12 - Vicente Fox DGAF, Facebook Unlikes Conservatives, and the Middle Class in 2016

Brand Eff Up

Vicente Fox “apologizes” to Donald Trump for saying repeatedly, in a number of media appearances, that Mexico “is not going to pay for that fucking wall.”

More at POLITICO.

What’s up: Does Facebook Unlike Conservative News?

“Former Facebook Workers: We Routinely Suppressed Conservative News,” by Michael Nunez, Gizmodo.

What’s good?

“What Americans say it takes to be middle class,” by Pew Research

Digging In The Crates

Phil:

Watership Down, 1972 novel by Richard Adams

Michael:

A Legacy of Liberation: Thabo Mbeki and the Future of the South African Dream, 2010 social history by Mark Gevisser.

On Point - 10 - Sahra Vang: What We Learn From and Teach To Our Parents

Multimedia artist/storyteller/writer Sahra Vang Nguyen joins us this week for an *expansive* conversation ranging from her parents’ journey to the US from Vietnam, representations (or lack) of Asians in culture from the nineties to now, her NBC show, “Self-Starters,” her mother’s foray into online culinary media, the contrast in perspectives, goals, and dreams of first-generation immigrant parents and their children, and creating in the name of universality.

11 - Genocide Denial In The Clouds, Béyoncé’s New Level, and Farewell to Prince

Brand Eff Up - GEICO Skytypers

“An American company is apologizing for ‘denying genocide’ in the sky above New York City,” by Max Bearak, Washington Post

What's Up?

Beyonce - Lemonade

Marketing, social media impact, “Validity” as a piece of visual and musical expression.

What’s Good? - Prince

“Prince Was a Genius No Matter How You Define It,” by Jason King, VICE

‘Isn’t This Funnier?’ New Girl Creator Liz Meriwether Recalls the Making of the Prince Episode,” by Liz Meriwether, Vulture.

Chevy's 'Little Red Corvette' Tribute to Prince Is So Good, It's Running in Print Too Ad hits several newspapers Friday,” by Tim Nudd, AdWeek.

Digging In The Crates

Hyun:

Nina Simone - Live In Holland 1965 + Live In England 1968 on YouTube

ARETHA FRANKLIN & RAY CHARLES -TWO TO TANGO - 1975 on YouTube

Phil:

Carol King, “Tapestry.” Joni Mitchell, “Court and Spark,” and Meshell Ndegeocello, “Plantation Lullabies.”

The Dignity of Difference, Jonathan Sachs

A Brief History of Seven Killings, by Marlon James.

10 - Buzzfeed’s Stupid Questions, ScarJo Whitewash, and Virtual-Reality Dating

Brand Eff Up

“27 Questions Black People Have For Black People”

(https://www.buzzfeed.com/dayshavedewi/27-questions-black-people-have-for-black-people#.wxLWM4eqq)

What's Up?

ScarJo Casting w/Ghost In the Shell

“Scarlett Johansson Signs On to Star in DreamWorks’ ‘Ghost in the Shell’”

http://variety.com/2015/film/news/scarlett-johansson-signs-on-to-star-in-dreamworks-ghost-in-the-shell-exclusive-1201320788/

“Max Landis Blames Scarlett Johansson ‘Ghost in the Shell’ Casting Controversy on ‘Broken System’ in Hollywood (Video)”

(http://www.thewrap.com/max-landis-scarlett-johansson-casting-ghost-in-the-shell-broken-system/)

“Oh No, Ghost in the Shell Considered Using CGI to Make White Actors Look Asian”

http://io9.gizmodo.com/oh-no-ghost-in-the-shell-considered-using-cgi-to-make-1771222939


What’s Good?

“DNA matching and virtual reality: The world of online dating in 2040,” by Sophie Curtis, The Telegraph

(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/12020394/DNA-matching-and-virtual-reality-The-world-of-online-dating-in-2040.html)

DitC

Phil - Perfect Blue

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfect_Blue)

Michael - “A Brief History of Neoliberalism,” by David Harvey

(http://www.oupcanada.com/catalog/9780199283279.html)

Georgette

“The Master Key System” by Charles Haanel
“The Hop,” by A Tribe Called Quest

 

Crew member this week: Radio/TV personality and writer, Georgette Pierre, who’s hosted and produced a nationally syndicated morning show on iHeartRadio in addition to her current YouTube web series, #DearGeorgette.

More from Georgette at

georgettepierre.com,

@georgette on twitter, and

youtube.com/deargeorgette

9 - How To Hack An Election and Gigs vs. Jobs

Brand Eff Up

“The Price on Our Heads: New GapKids Ad Sparks Racially Charged Controversy,” The Root

http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2016/04/gapkids_ad_sparks_racially_charged_controversy.html?wpisrc=newsletter_jcr:content%26

What's Up?

“How to Hack an Election,” Bloomberg

http://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-how-to-hack-an-election/

What's Good?

“With ‘Gigs’ Instead of Jobs, Workers Bear New Burdens,” New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/31/upshot/contractors-and-temps-accounted-for-all-of-the-growth-in-employment-in-the-last-decade.html

Diggin in the Crates

CC:

“Velvet Portraits,”

https://ropeadope99.bandcamp.com/album/velvet-portraits

Phil:

Anna Wise

https://soundcloud.com/annathewise

Lucius

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucius_(band)

Michael:

The Two Escobars

http://www.the2escobars.com/

8 - Starbucks’ Unwelcome Frankness, Al Jazeera’s American Experiment Ends, Post-Selling Out

Crew member Rob Fields is back! Rob is currently marketing director for CMO Initiatives at the Association of National Advertisers, and is a contributor to Forbes and PSFK. More on him at robfields.com or @robfields on Twitter

Brand Eff Up 

“Starbucks Apologizes for ‘Diabetes Here I Come’ Joke on Customer’s Cup,” by Sarah Begley, TIME
(http://time.com/4289829/starbucks-diabetes-here-i-come-apology/)

What's Up?

Al-Jazeera America shuts down this week

“Al-Jazeera America, which failed in its attempt to establish another TV news network, signs off after a three-hour live farewell Tuesday,” by DAVID BAUDER, AP Television Writer
(http://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2016-04-11/al-jazeera-america-network-shuts-down-tuesday)

What's Good?

“Move Over, Rat Pack and Brat Pack: Here Comes the Snap Pack,” by By KATHERINE ROSMAN, NY Times
(http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/07/fashion/rat-pack-brat-pack-snapchat.html?_r=1)

“Luka Sabbat, the 18-Year-Old Fashion Influencer” by GUY TREBAY, NY Times
(http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/08/fashion/mens-style/luka-sabbat-fashion-influencer.html)

a discussion on the reality of fame, branding and what does it mean to sell out? 

Diggin' In the Crates:
Rob:
“Olio” by Tyehimba Jess
(http://www.boldaslove.us/2016/04/09/read-it-olio-by-tyehimba-jess/)

Phil:
"Hail the Maintainers," by Lee Vinsel & Andrew Russell Aeon.
(https://aeon.co/essays/innovation-is-overvalued-maintenance-often-matters-more)

Michael:
"The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable," by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Also: "Antifragile," ibid.
(http://www.boldaslove.us/2016/04/09/read-it-olio-by-tyehimba-jess/)

Follow us on twitter:

@_MichaelBrooks
@FarFlungPhil
@mattlech

On Point - 6 - The Coordinated Journalism of the Panama Papers Leak

On Point - 6 - The Coordinated Journalism of the Panama Papers Leak

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists

https://panamapapers.icij.org/

“Where are all the Americans in the Panama Papers?” At Fusion.net

http://fusion.net/story/287671/americans-panama-papers-trove/

Crew Member: Carolyn “CC” Concepcion. CC is a design strategist, global marketer, and cultural innovator. She has built a career visualizing possible futures,  designing interactive experiences and platforms for top brands, celebrities, cultural institutions,and social impact organizations. CC is currently completing her Masters degree at New York University. @CCurlySue08

 

On Point - 5 - Steph Curry Endorses Water Over Soda

“Steph Curry Backs Brita -- Not Coke or Pepsi,” EJ Schultz, AdvertisingAge

Crew Member this week: Biz Ghormley. Biz is a writer, investigator, and seasoned social change strategist. Never one for the status quo, Biz asks hard questions, curates space for community and creativity, and strives for loving truth in her work. She believes stories are essential for healing, truth and freedom. @OneWitness on twitter

7 - De Niro’s Dubious Doc, Negative Work Cultures, and Punishing Diversity Promoters

Crew Member this week: Biz Ghormley. Biz is a writer, investigator, and seasoned social change strategist. Never one for the status quo, Biz asks hard questions, curates space for community and creativity, and strives for loving truth in her work. She believes stories are essential for healing, truth and freedom. @OneWitness

Brand Eff Up

“Tribeca Film Festival Pulls Controversial Anti-Vaccination Documentary,” Brent Lang, Variety.

What’s Up?

“Why A Negative Work Culture Is Better Than No Culture At All,” Vivian Giang, Fast Company

What’s Good?

“Women and Minorities Are Penalized for Promoting Diversity,” Stefanie K. Johnson and David R. Hekman, Harvard Business Review

“Diverse workforces are more innovative,” Gina Grillo, The Guardian.

“How Diversity Can Drive Innovation,” Sylvia Ann Hewlett, Melinda Marshall, and Laura Sherbin, Harvard Business Review

Diggin’ in the Crates

Phil

Saga, an epic space opera/fantasy comic book series written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples.

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saga_(comic_book))
 

“Agitprop!” at the Brooklyn Museum

(https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/agitprop)

Michael

The Lives of Others (2006)

(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0405094/)

Biz

“Zami: A New Spelling of My Name” by Audre Lorde

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zami:_A_New_Spelling_of_My_Name)

“Nine Lives: Death and Life in New Orleans” by Dan Baum

(http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/22/books/review/Mallon-t.html)


Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)

(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089880/)

 

 

 

On Point - 4 - Ava DuVernay + HBO

“Ava DuVernay Will Direct The Battle of Versailles, Which Sounds Like a War Movie But Is Actually About a Fierce Fashion Battle,” Vulture.

Crew member this week: Radio/TV personality and writer, Georgette Pierre, who’s hosted and produced a nationally syndicated morning show on iHeartRadio in addition to her current YouTube web series, #DearGeorgette.

More from Georgette at

georgettepierre.com,

@georgette on twitter, and

youtube.com/deargeorgette

Follow us on twitter:

@2DopeBoysPod

@_MichaelBrooks

@FarFlungPhil

@mattlech

 

6 - Old Fashioned Sexism In Tennis, Pope On Instagram, and Ads In Disguise

Crew member this week: Radio/TV personality and writer, Georgette Pierre, who’s hosted and produced a nationally syndicated morning show on iHeartRadio in addition to her current YouTube web series, #DearGeorgette.

More from Georgette at
georgettepierre.com, 
@georgette on twitter, and
youtube.com/deargeorgette

Brand Eff Up

Indian Wells CEO Raymond Moore apologizes for remarks on female tennis players.

What’s Up?

Pope Francis joins IG...thoughts on these these types of figures being on social media

http://www.thewrap.com/pope-francis-joins-instagram-draws-716000-followers-in-just-6-hours/

More algorithms on social media...IG got next

http://blog.instagram.com/post/141107034797/160315-news

“Douglas Rushkoff: 'I’m thinking it may be good to be off social media altogether,'”Ian Tucker, The Observer.

What's Good?

“FTC Slams Lord & Taylor for Not Disclosing Paid Social Posts and Native Ads Brand agrees to settle charges it deceived customers,” by Patrick Coffee, ADWEEK

“The Rest Is Advertising,” by Jacob Silverman, The Baffler.

Diggin’ In The Crates

Georgette

Kool & The Gang - Summer Madness

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SFt7JHwJeg)

Phil

Killing the Host: How Financial Parasites and Debt Bondage Destroy the Global Economy, by Michael Hudson.

Michael

Ebo Taylor - Heaven

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v79GeSoBnqY)

Follow us on twitter:

@_MichaelBrooks
@FarFlungPhil
@mattlech

 

 

On Point - 3 - Monorex Brings Authentic Graffiti to "The Division"

This week we’re joined by Crew Member Hyun Kim, who is currently the Executive Producer of The Madbury Club, a Brooklyn-based Creative House of misfits who do what they want and still somehow gets corporate clients like Nike, Beats by Dre, and Jameson to pay them. After graduating from Cornell he spent several years as a writer/editor at VIBE and MTV. Born in South Korea, he was raised in Ithaca, NY, and currently resides in Brooklyn.

“How The Division uses fake ads and graffiti to make a more realistic New York,” by Andrew Webster, The Verge.

 

5 - SXSW's Hijab Hiccup, Amazon IRL, and Comics vs. Terrorism

This week we’re joined by Crew Member Hyun Kim, who is currently the Executive Producer of The Madbury Club, a Brooklyn-based Creative House of misfits who do what they want and still somehow gets corporate clients like Nike, Beats by Dre, and Jameson to pay them. After graduating from Cornell he spent several years as a writer/editor at VIBE and MTV. Born in South Korea, he was raised in Ithaca, NY, and currently resides in Brooklyn.

Brand Eff Up

“SXSW apologizes after asking US Rio 2016 Olympian to remove hijab,” by Nellie Bowles, The Guardian

What’s Up?

“A Trip Through Amazon’s First Physical Store” by By Alexandra Alter and Nick Wingfield, The New York Times

What’s Good?

“In Pakistan, Journalists and Comics Artists Team Up to Fight Terrorism,” by Claire Landsbaum, Vulture.

Diggin’ in the Crates:

Phil:

“Wayne Shorter & Herbie Hancock Pen an Open Letter to the Next Generation of Artists,” NestHQ

Michael:

“How to Be an Anticapitalist Today,” by Eric Olin Wright, Jacobin

Hyun:

“The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao,” by Junot Diaz and “Unaccustomed Earth,” by Jhumpa Lahiri.

 

4 - "Our Eskimo," Oscar Diversity, and Virtual Reality

Brand Eff Up

“Alaska Airlines apologizes, removes ‘Meet our Eskimo’ phrase from website,” by Annie Zak, Alaska Dispatch News

What's Up?

Phil on diversity and the Academy Awards.

2015 Hollywood Diversity Report, Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies at UCLA.

What’s Good?

“Statistics and facts about Virtual Reality (VR),” Statista.

“The worldwide eSports market reaches 134 million viewers,” Superdata Research.

Diggin’ in the Crates

Phil:

Gang of Four: Apple/Amazon/ Facebook/Google Scott Galloway, Founder of L2, DLD16

“Please Read This Determined Note From Octavia Butler to Herself/the Universe,” by Kelly Faircloth, Jezebel.

Michael:

1978-04-22 One Love Peace Concert at The National Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica.

On Point - 1 - Kendrick Lamar: "untitled unmastered."

On Point - Kendrick Lamar: untitled unmastered.

Michael and Phil are joined by crew member Rob Fields this week. Rob is currently marketing director for CMO Initiatives at the Association of National Advertisers and is a contributor to Forbes and PSFK. More on him at robfields.com or @robfields on Twitter

We talk about Kendrick Lamar’s huge surprise release “untitled unmastered.”

“When the Lights Shut Off: Kendrick Lamar and the Decline of the Black Blues Narrative,” by Rachel Kaadzi Ghansah, Los Angeles Review of Books

“Kamasi Washington’s Giant Step,” by  Adam Shatz, New York Times Magazine

3 - Whole Foods, Engineering Climate Change, and Soca + Afrobeats

Happy to be joined by crew member Rob Fields this week. Rob is currently marketing director for CMO Initiatives at the Association of National Advertisers, and is a contributor to Forbes and PSFK. More on him at robfields.com or @robfields on Twitter

Brand Eff Up

“Whole Foods’ Pre-Peeled Oranges Are the Ultimate in Bourgeois Laziness,”

Daniela Galarza, Eater.

What’s Up?

GE’s “Formula for the Future,” as part of their Look Ahead series published by The Economist.

What’s Good?

Phil on “How Soca Is Absorbing Afrobeats To Create A New Subgenre,” by Jesse Serwer, The Fader.

Song: “Temperature,” Machel Montano.

Diggin’ in the Crates

Michael

PUMA - Journey of Football on YouTube

Phil

The film “Zootopia.”

“Sun Moon Child” by pierre bennu on Vimeo