Buddha

It's been a while since I've written. Take that as a clue into the monotony of my life and thoughts.

I went to a festival/parade for Buddha's birthday yesterday. When arriving to the area where the festivities were taking place, we came upon a stage with a bunch of b-boys breaking to loud hip-hop. Nothing really says 'happy birthday Buddha' like some break dancing and hard beats. I wonder if Buhdda was a DJ, what would be his DJ name? I wish I could take credit for this, but a friend came up with DJ Buddhankadonk. Brilliant. If he was a breaker, do you think his signature move would be spinning on his belly (I'm assuming this is all post-enlightenment). I don't think he'd be the best MC because he just doesn't seem like the talkative type, but I'm sure he'd drop some deep knowledge if he was.

I was so proud of myself the other day. My everyday class is a wild bunch. They've been in the same class for four years and know exactly how to push each other's buttons and get worked up easily. Last time we played a game after their big test, I stopped everything mid-class as gave them a strong tongue-lashing because of their inability to play nice. The time came this month to play another game. I was dreading this class and had no ideas of what to do. By the time class started, I was banking on the idea that I could just talk to them long enough for them to forget about any games. Right when class started, I suddenly became the best teacher I know. I pulled out some sort of Jedi mind trick, convincing the kids that playing nicely was the only way to play anything. They fell under my spell and became my little puppets. We ended up drawing pictures, and the kids spent the class talking to each other quietly and respectfully. It was the most pleasant classroom I think I've even been in. I drew a picture of a yellow submarine (the kids learned that song this month).

Rotating:

Sweet Exorcist- Curtis Mayfield A super-depressing tune, but it's full of soul. It's one of my favorite Curtis Mayfield songs.

Smilin Billy Suite Pt 2- Heath Brothers This one was sampled by Nas on 'One Love' from the Illmatic album. Percy Heath lays down a great bass line that carries the track.

Grooveallegiance- Funkadelic From the album One Nation Under a Groove, this one is powered by its' cosmic vocal work. There's also a great bass solo to close out the song.

Fallen Star- Latoiya Williams I just found this one. I heard it more than a year ago and remember thinking it had a cool, different sound. The hook on it is lovely.