Colin Powell asks "So What If He Is?" 

It's safe to say that I am officially obsessed with the elections.  Shamefully, I must admit, I am not a cynic.  I believe in things like truth, justice, honor, integrity, and the democratic process.  Despite its many flaws, our election system is the best system we've got. 

I remember blogging a while ago about the day I put my vote in for the primaries.  I remember telling you that I cried at the polling place while I cast my ballot.  These are momentous times.  I believe in history and making it. 

It's no secret who I support.  I'm a staunch Obama advocate.  He's a modern-day hero of sorts.  Good ethics, hard work, committment to service, no silver spoon to fall back on, intelligence, and a steady, strong demeanor needed in a leader.  Someone my kids (God willing I have them someday) can look up to.  And honestly, he seems up for the challenge and expectations I and many other Americans have laid at his feet. 

I'm also disgusted at Ms. Palin as a candidate in this mix.  I believe her addition to the ticket makes a mockery of the election process and the standards to which we should be holding our highest elected officials.  Her irreverance for this process just by accepting the VP nomination infuriates me.

And while I generally had lukewarm feelings and indifference about Mr. McCain - he seemed like a decent enough guy with years of service to his country - Tim Dickinson of Rolling Stone changed that today.  Read his piece.  It's compelling and scary.  Mr. Dickinson has earned my respect today for being a hard-hitting journalist willing to tell the truth.

Vote.  Please vote.

Yesterday, I had crazy dreams.  Jason from Halloween, sans scary mask, went to college with me.  I was dragging around a giant upright bass in its case and I had to chain it to my hand so that Jason wouldn't steal it.  He could fly and run faster than Superman.  He was chasing me threatening to steal my bass and hurt me as well.  I couldn't run fast enough and no one would help me.  Disturbing.

I woke up at 4:30 utterly unnerved.  I tried to do a word association to figure out what this could all mean.  Being chained to something heavy.  Being chased by something scary.  I'm still working through it in my mind, but I'm so glad to see the sun shining and that everything looks a little clearer today. 

Sky is a stunning blue here in LA.  Smog is at a minimum and I can see straight to the mountains.  It's pretty incredible.  Taking it in. 

On another note, just want to say that my heart goes out to the Rajaram family.  This is a tragedy like no other but having been through one of these in our family last year, I know how devastating it can be.  Prayers.  Lots of prayers.

it happens.  after every album, you think you'll never want to go through that again.  then after six months, all you want to do is start writing again.  i've been missing my guitar and my beats.  my words too.  words bottled up so long will eventually force themselves upon an innocent bystander unless i do something about it in advance.

my attention has been split with what is next and what's to come.  obsession over elections also follows me - constantly.  these are important times.  there is much to say.  there is much to do. 

sun rises.  sun sets.  and i fast for the month of ramadan waiting for the moon to make its way to the dark side once again so that life can resume a new normal.  a time of reflection and hope, empathy and preparation.  life is about to change in a big, big way.  but i am ready.  i have gotten myself ready.

so much healing done.  sleep comes easy once again.  standing in my power once again.

counting my blessings:  thank you for mom and dad's health.  for serenity and resolution.  to dave for featuring my track alongside thievery corporation.  for michael's unending support as we begin the journey on the new album.  for life.  for readiness.  for jaan.

From Luna Kafe

by Anna Maria Stjärnell

Shaheen Sheik's sophomore album sees the artist reaching untold heights. She has her roots in India and that influences her very urban sound here and there.

"Coconut" sees Sheik playfully emulate a radio-friendly sound and pen a conscious lyric about racial prejudice. The spoken word bits used really add to the songs message of being proud of who you are. "Dainty Lady" has a clear Indian feel and is geared at the dance floor as Sheik sings angelically. "In You" is sensuous and sweet, Sheik's siren-voice lost ion soft beats, the frantic part only heightens the songs appeal.

"Here we go" features a lead vocal that reminds me of Neneh Cherry and an antiwar message that's easy to agree with. The melody's supple and lovely and the music pours forth like a river. Shaheen Sheik's new album is a strong statement and a good record all in one.