Iraq, $5,000 Per Second? – New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/23/opinion/23kristof.html?em&ex=1206504000&en=d5db0ce293e0ef20&ei=5087%0A

“The Iraq war is now going better than expected, for a change. Most critics of the war, myself included, blew it: we didn’t anticipate the improvements in security that are partly the result of last year’s “surge.”

The improvement is real but fragile and limited. Here’s what it amounts to: We’ve cut our casualty rates to the unacceptable levels that plagued us back in 2005, and we still don’t have any exit plan for years to come — all for a bill that is accumulating at the rate of almost $5,000 every second!”

Behind the Music: 10 Powerful Musical Documentary Films | Musicouch

http://www.musicouch.com/Live-Music/Behind-the-Music-10-Powerful-Musical-Documentary-Films.97669




Sometimes a good documentary on a musical artist can take you behind the scenes in such a way that you can get a glimpse into the artist’s real motives and learn what it is that drives them and inspires them most as musicians. Here is a list of ten memorable music docs that no music lover should miss. Complete with reviews and some compelling reasons as to why the documentary makes its impact.

More than a bit Dylan heavy, but some decent films here.

Greenpeace and guitar makers unite to save forests| Reuters

http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSN2222683220080323

Sustaining the supply of natural materials isn’t a new idea in the musical instrument industry, which depends on old-growth wood to achieve the best tonal quality.

“The paradox is that musicians as a group tend to be pretty progressive and ecologically savvy and concerned — until it comes down to their guitar,” C.F. Martin & Co. head of artist and public relations Dick Boak says. “They don’t want to take the chance that they won’t have the absolute best tone. It requires a little bit of education and it requires them to see the product.”