Merging With Monsters
Joseph E. Green
iUniverse

With its explosive and disturbing first chapter, “Merging With Monsters” captures your attention with a brutal scene that lays the foundation of Anita Powers, one of the main charters of the story. As she endures her attack, the reader is swept into her life and the framework of a captivating story is laid. Joseph Green, the author of “Merging With Monsters” has written a revealing story that deal with issues of race in the workplace, and general attitudes around race and sex. Each of the characters has some personal demon that they are grappling with, and these experiences mold how they interact with each other. The emotions and feeling of the characters leap off the page into your subconscious as you slowly begin to learn more about them.

From the ambitious African American executives Grayson Malone and Anita Powers, who find themselves pitted against each other, to the lovable character of Phoebe Jackson, a young woman whose life is tragically altered and is left dealing with bouts of depression and suicidal thoughts. All the central players in this drama add to the compelling and relentless story, helping make “Merging with Monsters” a very engaging novel. The story of work achievement married with personal and inter-office conflicts is the backbone of “Merging with Monsters”, solidifying the book as a must read.

Joseph E. Green, the self published author of “Merging“, recently took the time to answer a few questions for me regarding the book and his life. Read on for the full interview below.

Cue: Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for me. First off, why don’t you tell me a bit about yourself? How did you start writing?

Green: I was born in El Paso, Texas, and grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado. My dad served in the Army for 20 years; and as the oldest of three brothers, I was accustomed to assuming a leadership role within the family. Now that my father has passed away from bone cancer, I work even harder at appreciating the gift of each new day; and creating and maintaining productive and beneficial relationships.

My love of writing was born out of a childhood habit of escaping into the fantasy worlds offered by books. I always enjoyed reading and recognized very early in my life the power of the written word. As a freshman at Stanford University, I became pretty much obsessed with writing and getting my first novel, PSEUDO COOL, published. And this proved a very exciting and rewarding endeavor since the book was sold by Stanford University’s bookstore and I had the pleasure of witnessing strangers actually spend money on something that I wrote.

Cue: This book covers some sensitive subject matter, like race in the work place, sex, and various attitudes towards minorities. What motivated you to write on these subjects?

Green: I grew up in a situation in which I was always a “minority” — especially, when it came to my education. For several years, I was the only African-American male in my high school. And living here in Denver, Colorado, my corporate working environment is no different than high school experience.

People often tend to associate with those who look like themselves and share similar backgrounds and cultural commonalities. However, the impact of this reality continues to have serious repercussions when it comes to earning a pay check. I became very much inspired to write MERGING WITH MONSTERS (originally entitled “Invisible Niggers“) when on a daily basis I witnessed the unfair treatment (often very subtle) of someone who “didn’t look the part” - so they did not “get the part.”

Example: Years ago, I heard a former boss state that she would not hire someone for a receptionist position if the person was overweight - or had served in the military. So bias and unfair treatment in the workplace is very prevalent and often happens in the most seemingly bizarre and unexpected circumstances. It is indeed an environment primed for drama.

Cue: Did you have any personal experiences that mirror some of those found in the book? Are you the inspiration of Grayson Malone?

Green: Like Grayson, I was taunted with the N-word and shouts of “Kunta Kinte” after the premier of Alex Haley’s Roots. And like Julian, I have often been in a situation in which the decision whether to be true to oneself doesn’t always come so easily.

As for the inspiration of Grayson Malone, I cannot take full credit for this character. Grayson is inspired by the rage over injustice that boils within most of us.

Cue: How has the book been received thus far? Any positive or negative comments or reviews about it?

Green: The positive response to my novel continues to motivate me to go on to promote. I am especially pleased with how well the book has been received by black women given the horrifying incident described in the opening scene. However, the message of MERGING WITH MONSTERS is one designed to inspire and maintain hope that regardless of any hardship, the situation can improve.

So far, I have received only one negative review, and this is from a book review who wanted to burn the book because she just could not get beyond the disturbing opening scene.

Cue: You went the route of self publishing to get this book out. Was that a difficult process or was it a better avenue for you to self publish?

Green: Publishing houses rarely take a chance on developing new talent - particularly, when this new talent is an African American without a track record or movie deal already in place. (lol).

I will work to place my next novel with a major publishing house - but ultimately, the hardest part of being a writer is the work required to promote your work - regardless of how it gets published. However, I do appreciate the freedom that self-publishing offers. There is no one telling you how to present your art.

Cue: In a review of the book, you are quoted as saying that the book is not a “minority novel”. Can you expand on that a bit and explain why this book appeals to everyone, regardless of their race?

Green: The human experience is a shared experience. And I believe I’ve done an amazing job of presenting this reality within the dramatic scenes portrayed in MERGING WITH MONSTERS.

Regardless of race, sex, sexuality, socio-economic background, etc., all of us bring a different perspective and power, so-to-speak, to the table. And our individual choices remain key to determining whether American society will ultimately positively embrace are growing diversity.

Cue: You also have a interesting MySpace promotion going on with the Book, where you created pages based on the book’s characters. How has that been working out for you and where did the idea to do that come from?

Green: My efforts on MySpace are proving a valuable tool for reaching people who might otherwise never bother to examine a novel like MERGING WITH MONSTERS. By creating pages based on the diverse characters in my novel, I am able to target for example, young mothers who can relate to Sherry Malone - Grayson’s Malone white wife who struggles to keep her marriage together amidst the turmoil created by Grayson’s anger.

I was slow to jump on the MySpace bandwagon, but finally got on board after hearing from several friends and strangers that it would be a great way to market my book. And they were right!

Cue: OK, here are some easy ones for you. What is your favorite author and why?

Green: I don’t have a favorite - as there are so many authors with amazing stories to relate. I just wish I had more time to read. This is one of the reasons I think I’m receiving such great feedback regarding MERGING WITH MONSTERS — it was very important to me that I wrote a book that would keep people turning the pages to find out what would happen next. People are busier than ever these days and a book has to keep you engaged from the first word to the last.

Cue: Whats the last book that you read, and your thought about it?

Green: Jim Crace’s “Being Dead.” Crace details a gruesome and brutal murder of a couple using words that leap off the page like a very intense and soulful song. It’s a novel that really makes you think about the importance of life and the seemingly random occurence of evil.

Cue: What’s the strangest thing that has happened to you lately regarding the book?

Green: Walking into a book store and being very SURPRISED to see my self-published novel on their shelf. I felt like a singer who had just heard his song played on the radio for the first time.

Cue: Describe the most rewarding experience of your career thus far.

Green: I was told recently that my current boss at General Electric is recommending my book to his co-workers. So I continue to be rewarding by giving others the opportunity to view their world from a different, yet very familiar vantage point.

Cue: Any last words, or anything you want plug, shout out, or say?

Green: I urge everyone to read the first few chapters of MERGING WITH MONSTERS at www.monsterspot.com - and to leave me a comment with their thoughts. While the opening scene is very disturbing - please recognize that Anita Powers is just one of my HEROES offering a valuable hope for the future and the struggle for equal opportunity in America.

Cue: Thanks again for everything!

Green: THANK YOU!

Shouts to Quinton“Rampage” Jackson and congrats on the big win against the superstar, Chuck Liddell! Rampage is now the UFC light heavyweight champion! The Tennessee born fighter is making a name for himself in the UFC and winning fans along the way. Make sure you check for more from Rampage here at Kayaro!

Chuck Liddell vs Quinton Rampage Jackson 2 ! UFC 71
Uploaded by bawzz
Chuck Liddell in an interview hours before the match.

Emily King-East Side Story
J Records-August 28, 2007

J Records new artist Emily King is gearing up for her debut album East Side Stories, set to drop on August 28th. In preparation for her release, King has a album sampler floating around that features some of her soon to be classic songs. She explores a wide range of subject matter, as well as gives her take on some classic R&B songs, and ends up with one of the hottest soul albums of the year. Small surprise as this daughter of jazz musicians is simply following in her parents footsteps, while gaining new friends and fans along the way.

Her lead single “Walk In My Shoes” (WMP, Real and QT) is a nice introduction to the Lower East Side songwriter. “Colorblind” is a look into the hurdles in front bi-racial families and children and how Emily herself overcame them. She also expertly tackles the Bill Withers classic “Aint No Sunshine” and reworks Donna Summer in the funky, “Walk In My Shoes”.

Emily has been scheduled to join the second leg of the John Legend Tour, kicking off in Houston, Tx. The new singing sensation straight outta L.E.S. will be one to watch, as her renditions of R&B standards mixes with her upgraded hip-hop rooted beats and vibes makes her CD a nice change to the game.

Stay tuned for a full review of the Chucky Thompson produced, R&B/Soul artist here at RRG, but until then have a listen to “Walk In My Shoes”, “U and I” and visit her MySpace page and say hello. Oh yeah, make sure you check her YouTube video in response to the whole Imus incident as well. Look for her on the road with John Legend near you soon, check below for tour dates, and click the links to hear songs featured on the sampler and upcoming album!

5/13 - Houston, TX - Verizon Wireless Theater
5/14 - Dallas, TX - Majestic Theater
5/17 - Phoenix, AZ - Celebrity Theater
5/19 - Tucson, AZ - Anselmo Valencia Amphitheater
5/21 - Fresno, CA - William Saroyan Theater
5/22 - Sacramento, CA - Sacramento Memorial Auditorium
5/23 - San Jose, CA - SJ Center for the Performing Arts
5/25 - Portland, OR - Keller Auditorium
5/26 - Seattle, WA - Paramount Theatre
5/27 - Vancouver, BC - Centre in Vancouver for the Performing Arts

VIEW THE EMILY KING EPK: REAL QT WMP

Emily King Jukebox

AUDIO:

“Walk In My Shoes” QT WMP REAL “U And I” QT WMP REAL

Emily King EPK

Prelude:It’s another collection of news nuggets, fresh beats, sticky web pages and other assorted oddities, for your eyes only here at The Mighty BC! The goodness is back, just in time to take your mind off work and time better spent in front of the computer. If your not careful, you might learn something before you’re done, so let’s get really, really good, ok?!?

Word On The Street

~Last week I had the chance to check out a screening of the premier episode of HBO show, Flight of the Concords, at the Rec Center Studio in Echo Park. The show stars New Zealand folk parody duo Jermaine Clement and Bret McKenzie. FOTC has had several premiers this month, introducing the guitar strummed sitcom to the lucky few who got the word. The Rec Room was a great venue to screen the premier, as the crew at Cornerstone provided popcorn appetizers with drinks as the show was projected onto one of the loft walls. We watched “Sally”, the highly anticipated premier episode, as the guys begin their American takeover, from a cramped New York apartment.

After the show ended, we were served simosas and tandoori chicken, (makes senses after you watch the show) and got the chance to catch up with the creators What The Folk.net, a fan site dedicated to “New Zealand’s 4th most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acapella-rap-funk-comedy folk duo”. They schooled me on all things related to the mighty F to the C, and were very excited to be at the unveiling. The show starts in June on HBO but you can see the first episode at their MySpace page. Add them and tell them Q sent ya! If that wasn’t enough, the movie “Eagle vs Shark”, starring Jermaine Clement, is on the way as well! Stay tuned for more news on the Concords.

Audio-Video Room

~Reel Teen Works Films in Brooklyn NY is putting the camera in the hands of the city youth. The results they are getting back in return are amazing beyond words, as some of the short films show real promise in these young directors. The non-profit after school program is headquarter at the Prospect Park YMCA and serves over 150 teens with their various media related programs.

Among some of the films present here is Repeating History by Layla Gardner., It’s a insightful look into the life of fatherless families. This film attempts to measure the impact of this experience, and discover how and why this cycle has repeated itself and should be seen by all.

Another amazing short featured at the site is “A Girl Like Me”, the re-creation of the Clark doll test, directed by 17 year old Kerri Davis. The film has become some what controversial as it shows children from a Harlem Day Care Center, retaking the test, with the same results. Both films are just a tip of the iceberg as Reel Teen Works has dozens of award worthy flicks. Make sure you visit them.

~Bodog Battle Takes its Million Dollar Prize Global!

The Million Dollar Battle of the Bands brought to you by Bodog, is taking over the world as it returns for it’s second competition. The media company has expanded US cities and plans on forging ahead into the UK and Europe. The newly formed contest will include 60 cities, also reaching into Canada, London, Dublin, Amsterdam and Berlin to name a few. The best of the best will compete for the big money with the winner to be crowned sometime in the spring of 2008. Two separate million dollar contracts will be given, one in Los Angeles and the other in London.

It’s never to early to get yourself in the running. Musicians can register online for free, build your profile, and upload your best material to compete. For more information on Bodog Battle and to sign up, visit BodogMusic.com

~Mudvile-Iris Nova
Check out the new mp3 from Mudville, entitled “Eternity”.
The feature band members who participated on the new album reads like some random rock trivia answers, pulled out of a hat and all assembled together. R.E.M.’s Mike Mills, Michael Blake from Lounge Lizards and guitar legend Buddy Cage are just a few of the musicians involved in Iris Nova. The new CD packs eleven new songs and a cover of The Police’s “Spirits In The Material World” to boot. Iris Nova will be available on iTunes, eMusic, Rhapsody and all the other e-stores soon, and limited CDS are available at the live shows.
Check their websites here and listen to the mp3’s and audio streams below!

Eternity mp3

Mudville Audio Streams

Wicked: WMP

Wonder Boy: WMP

Spirits In The Material World: WMP

~Hot Dollar has the streets on lock with his new single and looks ready to take the newly formed Island Urban Music Label to new heights. His CD entitled My Dreams…A Day in the Life will be at stores on August 14th. Check the single “Streets On Lock” below!

Hot Dollar – Streets On Lock AUDIO:
Windows Media Hi:
Windows Media Lo:
Real Media Hi:

~DJ Khaled is heating the streets up something major with his new CD We The Best. If that wasn’t enough, Khaled has a new mixtape ready to hit the block. Cinematic Music Group’s Good Talk Vol. 2 Mixtape hosted by Sean Kingston and DJ Khaled
features tracks by Sean Kingston, Hot Dolla, Nipsey Hussle, and more. Guest vocal are provided by Rick Ross, Jermaine Dupri, The Game, Vybz Kartel, Kardinal Offishall, Trey Songz and more. You can download the entire mixtape here now!

If that isn’t enough, check out the track Beautiful Girls by Sean Kingston, produced by J.R. Rotem. Be on the look out for Sean Kingston’s album on Epic, sometime in the fall.

MIXTAPE DOWNLOAD LINK

“BEAUTIFUL GIRLS” By Sean Kingston

WMP

QT

THIS JUST IN!! TWO MORE LINKS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT!

Fox Clearly Stating That People Who Question The Government Are Absurd-from Houston 9-11 Truth (with YouTube Videos)

Internet Radio Can Be Saved-from Where Hip Hop & Libertarianism Meet

quote-”Proposing new legislation was the first step but would not have meant much if the legislation is not enacted. Thankfully, the Copyright Royalty Board has extended the date on which fees are due from May 15th to July 15th. Congress now has the opportunity to consider this legislation. With enough response Congress may feel pressed to act on the issue now.”

YouTube Video Pick Of The Week
Aloe Blacc-Busking

The George Lopez Show -The Complete First and Second Season DVD
Warner Brothers

One of the funniest sitcoms depicting a minority family has been canceled. The long running George Lopez Show may be coming to a close according to news reports and trade magazines. ABC’s decision to drop the show has been met with strong comments from the comedy star, George Lopez. Lopez is quoted by the L.A. Times as saying "TV just became really, really white again."

While the comments Lopez has made this week may raise a few eyebrows, the fact of the matter is the popular show is on its last leg. Lopez cited economic and racial issue as having to do with the decision to cancel the show, also noting that his show is being replaced by a show about “cavemen”, with the sitcom in question being inspired by the insurance commercials with the lizard. The genius of network programming continues to show it’s intellectual might as this decision is possible one of the worst in television history. Lopez was also quoted as saying one of the reasons for the cancellation has to do with ownership of the series; Warner Brothers, not ABC, owns the rights to the show. ABC took the axe to a few of the shows in their nighttime line, Lopez is one of the first to suffer. Many of the show’s viewers will have to settle on syndicated re-runs and DVDs to watch their favorite Latino Dad from now on.

Possibly anticipating the decision by ABC, Warner Brothers has released the first two seasons of the The George Lopez Show on DVD. It’s chronicles the series in its early stages, and watching it you can see the format as it takes shape. The weekly episodes shows George as the blue collar dad who goes about his life and new job promotion, raising his kids with his wife and dealing with his unconventional, over the top mother. The show was a platform for Lopez and the show writers to touch on a variety of topics, from alcohol abuse to reuniting with his long lost father.

The series has been under the threat of cancellation before. This time around the threat was real and the show is no more. The George Lopez Show was just the fourth sitcom in history to feature a Hispanic lead character, as Ugly Betty has taken that slot. The DVD also has extra features like a gag reel and “Inside The Comic Mind” and clips and interviews from the cast and crew of the show. The highly popular show, executive produced by Sandra Bollock will be missed. Make sure you look for your copy of the DVD, it may be the last time you get to see the show if it’s not picked up for syndication, in your local market.

George Lopez Show DVD Clip

Check this clip on Mumia, found at YouTube.com.



Also Found at ABC News

Mumia: Folk Hero or Cold-Blooded Killer?
After 24 Years on Death Row, Mumia Abu Jamal Wants New Trial, Death Penalty Tossed

Will E.P.
My Big Gun

Yatch
See A Penny Pick It Up

Scissors for Lefty
Lay Down Your Weapons

SCI Fidelity Records Podcast-The Greyboy Allstars

K’naan
Soobax (live edit)

K’naan
Strugglin’ (live version)

Bellavista
Temptation By Your Side

Bellavista ­
Put It On

The Woof Pac
Capital G’s
Hip Hop Life DVD

The MOC
Play Your Position (PYP)
Hip Hop Life DVD

Finless Brown
Underground Superheros
Hip Hop Life DVD

Tupac: The Complete Live Performances DVD
2 Disc Special Edition
Death Row/Eagle Rock Entertainment

The legend of Tupac Shakur continues to grow. With the every growing list of posthumous material, the award winning, World Record setting Shakur now has another DVD release of never before seen live performance footage. Tupac :The Complete Live Performances is the only live recorded performances of Tupac in existence, making this a must have!

Disc one shows Pac rocking the House Of Blues stage, and he is joined by The Outlawz, Snoop Doog and the entire Dogg Pound, and Ki-Ci & Jo-Jo. The DVD is shot well enough, as we watch Pac from a few stationary camera angles, giving the DVD that live show look. Since the footage is of Tupac doing some of his most memorable songs, the repetitive stage angles will have to do. Pac sets the show off with some of his hits, “Ambitions Az A Ridah”, “Freek’n You”, and the venomous “Hit “Em Up” with the Outlawz, in pure 1996 anti-Bad Boy posture. With that out of the way, The Dogg Pound step on stage and run thought their hits, “Murder Was The Case”, “Ain’t No Fun”, “New York”, “Gin & Juice” and Pac and Snoop close the show with “2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted”. This DVD was previously available but is a great addition.

Disc Two is special for a couple of reasons. It is shot in the infamous Club 662, on the day that Tupac was released from prison. With all of the drama surrounding Tupac at the time, the DVD is like a time stamp, showing us exactly what he was doing the night he got out of jail in 1995, as started his run with Death Row Records. Classic performances are presented here as well, with The Outlawz and The Dogg Pound joining the stage again. Songs performed are “So Many Tears”, “California Love”, “What Would You Do” and more.

The DVD has bonus features like music videos for “California Love” (remix), “To Live And Die In L.A.”, “Hit ‘Em Up”, “How Do You Want It” (concert version) and “I Ain’t Mad At Cha” freestyles, Commentary with Treach more. With these extras, the Tupac The Complete Live Performances is a must have addition to the collection for hip-hop and music fans alike.

To view the Tupac The Complete Live Performances E-Card, click here!

Check out these videos from the DVD!
Tupac performing Troublesome @ HOB

Tupac Live at Club 662

Links:

http://www.hitemup.com/

http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/tupacshakur

http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/music/artist/card/0,,394931,00.html

Iraq for Sale

The fire has been contained, but some folks here in LA got some footage that is just as good if not better than what was seen on the news. Take a look!