Robert Johnson -- Crossroad

Legendary blues singer Robert Johnson's story (1936) of unsuccessfully trying to hitch a ride as the sun goes down. This song was later performed by such artists as Elmore James and Eric Clapton.

Movie: Let the Fire Burn

Using archival news coverage and interviews, filmmaker Jason Osder tells the story of Philadelphia authorities firebombing a house occupied by MOVE, killing 11. Showing in NY and LA. More info.

Friday Nite Videos -- October 11, 2013

Portside
Shutdown: 'Not Some Damn Game'. Robert Johnson -- Crossroad. Our Story in Two Minutes. Pete Peterson's 'Grand Bargain' Hoax. Flashmob in Madrid Unemployment Office. Movie: Let the Fire Burn.

What Is

Tom Toles - Washington Post ucomics

The Interstate of the Future: Privatization or Innovation?

Ellen Dannin, Truthout News Analysis Truthout
We will, no doubt, be needing roads - urban, local and interstate - for the foreseeable future, despite their negative effects. The good news is that we are now heading toward a transportation ecosystem that is far more varied and useful. Rather than encouraging more cars, more trucks, more pollution, less interpersonal connection and more privatized space, people throughout the country are radically changing travel and interpersonal connection.

Ravitch a Texas-bred Paul Revere - Review of Diane Ravitch's "Reign of Error"

Mike Klonsky Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog
Definitely go out and buy Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to Americas Public Schools by Diane Ravitch. Reign of Error lays out step by step the relentless thirty year drive to either centralize the education of the young - on one hand - or divest it entirely into privatized hands on the other. Finally, the two sides have joined forces on a strategy that simultaneously does both. (Deborah Meier)