jailed in recent years because of the color of their skin and / or supposedly protected free speech activities. In a rare occurrence, Shankar recently won vindication for his racial profiling claim via a settlement from the city of New York.
Those of us who have labored in the vineyards of citizenship and suffered false incarceration are so much stronger now. We are stronger for standing up and we are energized by growing community awareness and support. Beyond the gates of the establishment media, citizens know they have to go to other sources for information. They know the broken two-party system is kept in place by a lapdog, status-quo enforcing media.
The stranglehold of money on the political process will be broken by rank and file citizens standing up and shouting, "No more!" And we wonder why nearly half the population refuses to vote for Tweedle-dee or Tweedle-dum.
We have struggled with some success to get beyond John Larson's $2 million in campaign funds and Ann Brickley's self-funding in the neighborhood of $200,000. Our own campaign has raised about $9,000, thriving on the good will and support of those who helped us with debate preparation, canvassing and cultural events.
Had anyone asked the Socialist candidate (yes, there is one), Chris Hutchinson, about his fundraising, he would have told you he was raising less than $5,000 because he does not want his supporters to be placed under federal surveillance. If the Socialists reported to the Federal Elections Commission like I had to after surpassing the $5,000 mark, it is likely his donors would be targeted.
I know, I know. I'm paranoid, right?
After I was falsely arrested and incarcerated in January 2007 for taking photographs of Gov. Rell, the Courant was dominated by discussion about the correctness of state police secretly watching political parties like the Greens. The state police also watched the Democrats at that time. And, news recently came out that the FBI was watching Senator Paul Wellstone even while he was in office.
New organizations are inexcusably timid when it comes to reporting such government misconduct. Whatever happened to afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted? Does anyone remember or practice the news motto: No fear or favor?
As long as media outlets like the Courant continue to treat candidates like myself as pariahs and illegitimates, the FBI, the state police and other law enforcement agencies in this growing surveillance state get free passes in tracking us as "dangerous dissenters." Clearly, the state of Connecticut learned nothing from my arrest.
The problems of political bigotry persist.
Take Tom Marsh, an elected first selectman and the gubernatorial candidate of the third largest political party in the state. He was rejected from the three largest televised debates in Connecticut, and was rejected from participating in other forums. I disagree with many elements of Marsh's platform, but I know there is a problem when Dan Malloy and Tom Foley get to go on John Dankosky's Where We Live on WNPR and Marsh is relegated to "Meet Your Fringe Candidate" with Colin McEnroe.
Then, McEnroe has the nerve to say that we fringe candidates are ungrateful because we complained about the name of his show. No, we are angered, and justifiably so, at the disparate treatment that political viewpoints receive from a biased media.
And let's not forget the high-traffic site,
Site owner Tom Dudchik knowingly chose expedience over accuracy when he shut me out of two polls. Based on the history of the district, the substance of the current campaign and the tenor of the nation, it is reasonable to project that I will receive anywhere from one- to 10-percent of the vote. The exclusion is a disservice to reader and voters. Presenting fundamentally flawed polls -- repeatedly -- raises serious issues of editorial integrity and credibility.
I don't consider myself a fringe candidate when Jeff Jacobs writes about my campaign activities on the front page of the sports page for the Courant. I don't consider myself fringe when the numerical tally on Capitol Watch, the Courant's political blog, shows I have as many posts written about me than my Republican opponent, Ms. Brickley. Our unofficial tally is 19, Krayeske; 13, Brickley.
It is clear that while the playing field is getting more level, there are still many opportunities for improvement. So Brickley, Larson, Hutchinson and myself debated four times this campaign. One of those debates, at Jumoke Academy, didn't happen without Krayeske for Congress pushing for it. If politics is a transformational experience, the three middle school moderators who questioned the candidates will never look at their lives the same again. So why do adults continue to look at this race with the same jaded eyes of money and electability instead of ideas?
Ken Krayeske, Green Party candidate for Congress in Connecticut's 1st District, was to be sworn in as an attorney on Monday, Nov. 1. The recent University of Connecticut Law School graduate is a long-time journalist and civil rights activist.
Jumoke Academy Debate Photos By Gary Lewis
-- Principal Doreen Crawford Welcomes The Crowd
-- Ken Krayeske On The Firing Line
-- Moderator Team On The Job: Fox Ct's Laurie Perez with Jumoke Students Gabriel Buenstro, grade 7; Diana Mignott, grade 8; and Encye Walker, grade 8.
QUESTION 1 IS FOR ALL CANDIDATES (2 minutes each):
1. Charter schools, such as Jumoke Academy, receive far less funding than regular public schools, yet consistently achieve very high standardized test scores that are used to measure academic success. As Connecticut's 1st District representative, what will you specifically do in Congress to help schools like ours receive equal funding?
-- Everyone Listens @ Jumoke Academy
2. Congressman Larson, According to the National Center for Education Statistics, American 8th grade students rank 9th in Math scores and 11th in Science scores worldwide, placing behind such countries as Hungary, Russia, and Singapore. Many people blame our declining test scores on underperforming teachers and want to end guaranteed employment for tenured teachers. Do you agree that ending teacher tenure would improve our public schools?
3. Ms. Brickley, you have stated that you are against the healthcare reform legislation that passed through Congress earlier this year. You have also stated that, if elected, you would vote to repeal this act. How would repealing this law help Americans that need health insurance and what would you introduce in its place?
4. Mr. Hutchinson, most of the debate in regards to healthcare reform is about who should pay for it, which ignores the problem of why healthcare services are so incredibly expensive to begin with. Since healthcare reform is about helping people and saving money, what would you do in office to reduce the overall costs of healthcare services and procedures?
5. Mr. Krayeske, in 2006 and 2008, Americans overwhelmingly voted Democratic in an effort to change the government and state their displeasure with Republican leadership. Now, only a few years later, many Americans are still unhappy with the direction of the government, yet their only option is to vote Republicans back in. Do you feel that the two-party system is healthy for America and effective at bringing real change? Why or why not?
-- Ken Makes A Point; John Larson Looks On
6. Congressman Larson, our Congress has consistently voted to increase military spending. In the past 10 years, our military defense budget has more than doubled from an estimated 300 billion dollars in 2000, to an estimated 660 billion dollars in 2010, and we still continue to engage in combat in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the citizens of America are suffering through some of the worst economic times in recent American history. As a member of Congress, with so many Americans unemployed or underemployed, do you feel that it is appropriate to be spending so much of our money on the military?
7. Mr. Hutchinson, America is a nation that has always depended on immigration to keep its economy afloat. Where do you stand on the issue of undocumented immigration and granting citizenship to those who have arrived in our country through illegal means?
8. Mr. Krayeske, Connecticut citizens pay some of the highest taxes in the country, yet our capital city of Hartford continues to suffer from one of the highest crime rates in our nation. As citizens, we pay for police services with our tax dollars. Considering how much we pay in taxes, how is it acceptable that so much crime still exists in our community and how do you plan to fix this problem?
9. Ms. Brickley, under President Bush, the richest 1% of Americans increased their share of America's wealth to 42% and the gap between rich and poor Americans is wider than ever. Are you in favor of repealing the Bush tax cuts and increasing the tax rate on the richest 1% of Americans? Why or why not?
10. Congressman Larson, the cost of running for public office in America, particularly for a national office, has spiraled out of control. Only the wealthiest Americans have a legitimate chance to run for public office. Even losing campaigns spend more money than most citizens make in their lifetime. Considering our current economic climate, are you in favor of abolishing all soft money campaign contributions, thus requiring all candidates to use public financing?
11. Mr. Krayeske, Unemployment in our state is currently at 9.1%, the highest since 1976, and Connecticut is having trouble keeping its citizens to remain in-state. If elected, what is your plan to make Connecticut more attractive to businesses and increase job growth?
12. Ms. Brickley, Jagadish Shukla, Distinguished University Professor of Earth Sciences and Global Change at George Mason University, has stated "The consequences of global climate change constitute one of the most serious threats facing humanity. While the poor and the impoverished will suffer the most, the potential for catastrophic climate change is quite real." Do you agree that global warming is a real threat to our planet? If so, how do you plan to address this problem in the next 2 years?
13. Congressman Larson, Some global scientists estimate that we will run out of oil within the next 50 years. This question has two parts. What is your plan to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil, fossil fuels, and other carbon-emitting substances? How do you plan to increase funding for green energy technology and the production of renewable green energy sources?
14. Mr. Hutchinson, Members of the House of Representatives must win re-election every two years. With this system, House members must constantly raise money for re-election campaigns, and spend most of their time fundraising instead of serving their constituents. Do you feel that the term lengths for House Representatives should be increased to four years per term? Why or why not?
-- Ken With Debate Leaders
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Jumoke Debate Premieres Tonight On Connecticut Network
click
on images
for full view
It is running tonight. Right now it's scheduled to air around 7:30 but it depends on what time a live show ends. It could be later. It will also air overnight.
CT-N Daily Schedule
CT-N Videos On Demand
TV, Print, Radio Coverage Of Jumoke Academy Debate: 1st Congressional District
Meanwhile, tonight @ 7
there is a LIVE stream
of the 4th and final debate
for the 1st Congressional District seat
@ Ann Antolini School in New Hartford.
LIVE STREAM via Register Citizen
Ken Krayeske Campaign Website
Ken Krayeske Campaign Twitter Link
twitter@cooljustice
on images
for full view
It is running tonight. Right now it's scheduled to air around 7:30 but it depends on what time a live show ends. It could be later. It will also air overnight.
Meanwhile, tonight @ 7
there is a LIVE stream
of the 4th and final debate
for the 1st Congressional District seat
@ Ann Antolini School in New Hartford.
TV, Print, Radio Coverage Of Jumoke Academy Debate: 1st Congressional District
-- Fox Ct's Laurie Perez with Jumoke Students Gabriel Buenstro, grade 7; Diana Mignott, grade 8; and Encye Walker, grade 8.
Debate Questions for Monday, 10/25/10
QUESTION 1 IS FOR ALL CANDIDATES (2 minutes each):
1. Charter schools, such as Jumoke Academy, receive far less funding than regular public schools, yet consistently achieve very high standardized test scores that are used to measure academic success. As Connecticut's 1st District representative, what will you specifically do in Congress to help schools like ours receive equal funding?
2. Congressman Larson, According to the National Center for Education Statistics, American 8th grade students rank 9th in Math scores and 11th in Science scores worldwide, placing behind such countries as Hungary, Russia, and Singapore. Many people blame our declining test scores on underperforming teachers and want to end guaranteed employment for tenured teachers. Do you agree that ending teacher tenure would improve our public schools?
3. Ms. Brickley, you have stated that you are against the healthcare reform legislation that passed through Congress earlier this year. You have also stated that, if elected, you would vote to repeal this act. How would repealing this law help Americans that need health insurance and what would you introduce in its place?
4. Mr. Hutchinson, most of the debate in regards to healthcare reform is about who should pay for it, which ignores the problem of why healthcare services are so incredibly expensive to begin with. Since healthcare reform is about helping people and saving money, what would you do in office to reduce the overall costs of healthcare services and procedures?
5. Mr. Krayeske, in 2006 and 2008, Americans overwhelmingly voted Democratic in an effort to change the government and state their displeasure with Republican leadership. Now, only a few years later, many Americans are still unhappy with the direction of the government, yet their only option is to vote Republicans back in. Do you feel that the two-party system is healthy for America and effective at bringing real change? Why or why not?
6. Congressman Larson, our Congress has consistently voted to increase military spending. In the past 10 years, our military defense budget has more than doubled from an estimated 300 billion dollars in 2000, to an estimated 660 billion dollars in 2010, and we still continue to engage in combat in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the citizens of America are suffering through some of the worst economic times in recent American history. As a member of Congress, with so many Americans unemployed or underemployed, do you feel that it is appropriate to be spending so much of our money on the military?
7. Mr. Hutchinson, America is a nation that has always depended on immigration to keep its economy afloat. Where do you stand on the issue of undocumented immigration and granting citizenship to those who have arrived in our country through illegal means?
8. Mr. Krayeske, Connecticut citizens pay some of the highest taxes in the country, yet our capital city of Hartford continues to suffer from one of the highest crime rates in our nation. As citizens, we pay for police services with our tax dollars. Considering how much we pay in taxes, how is it acceptable that so much crime still exists in our community and how do you plan to fix this problem?
9. Ms. Brickley, under President Bush, the richest 1% of Americans increased their share of America's wealth to 42% and the gap between rich and poor Americans is wider than ever. Are you in favor of repealing the Bush tax cuts and increasing the tax rate on the richest 1% of Americans? Why or why not?
10. Congressman Larson, the cost of running for public office in America, particularly for a national office, has spiraled out of control. Only the wealthiest Americans have a legitimate chance to run for public office. Even losing campaigns spend more money than most citizens make in their lifetime. Considering our current economic climate, are you in favor of abolishing all soft money campaign contributions, thus requiring all candidates to use public financing?
11. Mr. Krayeske, Unemployment in our state is currently at 9.1%, the highest since 1976, and Connecticut is having trouble keeping its citizens to remain in-state. If elected, what is your plan to make Connecticut more attractive to businesses and increase job growth?
12. Ms. Brickley, Jagadish Shukla, Distinguished University Professor of Earth Sciences and Global Change at George Mason University, has stated "The consequences of global climate change constitute one of the most serious threats facing humanity. While the poor and the impoverished will suffer the most, the potential for catastrophic climate change is quite real." Do you agree that global warming is a real threat to our planet? If so, how do you plan to address this problem in the next 2 years?
13. Congressman Larson, Some global scientists estimate that we will run out of oil within the next 50 years. This question has two parts. What is your plan to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil, fossil fuels, and other carbon-emitting substances? How do you plan to increase funding for green energy technology and the production of renewable green energy sources?
14. Mr. Hutchinson, Members of the House of Representatives must win re-election every two years. With this system, House members must constantly raise money for re-election campaigns, and spend most of their time fundraising instead of serving their constituents. Do you feel that the term lengths for House Representatives should be increased to four years per term? Why or why not?
Monday, October 25, 2010
Uncomfortable With Incumbents? Check This Out ...
-- Krayeske & Larson @ West Indian Social Club, Hartford, CT 10-24-10
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Announcement: JUMOKE ACADEMY HONORS STUDENTS TO HOST AND MODERATE FIRST U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DEBATE
Contact: Erica Hattings-Brodeur
Office Phone: 860-527-0575
Mobile Phone: 860-830-2981
brodeure@jumokeacademy.org
All Candidates Confirm Participation,
Laurie Perez of FOX-61 to be Lead Moderator
Dr. Michael Sharpe, Chief Executive Officer of Jumoke Academy Charter Schools, announces that on Monday, October 25, 2010, Jumoke Academy Honors Middle School will takethe lead role in a debate between Connecticut’s First Congressional District Candidates. Ann Brickley, Ken Krayeske, Chris Hutchinson, and Rep. John Larson will face their toughest challenge yet– a debate with a format created and all questions by the school’s students.
Seventh–grader Gabriel Buenrostro, and eighth-graders Enyce Walker and Diana Mignott will moderate under the guidance of FOX-61’s Politics and Current Affairs reporter, Laurie Perez.
The event will be held from 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm in the auditorium of Jumoke Academy Honors Middle School, 339 Blue Hills Avenue, Hartford, CT. It is a collaboration between the school’s staff, educators, and the Cool Justice LLC creator Andy Thibault. Due to the size of the venue and student participation, seating space is limited, but standing room will be available.
In 1997, Thelma Ellis Dickerson founded Jumoke Academy under the state’s new Public Charter School Law. At the age of 75, she took initiative to provide the children of Hartford a high quality education and the ability to close the achievement gap between urban and suburban students. Nearly 14 years later, Jumoke Academy is now comprised of two charter schools: Jumoke Academy Elementary, educating students from Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth Grade, and Jumoke Academy Honors, an academically rigorous middle school, preparing its Sixth-Eighth graders for high school and beyond.
Honors Middle School Principal, Doreen Crawford, commented that, over the past several years, Jumoke Academy Honors Middle School is consistently rated as one of the highest performing urban public schools in the state.
For more information, or to confirm attendance, please contact the Jumoke Academy Honors Middle School at 860-527-0575 or e-mail Erica Hattings-Brodeur at
brodeure@jumokeacademy.org.
Jumoke Academy Test Data: A Cut Above Greater Hartford & Elite Towns In CT
Office Phone: 860-527-0575
Mobile Phone: 860-830-2981
brodeure@jumokeacademy.org
All Candidates Confirm Participation,
Laurie Perez of FOX-61 to be Lead Moderator
Dr. Michael Sharpe, Chief Executive Officer of Jumoke Academy Charter Schools, announces that on Monday, October 25, 2010, Jumoke Academy Honors Middle School will takethe lead role in a debate between Connecticut’s First Congressional District Candidates. Ann Brickley, Ken Krayeske, Chris Hutchinson, and Rep. John Larson will face their toughest challenge yet– a debate with a format created and all questions by the school’s students.
Seventh–grader Gabriel Buenrostro, and eighth-graders Enyce Walker and Diana Mignott will moderate under the guidance of FOX-61’s Politics and Current Affairs reporter, Laurie Perez.
The event will be held from 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm in the auditorium of Jumoke Academy Honors Middle School, 339 Blue Hills Avenue, Hartford, CT. It is a collaboration between the school’s staff, educators, and the Cool Justice LLC creator Andy Thibault. Due to the size of the venue and student participation, seating space is limited, but standing room will be available.
In 1997, Thelma Ellis Dickerson founded Jumoke Academy under the state’s new Public Charter School Law. At the age of 75, she took initiative to provide the children of Hartford a high quality education and the ability to close the achievement gap between urban and suburban students. Nearly 14 years later, Jumoke Academy is now comprised of two charter schools: Jumoke Academy Elementary, educating students from Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth Grade, and Jumoke Academy Honors, an academically rigorous middle school, preparing its Sixth-Eighth graders for high school and beyond.
Honors Middle School Principal, Doreen Crawford, commented that, over the past several years, Jumoke Academy Honors Middle School is consistently rated as one of the highest performing urban public schools in the state.
For more information, or to confirm attendance, please contact the Jumoke Academy Honors Middle School at 860-527-0575 or e-mail Erica Hattings-Brodeur at
brodeure@jumokeacademy.org.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Jumoke Academy Test Data: A Cut Above Greater Hartford & Elite Towns In CT
Students To Host
Congressional Candidates
&
Manage Debate Monday, 10-25-10
CT-N, The Connecticut Network, To Cover This Debate
-- Jumoke Mastery Test Scores V. Greater Hartford
-- Jumoke Students @ Hartford Club Literary Event 1-15-10
Photo by Bob Thiesfield
-- Jumoke Mastery Test Scores V. Elite Towns
Jumoke Academy Congressional Debate Format & Student Leaders
The Miracle Of Hartford, Ct's Jumoke Academy: Site For 1st District Congressional Debate Monday, 10-25-10
Congressional Candidates
&
Manage Debate Monday, 10-25-10
-- Jumoke Mastery Test Scores V. Greater Hartford
-- Jumoke Students @ Hartford Club Literary Event 1-15-10
Photo by Bob Thiesfield
-- Jumoke Mastery Test Scores V. Elite Towns
updated, with new bios 10-23&24-10: * Jumoke Academy Congressional Debate Format & Student Leaders
STUDENT-RUN DEBATE
Monday, 10-25-10, 1-2:30 p.m.
339 Blue Hills Ave.
Hartford, CT 06112
860-527-0575
CT-N, The Connecticut Network, To Cover This Debate
Editor's Note: All 4 candidates are participating, but space will limit attendance. The debate -- from 1 - 2:30 p.m. -- will be run by students and moderated by FoxCT's Laurie Perez. Best to call ahead.
JUMOKE ACADEMY JAH-SMaRT MIDDLE SCHOOL
1st U.S. Congressional District
Student-Run Debate Format
1. The chief moderator [FoxCT's Laurie Perez] will have two minutes to welcome the audience, introduce themselves, and set up the event.
2. The student moderators will then introduce themselves.
3. The chief moderator will go over the rules of the debate.
4. The chief moderator will introduce the candidates.
THE DEBATE FORMAT WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
Questions will be read by the student moderators, and will be asked to ONE specific candidate. That candidate will have THREE minutes to respond. Any other candidate whose position differs greatly from the first candidate will be allowed a ONE minute response to state their differing viewpoint. All candidates will then have a chance to respond to each question. Questions will be written by the students of Jumoke Academy with the guidance of Mr. Jerry Burrus, Social Studies teacher and Student Moderator/Debate Advisor, and Dr. Michael Sharpe, CEO of Jumoke Academy Charter Schools. All candidates will be asked at least TWO questions directly, hopefully three. All questions will be appropriate and NO topic is off limits.
Gabriel Buenrostro
Hi, my name is Gabriel Buenrostro, and I live in East Hartford. I am a Seventh Grader at Jumoke Academy JAH SMaRT Middle School. I speak two languages fluently, English and Spanish. I have diverse interests, including politics. I like to participate in sports, like fencing, swimming, and baseball. I am currently applying for the "Tri-M" Music Honors Society within our school, because I sing in our choir and play in our school's orchestra. Last summer I received a full scholarship to Cheshire Academy's Cheshire Access summer program, because of my good grades and personal achievements.
Although I am in Seventh Grade, I am already looking into private high schools like Cheshire Academy and Avon Old Farms. I plan on putting being a "student moderator at the 2010 1st US Congressional District student-run debate" as one of my accomplishments.
Enyce Walker
My Name is Enyce Walker. I was born in New Britain, CT on July 16, 1997. My parents' names are Priscilla Simon and Preston Walker. I spent the earlier part of my childhood in New Britain.
I went to my first school, South Church Preschool, when I was five years old. I then went to Kindergarten through Fifth Grade at Jefferson Elementary School in New Britain. While I was there, I was always an "A" student, and even won an award for the Superintendent Honor Roll. During the summer of 2008, my mom and I moved to Hartford. Since we moved, I have attended Jumoke Academy JAH SMaRT Middle School. I have won many awards for my grades and scored high on my CMT's. I am looking forward to graduating from Jumoke with high honors.
I enjoy playing football and basketball. I play on teams for the Hartford Boys and Girls Club, where I have helped my teams win Championships. My favorite basketball team is the Miami Heat, with Lebron James. I also love playing the Playstation 3.
Diana Mignott
Hi, my name is Diana Mignott and I am an eighth grader at Jumoke Academy JAH SMaRT Middle School. I have been a student at Jumoke Academy since 2008. Before I moved to the Hartford area, I lived in Jamaica and Old Lyme, CT.
I am a very hard-working student and I enjoy helping others to exceed, too. I am easily motivated and always do my best at anything I set my mind to do. I have received many awards for my academics, my volunteering, and my citizenship. I enjoy volunteering and encouraging others. Overall, I am a student who enjoys living life to the fullest!
Laurie Perez
Emmy Award-winning reporter Laurie Perez joined the FOXCT News Team in 2000. A native of South Windsor, she's thrilled to be working in Connecticut covering stories that affect the communities and people she loves.
Prior to Fox 61, Laurie worked as a reporter at WSPA-TV, the CBS affiliate in Greenville, South Carolina. While there, she covered the search for Olympic bombing suspect Eric Robert Rudolph, and reported for the CBS Network and CBS Evening News on the August '99 shooting spree in Atlanta's financial district, tornadoes in the South, and numerous other national stories. Her first job was reporting at the CBS affiliate KEPR-TV in Kennewick, Washington.
Laurie has a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University in Chicago. She earned her undergraduate degree at Tufts University and is a graduate of the Loomis Chaffee School.
Laurie is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
In Washington, South Carolina and here in Connecticut Laurie has been honored for her writing and interviewing. She has been nominated the past two years in a row for the Emmy for Best Overall Reporter in New England.
Laurie is the host of Fox 61's weekly politics and current affairs show "The Real Story."
The Miracle Of Hartford, Ct's Jumoke Academy: Site For 1st District Congressional Debate Monday, 10-25-10
Doreen Crawford, Principal
Doreen Crawford is the principal at Jumoke Academy Honors Middle School in Hartford. She was principal at Jumoke Academy Elementary School since October 2005 until July 2008. Jumoke Academy Schools are successful Charter Schools located in the Blue Hills neighborhood which was founded in 1997 by Thelma Dickerson. Ms. Crawford was first hired as a 1st and 2nd grade teacher at Jumoke Elementary School in 1997 when the school first opened. After training to become an administrator she took over as principal in 2005. Ms. Crawford is presently the only educator at Jumoke who has been there since its inception in 1997.
Principal Crawford was honored with the inclusion of her bio and picture in the 9th Edition (2004-2005) of “ Who’ s Who Among American Teachers.” She was also presented a citation from the City of Hartford for higher education as a part of Mayor Perez's education initiative in 2005 and a certificate of appreciate at the 4th Annual Honoring Our Own for outstanding contribution made to the residents in the city of Hartford.
Along with other administrators, she was awarded “ Most Awesome Principal Award” from the Greater Hartford Chapter of Christian Educators Association International.
Doreen Crawford is presently pursuing doctoral studies in educational leadership at Central Connecticut State University where she graduated in 2005 with a Sixth Year Professional Diploma of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership. In 2000 she earned a Masters of Science in Special Education and in 1994 a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, also at Central Connecticut State University.
She also earned from the University of the West Indies in association with Moneague Teachers’ College in Jamaica a Diploma in Teaching in 1990 and a Trained Teacher Certification in Elementary Education in 1983.
Ms. Crawford is a member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Hartford. She is also a member and past secretary of Caribbean American Society of Hartford, past secretary of Blue Hills Civic Association and a board member of the West Indian Foundation. A resident of the City of Hartford, Doreen Crawford is committed to educating students to reach their highest academic potential.
“Hard work, persistence, and dedication pay off. If you think about it, you can do it, just keep on trying.”
Dr. Michael Sharpe,
CEO
Michael M. Sharpe, a graduate of Columbia University, B.A., Norwich University and New York University, - currently is the Chief Executive Officer for Jumoke Academy Schools in Hartford, CT.
Under Dr. Sharpe’s leadership, Jumoke Academy’s middle and elementary schools was cited -- 3 years consecutively -- in an independent study based on the Connecticut Mastery Scores as one of the top ten performing schools in the State of Connecticut. Dr. Sharpe began work at Jumoke Academy in 1998 and was appointed its CEO in 2003.
During his tenure the school’s enrollment has grown from 150 to over 430 students including a staff of 75 employees. Its academic program now includes an outstanding Pre-K academy and two academic award winning schools: Jumoke Academy Charter School and Jumoke Academy Honor’s Middle School. In the academic subjects Jumoke Academy middle school has closed the achievement gap between students of color and non-white students. Last year Jumoke Academy students had equal to the highest writing and math scores of any school district in the State of Connecticut.
Dr. Sharpe is president of the Connecticut Charter School Association; board member of the National Charter School Leadership Council, the Blue Hills Civic Association and a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Dr. Sharpe resides in Hartford with his daughter, Michele Sharpe.
Monday, 10-25-10, 1-2:30 p.m.
339 Blue Hills Ave.
Hartford, CT 06112
860-527-0575
Editor's Note: All 4 candidates are participating, but space will limit attendance. The debate -- from 1 - 2:30 p.m. -- will be run by students and moderated by FoxCT's Laurie Perez. Best to call ahead.
JUMOKE ACADEMY JAH-SMaRT MIDDLE SCHOOL
1st U.S. Congressional District
Student-Run Debate Format
1. The chief moderator [FoxCT's Laurie Perez] will have two minutes to welcome the audience, introduce themselves, and set up the event.
2. The student moderators will then introduce themselves.
3. The chief moderator will go over the rules of the debate.
4. The chief moderator will introduce the candidates.
THE DEBATE FORMAT WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
Questions will be read by the student moderators, and will be asked to ONE specific candidate. That candidate will have THREE minutes to respond. Any other candidate whose position differs greatly from the first candidate will be allowed a ONE minute response to state their differing viewpoint. All candidates will then have a chance to respond to each question. Questions will be written by the students of Jumoke Academy with the guidance of Mr. Jerry Burrus, Social Studies teacher and Student Moderator/Debate Advisor, and Dr. Michael Sharpe, CEO of Jumoke Academy Charter Schools. All candidates will be asked at least TWO questions directly, hopefully three. All questions will be appropriate and NO topic is off limits.
Gabriel Buenrostro
Hi, my name is Gabriel Buenrostro, and I live in East Hartford. I am a Seventh Grader at Jumoke Academy JAH SMaRT Middle School. I speak two languages fluently, English and Spanish. I have diverse interests, including politics. I like to participate in sports, like fencing, swimming, and baseball. I am currently applying for the "Tri-M" Music Honors Society within our school, because I sing in our choir and play in our school's orchestra. Last summer I received a full scholarship to Cheshire Academy's Cheshire Access summer program, because of my good grades and personal achievements.
Although I am in Seventh Grade, I am already looking into private high schools like Cheshire Academy and Avon Old Farms. I plan on putting being a "student moderator at the 2010 1st US Congressional District student-run debate" as one of my accomplishments.
Enyce Walker
My Name is Enyce Walker. I was born in New Britain, CT on July 16, 1997. My parents' names are Priscilla Simon and Preston Walker. I spent the earlier part of my childhood in New Britain.
I went to my first school, South Church Preschool, when I was five years old. I then went to Kindergarten through Fifth Grade at Jefferson Elementary School in New Britain. While I was there, I was always an "A" student, and even won an award for the Superintendent Honor Roll. During the summer of 2008, my mom and I moved to Hartford. Since we moved, I have attended Jumoke Academy JAH SMaRT Middle School. I have won many awards for my grades and scored high on my CMT's. I am looking forward to graduating from Jumoke with high honors.
I enjoy playing football and basketball. I play on teams for the Hartford Boys and Girls Club, where I have helped my teams win Championships. My favorite basketball team is the Miami Heat, with Lebron James. I also love playing the Playstation 3.
Diana Mignott
Hi, my name is Diana Mignott and I am an eighth grader at Jumoke Academy JAH SMaRT Middle School. I have been a student at Jumoke Academy since 2008. Before I moved to the Hartford area, I lived in Jamaica and Old Lyme, CT.
I am a very hard-working student and I enjoy helping others to exceed, too. I am easily motivated and always do my best at anything I set my mind to do. I have received many awards for my academics, my volunteering, and my citizenship. I enjoy volunteering and encouraging others. Overall, I am a student who enjoys living life to the fullest!
Laurie Perez
Emmy Award-winning reporter Laurie Perez joined the FOXCT News Team in 2000. A native of South Windsor, she's thrilled to be working in Connecticut covering stories that affect the communities and people she loves.
Prior to Fox 61, Laurie worked as a reporter at WSPA-TV, the CBS affiliate in Greenville, South Carolina. While there, she covered the search for Olympic bombing suspect Eric Robert Rudolph, and reported for the CBS Network and CBS Evening News on the August '99 shooting spree in Atlanta's financial district, tornadoes in the South, and numerous other national stories. Her first job was reporting at the CBS affiliate KEPR-TV in Kennewick, Washington.
Laurie has a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University in Chicago. She earned her undergraduate degree at Tufts University and is a graduate of the Loomis Chaffee School.
Laurie is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
In Washington, South Carolina and here in Connecticut Laurie has been honored for her writing and interviewing. She has been nominated the past two years in a row for the Emmy for Best Overall Reporter in New England.
Laurie is the host of Fox 61's weekly politics and current affairs show "The Real Story."
Doreen Crawford, Principal
Doreen Crawford is the principal at Jumoke Academy Honors Middle School in Hartford. She was principal at Jumoke Academy Elementary School since October 2005 until July 2008. Jumoke Academy Schools are successful Charter Schools located in the Blue Hills neighborhood which was founded in 1997 by Thelma Dickerson. Ms. Crawford was first hired as a 1st and 2nd grade teacher at Jumoke Elementary School in 1997 when the school first opened. After training to become an administrator she took over as principal in 2005. Ms. Crawford is presently the only educator at Jumoke who has been there since its inception in 1997.
Principal Crawford was honored with the inclusion of her bio and picture in the 9th Edition (2004-2005) of “ Who’ s Who Among American Teachers.” She was also presented a citation from the City of Hartford for higher education as a part of Mayor Perez's education initiative in 2005 and a certificate of appreciate at the 4th Annual Honoring Our Own for outstanding contribution made to the residents in the city of Hartford.
Along with other administrators, she was awarded “ Most Awesome Principal Award” from the Greater Hartford Chapter of Christian Educators Association International.
Doreen Crawford is presently pursuing doctoral studies in educational leadership at Central Connecticut State University where she graduated in 2005 with a Sixth Year Professional Diploma of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership. In 2000 she earned a Masters of Science in Special Education and in 1994 a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, also at Central Connecticut State University.
She also earned from the University of the West Indies in association with Moneague Teachers’ College in Jamaica a Diploma in Teaching in 1990 and a Trained Teacher Certification in Elementary Education in 1983.
Ms. Crawford is a member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Hartford. She is also a member and past secretary of Caribbean American Society of Hartford, past secretary of Blue Hills Civic Association and a board member of the West Indian Foundation. A resident of the City of Hartford, Doreen Crawford is committed to educating students to reach their highest academic potential.
“Hard work, persistence, and dedication pay off. If you think about it, you can do it, just keep on trying.”
Dr. Michael Sharpe,
CEO
Michael M. Sharpe, a graduate of Columbia University, B.A., Norwich University and New York University, - currently is the Chief Executive Officer for Jumoke Academy Schools in Hartford, CT.
Under Dr. Sharpe’s leadership, Jumoke Academy’s middle and elementary schools was cited -- 3 years consecutively -- in an independent study based on the Connecticut Mastery Scores as one of the top ten performing schools in the State of Connecticut. Dr. Sharpe began work at Jumoke Academy in 1998 and was appointed its CEO in 2003.
During his tenure the school’s enrollment has grown from 150 to over 430 students including a staff of 75 employees. Its academic program now includes an outstanding Pre-K academy and two academic award winning schools: Jumoke Academy Charter School and Jumoke Academy Honor’s Middle School. In the academic subjects Jumoke Academy middle school has closed the achievement gap between students of color and non-white students. Last year Jumoke Academy students had equal to the highest writing and math scores of any school district in the State of Connecticut.
Dr. Sharpe is president of the Connecticut Charter School Association; board member of the National Charter School Leadership Council, the Blue Hills Civic Association and a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Dr. Sharpe resides in Hartford with his daughter, Michele Sharpe.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The Miracle Of Hartford, Ct's Jumoke Academy: Site For 1st District Congressional Debate Monday, 10-25-10
339 Blue Hills Ave.
Hartford, CT 06112
860-527-0575
Editor's Note:All 4 candidates are participating, but space will limit attendance. The debate -- from 1 - 2:30 p.m. -- will be run by students and moderated by FoxCT's Laurie Perez. Best to call ahead.
CT-N, The Connecticut Network, To Cover This Debate
“What makes Jumoke successful is exactly the type of reform EVERY public school needs: discipline, strong academic emphasis, and emphasis on programs and activities that enhance their children’s sense of responsibility, social skills, respect of self and others. It’s not rocket science. It’s getting back to the basics and demanding excellence. Jumoke does that quite well.”
- Stan Simpson, The Hartford Courant
In the mid 1990’s, students in Hartford, CT were struggling academically. Test scores were low, and the educational options available for the city’s children were next to none. Thelma Ellis Dickerson, a former State of Connecticut employee and civil rights activist, was frustrated and looking for solutions. Her goal was to start a school to provide options for those children as well as close the achievement gap that plagues Hartford and its more affluent suburbs. “Jumoke,” which means “everyone loves the child” in Yoruba, was a philosophy taken to heart as she fought for improved conditions and academic standards for Hartford schools.
In 1997, under Connecticut’s new public Charter School law, Ms. Dickerson founded Jumoke Academy in Hartford’s historic Blue Hills neighborhood. Jumoke began with classes ranging from Kindergarten to Third Grade. Most of its first 125 students were years behind statewide academic goals, and unable to gain ground. To bring these children up to basic levels and take them beyond, Ms. Dickerson and her administrators created an intensive and innovative program that encompassed a strong reading curriculum, a dedicated and creative staff, activities that encouraged academic and personal success, and a family-centered community that empowered parents, students, and neighborhood advocates. Everyone involved collaborated to make the school, and its students, successful – a true embodiment of the “Jumoke” philosophy. Over the past 14 years, the collaboration has continued and, as a result, the school has grown immensely, both in size and achievement.
With 432 students currently enrolled, there are now two Jumoke Academy Charter Schools. Jumoke Academy Elementary School educates students from Pre-Kindergarten to Fifth Grade. Jumoke Academy JAH-SMaRT Middle School is an academically rigorous school for Sixth to Eighth Grade students and prepares them for success in high school and beyond. In order to help additional students, and continue to academic success, plans to open an early learning center and high school are being explored. The achievement gap is closing for Jumoke Students. In fact, Jumoke Academy Middle School’s Connecticut Mastery Test scores are now either on par with or exceed the scores of some of the wealthiest suburbs in the state. We have been consistently recognized by ConnCan, a non-profit educational reform advocacy group, as one of Connecticut’s top 10 public schools in performance gains and minority/low income scores.
The biggest challenge we face today is one that has confronted most Americans: that of financial stability. Currently, we receive only 65% of the per student funding that is afforded to Hartford, the same city that is home to the majority of our students. We also lack many of the classroom tools (such as smart boards) and school resources (like technology labs and libraries) that other districts take for granted. Yet, as can be seen from our test scores and by visiting our classrooms, our children are leaps and bounds ahead. By properly funding successful schools, such as Jumoke Academy Charter Schools, our students will have access to even more learning opportunities, and the achievement gap for urban students can be a thing of the past.
Hartford, CT 06112
860-527-0575
Editor's Note:All 4 candidates are participating, but space will limit attendance. The debate -- from 1 - 2:30 p.m. -- will be run by students and moderated by FoxCT's Laurie Perez. Best to call ahead.
“What makes Jumoke successful is exactly the type of reform EVERY public school needs: discipline, strong academic emphasis, and emphasis on programs and activities that enhance their children’s sense of responsibility, social skills, respect of self and others. It’s not rocket science. It’s getting back to the basics and demanding excellence. Jumoke does that quite well.”
- Stan Simpson, The Hartford Courant
In the mid 1990’s, students in Hartford, CT were struggling academically. Test scores were low, and the educational options available for the city’s children were next to none. Thelma Ellis Dickerson, a former State of Connecticut employee and civil rights activist, was frustrated and looking for solutions. Her goal was to start a school to provide options for those children as well as close the achievement gap that plagues Hartford and its more affluent suburbs. “Jumoke,” which means “everyone loves the child” in Yoruba, was a philosophy taken to heart as she fought for improved conditions and academic standards for Hartford schools.
In 1997, under Connecticut’s new public Charter School law, Ms. Dickerson founded Jumoke Academy in Hartford’s historic Blue Hills neighborhood. Jumoke began with classes ranging from Kindergarten to Third Grade. Most of its first 125 students were years behind statewide academic goals, and unable to gain ground. To bring these children up to basic levels and take them beyond, Ms. Dickerson and her administrators created an intensive and innovative program that encompassed a strong reading curriculum, a dedicated and creative staff, activities that encouraged academic and personal success, and a family-centered community that empowered parents, students, and neighborhood advocates. Everyone involved collaborated to make the school, and its students, successful – a true embodiment of the “Jumoke” philosophy. Over the past 14 years, the collaboration has continued and, as a result, the school has grown immensely, both in size and achievement.
With 432 students currently enrolled, there are now two Jumoke Academy Charter Schools. Jumoke Academy Elementary School educates students from Pre-Kindergarten to Fifth Grade. Jumoke Academy JAH-SMaRT Middle School is an academically rigorous school for Sixth to Eighth Grade students and prepares them for success in high school and beyond. In order to help additional students, and continue to academic success, plans to open an early learning center and high school are being explored. The achievement gap is closing for Jumoke Students. In fact, Jumoke Academy Middle School’s Connecticut Mastery Test scores are now either on par with or exceed the scores of some of the wealthiest suburbs in the state. We have been consistently recognized by ConnCan, a non-profit educational reform advocacy group, as one of Connecticut’s top 10 public schools in performance gains and minority/low income scores.
The biggest challenge we face today is one that has confronted most Americans: that of financial stability. Currently, we receive only 65% of the per student funding that is afforded to Hartford, the same city that is home to the majority of our students. We also lack many of the classroom tools (such as smart boards) and school resources (like technology labs and libraries) that other districts take for granted. Yet, as can be seen from our test scores and by visiting our classrooms, our children are leaps and bounds ahead. By properly funding successful schools, such as Jumoke Academy Charter Schools, our students will have access to even more learning opportunities, and the achievement gap for urban students can be a thing of the past.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Mainstream Daily Paper Publishes Poem Censored by facebook, re;
Racial Profiling Case
Legal Settlement
...note from friend, representative of many:
Unfortunately the link you posted has been blocked by Facebook. Someone reported it as abusive or offensive.....
Just wanted to let you know.........
peace
&
Comment from a Bristol Press reader:
"In yesterday's Register there was an article that New York City has spent
(awarded?) nearly a billion dollars
on police-related law suits in the past decade.
Starting tomorrow,I plan to drive around New York City wearing a turban. This could be a career move."
Caligiuri & Murphy, Congressional Candidates, @ Litchfield-Morris Rotary Thursday
PLZ RSVP @
tntcomm82@cs.com
Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010,
La Cupola Ristorante
860-567-3326
637 Bantam Road,
Litchfield, CT
U.S. Rep. candidate Sam Caligiuri, R, 12:15 - 12:45
U.S. Rep. candidate [incumbent] Chris Murphy, D, 1 - 1:30
Guests to be introduced by Emily Olson,
managing editor, Register Citizen.
Meeting starts promptly @ noon
Rotary members & guest welcome
Cost: $20
Candidates have 30 minutes including Q & A
Press and public generally around before and after for questions, mingle time.
* Note: Format same as Oct. 7 in which 2 CT Attorney General candidates, Martha Dean & George Jepsen, each had separate 30 minute presentations including wide open Q & A from public & press.
U.S. Rep. candidate Sam Caligiuri, R, 12:15 - 12:45
--
U.S. Rep. candidate [incumbent] Chris Murphy, D, 1 - 1:30
Andy Thibault, speaker committee
Litchfield-Morris Rotary
860-690-0211
tntcomm82@cs.com
Bristol Press: CCSU professor gets a measure of justice
NEW BRITAIN — CCSU English Professor and poet Ravi Shankar has won a settlement with New York City for his wrongful arrest and weekend detention in 2009 ...
... “We are very pleased to have gotten justice for Ravi,” said Shankar’s lawyer, Bruce Barron.
Friday, October 15, 2010
New Poetry From Ravi Shankar: Sand Nigger Blues
Editor's Note: Poet / CCSU Prof -- fresh from federal court victory in a racial profiling suit against the city of New York -- premiered this poem Thursday night during the Battle of the Giant Poets @ Szechuan Tokyo, W. Hartford, Ct. The evening supported 1st Congressional District candidate Ken Krayeske's campaign for civil rights and economic and social justice.
Sand Nigger Blues
Say I'm just a plainclothes Indian,
not from a tribe but from a high caste,
just driving home past Chelsea on 34th,
trying to find the West Side Highway.
Windows down, thrumming cross-town,
when I see the rearview flashing lights.
Sober as a compass, headed up north,
no mullah or drug mule yet still I'm brown.
Got the Sand Nigger Blues.
"Just a glass of wine with dinner Officer,
and yes I own this car. See my name's
on the registration. No, I'm not coming
from that far. I live in Connecticut
and was just headed home. Employed?
Yes I teach for a living. I'm a professor.
A poetry professor. No I don't have
a firearm or any outstanding warrants."
Sober as a compass, headed up north,
no mullah or drug mule yet still I'm brown.
Got the Sand Nigger Blues.
From the rear of a barred van the city
passes by in streaks. Cuffed in a human
chain, rights unread, and oxford laces
pulled from my shoes. I'm the lightest
one of three dozen or more, all huddled
together tonight on this concrete floor.
Sober as a compass, headed up north,
no mullah or drug mule yet still I'm brown.
Got the Sand Nigger Blues.
THE BOB THIESFIELD COLLECTION: Battle of the Giant Poets
Photos by BOB THIESFIELD
OK for reprint
Courtesy of Bob Thiesfield / The Cool Justice Report
-- Ken Krayeske & Iyaba Ibo Mandingo
Who's Who: Battle of the Giant Poets
-- Szechuan Tokyo Host Paul Lewis Greets Kate Rushin As Jon Andersen Enjoys The Moment
-- Jen Allen Jazz Combo Warms Up
-- MC Rand Cooper: It's Showtime
-- New Poetry From Jon Andersen
-- Kate & Rand
-- Ravi On Stage
-- Rand Muses On the Green Party In Australia
-- Ken With Iyaba's 1st Chapbook [autographed]
-- Iyaba On Stage
-- Iyaba Finale
-- TEAM Battle of the Giant Poets
BREAKING NEWS: Poet / CCSU Prof Ravi Shankar Wins Settlement From NYC In Racial Profiling Case
Podcast: WNPR Colin Show: Life Outside The Two Party System
Ken Krayeske Campaign Website
Ken Krayeske Campaign Twitter Link
twitter@cooljustice
OK for reprint
Courtesy of Bob Thiesfield / The Cool Justice Report
-- Ken Krayeske & Iyaba Ibo Mandingo
-- Szechuan Tokyo Host Paul Lewis Greets Kate Rushin As Jon Andersen Enjoys The Moment
-- Jen Allen Jazz Combo Warms Up
-- MC Rand Cooper: It's Showtime
-- New Poetry From Jon Andersen
-- Kate & Rand
-- Ravi On Stage
-- Rand Muses On the Green Party In Australia
-- Ken With Iyaba's 1st Chapbook [autographed]
-- Iyaba On Stage
-- Iyaba Finale
-- TEAM Battle of the Giant Poets
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Podcast: WNPR Colin Show: Life Outside The Two Party System
GUESTS:
Ben Wojan
Jason Ortiz
Ken Krayeske
Christopher Hutchinson
updated / COMPLETE Music Lineup Battle of the Giant Poets Tonight
WHERE IS
SZECHUAN TOKYO?
Szechuan Tokyo is located at 1245 New Britain Avenue, at the corner of South Main Street, in the Elmwood Section of West Hartford, convenient to I-84 Exit 41 "South Main Street/Elmwood."
If you need help, call us at (860) 561-0180.
From Hartford and points East: Take I-84 to Exit 41. Turn left at the top of the exit ramp and go over the highway. You're on South Main Street. Proceed to the next major intersection, (New Britain Avenue) and the restaurant is on the far left. There's plenty of free parking in our lot.
From Route 9 and points West: Take Rte. 9 to I-84 Eastbound. Take I-84 Exit 41. Make a right at the top of the exit ramp. You're on South Main Street. Proceed to the next major intersection, (New Britain Avenue) and the restaurant is on the far left. There's plenty of free parking in our lot.
From New Haven: Take I-91 Northbound into Hartford. Take I-84 Westbound and follow the directions from Hartford, above.
From Bradley Airport: Take I-91 Southbound into Hartford. Take I-84 Westbound and follow the directions from Hartford, above.
OPENING ACT
for
BATTLE OF THE GIANT POETS
7:30 p.m. Sharp
Thurs.,
Oct. 14, 2010
Jen Allen Jazz Combo
With Vocalists
Featuring
DominiQue
Szechuan Tokyo
[EZ access off I-84]
1245 New Britain Ave
West Hartford, CT 06110-2404
(860) 561-0180
Personnel, Jen Allen Jazz Combo
Jen Allen, keyboard
-- The talented young pianist and composer Jen Allen leads the musical opening, This Land Is Your Land, for BATTLE OF THE GIANT POETS Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010 @ Sezechuan Toky, W. Hartford, CT. A native of the Boston area and now living in West Hartford, Jen has been developing her original sound for the last 10 years and plays with a clean, swinging style. She cites some of her many influences as Monk, Bill Evans and Hartford native Brad Mehldau. Jen studied at the Berklee College of Music and Hartt School of Music in Hartford, getting her degree in the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz. She's played around the world including Japan, Turkey, and across America, and worked with such jazz greats as Nat Reeves, Charles Flores, Kris Allen, and the Kendrick Oliver Big Band. Now a teacher at Trinity College, Jen has taught at the Artist’s Collective, the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts and worked as a clinician for the Greater Hartford Arts Council and Litchfield Performing Arts. She is currently working on her first album.
Matt Dwonszyk, bass
-- Matt Dwonszyk is an upcoming acoustic bass player in the Hartford area. Starting on the electric bass at age 11, Matt grew up playing numerous types of music stemming from rock and roll. When he entered high school he was fortunate to attend the Academy of Performing Arts in Hartford where he began studying jazz with teachers such as Jimmy Greene, Kris Allen, Paul Brown, and Doug Maher. Through friends at the Academy, Matt started attending the Artist Collective and playing in the Youth Jazz Orchestra Band. He soon started performing around the Hartford area and was fortunate to perform in Russia through the Academy of the Arts. His senior year, Matt started performing with Ed Fast’s Conga Bop where he was exposed to Latin music. He continues to perform with Ed Fast and is now attending the Hartt School of Music where he is studying with Professor Nat Reeves and Professor Steve Davis.
Tido Holtkamp, drums
-- Tido has played a wide variety of musical styles including jazz, rock, r&b, motown, fusion, latin and americana and has built a reputation as a dynamic, versatile and musical drummer. He currently leads his own groups, Caravan and the Tido Holtkamp Group, and also plays regularly with a wide range of artists.
Kris Allen, Saxophone
-- Saxophonist and composer Kris Allen was a young protege of the great Jackie McLean, with whom he studied at the Artists Collective and the University of Hartford. He went on to perform and/or record with jazz legends such as Illinois Jacquet, Gerald Wilson, and Curtis Fuller, as well as with modern starts such as Winard Harper, Andy Laverne, Mario Pavone and the Mingus Dynasty. Kris can be found appearing as the leader of his own quintet, in duo with percussionist Rogerio Boccato, and as both saxophonist and artistic director of the Hartford Jazz Society New Directions Ensemble. He is also very involved with education, as a part time faculty member of The Hartt School, Trinity College, and the Greater Hartford Academy of the Performing Arts. Kris has also been been a teaching artist with the Litchfield Jazz Festival since 2001.
VOCALISTS:
DominiQue
-- DominiQue "Ms. Q" Padilla is an independent R&B / Soul vocalist from Connecticut who's made a name for herself as the DominiQue with the capital Q. She is a graduate of Litchfield High School & is currently finishing her last year at the Hartford Conservatory where she majors in music production / engineering & voice. DominiQue writes her own music and performs all over the state at public and private events including clubs, parties, competitions and sporting events. Her most recent event performing at this year's W.O.W. seminar as a positive role model for the high school girls. DominiQue will continue to pursue her career in entertainment after graduating from the Conservatory and also has plans to start her own production company.
DominiQue's YouTube Page: Say A Little Prayer & Respect @ Twain House 09
JANUARY 2010 Video FLASHBACK: Jen Allen Big Band @ Triple KO Event
Rachel Perlin
- Rachel Elizabeth Perlin is a Musical Theater graduate of the Hartford Conservatory. She has been a performer since the tender age of 5 and it has been her passion ever since. Rachel has been in many theater productions including West Side Story, The Boys from Syracuse, Annie, Nunsense, Fiddler on the Roof and The Apple Tree. Since graduating from the Conservatory in May, Rachel has appeared in a production of Urinetown. While patiently waiting for her next audition, Rachel enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and is a sales associate at Pier 1 Imports (and enjoys every second of her job)!
Sara Normandin
- Sara Normandin is a senior at Litchfield High School and The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. Sara is trained in classical, jazz, opera and musical theater repertoire. Sara is a member of the Litchfield High School Choraleers and also a member of the Academy's "Real Ambassadors" a competition jazz choir. She also sang in a production of La Boheme with the New Britain Symphony Orchestra.
Cassie Martin, Hartford Conservatory
- Cassie studies vocal performance at The Hartford Conservatory. She has studied musical theater, classical, and jazz music. She currently sings with vocal ensemble at the conservatory as well as a madrigal group. Cassie has also been in music theater productions such as The Producers and Oklahoma!- as well as straight theater including Graceland and Top Girls.
Szechuan Tokyo Calendar
CAPTION --
MC Rand Cooper, the novelist and travel writer for Bon Appétit, bottom left, with Hartford pro boxer Chip Perez & poet / CCSU Prof Ravi 'I Don't Play The Sitar' Shankar; Ravi performs in New London; Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, the poet, playwright and painter, sings for his supper in New York; poet Kate Rushin does the Ali shuffle; poet Jon Andersen, ready to rumble.
click on image
for full view
short bios -- BATTLE OF THE GIANT POETS, aka Poets & Writers For Ken
NPR Podcast Kate Rushin @ Sunken Garden
Poetry By Iyaba Mandingo
Szechuan Tokyo Facebook Page: BATTLE OF THE GIANT POETS
PSA: Abominable Snowman Lurking Near Szechuan Tokyo
Some Of Ravi's Great Adventures Including 72 Hours In Istanbul & Delphi
twitter@cooljustice
SZECHUAN TOKYO?
Szechuan Tokyo is located at 1245 New Britain Avenue, at the corner of South Main Street, in the Elmwood Section of West Hartford, convenient to I-84 Exit 41 "South Main Street/Elmwood."
If you need help, call us at (860) 561-0180.
From Hartford and points East: Take I-84 to Exit 41. Turn left at the top of the exit ramp and go over the highway. You're on South Main Street. Proceed to the next major intersection, (New Britain Avenue) and the restaurant is on the far left. There's plenty of free parking in our lot.
From Route 9 and points West: Take Rte. 9 to I-84 Eastbound. Take I-84 Exit 41. Make a right at the top of the exit ramp. You're on South Main Street. Proceed to the next major intersection, (New Britain Avenue) and the restaurant is on the far left. There's plenty of free parking in our lot.
From New Haven: Take I-91 Northbound into Hartford. Take I-84 Westbound and follow the directions from Hartford, above.
From Bradley Airport: Take I-91 Southbound into Hartford. Take I-84 Westbound and follow the directions from Hartford, above.
OPENING ACT
for
BATTLE OF THE GIANT POETS
7:30 p.m. Sharp
Thurs.,
Oct. 14, 2010
Jen Allen Jazz Combo
With Vocalists
Featuring
DominiQue
Szechuan Tokyo
[EZ access off I-84]
1245 New Britain Ave
West Hartford, CT 06110-2404
(860) 561-0180
Personnel, Jen Allen Jazz Combo
Jen Allen, keyboard
-- The talented young pianist and composer Jen Allen leads the musical opening, This Land Is Your Land, for BATTLE OF THE GIANT POETS Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010 @ Sezechuan Toky, W. Hartford, CT. A native of the Boston area and now living in West Hartford, Jen has been developing her original sound for the last 10 years and plays with a clean, swinging style. She cites some of her many influences as Monk, Bill Evans and Hartford native Brad Mehldau. Jen studied at the Berklee College of Music and Hartt School of Music in Hartford, getting her degree in the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz. She's played around the world including Japan, Turkey, and across America, and worked with such jazz greats as Nat Reeves, Charles Flores, Kris Allen, and the Kendrick Oliver Big Band. Now a teacher at Trinity College, Jen has taught at the Artist’s Collective, the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts and worked as a clinician for the Greater Hartford Arts Council and Litchfield Performing Arts. She is currently working on her first album.
Matt Dwonszyk, bass
-- Matt Dwonszyk is an upcoming acoustic bass player in the Hartford area. Starting on the electric bass at age 11, Matt grew up playing numerous types of music stemming from rock and roll. When he entered high school he was fortunate to attend the Academy of Performing Arts in Hartford where he began studying jazz with teachers such as Jimmy Greene, Kris Allen, Paul Brown, and Doug Maher. Through friends at the Academy, Matt started attending the Artist Collective and playing in the Youth Jazz Orchestra Band. He soon started performing around the Hartford area and was fortunate to perform in Russia through the Academy of the Arts. His senior year, Matt started performing with Ed Fast’s Conga Bop where he was exposed to Latin music. He continues to perform with Ed Fast and is now attending the Hartt School of Music where he is studying with Professor Nat Reeves and Professor Steve Davis.
Tido Holtkamp, drums
-- Tido has played a wide variety of musical styles including jazz, rock, r&b, motown, fusion, latin and americana and has built a reputation as a dynamic, versatile and musical drummer. He currently leads his own groups, Caravan and the Tido Holtkamp Group, and also plays regularly with a wide range of artists.
Kris Allen, Saxophone
-- Saxophonist and composer Kris Allen was a young protege of the great Jackie McLean, with whom he studied at the Artists Collective and the University of Hartford. He went on to perform and/or record with jazz legends such as Illinois Jacquet, Gerald Wilson, and Curtis Fuller, as well as with modern starts such as Winard Harper, Andy Laverne, Mario Pavone and the Mingus Dynasty. Kris can be found appearing as the leader of his own quintet, in duo with percussionist Rogerio Boccato, and as both saxophonist and artistic director of the Hartford Jazz Society New Directions Ensemble. He is also very involved with education, as a part time faculty member of The Hartt School, Trinity College, and the Greater Hartford Academy of the Performing Arts. Kris has also been been a teaching artist with the Litchfield Jazz Festival since 2001.
VOCALISTS:
DominiQue
-- DominiQue "Ms. Q" Padilla is an independent R&B / Soul vocalist from Connecticut who's made a name for herself as the DominiQue with the capital Q. She is a graduate of Litchfield High School & is currently finishing her last year at the Hartford Conservatory where she majors in music production / engineering & voice. DominiQue writes her own music and performs all over the state at public and private events including clubs, parties, competitions and sporting events. Her most recent event performing at this year's W.O.W. seminar as a positive role model for the high school girls. DominiQue will continue to pursue her career in entertainment after graduating from the Conservatory and also has plans to start her own production company.
Rachel Perlin
- Rachel Elizabeth Perlin is a Musical Theater graduate of the Hartford Conservatory. She has been a performer since the tender age of 5 and it has been her passion ever since. Rachel has been in many theater productions including West Side Story, The Boys from Syracuse, Annie, Nunsense, Fiddler on the Roof and The Apple Tree. Since graduating from the Conservatory in May, Rachel has appeared in a production of Urinetown. While patiently waiting for her next audition, Rachel enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and is a sales associate at Pier 1 Imports (and enjoys every second of her job)!
Sara Normandin
- Sara Normandin is a senior at Litchfield High School and The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. Sara is trained in classical, jazz, opera and musical theater repertoire. Sara is a member of the Litchfield High School Choraleers and also a member of the Academy's "Real Ambassadors" a competition jazz choir. She also sang in a production of La Boheme with the New Britain Symphony Orchestra.
Cassie Martin, Hartford Conservatory
- Cassie studies vocal performance at The Hartford Conservatory. She has studied musical theater, classical, and jazz music. She currently sings with vocal ensemble at the conservatory as well as a madrigal group. Cassie has also been in music theater productions such as The Producers and Oklahoma!- as well as straight theater including Graceland and Top Girls.
CAPTION --
MC Rand Cooper, the novelist and travel writer for Bon Appétit, bottom left, with Hartford pro boxer Chip Perez & poet / CCSU Prof Ravi 'I Don't Play The Sitar' Shankar; Ravi performs in New London; Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, the poet, playwright and painter, sings for his supper in New York; poet Kate Rushin does the Ali shuffle; poet Jon Andersen, ready to rumble.
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