CORNER TALK REPORT

Who's Who's on Drifters Exploitation

2012-02-09T11:01:00.000-08:00

Trust me the list is long. Yet those who have any knowledge of the history
of this musical institution can tell you everyone is in the game on making
money on the Drifters trademark.

They know who they are from pirate groups, former group members, agents
and promoters all compete for this lucrative mark.

Management many years ago started the trend on what was to be a sad story
in the history of the this most notable musical group.

Leaving all of it's members for the most part broke and with no recognition
no work for all the time served in establishing the name.

Exploitation is the name of the game and it continues in this day and time.

Amazing the wanabees that are around. Just the other day standing in Port
Authority New York listening to a conversation of some individuals particularly
from one who claimed to sing with the group for a number of years even claiming
his performance on songs out of the 60s. What a joke when I inquired about his
claims and his subsequent tirade I new nothing about Drifters history.

Let's dont for get some of the commentators and writers of the history who truly
have a distorted understanding of this Drifters Brand which has been a Brand
since the day management acquired the name from Clyde McPhatter back
in the early 50s.

The stupidity of those who think the group was no more after the 50s period or
the 60s and that of the 70s and it's members who claim to be the last living
Drifter. Maybe for there era, granted, but not for the Brand. That continues and
will continue into the future.

Butch Leake for (CORNER TALK REPORT)

For continuing updates on the Drifters Legacy Log in here at
http://www.cornertalkreport.com or my notes over at http:facebook.com/BUTCHLEAKE
You can also log into http://theofficialdrifters.com

Sony Gold Awards/The Drifters Legends

2012-01-30T16:10:00.000-08:00

Gold Awards at Sony Music NY Front: Butch Leake, Lyn Koppe (Marketing) Joe Blunt
Rear: John Jackson, (Vice President) A&R and content development....

January 24th 2012
New York City NY

After 27 years of absence from the musical charts the Drifters Brand
has gone gold with a Sony Music release in the UK of a CD titled
"The Drifters the very best of" .

Selling over 100,000 units the timed released has pushed 60yr.
brand back into the spotlight prior to it's Anniversary in 2013.

The CD is a compilation early Bell/Arista and Atlantic tracks with two
new tracks recorded by the current Drifters lineup in the UK. but it's
the strong back catalog particularly of the Bell/Arista years which is the
foundation for the success of this CD.

Most of the tracks Bell/Arista tracks have never been released in the United States but
were available through imports from Virgin record stores for a number of years
yet many US Drifter fans were not aware of them.

January 24th The Drifters Legends Joe Blunt, Butch Leake and Clyde Brown
all living members of the The Drifters from the 70s through the 80s received
Gold awards for their musical contributions to the catalog during those years.

The Drifters Legends to include Rick Sheppard a member from the latter
Atlantic Record period are currently gearing up to possibly return to the
stage late 2012 into 2013.

Under new guidance by PMG Music after these many years of fraudulent
groups passing themselves off as the real thing and former member violation
of trademark issues to include management negligence of the group over
the year has successfully Re-branded The Drifters for the future to include
introduction to a younger generation of fans.

As far a the PR campaign the Legends are looking at inroads here in the
United States to finally establish the legitimate performing act under
"The Drifters Legends"

(CORNER TALK REPORT) A division of Butch Leake Entertainment and Productions

For info e-mail Butch Leake at ventura11@me.com /Tel-9173254424

Booking info please contact management Kathy Mashadi prismmusicgroup.com
or log into http://www.theofficialdrifters.com

You Are All I Want For Christmas 2011

2011-12-14T11:45:00.000-08:00

Your all I want for Christmas is a beautiful smooth Love Ballard which takes
us back to the days when The Ojay's, Blue Magic and Stylistic ruled
the air waves. Three music veterans The voices of Leonard, Coleman and Blunt
are dynamic blend of the Legacy of those years......"A perfect gift for Christmas"

(CORNER TALK REPORT) http://www.amazon.com/review/R17DN5AX0L75NI/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_asr_-ZDuC.0DDQAXY

OWS On The Move (A Time To Reflect)

2011-12-01T11:05:00.001-08:00

Some might think the occupy Wall Street has simply failed an gone away but this is far from the truth. Yes the lobbyist and special interest groups who wage smear campaigns would like you to think this is the case. The OWS is up and running, but like any other movement of the past it has to reflect on where it's at which is all part of the growth process. For more info log into my photo blog "Through My Lens" OWS On The Move http://butchleake.tumblr.com

Also read CNN Exclusive Inside the offices of Occupy Wall Street at http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/01/exclusive-inside-the-offices-of-occupy-wall-street/?hpt=hp_t3

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

OWS On The Move (Mayoral Mess)

2011-11-16T06:51:00.001-08:00

Thursday November 17 is promised to be a day of massive disruption here in NY
as OWS protesters promise to avenge a federal ruling which overturned yesterdays
decision by Supreme Justice Lucy Billings to allow them back into Zuccotti park with there
tents and other property.

For a period of time Justice Billings while coming up the ranks as a lawyer worked for the
ACLU (Civil Liberties Union) and has been sympathetic to such causes in the past.

It is know that the ACLU has been thorn in the cities side over first amendment issues.

The city has been hard pressed to win first amendment issues going back to the Mayor
Giuliani era.

The city regulates it's streets in and around it's Health and Safety statutes.

After short legal wrangling the city won it's move to keep the protesters from returning
as before when Justice Michael Stallman overruled order allowing use of tents.

In the end Justice Stallman found the rules against the accumulation of garbage and
human waste in public places were in his words reasonable.

In court papers the city said the park had become overcrowded and a cesspool
rife with trash, fire hazards and crime which is questionable if you had ever visited
the occupation area.

It's also noted by protest lawyer Alan Levine the rules of no camping were imposed
after the protest began so they are invalid.

Much of the discrepences were being corrected when the city decided to move in
with there strong arm tactics as city officials were looking at a race against the clock
all politically motivated.

The fact if the mayor was running for office such as the presidency this might
have been a different outcome. He had nothing to loose by making the move
he decided on.

It's further noted that Mayor Bloomberg had been in constant contact with
Brookfield Properties considering the mayor's girl friend, Diane Taylor
sits on the board of the real estates giant which owns Zuccotti.

The Park is also named after former deputy mayor John Zuccotti who's
Brookfields chairman of the board.

As it currently looks this is a major mess for all parties involved as the protest
will surely go on into the future with no end in site.....

For the latest photo's on OWS on the move log into http://butchleake.tumblr.com

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

OWS On The Move (Police Raid)

2011-11-15T08:13:00.000-08:00

A New York judge issued an order Tuesday morning allowing Occupy Wall Street protesters to return to Zuccotti Park, just hours after scores of sanitation workers and police in riot gear ordered them out and tore down their tents.

According to city officials they were intending to let protesters return to the park but couldn't allow them to pitch tents and other structures in the park. The mayor said the park would remain closed until legal issues were worked out......

The order from New York Supreme Court Judge Lucy Billings allows protesters to bring tents and other equipment back into the privately-owned park where the now-global Occupy movement began some two months ago.

For more dramatic photo's from Zuccotti Park log into http://butchleake.tumblr.com

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

O.W.S. On The Move (A Spiritual Debate)

2011-11-12T06:01:00.001-08:00

Though the O.W.S. (Occupy Wall Street) movement has been going on for
sometime now there have been some interesting questions that have been
aired among the many participants in Zuccotti Park.

One noted observation was a sign that a protester had over his head which
read "Why Aren't There More Black People here" ? To answer a portion
of this, it was noted a black man not to far away from the man with the
sign was having a heated debate with a number of white men over his
selling of buttons which on observation depicted images of Nubian
culture.

The issue at hand was his selling to make a profit which seemed to not
go down to well with the men who were standing around him.

Now as you walk around Zuccoti Park you can't help but note the number
of venders who are selling there wares and the majority of these folk
are white Caucasian males with some blacks sprinkled in between.

This movement non the less is about the spirit at hand. The less fortunate
the 99% who have come together to air there grievances in relation to
the 1% who control the wealth of the world.

This 1% are the Barons and families who since the birth of this nation
controlled the wealth of the land through forced labor on plantations
in and around ports such as Massachusetts bay colony and New York
where African slave were brought and sold.

Thus Wall Street is a burial ground and the spirits of these slaves still walk
among us.

You be the judge if you so dare! The African American spiritual position
is alive and well........

For more images coming from Zuccotti Park Wall Street Log into
"Through My Lens" at http://butchleake.tumblr.com

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

2011-11-02T17:37:00.000-07:00

Last week though the city and the New York Fire Dept removed six generators that the

OWS movement members use to to power there fixtures such as light and refrigeration in and around Zuccotti Park. They managed to trump the mayor and the city by bringingin field expedient devices such as bicycles and small generators to charge the batteries they vitally need for lighting in there medical facilities, tents and other small compound structures that they built...

For continuing dramatic pictures from the occupation area in Wall Street log into

http://butchleake.tumblr.com

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

O.W.S. On The Move (Prayer Vigil)

2011-10-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

The Occupy Wall Street movement continues this week as the weather here in

New York drops close to freezing temperature. The protesters are determined

to carry on the the fight through the winter.

Police present as usual has been heavy as this test of wills drags on day after

with no let up in site.

Though the siege in Wall Street to some may seem and eye sore, there is much

of festive activity with music & song reminiscent of the movements of the 60s.

Prayer & spirituality has been a constant daily with the protesters.....

For the latest images on O.W.S. activity log into "Through My Lens" at

http://butchleake.tumblr.com

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

O.W.S. On The Move (Globalism)

2011-10-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

From one side of the globe to the other, protesters have taken to the streets. Whether they are inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement in New York or by the cries in England and other countries in Europe, they burn with dissatisfaction about the state of the economy, about the unfair way that the poor are paying for the sins and wickedness of the rich bankers, and in some cases about capitalist ideal itself.

Once upon a time it was easy for western politicians and economic liberals to dismiss this as bally who by a misguide fringe group of mindless people. The protester this time have
different aims in different countries. Higher taxes for the rich and a loathing of financiers is the closest thing to a common denominator, though in America polls show that popular rage against government overshadow that against Wall Street.

The statistics report, In America 17.1% of those below 25 are out of work. Across the European Union, youth unemployment averages 20.9%. In Spain it is a staggering 46.2%. Only in Germany, the Netherlands and Austria is the rate in single digits.

It's no doubt in my mind as I travel around the city and break bread with the protesters down in Wall Street they all have an urgency that something must be done now an it will not go away and be shelved as in the past.

This populist movement can go anywhere in this globalist society that we live as the grievances are broader and wider in scope.

To view recent images of the protest on Wall Street log into http://butchleake.tumblr.com

(CORNER TALK REPORT) http://butchleake.tumblr.com

OWS On The Move

2011-10-24T07:18:00.000-07:00

Protests and actions inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement proliferated around New York City after thousands of demonstrators made headlines around the world by taking over Zuccotti Park in Wall Street and marched on Times Square here in New York.

Protesters in a number of cities, especially New York, have rallied against what they describe as corporate greed, arrogance and power, and have asserted that the nation's wealthiest 1% hold inordinate sway over the rest of the population.

The movement has drawn criticism from some politicians who have characterized it as counterproductive, jumbled and misguided. Others, though, have lent their support and said the protesters are voicing legitimate, widespread frustrations regarding the nation's current economic and political situation.

For more photos about The OWS On The Move Log into Through My Lens at butchleake.tumblr.com

(CORNER TALK REPORT) http://butchleake.tumblr.com/

BUTCH LEAKE PHOTOGRAPHY

2011-10-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

butchleake.tumblr.com

In image processing, computer graphics, and photography, high dynamic range imaging (HDRI or just HDR) is a set of techniques that allow a greater dynamic range of luminance between the lightest and darkest areas of an image than current standard digital imaging techniques or photographic methods. This wide dynamic range allows HDR images to more accurately represent the range of intensity levels found in real scenes, ranging from direct sunlight to faint starlight.

The Drifters & Drifters Legends out on the Road/Musical Rebound

2011-09-22T09:23:00.000-07:00

Having to struggle with much of the politics connected with music industry The Drifters Legends are still in dialog with industry sources in bringing the live show to the Las Vegas stage.

Most of the issues are surrounding all of the bogus Drifter acts that still seem to pop up here and there. The Legends were created out of the need to set the record straight on who the recording members of the Legendary outfit are.

The other day someone asked me why is it that I see everyone else performing
and doing what you guys made Legendary? surely they are not better!
"I could only say you are absolu.tely right"

Even thoug the Legend will be comprised out of key personnel out of the
recording years all of which recorded on some of the Drifters greatest hits.

One or two of the legitimate recording members will continue to perform
with there own act but in most cases in violation of the trademark
which is still owned by Treadwell and licensed worldwide by PMG
Prism Music Group UK .

In the meantime as many of you know we are celebrating once again rising in the chart with many of the songs from both the Atlantic and Bell/Arista years going Gold. Myself and some of the other Legends will be heading to England to receive industry plaques in honor of this occasion.

For more info you may go to the Butch Leake page over on facebook......Enjoy

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

The Drifters & The Drifters Legends on the Road/The charting Years

2011-07-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

After many years now the Drifters are back in the UK
charts and have been holding there for fourteen weeks.

Sony music who now holds the Bell/Arista recording
that were popular back in the 70s and 80s has released
a new CD Album titled "up On The Roof" The very best
of the Drifters which includes early 60s tracks along
with the popular Bell/Arista cuts to include two new
tracks featuring the current Drifters lineup.

The Drifters for the most part have been a hit makeing
machine for better than a half century now and seem
to be getting stronger even in this current time
of new age music, Hip Hop and R&B/Pop styles.

The new lineup comes with a much lighter sound which
is more in line with todays younger generation with
a little luck should catapulte the act into the future.

Below we compare the hit making years.

Top ten hits of The Drifters on Billboard's Rhythm &
Blues Charts during the Clyde McPhatter era include:

Atlantic Discography

Money Honey.................... 1953 #1

Lucille............................... 1954 #7

Such a Night...................... 1954 #5

Honey Love........................ 1954 #1

White Christmas................ 1955 #3

What'cha Gonna Do........... 1955 #8

Billboard's pop music chart shows the following Drifters
singles ranked in the top thirty hits from 59/64

There Goes My Baby........ 1959 #2

Dance With Me................ 1959 #15

This Magic Moment......... 1959 #16

Save The Last Dance........ 1960 #1
For Me

I Count The Tears............. 1960 #17

Please Stay........................ 1961 #14

Sweets for My.................... 1961 #16
Sweets

When My Little Girl.......... 1961 #28
Is Smiling

Up on the Roof.................. 1962 #5

On Broadway..................... 1963 #9

I'll Take You Home............. 1963 #25

Under The Boardwalk........ 1964 #4

Saturday Night At.............. 1964 #18
The Movies

UK Pop music chart show the following Drifters
singles ranked in the top thirty hits 74/75/76

Bell/Arista Discography

I'm Feeling Oh So................ 1974 #2
Sad

Like Sister and..................... 1973 #2
Brother

Kissin In The Back............... 1974 #2
Row

Love Games.......................... 1975 #33

Down On The Beach............ 1974 #7

Say Goodby To..................... 1974 #7
Angelina

The Cut Is Deep................... 1975 #33

The Songs We Use............... 1975 #7

Your more than a number.....1976 #5

in My Little Red Book

There Goes My First Love.......1975 #3

For more information you can log into http://theofficialdrifters.com

Be sure to keep up with our latest blog info here at Corner Talk Report

and for further info log into C.T.R. Network info over on facebook

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

The Drifters & The Drifters Legends on the Road/Life Under The Brand

2011-07-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

It should be clear by this day in time to those who have
followed the Drifters over the years that we are working
with a brand name which in many ways is like any other
name that has become synonymous with what the product is about.

Re-branding is the creation of a new name, term, symbol,
design, or a combination of them for an established brand with the intention of developing a differentiated (new) position in the mind of stakeholders and competitors.

However, the main reason for a re-brand is to communicate
a new message for a company, something that has evolved,
or the new board of directors wish to communicate.

Prism Music Group who now holds the worldwide licensing
and management of the group has worked tirelessly in
re-branding the name after much abuse and misuse by former
members, fake groups and even the original management over
the years.

Yet most fail to realize that the Drifters for the most
part started with much of that concept in mind from the
very start.

Back in the early year of 1954 when the name was acquired by
then the Legendary George Treadwell who at that time managed
such great stars as Sammy Davis Jr., Billie Holiday and
Sarah Vaughn the group was managed then through a New York
corporation Drifters Inc.that he formed that same year.

Though Mr. Treadwell owned all the stock in the company,
he managed the company with his two partners, Irving
Nahan and Louis Lebish. Mr Lebish acted as accountant
and bookkeeper for The Drifters Incorporated.

The Entertainment side of the business was handled
by Treadwell and was assisted by his wife Fayrene
and Irving Nahan.

Working together they exercise complete artistic
control over the group. They hired and fired singers who
performed under the name, paid them salaries, selected all
the music and arrangement and over all made the musical
and business decisions relating to live performances and
recording contracts.

In 1959, The Drifters inc. amended it's Certificate of
incorporation whereas George Treadwell, Lewish Lebish and
Irving Nahan became equal owners of the corporation.

Fay Treadwell inherited her husband's stock in the company
in 1967. She later brought out Nahan and Lebish shares and
around 1970, she became the sole shareholder of the
Drifters incorporated.

Though much of this concept still exist on and into this
day and time, it had fostered many problems with it's
members over mismanagement, payment issues and the right
to be called a Drifter.

Members found themselves forced to form hybrid groups
under the trade name even though they signed agreements
barring them from doing so.

This in turn created more fake groups over the years and
pirate promoters who jumped in to capitalize on the goodwill
of the name.

For more information you can log into http://www.theofficialdrifters.com

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

The Drifters & The Drifters Legends on the Road/The Generation Gap....

2011-07-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

As you know the Drifters is an on going success story and they are
now performing to thousands of new generation fans across the UK.
Non like yesteryear of cost they are attracting a much younger
fan base and this is by design to secure the future of the group
for years to come.

Not all is happy with this particularly from the earlier generations
who remember the group as it was from the 80s on backward through
the earlier years.

The United Kingdom for the most part has been the home for the group since
the early 70s. It has always maintained a solid fan base which has supported
the act over the years and continues to do so today.

One might argue is the quality the same and there seems to be a lot of mixed
opinion about that.Surely the Drifters of old had those solid strong voices
with that signature base voice and lead sound which became the hallmark of
the groups success over the many hit songs that we loved.

The young generation of today have been brought up on a much lighter sound
of music than the days when the Atlantic, Motown,Philly and Bell Records
ruled the air waves.

The Drifters of yesterday some how managed to cross most music categories
from Gospel, R&B on into Popular, yet always maintained that signature
sound that it was noted for.

In my belief the mixed opinion or might one say the generation gap will
always exist.

Back in the US former members of the group The Original Recording Artist
The Drifters Legends are set to return to the stage in 2012. This should
be an interesting contrast between old and new and may turn out to be a
good thing as far as history goes.

Foundation must be present to build into the future. Without it you can
find yourself with a crumbling house without leg to stande on. Jazz,
Country, Blues, Rock n Roll, R&B no matter what musical innovation
you come up with (is what it is) "The Root"

After a half of century or more The Drifters is a brand name now with more
than 60 or more singers coming through it's lineup. Some who were very
significant and those who are just a short foot note in it's history.
All in all the Drifters have a very lush history that will go down in
the annuals of history for all time.

Currently The Drifters Legends are Rick Sheppard, Butch Leake, Joe Blunt,
and Clyde Brown all of which are the original Recording Artist who along
with the Legendary Johnny Moore sang on some of the Drifters greatest hits
from the Atlantic years through Bell/Arista period.

The Drifters now are Michael Williams, Damion Charles, Ryan King and
Carlton Powell.

In the United States two more former Drifter members still perform with
there Drifters shows Charlie Thomas an Bobby Hendricks.
To include a number of fake groups who trade on the name illegally.

The Drifters and The Drifters Legends are currently managed by PMG
(Prism Music Group) Who whole the worldwide license for acts and
the Drifters name is still owned by the Treadwell family.

For more information on the Drifters and the Drifters Legends you can
log into http://theofficialdrifters.com Over on facebook there are the
Drifters and Drifters Legends pages and my notes a definitive history
on the Drifters Legends on the Butch Leake facebook page.

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

The Drifters & The Drifters Legends on the Road

2011-07-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

Well how are you guys out there sorry for being away for
so long. Been busy restructuring my online activities...

This writing begins my series of articles titled
The Drifters & The Drifters Legends on the Road.

In any respect many of you out there have been asking
me what is the on going situation with the Drifters Legends
as far as debut and up and coming tour dates.

Well it looks as if 2012 will be the launch period for Legends
tours. That will be kick off with a tour with the current lineup
of Drifters..... Which will repeat the success of the London
02 Arena show back in 2009.

There had been speculation that The Original Recording Artist
The Drifters Legends were coming to Las Vegas this year but
as of date that has been put on hold until political issues are
resolved, well that's the way things go in show business sometime.

A bit of good news as of this blog the CD Album "up On The Roof"
The Very Best of The Drifters has gone gold and has remained 14
weeks on the chart...

Recently myself and the rest of the Legends group have been
discussing strategies for the future to include New Photo sessions
and public relation options. So you should see more activity from
us soon...

As far as the official Drifter group in Europe they continue to perform
to sellout audiences throughout the UK and have worked hard at promoting
the current CD Album. For more on the great work they are doing log
into facebook and visit there page. You also can log into the official drifters
website at http://www.theofficialdrifters.com

Here in the US the pirate groups continue to do there thing so what you
see is not what you get at the best. We will continue to expose those who
claim to be and are not.

Above a mini documentary outlining where things are to date and some
of the plans for 2012 presented by Treadwell & PMG (Prism Music Group)
Produced by Bomark Studios UK.

Don't forget you can log into C.T.R. Network information for other news
and updates over on facebook and other activities in my online Network
at http://facebook.com/BUTCHLEAKE

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

IN THE NEWS

2011-05-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

Well as you all might know actress Lynsey Lohan has pleaded
no contest to misdemeanor theft of a 2500 dollar necklace.
She didn't appear in court but through her lawyer she made
her statement. She is to spend four month in prison and
go through rehabilitation and sessions with court appointed
Psychiatrist.

In other news recently Entertainer Prince has band the songbird
Whitney Houston from attending his concerts. It seems as if Miss
Houston was acting somewhat out of line at a recent performance
and the report said it was due to erratic behavior etc.
Let wish that Whitney wins the battle with her demons
God be willing.

New York- It is reported that Mary Tyler Moore has
been admitted into a facility for surgery to remove a benign tumor
on the lining of her brain.
The 74-year-old Moore gained stardom as a modern suburban housewife
on the 1960s comedy "The Dick Van Dyke Show," and went on to star in
her own series as a single woman woman pursuing a career.

Fox TV is to cancel all five of it's on the fence series, the network
has confirmed. The are to include Human Target, Lie to Me and The Chicago
code are to go, along with comedies Traffic Light and Breaking In Staring
Christian Slater. Monday they will unveil the new fall schedule.

Beyonce who looked stunning last night at the Met Ball managed to tick
off photographers who were covering the event and felt they were being
snub got booed by surrounding onlookers....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

NubiToonz /A POLITICAL DILEMMA

2011-05-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

TV A NO BRAINER!

2011-04-21T05:03:00.000-07:00

At a time when when life in America was a harsh reality
do to gross poverty, racism, educational and work
opportunities were all but a small footnote in the life of the
average African American. Television was one of the
only escapes from the many social evils drugs, alcoholism,
prison and death...
Ironic in 50 years how times have changed and yet there is
still a deficit in education on the whole as the average
black American spends more than 7 hours in front of the
television, 2 hours over the national average rate of 5 hours
and 11 minutes, and just shy of four hours per day more
than the average Asian who clocks in at 3 hours 14 minutes
of TV viewing. What the math points to is 50 hours of TV
weekly and 200 hours a month.
A drain on the brain as content is for the most part dictated
by overwhelming commercial appeal, and not by the qualities
of ideas.Kids today seem to be heading toward a zombie illusion
zone where there is nothing worth learning.
Some would say this is by design as the media racks up dollars
in it's quest for advertising revenue. For sure much time and
money is directed towards the study of the social habits
and behaviors of the African American communities as well as
any other community but owing to the African American acute
attraction to trends and fads this can lead to an alarming
destruction within the social structure as a whole.
Yes many of us and very vocally point to the state of our
still separate and unequal public education system which
is in need of much improving, but there is much that we
can do in the home to balance out this deficit of learning.

(C0RNER TALK REPORT)

THE CONSPIRATOR

2011-04-17T05:33:00.000-07:00

Well last night as I said decided to take in a movie. Was not sure
what was playing but with luck I stumbled upon a nice period piece
entitled Conspirator.
My report, this is an excellent movie and a must see if you are into
historical films.

The Conspirator is a historical drama film directed by
Robert Redford. It is the debut film of the American Film Company.
The film tells the story of Mary Surratt, the only female co-conspirator
charged in the Abraham Lincoln assassination and the first woman to
be executed by the United States federal government. The movie
stars Robin Wright, James McAvoy, Justin Long, Evan Rachel Wood, Jonathan Groff, Tom Wilkinson, Alexis Bledel, Kevin Kline and Toby Kebbell.

Against the ominous back-drop of post-Civil War Washington and the wake of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, seven men and one woman are arrested and charged with conspiring to kill the President, Vice President, and Secretary of State. The lone woman charged, Mary Surratt (Wright) owns a boarding house where John Wilkes Booth (Toby Kebbell) and others met and planned the simultaneous attacks.

Frederick Aiken lawyer (McAvoy), a 28-year-old Union war-hero, reluctantly agrees to defend Surratt before a military tribunal. Aiken realizes his client may be innocent and that she is being used as bait and hostage in order to capture the only conspirator to have escaped a massive manhunt, her own son, John (Johnny Simmons).

As the nation turns against Mary she is forced to rely on Aiken for her defense as the drama which unfolds leads to her ultimate date with the hangman.

The official movie site/go to title link above....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT

2011-04-16T16:21:00.000-07:00

Lady Gaga
Saturday the 16th April........

Here chilling in Starbucks listening to Whitney Houston's "Call me Tonight" from the Album "I Look To You". What a great song! It's just what I needed to
get through this wet and dreary night in New York's big apple.

Yes I'm a big Whitney Houston fan, and must admit I'm in love with this woman's voice. Trust me when Whitney sings, she knows what she is singing about.

On another note as you know the Drifters are back in the charts after 35yrs.
The new lads in Europe are currently holding at #12 on the official UK chart and with a little luck they will move up a notch in the coming week.

Most of you know the group has gone through some personnel changes, like what's new with the Drifters! that's been part of of it style since it's inception.

Spoke to Reese Cannon the other day, he's doing well for you UK fans who miss
him in the groups lineup. What of the Legends? that is the Drifters Legends myself and the guys speak frequently with each other and currently planning on getting together in the coming weeks to discuss music matters...... For updates you can log in here at Corner Talk Report or jump over to the Legends page over on Facebook.

The Drifters official web site over all keeps things in perspective. The address there http://theofficialdrifters.com/.

Rolling Stones recent special collectors edition has named The Drifters in the 100 greatest artist of all times category.

In other news Actor Samuel L. Jackson is gearing up to play the role of Martin
Luther King here on Broadway. He's played many memorable characters on screen, but now Samuel L. Jackson will portray a legend on stage.

It has been noted that Lady Gaga lately has been looking a little different but the pop superstar wants to let everyone know it's not because of any plastic surgery.

The Bieber has called it quits for a little while as far as Twitterverse goes.
The young star says he needs a little time to him self. It seems the social network has taken it's tole on him for the moment.....

Well that's it! need to get out of here and go and check out the movie scene. Will let you know what's looking promising in the coming weeks......

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

CINDY & HARRY/A NIGHT WITH THE DRIFTERS

2011-04-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

THE LEGENDS COLLECTION STORE

2011-04-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon!
The Legends Collection Store......

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

UP ON THE ROOF/The very best of The Drifters

2011-03-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

CTR News Flash....

In the UK after 35years The Drifters are in the charts again. With the release by Sony Music the CD titled "Up On The Roof" The very best of The Drifters Entered the UK charts at No. 19 and now has moved to No 17. The CD Features two new tracks titled "Dream Of Me" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" along with classic hits from the 60s and 70s of the group. The Drifters after many years of declining popularity due to misrepresentation of the name and pirate groups have begun the climb back to superiority that the group was once noted for.

For info click on the title link above or log into www.theofficialdrifters.com

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

SACERED FIRE

2010-10-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

The No.1 National Best Seller written by Peter A Lillback with Jerry Newcomb...

This book is a must read for those who question weather the founding
father of our nation George Washington was a man who lived by strong
unwavering christian values.....

For the most part the founders of this nation have become mere
bookmarks in history as we tend to focus more on the present historical
data of today's leaders.

The book a rebut of arguments made by current scholars in today's
academia that George Washington had long stepped away from
the values of this country and traveled along the lines of a deist.

It questions with detailed research over a period of 15 years or more
every aspect of Washington's life from friends who knew him, through
his writing, journals, manuscripts, and letters....

This book is long overdue in correcting the many falsehoods that
Washington lacked pure christian faith.....

The mountain of evidence speaks for itself from beginning to end
that his character lent to absolute patriotism with a strong belief
in God......

For Sacred Fire click on title link above......

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

FIRST LOVES

2010-09-14T06:40:00.000-07:00

New CD release First Loves featuring The Bell/Arista Drifters..

It was the early 70s when the Drifters left there original recording home Atlantic Record and signed with Bell/Arista in the UK and created these classics......

To purchase these great classics log into the title link above....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

BUTCH LEAKE PHOTOGRAPHY

2010-08-19T06:18:00.000-07:00

You can now visit my new photographic business page over on facebook........

Butch Leake Photography.... special events, documentary, port folio, head shots, portrait, and Digital imaging specialist...

Currently highlighted are photos depicting the cultural, ethnic people
who frequent the city and the Times Square area of Manhattan....Street Life

Recently uploaded.... Memorial Day photos 2010 on the Iwo Jima Aircraft
Carrier over on the Hudson River......

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

NEW ALBUM FROM STEPHANIE MILLS

2010-07-20T05:32:00.000-07:00

C.T.R. update......from sources

A new album soon to be released from the beautiful song stylist
Stephanie Mills titled "Breathless"

Stephanie Mills who gave you such classics as "Home", "Secret Lady", and
"Never New Love Like This before" is set to grace the air waves once again...

A new Fan Page is currently up and running over on Facebook so
that she may stay closer to her fans who have supported her over the years.

There is also a new tribute song to the late great Michael Jackson which can be
downloaded over on Itunes...

What can be said this is one of the most dynamic singers to ever grace the
entertainment world of the likes that has not been seen for a long while.....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

PROJECT MIDAS

2010-07-12T03:44:00.000-07:00

It is called Project Midas a new device which allows city police
to take finger prints in the street..

The device has been use in the UK and is now being widely distributed
there.

It will be soon be operational on the streets of New York....

The technology will allow police to check identity, receive thousands
of picture downloads, scan passports, DNA etc. cross federal and
state data bases throughout the country...

To address fears about mass surveillance and random searches, the police insist fingerprints taken by the scanners will not be stored or added to databases.

The police claim that the technology will speed up and make criminal
investigation more efficient.

Civil rights group are currently cautioning on what the use of these devices could
mean to the ordinary citizen if used in an improper manner. Such as collecting
data of an individual on random checks and searches...

For more information log into http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/oct/27/project-midas-fingerprint-scanner-liberty or click on title link above....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

BORN ON THE 4TH OF JULY

2010-07-05T15:51:00.000-07:00

Just wishing everyone a Happy belated 4th of July.......

For those of you who are skaters, we here in New York brought in the countries
birthday with our skating bash at the city's Central Park......

Hosted by the Central Park Dance Skaters Association.....

The weather was hot and the turn out was great....

The music was to the sounds of DJ Ricky Rivera.....

For a peek in at the weekends event log into http://www.facebook.com/BUTCHLEAKE
or click on the title link above..

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

BIBLE/ASTROLOGICAL TEXT

2010-06-30T14:43:00.000-07:00

DENDERA ZODIAC

Both Egyptian and Sumerian/Babylonian cultures were star gazers,astrologer, Mystic and priest etc. There cultures were based on the study of nature and the order of the heavens. These observations went on for thousands of years much longer than what modern science and today's organized religious bodies would like to reveal..

So the phrase as you might read in these text: (as above so below, On earth as in heaven) there culture,edifices, temples, monument, pyramids etc. embodied the reflection of the natural order of things....

The people who fashioned both the old testament and The Koran were the Hyksos Shepherd Kings pharaohs who lived in the delta area of Egypt in and around the 18th dynasty under the pharaoh Akhenaton who started monotheism...These were your so called Jews of the bible who came out of Egyptian captivity. They migrated to both the Sinai region and into Yemen. These people were the authors of both eventual text....

For the most part there is no real record that there was any migration of people under the tyranny of pharaoh that fit a true time line under the biblical record reported in the bible.

According to historians, Egyptologists place the exodus at the time of Ramesses II (c. 1280 BC),
which is some 400 years later than the era which Jacob decribes..

There is very persuasive arguments that the biblical Moses was, in fact the Egyptian pharaoh
Akhenaton...

Akhenaton reign was still 300 years later than the reign of pharaoh Jacob..

In looking at the era of Jacob we can see there is a documented historical biblical exodus,
but also a documented Hyksos exodus from Egypt... A very large event with some 24,000
families fleeing Egypt according to the historian Manetho who gave one of the most accurate
records of the Egyptian dynastic kings list...

Genesis of which most think is the creation of the heavens and earth story is really "the coming forth by day" wrongly call the Egyptian Book Of the Dead.

It is the story which depics the rising of the (Sun) not the (Son) that Christians try to propagate which the Egyptian observed daily.

This rising of the Sun is the central mystery in all what you read in these text that they try to hide.... It was the Egyptians and Sumerian/Babylonian who invented the calendar based on the Zodiac the 12 houses in astrology.... So the symbolism of the 12 deciples that you see in the Jesus stories and much more throughout both the old and new testament, Koran and many of the other religious text weather in India, China etc....

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time born, and a time to die; a time to plant and time to pluck up what is planted,,,(Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)

The Gnostics knew the allegorical and astrotheological nature of the life of Christ" as admitted by Christian father Irenaeus which was at the root of their denial of the "historical" Christ Irenaeus said:

"The Gnostic truly declared that all the supernatural transactions asserted in the gospels were counterparts of what took place above." The bible is the greatest astrological/astronomical text and story ever told. The worship of the Creators heaven.....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

THE ART OF BUTCH LEAKE

2010-06-25T04:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a brief collection of some of the paintings by the Artist....

Fine illustrations in pastels done over the years featuring the
many looks of The Drifters as they evolve over the years
since 1953....

Most of these art samples, paintings and photography's by the artist
can be downloaded over at Payloadz by clicking on the Payloadz
link to the right.....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

DRIFTERS THE LEGACY CONTINUES

2010-06-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

Butch Leake & the Drifters
The Drifters "Glasgow Scotland" 2009

The Drifters as you know are in their 6th decade with an incredible record
of 200 thousand singles and 100 thousand albums sold to date....

The history of this legendary group and organization has been a product
of much mis-understanding filled with facts and laced with myth.

To the mom and pops of the early 50s the Drifters came and went with
the group headed by the late crooner Clyde McPhatter along with Bill
Pickney and the Thrasher brothers....

Yet with the success of those years this was not the lineup which was
responsible for many of the memorable hit songs that we are accustomed
to associating with the Drifters.

In looking at the act on the surface you might say there were five significant
groups from 1953 through the mid 1970 which were responsible for
most of the known hit songs on both sides of the Atlantic...

In all of that there were more than 60 singers that have come through
the lineups ranks.

The single most mainstay individual being Johnny Moore who passed away
in 1998.

The other mainstay the Treadwell family who have held the rights to Drifter
trademark since the early 50s.

Much of the formula which was the mainstay of the group was situated in
the lead singers in the early years Mcphatter, Moore, Lewis, and King. and to
complimented and lock in the sound Pickney, the Thrasher Brothers, Terry, Thomas,
Piersen, Green, Hobbs, Fredricks, Sheppard, Leake, Kitchings, Brown and Blunt..

For the most part the magic which you might say that made the act what it was to
become was in the impromptu style that could only be understood by those who were
close to it's inner workings.

Non like other acts who had a manufactured polished approach to there performances.

The Drifters for the most part was very improvised and free in it's style..

Known much for it's simple choreography but flair in individual dancers like Butch Leake
and Rick Sheppard who top the act in dance moves during the latter 60s and early 70s.

It was in this improvised approached that the group became so notorious in it's smooth
and high energy on stage.

Today we are in a new era with the Drifters for a new and younger generation and also
for the older generation 35 and up we have the Drifters Legends.

Both groups under the direction of PMG (Prism Music Group UK) continue in the
tradition of the 56 year year history of the organization owned by the Treadwell
family.....

For more information on both The Drifters and The Drifters Legends log into
http://www.prismmusicgroup.com or http://theofficialdrifters.com

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

DRIFTERS LEGENDS REUNION

2010-06-16T15:21:00.000-07:00

From left to right- Rick Sheppard/Joe Blunt/Butch Leake

June 14 2010 Drifters Legends Rick Sheppard, Joe Blunt and Butch Leake
came together for a reunion at the New Yorker Hotel in downtown Manhattan.

For those who are unfamiliar with The Drifters history these three men
are the link between two of the Golden periods of the Drifters history...

It was in 1972 that the Drifters then under the management of Drifters
incorporated left the original home Atlantic records and signed with UK
Record company Bell/Arista.

It was in early 1970 that Butch Leake replaced Rick Sheppard who was featured in
the 60s lineup to bring in the next golden period of the group.

Christmas 1975 Butch Leake leaves the group to embark on a solo career and
in steps Joe Blunt to carry on the Bell/Arista years.....

Recently in 2009 both Butch and Joe received Life Time Achievement Awards
from Sony Music for there contribution to the Bell/Arista Label during the 70s.

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

SOCIOLOGY/HISTORY A DISCIPLINE

2010-06-05T05:22:00.000-07:00

MAAT-TRUTH/JUSTICE/ORDER

Belief is the psychological state in which and individual holds the
proposition or premise to be true.

The truth is that much of what we claim to be true
gospel so to speak lacks credible evidence within
general understanding of the subject matter in focus.

History as a prime example is a discipline which is the underlining factor
of who and what we are as beings on this planet we call earth.

It contains a number of disciplines which sociology
leads in in establishing the evidence which is
crucial in ascertaining factual stability.

Looking at religion as another example, belief within these disciplines has
been one of the most degenerating factors in human
suffering since ancient times......

Though the underlining factor in each of the religious dogmas
has it's roots far back in antiquity when man lived
his life in accord with the natural laws which he found that surrounded him.

Christianity: 2.1 billion ........33%
Islam: 1.5 billion .........21%
Secular/Nonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist: 1.1 billion .........16%
Hinduism: 900 million ........14%
Chinese traditional religion: 394 million ........6%
Buddhism: 376 million .........6%
primal-indigenous: 300 million ........6%
African Traditional & Diasporic: 100 million......... 6%
Sikhism: 23 million ........0.36%
Juche: 19 million .......other 0.22% [%POPULATION]
Spiritism: 15 million.......other 0.22%
Judaism: 14 million ........0.22%
Baha'i: 7 million ........other 0.22%
Jainism: 4.2 million .......other 0.22%
Shinto: 4 million .......other 0.22%
Cao Dai: 4 million .......other 0.22%
Zoroastrianism: 2.6 million .........other 0.22%
Tenrikyo: 2 million ........other 0.22%
Neo-Paganism: 1 million ........other 0.22%
Unitarian-Universalism: 800 thousand .........other 0.22%
Rastafarianism: 600 thousand .......other 0.22%
Scientology: 500 thousand ........other 0.22%

We have perverted, hid and destroyed most of these truths in our pursuit of self
indulgence and political greediness.

Yet self evidence is embodied within the sociological structure of early man as he climbed
from individual, family, clan, tribe on to civilization....

The world is currently in conflict with it self because we fail to except the truth of our
origin as far as the true sociology structure and teachings as what we like to characterize
as primitive man & woman and what they taught us....

There can be no God without there being a Goddess. Both masculine and feminine
principals or laws are constant in the universal structure of all things in and out of
existence....

So our Bibles, Korans and other text we currently hold as a testimony of the living truth and
way to our so called salvation has failed us.

(CORNER TALK REPORT) Butch Leake........6/5/2010

DANGEROUS REMINDER

2010-05-03T06:13:00.000-07:00

We are living in dangerous times as Saturdays potential bomb scare
reinforced in our minds.

Americas cities with no exceptions are potential targets for growing
terror tactic.

Crude in it's design, the car bomb place in the busy Times Square
area Saturday evening had the potential to kill dozens if not more innocent
people.

A stark reminder that we are not exempt from this kind of murder and
mayhem which we see in other parts of the world.

Security services have reported preliminary signs suggested that this was
not part of any Al Qaeda or other known terrorist organization operating
in our backyard, yet that possibility could become a reality.

Currently a man hunt is going on for the driver of the SUV parked in the
mid Times Square area.

The question has become for many has the day of the car bomb or the suicide
bomber reached our shores.

Butch Leake for...... (CORNER TALK REPORT)

STREET VIOLENCE

2010-04-05T04:18:00.000-07:00

Violence as roving street gangs battle in the Times Square district of
the city Easter Sunday into Monday morning.

Police blocked Broadway and closed shops after 2 people were shot.

On 41street a man was reportedly shot in the ankle and 30 minutes
later a woman was shot on 51street...

A total of four people were reportedly injured from gunshot wounds
during the night........

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

C.T.R. NEWS BRIEF

2010-04-04T07:54:00.001-07:00

C.T.R. NEWS BRIEF....
Police in Italy have launched an investigation after body of woman was pulled from water near George Clooney's. home at Lake Comp.

THE APPLE IPAD

2010-04-03T16:58:00.001-07:00

Apple has released it's new Ipad with over 1,500 apps to choose from.......

THE POLITICS OF HATE

2010-03-29T03:51:00.000-07:00

The Question? Where were they during the eight years of the George Bush
Cheney administration.

Where was all the righteousness and patriotism during this period.

Or was it that the country was during so good that there was no need
for this Tea Party activism, but now they have convinced themselves that
President Obama who must be stopped at all cost didn't just inherit this
America and all it's problems but created it.

This has nothing to do with political dissent but smells only of bigotry, hate
mongering and a form of Nazism.

Sarah Palin on Twitter in her outrageous statement "Commonsense
Conservatives & Lovers of America Don't Retreat, Instead-Reload"

So it seems according to her anyone on the other side of the debate of health
care is not such a good American as she is...

Then there are the Republican strategist who speak on the issue as if
they are the voice for the whole of the country.

Unfortunately for the public who listen to this smut that is being peddled
and can't discern the issues and are lead like cattle, corralled in this illusion
of political smoke and mirrors is another sad day in the history of this nation.

When is it that a health care bill becomes unconstitutional? when poor people
have the right to the same care that wealthy Americans have for so long enjoyed
and had a monopoly on.

What of Palin, this so called political Pit Bull the fighter of our American cause
who left her job as Governor of Alaska, obviously seeing there is money to be
made ranting her anti health care and European socialism nonsense.

This president has taken more flak in one year of his presidency than all
of the men who have held that office over the pass sixteen year.

Yet they dare try to drag us back to the dark days of racial poison which has for
so long been the thread of fabric in this country.....

No thank you..... I look forward to the change

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

C.T.R. NEWS BRIEF#4

2010-03-22T17:43:00.000-07:00

C.T.R. NEWS BRIEF#4 Hosted by Butch Leake
Copyright 2010 Butch Leake Productions....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

C.T.R. NEWS BRIEF#3

2010-03-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

This is a C.T.R. news brief...Hosted by Butch Leake
Copyright 2010 Butch Leake Productions..

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

C.T.R. NEWS BRIEF#2

2010-03-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

This is a C.T.R. news brief hosted by
Butch Leake for Corner Talk Report....
Copyright 2010 Butch Leake Productions.....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

C.T.R. NEWS BRIEF#1

2010-03-19T17:16:00.000-07:00

This is a C.T.R. news brief featuring the debut release the Drifters
new single recording "DO YOU DREAM OF ME" produced at
Bomark studios England UK....
For information log into www.theofficialdrifters.com

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

THE ROCK N ROLL HALL OF FAME

2010-03-15T05:37:00.000-07:00

Who will roll into the halls ledger this year? surely not the Pointer Sisters
who are greatly underrated, yet had two distinct periods of success during
the 70s & the 80s.....

Then there is Linda Ronstadt and Joe Cocker who are greatly at a disadvantage
because they don't write there own songs....

Barry white comes to mind, but it seems he caught in a disco era tag.

Then there groups like the Ohio Players, Donovan another highly underrated
artist.....

Along list of artist whom never seem to make it for one reasons or the other or
simply the halls rejects....

Politics seems to show it's hand again in these events as with the Oscars in the
past......

Tonight the inductees will be AbbA, Jimmy cliff, the Hollies, Genesis and the stooges..

For those who were nominated yet did not have enough votes to make the grade,
Donna Summer, Darlene Love, Kiss, Red Hot Chili Peppers, LL Cool J and the Chantels.

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

MASTER MUSIC KIT

2010-03-08T04:57:00.000-08:00

Now available for purchase and download are our Master Music Kit
for music industry administration.

Standard contracts and agreements for independent companies
and individuals who need a jump start developing the infrastructure
of there music business.

You may obtain the kit and other products over on our product page at Payloadz e-store
by clicking on the Payloadz link to your right in the link section of this blog site or
by clicking on Master Music Kit above....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

C.T.R. NETWORK

2010-02-20T09:04:00.000-08:00

Corner Talk Report is soon to go Live....

After the positive response that we have received over the past
couple of years, we have decided to broadcast a live version
of the blog.

You can watch both pre-recorded and live broadcast in the coming
months.

You can follow our C.T.R.mobile links at http://qik.com/butch_leake or
check us out at our C.T.R. Network Channel over at http://www.livestream.com/ctrnetwork
Also scheduled C.T.R. live at BlogTV http://www.blogtv.com/people/BUTCHLEAKE

At the bottom of this page you can watch us at both our Mobile viewer and our channel
viewer for your pleasure......

The written blog will continue as usual...... Thank you for the support.

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

SLAVE ECONOMY/Black History Month

2010-02-13T05:22:00.000-08:00

Wood Plank House, St. Vincent, West Indies ca. 1898
Image Reference NW0022 Source Robert T. Hill, Cuba and Porto Rico New York,1898
Virginia Foundation of Humanities University of Virginia Library
This type of thatched house was probably found during the late slave period 19th century.

The reorganization of the French empire began under Colbert and was finallybrought under direct control of the Crown in 1774.

Silver production on the Spanish-American mainland declined significantly;
with a drop in domestic Spanish industries and their subsequent demise;
Spanish merchant shipping greatly declined in Caribbean ports.

By 1686 more than 90 percent of the capital and goods handled on
the legal Seville-to-the -Indies trade was controlled by French, Dutch,
Genoese, English and German businessmen (mostly through Spanish
intermediaries).

In the Caribbean the whole of the region by this time had been experiencing
a revolutionary reorganization of it society structure. This was to include
it's agriculture and commerce.

With the delay in Spanish possessions, and the subsequent exploitation, domination
of settlers and removal. The age of sugar and slavery had arrived.

The introduction of African slaves was instituted on a massive scale. It soon was
was to be use as a main source an form of employment and reflected a major
change in the status and role of the colonies in the Caribbean.

In the 1640s a semi-feudal European settler frontier slowly gave way to a
organized and commercially structured society of masters and slaves.

Greater profits were to be made in the new economic structure to private and public
proponents than had been in the old and former European farming communities.

The adoption of slavery came about because of the severe economic crisis of the
seventeenth century Caribbean and it's particular need to establish a more
competitive, marketable commodity than tobacco as the basis of colonial economy.

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

SOCIETIES/Black History Month

2010-02-09T19:42:00.000-08:00

A NUBIAN REBEL (Artist Unknown)

The seventeenth century witnessed some fundamental changes in the
political, economic, and social structure of the Caribbean.

During this period you saw a dramatic shift from being mere settler
communities to exploitation colonies within the non-Hispanic sphere.

There marked a startling political change of imperial divisions when
the Dutch, French and English successfully defied the might of Spain
and established permanent strongholds which for more than a century
had been the sole and private possession of monarchs of Castille.

After 1700 Caribbean possessions change hands among European powers,
but for the most part remain cosmopolitan.

It were somewhat difficult, to give you an exact account, of the number of persons
upon the Island; there being such store of shipping that brings passengers daily
to the place, but it has been conjectur'd by those that are long acquainted, best seen
in the knowledge of the Island, that there are not less than 50 thousand souls, beside
Negroes; and some them who began upon small fortunes, are now risen to very
great vast estates.
The Island is divided into three sorts of men, Masters, Servants, and Slaves.
the slaves and their posterity, being subject to their masters for ever are
kept and preserved with greater care than the servants,who are theirs but for
five years, according to the law of the island. So that for the time, the servants
have the worse lives, for they are put to very hard labor, ill lodging, and there
diet very sleight.

Richard Ligon
True and Exact history..... of Barbadoes, 1657

The 1700 found two distinct societies living side by side. The first type were loud,
violent society of struggling settlers, prospering farmers or planters of such,
officials, merchants, suffering slaves and ambivalent free persons
of color.

These would have been considered the true colonists, who for the most part
excepted the conditions they found themselves under albeit under duress, rules
regulations and adhering to varying degrees of political design of
different imperial systems.

The second social type generated by socio-political movement of the times were
groups of individuals commonly know as trans-frontier men.

Communities of Maroons or escaped slaves, defiant and stateless Buccaneers
who represented an alternative to colonial social structure but not a threat to
organized society.

The Maroons were the most successful alternative to European colonial society.

The Maroons came about in a climate of resistance to slavery and were a
essentially communities of Africans who escaped individually and collectively.
They continued the tradition begun by the indigenous Indians.

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

CARIB - RESISTANCE/Black History Month

2010-02-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS

The last migrant group to settle in the Caribbean prior to the arrival
of the Europeans in 1492 were the Kalinago.

The Columbus mission found three native groups all of different derivation
and cultural achievements.

All three groups had entered the Caribbean from the region of South
America know as the Guianas.

These were the Ciboney, the Taino (Arawaks) and the Kalinago.

On record the Ciboney arrived about 300 B.C. followed by the Taino, ethnic
relatives, about 500 years later who by 650 A.D. had migrated northward
establishing large communities through the islands in the Greater Antilles.

Migration for the Kalinago started around 1000 A.D. and they continued to
arrive by the time Columbus's landfall.

When the Spanish arrived in the northern Caribbean, they found the Tainos already
in a defensive posture, yet later encountered the Kalinago who were much more
prepared for aggression and to wage a protracted war against the imperialist.

Both Kalinago an Tainos were well prepared for survival having inhabited the
islands for such a long time.

European colonial forces from the offset were more technologically prepared for
violent conflict due to determined maritime mobilization, capitalist finance, science
and technology and to further imperialist goals.

In the Greater Antilles, the Tainos waged a spirited military resistance campaign
although ineffective against Spanish forces. They were supported by the Kalinago.

In 1494 Columbus led a force of 400 armed men into the interior of Hispaniola
in search of gold, food and slaves. Taino Caciques mobilized for resistance.

Guacanagari, a leading Cacique marched with a few thousand men in 1494
against the spanish but was unsuccessful in the attempt.

The Spanish under Ponce de Leon were attacked frequently byTaino warriors
and many Spanish settlers were killed but the Taino and Kalinago were eventually
crushed in the counter assaults.

Taino fatalities were high and thousands were publicly executed and or killed
in the many battles.

However in the lesser Antilles Kaliinago were more successful in there campaigns
against the Spanish, and then the English and French thereby preserving their
freedom and maintaining control over their land and territory.

The Kalinago an their anti-colonial communities on the outskirts of the imperialist
slave plantations, constituted a major problem for slave owners and threatened
the very existence of colonizing missions......

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

THE PORTUGUESE/Black History Month

2010-02-07T18:23:00.000-08:00

Twenty-five years would elapse between the first Portuguese voyages
along the northwest coast of Africa and the taking of captives at Rio do
Ouro (modern Rio de Oro) byAntao Goncalves and Nuno Tristao during
there voyage of 4141.

The Portuguese recognizing that voyages of the sort could be self-financing
and revenue generating accelerated the rate of exploration along the west
African coast.

Portuguese activities took an aggressive commercial and political turn.

By the 1450s and 1460s trade in goods and people had become commonplace.

Portuguese contacts with Africa, from Mauretania to Kongo, were primarily
commercial ventures.

The Portuguese entered a half century of peace and friendship with leaders
in sub-Saharan Africa. They established cooperative working relationships
with African middlemen and suppliers of slaves and other goods.

In the beginning being far removed from the Mediterranean supply and demand
cycle to obtain slaves from the Black Sea, Crimea, or the Caucasus, the Portuguese
were on the lookout for alternative sources for labor.

Soon attacks on Moorish vessels in the Straits of Gibraltar, transits between
Morocco and Granada and raids on Guanches, indigenous to the Canaries,
provided the Portuguese with labor.

Acts of piracy in the guise of armed offensives against non-Christians first exposed
the Portuguese to sub-Saharan blacks in transit from the Maghreb to Granada.

The African presence in Portugal

Much information has been lost due to an earthquake in 1755 which destroyed the
Casa dos Escravos de Lisboa (founded 1486) which was the section of Casa de Guine
responsible for the administration of the slave trade from West and Central Africa
the collection of duties, and the farming out of royal contracts.

Evidence which is available indicates that the number of slaves exported from upper
Guinea in the latter part of the century varied from year to year.

According to Portuguese historian Vitorino Magalhaes Godinho between 1,000 and
2,000 slaves were exported from Mauritania and the Sahel in the period 1441-48.

Establishing relations with Sudanese traders and later with traders between Senegal
and Cape Verde, these numbers increased dramatically.

The period 1450-60, there were 800 and 1,000 exports annually through Arguim.

Exports through Argium for the period 14500-1505 were not less than 25,000
or as high 40,000.

Some 5,000 slaves were estimated to have been exported from between Senagal
and Sierra Leone in the decade 14450-60 and the number doubled in the
following decade.

From 1480s 3,500 slaves were exported from the region annually, with numbers
declining in the 1490s.

Estimate number of slave exports from Africa prior to 1492 about 1,500 for
coastal Sahara; 25,000 through Arguim; 55,000 for Senegal-Sierra Leone
and 2,00 for Elmira.

Exports of 80,000 persons as slaves from areas between the Saharan littoral
and Kongo in the half century preceding Columbus's landing in the Americas.

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

2010-02-07T06:41:00.000-08:00

Toussaint L'Ouverture

As a matter of record there has been many slave uprisings in history throughout South America, Mexico and the Caribbean.

It was on the plantation of Christopher Columbus's son, Diego on the island
of Hispaniola in 1522 that the first large-scale revolt of African slaves took place.

In 1546 slaves revolted in Mexico.

In Venezuela there were uprisings between 1552 and 1556.

Slavery in the Caribbean and in South America served as models for the
flesh industry that developed here in North America.

It also planted the seed for the eventual slave revolts here in North America
as many of those that were shipped here had first hand knowledge of the
uprising in the Caribbean..

Slavery officially began in the British Colonies in North America, August
1619.

A Dutch vessel traveling from the Caribbean, brought twenty black
indentured servants to Jamestown Virginia. The Virginia House of Burgesses
that same year met in Jamestown an approved indenture servitude.

Eventually the trade of both white and black indentured servants spread to
Charleston (South Carolina) and New Amsterdam (New York).

During the eighteenth century, the revolutions that took hold in France
and America set forth the concept that liberty and equality were the rights
of all men.

These ideas were of cost dangerous concepts in slave holding societies.

It was such Ideas that motivated a slave who lived most of his life at Breda
plantation 15 miles from the capital of the port city, Cap Francois.

Born May 2, 1743 which was the feast of Saints he was named
Francois Dominique Toussaint.

Toussaint led a revolution that began on the French colony of Saint-Domingue
and ended with the abolition of slavery there.

He wanted to overthrow slavery as a social system.

Due to that revolution the formation of Haiti, the first black nation in the
Western Hemisphere was established....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

BLOG-TVs CORNER TALK REPORT

2010-01-31T11:33:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone just wanted to let you know we are going live.......
Log into: www.blogtv.com/people/BUTCHLEAKE

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

THE STATE OF THE UNION

2010-01-28T03:56:00.000-08:00

We do not give up! We do not quit! was the message that was echoed by president

Obama in his first State of the Union address.

In his usual elegant tone that has become a hallmark of Obama oratory the

president spelled out his agenda for 2010.

Recapturing some of the hope that help put him in to office he said what

the American people hope, what they deserve is for all of us, Democrats and

republicans, to work through our differences, to overcome the numbing weight

of our politics.

What American want is the simple security knowing that tomorrow will be better

than today. Putting on defense for the middle class which he champions...

It's all about economy, jobs and health care which he reminded everyone he

campaigned on an which he has not backed down from.

Mentioning the word "jobs" 29 times, he asked Congress to join with him

and make 2010 the year of jobs...

That the people are out of work an hurting. They need our help and he wants

a bill on his desk right away with out delay...

He pointed out that his administration had some political setbacks pointing to

the poll numbers which slid downward and voters rebelled against Democrats

in Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races also the lost by a successor to

the late Sen. Edward Kennedy seat to a populist republican.

Much of the presidents speech was showing that he gets it and that he understands

the underlining factors rolling out a number of proposals showing that the White

House has it's sights locked on the economy issues....

He asked that $30 billion in repaid Wall Street loans be funneled in to small business

lending, energy and tax incentives to encourage infrastructure spending.

A new middle class tax cut and eliminating capital gains taxes on small businesses

went down well with New Yorks junior senator. "I liked that he talked about a

middle-class tax-cut said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

He stuck by health care reform push even though it took about 25 minutes for

him to get to the topic...

He pointed out by the time he finished speaking this evening more Americans will

have lost their health insurance. Pointing out that he will not walk away from these

Americans and neither should the people in this chamber.

"By now it should be obvious that I didn't take on health care because it's good

politics" "I took on health care because of the stories I've heard from Americans.

On the terrorist issue! I've bagged more terrorists, sez prez

He said the long and painful Iraq war "is ending" after 4,692 US and coalition

troops - so far have perished on it's dusty battle fields, "and all of our troops

are coming home"

Troops from Afghanistan will start coming home by 2011....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

WHEN THE EARTH MOVED 2010

2010-01-16T08:07:00.000-08:00

As we currently know, there is much needed help in Haiti due to the dire
circumstances that prevail on the ground in wake of the most devastating
Eartquake that has hit this hemisphere.

On January 12, 2010, a massive earthquake struck the nation of Haiti, causing catastrophic damage inside and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince

Thousands of people have been killed, maimed, and displaced in wake of this terrible
natural tragedy.

Relief efforts are on the way from around the world with 3 million dollars donated
to the Red Cross through the Twitter & Facebook social networks.

On January 15, the U.N. issued a flash appeal requesting approximately $562 million to support populations affected by the January 12 earthquake in Haiti. The appeal prioritizes food aid, health, logistics, nutrition, shelter and settlements, and water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions, as well as emergency recovery activities.

As this tragic story unfolds lets all be reminded how fragile we all are on this planet we call home.

Our support is urgently needed in the weeks ahead in this humanitarian cause....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

A TIME TO REFLECT

2009-12-10T05:27:00.000-08:00

December 2oo9 is soon to close. God be willing that we all have a wonderful,

healthy and prosperous New Year to come.

I hope that the world community will take time out to reflect on the greater

purpose of life as we know it an learn to understand each other a little

better than we currently do.

Heres to the hope that we learn to be more tolerant to others who are

different in there ways, means & cultures.

We were all set upon this world with Equality an Love. But it is man kind

which chooses the en-equalities an hatred that pollute our very existence.

It is written "Blessed Be The Peace Makers" they will be the children of God.

That peace must be cultivated in oneself, so please my world family reflect

with your inner heart for the profound understanding.

A gift waiting for the taken. A gift for you from the father of all of us.....

Lets pray that our leaders gain the wisdom an the right understanding in

in the policies that they mandate.

In ending war we must learn to end the war that's in our hearts. That's where

the Jihad or the real holy war is seated.

Oh! lets not forget to be respectful in what we do within our personal family structures

and local communities which is the backbone of what translates on the world stage......

Lets all come together an sing a song of Love & Peace...Butch Leake

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

THIS IS IT

2009-10-29T05:19:00.000-07:00

Poetic Brilliant Fantastic... There are so many ways you can describe this film.

One thing for sure the world has missed out on one helluva concert.

Michael Jackson has raised the bar to levels in this film that is an inspiration and a
challenge to any striving artist who really wants to be great in this business of music.

From the out set you see a man who is totally in control of what he wants to do an see in
what was to be his come back and final concert appearance.

The first concert rehearsal movie ever, filmed on the stage at the O2 Arena in London is fill with performers, musicians, choreographers, crew members and craftsmen, but the movie's focus throughout is on Jackson.

You understand what it takes to attain such dizzying heights in entertainment.

Michael the genius as he is chisels an carves away in his search for this beautiful
concert surrounded with the theme of love. (SURELY A MASTERPIECE IN THE MAKING)

There are split scenes where Michael is performing in different out fits to the same song.

In front of a Sony green screen 11 male dancer are transformed into 11million.

Michael in another scene in the movie during his performance of the song "Smooth
Criminal" is shot in black & white in a gangster roll with the late actors
Susan Haywood, Edward G. Robinson and Humphrey Bogart.

Kenny Ortega the director of the stage show, has put together this movie from 120 hours of digital video footage -- for which Sony reportedly paid $60 million.

Following Tuesdays premieres, the film has opened on more than 3,400 domestic screens along with 96 in Imax theaters and another 27 internationally for a two-week run. That run will be extended if demand is there.

This is a must see film if you are a Jackson fan. A fine tribute to a man much misunderstood.

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

SKATE FRIGHT CENTRAL PARK NY

2009-10-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday Oct 25th marked another closing season with the Central Park Dance Skaters
with there annual Holloween skate party In New Yorks Central Park.

Though somewhat less attendance this year the skating merry makers jammed
through the day with a score of DJs at the helm bringing there different styles
of music mixture to the scene......

The skaters came in a variety different costumes to liven up the event as spectators
gathered on skaters road to witness the merriment.

Tyrone addressing the crowd...

The Bear Miyuki/Jeff

Bob/Tyrone

Spectators.....

The skating bash is hosted every year by the C.P.D.S.A. an begins early in the
spring thru the 3rd week in Oct.

Watch for more photos on the event over on facebook.....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

PHOTOPLUS EXPO NY

2009-10-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

October 22nd thru 24th saw the annual pdn Photoplus international conference expo
at the Javits Center New York.

Every year this most important event in the photographic an imaging industry gather
to to share, meet and conference about new technologies.

All the leading manufacturers Nikon, Canon, Sony, Kodak were on hand discussing
an showing off there latest camera and equipment upgrades.

There were lectures, seminars, and hands on training in many of the areas of photography.

Photographic professionals displayed some of the finest photo art from around the world.

The Sik Wedding by Liz Hingley.

The Abore Tribe Ethiopia by Hamish Gregory........

Before the Dance by Gina Carnazz..........

NY Photographer Lola Flash promotes affiliate photo journal Nueva Luz.......

A host of graphic, Photoshop an lighting specialist were on hand giving instructions
on the ends & outs of the business......

Truly one of the best events annually in New Yorks Big Apple........

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

THE HATERS

2009-10-12T05:43:00.000-07:00

Once again the ugly side of politics in America raises it's hand as critics and hawks
spit there venom against the President Of The United States.

In the latest round of Obama bashing, the Haters have taken aim at his recent
Nobel Peace Award.

There is nothing this man can do, say or just happen to be part of that isn't
up for stone throwing.

Truth is truth the haters do not want the president to win anything that has
peace attached to it while we are in the middle of a war in Afghanistan.
Particularly when the generals want 40,000 troops or more as generals always want.

Sen Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) head of the intelligence Committee, said the US
would be in "Serious jeopardy" of losing the war if Obama failed to meet the
request of Gen Stanley McCrystal for major troop buildup to the current level
of 67,000 men.

On the other end in London, Secretary of State Clinton slammed the Bush Administration
conduct of the Afghan war in defending Obama's lengthy decision-making process.

During the Vietnam war Gen. William Westmoreland wanted 100,000 more troops
from Lyndon Johnson until he finally said know but he kept pushing for the troop
buildup which he called 550,000 the "minimum essential force" and 670,000 the "optimum".

Westmoreland said he could finish the job in three years, well history has already
answered that issue.

Now the Nobel Peace Prize has become more trivial because the rest of the world
feels he deserves it.

He didn't ask for it, an the many more problems that it brings to his table.

Oh! what about the president of the world, he didn't ask for that either.

The other guy before him wanted that.

Well now where are these troops to come from with our military over stretched
as it is. There is something called the draft an you know, you haters it will be your
sons and daughters who will fill some of those ranks. We will see how you like that.

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

TWITTER

2009-09-27T05:46:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have yet to notice, we are on Twitter the latest in the social
networks which has taken the world by storm.. (Title Link)

Twitter is one of the faster growing social interacting sites around where one may connect
with friends, associates and the world through simple micro blogging.

Corner Talk Report as many of you know is the information hub for Butch Leake
Entertainment & Productions an his network of sites and associates.

On the side of the page you can find important links to the social world such as
Facebook, Myspace and Friendfeed which one may subscribe to for continuous updates
as they become available.

Coming soon..... The Legacy Of The 70s website featuring the music of Roger Greenway
highlighting the Bell Recording years and the continuing legacy of The Drifters.

New videos, pictures, news highlights and productions from Butch Leake Entertainments....
To include internet TV broadcast an streaming....... http://www.blogtv.com/people/BUTCHLEAKE

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

THE TIME IS NOW

2009-09-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

President Obama rips the GOP an those that have been on a campaign to
derail his health care plan.

He made his appeal to Congress an the nation last night to revive his troubled
young presidency and crusade to give health care to all Americans.

It was a dark moment that showed the depth of the divide an the the partisan politics
being played out between the parties.

The President having to confront critics from all around him has to meet the challenge
of pleasing conservative Democrats who fear he will do to much and Republicans
who are crying doom.

In his speech he said he was the first President to take up the cause an he is
determined to be the last President to do so.

With a gloomy look on there faces, the GOP sat there listening as he spelled out his
agenda.

South Carolina Republican Rep. Joe Wilson shouted, "You Lie" at the President.

Still insisting he will heal the partisan divide, Obama lashed out at the GOP who
he blames for distorting the debate and staking the future on defeating reform.

The truth is those who seek to derail the President, just haven't come to terms
that he has out classed them on every level since before and after coming to office.

The GOP has never had a sound agenda or a candidate that could bring one forward.

This talk of socialism coming from the right is just another diversion created to
try an derail his election promises.

Change for Washington is a hard nut to swallow for those politicians who have been
entrenched in the old way for so long.

"I will not waste time with those who have made calculation that it's better politics
to kill this plan, than improve it" he vowed.

"if you misrepresent what's in the plan we will call you out"

He said he understood how difficult the health care debate has been an know that
many in the country are deeply skeptical that Government is looking out for them.

Obama admitted saying it would be safer to delay reform......

We did not come to fear the future; we came here to shape it.....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

DRIFTERS AND LEGENDS

2009-07-25T16:27:00.000-07:00

Recently The Drifters and The Drifter Legend got together for a prestigious
show at London's o2 Arena Celebrating 55Years that the Drifters organization
has been going....

It featured the current lineup of members under the Treadwell Organization
an featured former lineup members from days gone by......

Lifetime achievement awards were presented by Neil Martin of Sony Music
along with writer Roger Greenway to Butch Leake an Joe Blunt from the
70s lineup of the group...

It also marked the first recording from the group in over 30 years......

Absent from the Legends lineup was Bobby Hendricks of the Clyde Mcphatter
days who could not attend because of illness in the family.....

Photo: The Drifters and Legends in photo op back stage dressing room.......

For info Log into the official drifters website by clicking on the title above.....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

PRESIDENTIAL HUMBLENESS

2009-07-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

What a great leader we have here in these United States.....

What more can be said about a president who has the courage an the humbleness
to admit when he has made a mistake an except full responsibility for what ever
actions he has taken.

This is a far cry from the days of former president an politicians who for nothing
else remain in self denial about most of there action....

President Barack Obama has shown once again that he is a president for the
people an by the people over a resent statement made seemingly maligning the
Cambridge Police department in there arrest of Harvard Prof. Henry Louis Gates.

It's sad that critics who have nothing else to do but try an prolong an issue that
parties envolved are trying to get behind them....

Issues of race like the issue of guns in the United States will for ever raise it's
ugly head.

Yes things do get out of hand, so the nature of a country who's very existence
has been embroiled in these kinds of things since it's birth......

For to long in this country, race issues have just been tucked away in the
closet with know one standing up with the courage in tackling this scourge.

So what it being a local issue an the President of the United States weighing in
even though choosing his words in an uncalibrated way, still shows that we are
all part of this united family here an it will take all of us to sort out the worst of
of our problems.

For more details on the issue click on the title above........

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

GUTTER POLITICS

2009-07-11T06:06:00.000-07:00

What ever happened to being innocent until proven guilty? If that was ever really
the case here in the United States..

With Rep. Peter Kings recent recent tirade against the late Michael Jackson, on
the day which was for the most part a sad an somber event for many people
on the planet.

We are reminded that the so called ideals of this country in many ways are just
a shame....

Politicians will go at any length to raise there political agendas.

The dead can't defend themselves, but you can be sure the living can....

The voice of the people will root you out Mr King and all of those who think
like you.....

What is it when we take some ones death to increase our own media coverage.

For all the good things this young man has done around the world are we to
forget it as if it never happened.....

If one was to say you are a bigot, would be unfair if there was know proof to
the so called allegation....

The same in the OJ Simpson case one was guilty before proven of any fact.

One has the right to his or her own opinion but theres a thing which we call being

tactful. Or some might say politically correct.....

Just remember you reap what you sow in this world of cause an effect. (NEVER FORGET THAT)

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

SONY MUSIC AWARDS

2009-06-29T21:28:00.000-07:00

Recently at London's Indigo o2 Arena Lifetime Achievement Awards presented by Neil Martin of Sony Music to The Drifters Legends, to recognise the contribution that the Drifters made to the Bell Arista Label. Receiving the awards were Butch Leake an Joe Blunt Original members of the 70s lineup of the Drifters.

On hand were writer Roger Greenway who wrote an co wrote some of the most popular
hits of the period such as Kissin In The Backrow of the Movies, Down on the Beach tonight,
There Goes My First Love and Your more Than a Number In My Little Red Book.

Neil pointed out that..... The Drifters are now well into their sixth decade delighting audiences around the world. They have enjoyed remarkable success in their career, selling well over 200 million singles and well over 100 million albums."

The Show was produced by the Prism Music Group an Promoted by London's Kennedy Street
and Martial Arts.......

The show featured the current Drifters lineup With Maurice Cannon, Steve King, Michael
Williams and Damion Charles and featured Butch Leake, Joe Blunt and Wolf Johnson of
The Drifter Legends.....

For more information on this prestigious night go to theofficialdrifters.com or click on
the title link above......

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

DANGEROUS TIMES

2009-06-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

The current vocal exchange between Washington an North Korea has
reached a new high as the North Korean Gov't threatens massive retaliation
if the US infringes on there sovereignty.

This coming after President Obama said that a nuclear-armed North Korea
posed a grave threat to the world.

At a recent news conference both President Obama an South Korean
president Lee Myung-bak said they would vigorously pursue an end
to North Korea's nuclear program.

The North Korean's have said in no uncertain terms that "The nuclear
programme is not the monoply of the US"

This latest commentary from Pyongyang comes on the heels of the 25
May underground nuclear test and recent missiles launches.

It has been reported by Japanese and South Korean media sources
that tere were signs of two long-range missile launch sites being
readied on the north-west coast and the other on the north-east coast.

The North Koreans are also withdrawing it's fund from banks in the
chinese territory of Macau and elsewhere before it can be frozen by
UN sanctions according to South Koreas Dong-a Ilbo newspaper..

The UN security council approved tougher sanctions against the North
to include inspections of ships carrying banned cargo, also a wider ban
on arm sales and measures to stop Pyongyang's access to international
financial sources...

So now where are we? since implimenting those resolutions the North
threatend it would begin enriching uranium and use all it's plutonium
for nuclear weapons...

This is sure a slap at the Obama administration to test it's resolve in
this matter an it's pursuit along deplomatic and peaceful means...

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

BLESSED BE THE PEACE MAKERS

2009-06-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

President Barack Obama has once again given one of those great speeches
that will be recorded in history as a defined moment in time.

His speech was given in a country that is as old as the sands of time where
much of the worlds profound wisdom an knowledge has sprung.

Where Greek philosophers sat at the feet of the masters of math, writing, medicine,
astronomy and building.

His speech a message of peace had mix opinion among many in the middle eastern world,
but it was a message of balance an measure.

"The concept of peace was born in the Middle East and constitutes the cornerstone of all three monotheistic faiths -- Christian, Jewish and Muslim -- and it is incumbent on the people of Abraham to unite to meet the challenge and together realize the vision of a sustainable peace in the Middle East," he said.

Speaking from Cairo Egypt his speech focused on seven key points: Violence & Extremism,
Israel & Palestine, Nuclear weapons & Iran, Democracy & Human rights, Religious
Freedom, Woman's Rights and Economic Development & Opportunity.

The president highlighted that Americas policy will align with those who pursue peace.

Quoting from the Koran, Torah and New Testament he pointed to the diversity among
the people of the book and Blessed be the Peace Makers they will be the children of God.

On key points such as the Israel-Palestine problem he pointed out that Palestinians
must stop resorting to violence in pursuit of there goals and that the US has
requested a freeze on settlements in Israel.

President Obama reinforced the message that ending the occupation and establishing a viable and independent Palestinian state was in the mutual interest of Palestinians, Israelis and indeed the entire world.

Further the President pointed out to promoting a broad educational exchange program
between Islamic countries and the US.

Still there are those who will not embrace what he has envisaged weather here in the
US or the middle east as the leaders of Al Qaeda have said there can be no peace
until the US stops aligning with Israel.

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

THE DRIFTERS/SACRIFICE

2009-05-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

The Drifters will release there first single in over 30 years.

The current lineup will release a version of Sir Elton Johns Sacrifice with
proceeds to be donated to UK based HIV+/AIDS Charity MildMay.

MildMay have pioneered care and treatment for HIV+AIDS patients in the UK and overseas for the last two decades and the charity leads the world in the treatment and rehabilitation of HRBI (HIVRelated Brain Impairment) at their East London Hospital, which is well known for the famous visit of the late Princess Diana.

The Sacrifice track Produced by Shaun Lowe at Neon Records will be officially released on the 28th of June to coincide with The Drifters featuring The Drifters Legends Show at the Indigo 02 Arena.

PRE-ORDER NOW at http://www.7digital.com/artists/the-drifters/sacrifice/

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

HETEP CIRCLE

2009-05-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

Recently published a new blog highlighting the Ancient Egyptian spiritual
concepts of life.

Hetep Circle discussions will contain much information on
aspect of the Egyptian religion that are not in the mainstream views
of Egyptology, religious org. and historians.....

Truth is Truth for those who are capable an willing to lift the veil of
ignorance and see the errors of there ways....

The site invites all comments and followers who are interested in the
other story.

Hetep Circle is at http://www.hetepcircle.blogspot.com

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

THE DRIFTERS FEATURING THE DRIFTERS LEGENDS

2009-04-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

THE DRIFTERS FEATURING DRIFTERS LEGENDS

2009-04-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

It's official the show of the year.... The Drifters featuring Drifters
Legends are to performs at London UK Indigo 02 Arena Sunday
June 28th 09.

The show will feature Legendary members from the Golden Periods
of the Drifter Legacy...Bobby Hendricks/Atlantic Era, Butch Leake, Joe Blunt/
Bell-Arista Era and Wolf Johnson..

London ticket sale start this Friday....

For more info go to www.theofficialdrifters.com or click on the head
title above.....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

BUTCH LEAKE ON THE ROAD

2009-04-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

Well 2008 was a world wind year traveling to Europe and around the Americas.
It was great to be back on stage in the UK before the fans I know so well and
reliving some of the nostalgia from the days with the Drifters....

It was a special honor working with the new lineup of drifters for this day an time.

Looking forward to 2009, as we are working on some new an surprise projects
surrounding the Legendary Group an name.

The British fans are a special breed of people who are some of the most supportive
people on the planet and I hold them close to my heart....

This year we have reached out to former legends of the group to work on some
new development Ideas to move into the future which will feature the Drifters
Legends with the Drifters on a show at the Indigo 02 Arena in London Sunday the 28th
2009.

To compliment this show Atlantic will release a compilation album featuring
songs from 50s, 60s, 70s and some new song for 2009.

Also on the cards is a possible world tour with both groups.

PMG entertainment UK has been instrumental in re-branding the name and bringing it back to it's former glory...

I for one am happy to be back on board with an entity that I have put much of my life into.....

For many of the fans out there as you know there has been much controversy
around the group an who's really who..
Know this that if you see a group and it has not been commissioned by Treadwell
it is not a legitimate act....

This is not to say that former legends of the Drifters are not legit, it's just that
if they are working as The Drifters and are not covered by license they are
infringing someones owned property.

Also beware of those who claim to had been legitimate Drifter lineup members..

Over on youtube you will see many Drifter videos with lineups claiming
to be the legitimate article. Do your research... The official site for the Drifters
is at www.theofficialdrifters.com

Currently PMG entertainment control the worldwide licensing of the Drifters
name and Treadwell are the rightful owners of the Drifters service mark....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

THE FIVE DECDADES & MOORE

2009-04-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

The Five Decades & Moore Drifters Tour which began in the early part of the year is doing well with sell out audiences.

The tour honors much of the work of the late Johnny Moore lead
singer of The Drifters who passed away in 1998.

The current lineup of Drifters are Steve V. King, Maurice Canon, Michael Williams and Damion Charles....

The Drifters are currently under licensed through PMG entertainment UK

For more info on the tour go to theofficialdrifters.com

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

PALM "SKATE" SUNDAY

2009-04-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was palm Sunday.... What a great day it turned out to be
as skaters gathered for there first spring day skate blast up at
Central Parks Skaters Road.

The usual suspects were there showing off there skills in this all season event.

Music was played by Dj Jay Steward, long time DJ for the Central Park
Skaters...

The crowds were out in droves to see the skaters do there thing and to bring in the skating season.....

In about a week the official skating season will open hosted by the
Central Park Dance Skaters Association

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

WHO'S WHO WITH THE DRIFTERS

2009-03-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

The Legendary Atlantic Bell/Arista group is currently in it's 55th year as an
entity. A dynasty which started in early 1953 an has endured these many years
as one of the most unusual music stories in the history of musical entertainment.

Spawned by the vision of George Treadwell an Ahmet Ertegun and the 1953
original lineup of Clyde McPhatter, Bill Pickney, Andrew (Bubba) and Gerhart Thrasher.

The Drifters have had over 60 or more members who have grace it's lineup
over the past 55 years. Some more significant than others, those that made it
to records, books, television an other media and those who never saw the light
of day pass one show or so.

The Drifters an it's organization have had three golden periods and 5 significant
lineups throughout it's history.

Currently there are a handful of Original members respective of the eras they
came in who are still around.

Bobby Hendricks, Johnny Terry, Ben E King, Charlie Thomas, Rick Sheppard
Butch Leake, Clyde Brown, Joe Blunt and Billy Lewis.

These men are some of the Legends that are still with us....

In the UK a new group which you can say will bring in with success, the forth
golden period under the Treadwell family name who owns the service mark,
are performing to sell out audiences and are set to release some new songs
for this period....

It was during the early 70s that Faye Treadwell the Widow of the Legendary
George Treadwell brought then the line up of Johnny Moore, Butch Leake, Bill
Fredricks and Grant Kitchings to the UK and signed with the Bell/Arista label.

That signing spawned the Hits "Kissin in the Backrow of the Movies, "There
Goes My First Love" "Love Games" "Like Sister And Brother" Which topped
the British and European charts throughout the 70s.

After 1974, there were to be replacements for the original Bell group with
Clyde Brown replacing Bill Fredricks and Billy Lewis replacing Grant Kitchings.

At the end of 1975, Butch Leake is replaced by Joe blunt.

It was the linup of Johnny Moore, Clyde brown, Joe Blunt and Billy Lewis
that are noted for "More Than A Number In My Little Red Book"

After this period a number of replacement were in an out up through the 90s
with Johnny at one period attempting a new solo career which was short lived.

Both Bill Fredricks an Butch Leake went on to solo careers in the UK and Europe.

Grant Kitchings returned to the United States an joined the Legendary Ink Spots.

After a number of legal battles in the USA & UK. The Drifters LLC is owned by the original Treadwell family Headed By Tina Treadwell the daughter of Faye and George Treadwell.

The World wide Licensing right is controled by PMG Music & Entertainment UK.

For more information go to www.theofficialdrifters.com or click on the title above
who's who with The Drifters.........

Butch Leake.........

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

SKATE JAM NEW YORK

2009-03-24T05:59:00.000-07:00

It's that time again...... Meaning the roller skating seasons begins at Central Park
next month. This is the annual bash that takes place weekends an holidays from around
the second week in April thru October hosted by The Central Park Dance Skaters Asssociation.

This event is one of New York's advertised fun things to do when visiting the big Apple
during the spring an summer season and it's free.

For more infomation go to cpdsa.org or click on the title above.......

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

THE LEGACY OF THE 70s

2009-03-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

Soon to be posted, a new website "The Legacy Of The 70s" dedicated to the history of
the Original Bell Recording Group The Drifters authored by Butch Leake soul surviving
member of the original lineup. The group pass, present and future has been an on going
story with much controversy, yet one of the most interesting subjects in the history
of musical entertainment. The current lineup under the guidance of PMG entertainment
England is the latest in official Drifter lineups spawned by the Treadwell music family, the
owner of the service and trade name. Why the Legacy Of The 70s? The 70s was a pivotal
point in the revival of the act which went into decline towards the end of the 60s. It was
in the early 70s, which happened to be the third golden era that management signed with
the Bell Arista group which produce a series of hit songs which topped the British an
European music charts during this period. Drifter fans world wide huddle on social sites
on the internet and discuss stories about there favorite Drifter lineup. The attempt here
is just to create a down to earth link to authentic Drifter Histology, hosting interviews,
comments and data on this great music dynasty.

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

MIDDLE EAST VIOLENCE ESCULATES

2009-01-15T09:35:00.000-08:00

When will it end? Thats the question everyone is asking in this 20th day of of fighting
between the warring factions, Israel and Hamas. Both parties in this conflict have ignored
demands from senior goverment officials to stop the fighting, as the civilian casualities continue to rise...

Gaza continues to burn as Israel comes under scrutiny for using white phosphorus weapons
in this war which are forbidden when there is a condensed civilian population as in gaza.

These sort of weapons were used in Vietnam by US personel with devastating results
and are questionable when civilian population is at risk.

In this current middle east conflict, Israel has a right to defend it self as a nation of people
who are under attack by it's adversaries, but the underline issue here is the measurement
of her responce to the aggression and does it meet criterior under international law.

The Israel/Palestinian problems are age old. Israel is an occupying force and has been
over the pass forty years or more.

Anyone who knows the history of the region will agree to that...but as usual the facts
of history are pushed under the rug and revised to suit the current status of todays
political agendas.

The middle east issues will never truly be settled until the real historical question are
answered....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

REBUTTLE TO THE SLANDERER

2009-01-14T14:27:00.000-08:00

In a recent post on Blogcatolog it has been suggest that Butch Leake in an early posting
on the history of the Drifters had commited some form of plagarism on a work reportedly
by Tony Allan relating to a book he wrote on the early history of the group.

Specifically in his own words he states he was the first ever to list early Drifter recordings.

It must be said that this drifters story is one of the most recorded stories
world wide. There are currently over 195,000 biographical listings on the world wide
web alone.

Many of these listings are very detailed as they were ascertained by interviewing former
members past and present.

It is in this understanding that most of what is reported in Mr Allans book was shaped by
the former Drifters management an though it has historical value, it does not paint an
absolute accurate picture of the history or of the truth.

A matter of fact many publications have been reporting on the 50s vocal group since the very early 70s and carried much more detailed biographies and discograph listings long before publication in this book which if we are correct was first published in 1994.

Drifter recordings are a matter of historical record. To say one does not have access
or knowledge of them is incorrect thinking on this authors part.

In law, defamation (also called calumny, libel,, slander, and vilification) is communication
of a statement that makes a false claim, expressly stated or implied to be factual, that
give an individual, business, product, group, government or nation a negative image.

Slander refers to a malicious, false and defamatory spoken statement or report, while
libel refers to any other form of communication such as written words or images......

Mr. Allan claims there were large parts of his book used on the site? is this accusation
in part, because he thinks of himself as the only legitament writer comissioned by the

Drifter management?

A further fact is my research and writing matters started long before this book or a T. Allan
was ever known and because his work may be listed under some title I might have on the
internet as far as similarities does not mean I lifted his material. Thats the way information
is logged on the web...

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS

2009-01-02T11:56:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, with all the problems we have on the home front with the economy,
the year begins with with a bang. A new conflict begins in the Middle East with two
old advarsaries Israel and Hamas. The new american administration has it's work
cut out to try and broker an on going peace in the region which has thus far been
impossible to do. At this current writing Israel has amassed it's tanks and troops
on the border in preparation for a ground assault on Gaza which seems to be
imminent.... Are we in a further meltdown as far as US foreign relations? Or can the
new Obama administration broker a workable plan for the region.....
(CORNER TALK REPORT)

HE HAS BEEN DELIVERED

2008-11-04T18:08:00.000-08:00

Senator Barack Obama has won the 2008 Presidential Election to become the 44th President of The United States, out gunning his rival Senator John McCain in electorial votes.

Takeing Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and Ohio which was the game winner for the race to the White House. No one has ever won the White House with out winning Ohio.

Obama managed to hold on to the Democratic Heartland states and winning the majority votes
in Virginia.....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

LEVI STUBBS DEAD AT 72

2008-10-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

Levi Stubbs, legendary lead singer for the 4 Tops has passed away in Detroit after along bout with illness he was 72. His voice was unique as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gay and Smokey Robinson.

The 4 Tops signed with Motown Records and produced 20 40 top ten hits over ten years.

Their biggest hits were recorded between 1964 and 1967 with the in-house songwriting and production team of Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland. Both 1965's "I Can't Help Myself" and 1966's "Reach Out" went to No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart.

Other hits included "Shake Me, Wake Me" (1966); "Bernadette" and "Standing in the Shadows of Love" (both 1967).

They toured for decades afterward and reached the charts as late as 1988 with "Indestructible" on Arista Records. In 1986, Stubbs provided the voice for Audrey II the man-eating plant in the film "Little Shop of Horrors."

The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

BUTCH LEAKE IN THE UK

2008-09-22T20:25:00.000-07:00

Butch Leake is now in the UK the former member of the Bell Recording group
The Drifters is there to celebrate the 55th anniversary an the history of the group.

He will perform live on stage with the current Drifters lineup at selected shows on
there Sacrifice tour throughout the UK. For more information you can click on the
title link above or go to the (theofficialdrifters.com)

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

OBAMA ACCEPTS THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION....

2008-08-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination in a packed stadium and challenged John McCain to debate "who has the temperament, and judgment, to serve as the next commander in chief."

In a riveting speech the Illinois Senator spelled out his plan for change to the American people.

Obama was greeted by tens of thousands of cheering supporters chanting "yes we can."

He called upon Americans to help usher in an era of change after eight years of what he called failed policies.

"Change happens because the American people demand it -- because they rise up and insist on new ideas and new leadership, a new politics for a new time," he said.

He brushed aside critiques from his Republican opponent, accusing him of being out of touch.

"It's not because John McCain doesn't care. it's because John McCain doesn't get it," he said of economic problems facing the country.

Point by point, he addressed McCain's policies on the Iraq war, the economy, offshore drilling and health care, accusing him of pursuing the same policies as the Bush administration.

Earlier in the evening former president Al Gore and Gov. Bill Richardson gave power speeches
blasting John McCain's support of Bush failed policies.

Vice President to be Joe Biden gave a surprise visit also blasting John McCain's policy.

There were performances by Sheryl Crow and Stevie Wonder who sang sign seal delivered.

Wed Former President Bill Clinton indorsed Obama and said he is ready to lead the country.

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

JERRY WEXLER RECORD PRODUCER DIES AT 91

2008-08-20T00:53:00.000-07:00

New York- Famed record producer who helped shaped shape rhythm & blues with such
influential recordings of Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, The Drifters, Bob Dylan and Willie
Nelson died Friday of heart disease at his home in Sarasota Fla. he was 91.

Wexler earned his reputation as a music industry giant while a partner at Atlantic Records with another legendary music figure, the late Ahmet Ertegun.

His touch helped boost the careers of both the “King of Soul,” Charles, and the “Queen of Soul,” Franklin. Wilson Pickett, Solomon Burke and Percy Sledge were among the other R&B greats who benefited from Wexler’s musical genius. He also produced Dusty Springfield’s classic “Dusty in Memphis,” considered a masterpiece of “blue-eyed” soul.
(CORNERTALKREPORT)

DEATH OF A LEGEND

2008-08-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

It has been reported the Legendary Singer an Composer Isaac Hayes has died
in Memphis, he was 65......

According to news sources he was found by relatives unconscious in his home
next to a treadmill that was still running......

Paramedics attempted to revive him but was pronounced dead shortly after
2pm Sunday.....

Hayes was a legendary an longtime writer an arranger for Stax Records in Memphis...

In 1971, the theme from "Shaft" topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and won an Academy Award for best original theme song. The song and the movie score also won Grammy awards for best original score and movie theme.

As a entertainer an friend I new him well.... He will be truly missed.

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

THE GOLDEN YEARS (The Drifters1953/1975

2008-07-29T22:16:00.000-07:00

For Drifter fans worldwide it must be frustrating with all the confusing arguments on
ownership of names an who has a right to be called a drifter. The remaining fact is
the groups legacy is one of historical value for future generations to come.....
I for one grew up as a fan an lover of Drifter music an was very fortunate to have been
able perform with the legendary organization. As an insider I can say my love for all
the players in this saga of American music history is profoundly sincere. The principal
players that particularly of the artist that truly made the legend what it is today are
the benefactors as that of the public who loved an supported the music over the
Golden periods of the groups history. For some Clyde Mcphatter, Johnny Moore,
Ben E King, Rudy Lewis, Bill Pickney and Charlie Thomas symbolized what the
group was all about, yet all came in different eras of the history of it's music. As of
myself along with Johnny Moore, Bill Fredricks and Grant Kitchings who symbolized
the third Golden period under the guidance of the Treadwell Family who have been
significant custodians of this tradition in the many years of it's existence. Now not
being particularly fond of the inside issues that surrounded the running of this
organization and we all had our issues an ego problems unto today. Its non the less
important for the fans to understand know matter what part of the Golden years you
embrace an there are three that are significant at this day in time, each period supported
an perpetuated the on going life and the history for decades to come.

Currently at this moment the Drifters name is being re-branded for future generations
as the name has somewhat been tarnished by the spawning of hybrid groups here an
abroad. Leading this effort is PMG (Prism Music Group) out of London.

For more information on this effort go to www.theofficialdrifters.com

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

THE DARK KNIGHT

2008-07-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

Well as all of you know by now the Dark Knight opened in theaters here with
a record breaking box office take of 66 million dollars in the first day of showing
to the public.

The anticipated sequel to Batman begins gave us what we all hope for. A monumental
movie that will go down as a classic.

This movie smokes.... If there is such thing as a perfect film in every way this is the one.

One will find it hard to top this blockbuster which is flawless in its script, characterization, cinematography and score........

All the characters were super in there roles, you will find know weakness in any of them....

Heath Ledger (The Joker) should get with no doubt get an Oscar for his riveting role as the
clown prince of crime an depiction of human Psychological insanity and brilliance.
(CORNER TALK REPORT)

LEGACY OF THE 70s

2008-07-03T05:01:00.000-07:00

Coming soon the Legacy of 70s website featuring Butch Leake formally
of the Bell Recording Group The Drifters an the music of Greenway,
Cook, Mason and Macauley. Butch teams of with a new cast of singers
to bring you the music reminiscent of those years......

It's been 33 years or more since the original Bell Record Recording Group
the Drifters performed on the stages of Great Britain and the USA.

The Bell Group consisted of veteran an legendary singer the late Johnny
Moore, Bill Fredricks, Grant Kitchings and Butch Leake the only surviving
member left from that era, which in fact is the 3rd golden period in the
history of the group.

Currently now there are three or more groups of drifters performing
around the USA. One headed by Charlie Thomas, another by Rick Sheppard
and Bobby Hendricks all former members under the Treadwell music family.

Treadwell has just launched a new young group of Drifters in Europe in
association with (PMG) Prism Music Group London.

Butch is currently in the studio working on a CD (CORNER TALK REPORT)

SUMMER FEST ARTIST GALLERY 2008/Photos by Butch Leake

2008-06-14T23:16:00.000-07:00

MARVELETTS
G.VEASLEY
YOUNG STEFF
DANIELIA COTTON
2 UNIC

CHAMPAIGN
THE DRIFTERS
RICK SHEPPARD

J&R SUMMER FEST NY 2008

2008-06-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

A rainy day but the show went on at J&R Music World Summer Fest
in the City Hall Park lower Manhattan NY.

J&R Summer Fest 2008 was sponsored by Canon/ WBLS Radio/ Fox 5/ Madame
Tussauds and The City of New York.

Hosted by WBLS, the beautiful Champaign..

Featured artist were The Drifters featuring Rick Sheppard/ Rhonda Franklyn
and the new Marveletts/ Southern Rock singer Danielia Cotton / Jazz Musician
Gerald Veasley/ 2 Unic / Rappers T team / Maino and Young Steff.

The show got of with a bang featuring the smooth jazz sounds of Gerald Veasley....

Next to hit the stage was a new artist by the name of Danielia Cotton singing her
new single Rare Child... www.myspace.com/danieliacotton
Danielia labels herself as a Black latin Jew who sings Southern Rock. She has an
incredible vocal range with a touch of Janis Joplin.

Too beautiful sister from the Caribbean, 2 Unic graced the the day with
there Island sounds......

For the younger crowd, rappers T team/ Maino and Young Steff doing his New
single Professional.....

A new incarnation of the Marveletts featuring Rhonda Franklyn graced the stage
Followed by Rick Sheppard and his Drifters Group to top off the evening.

Rick Sheppard is one of the last singers out of the Atlantic Recording Group
The Drifters along with Charlie Thomas. Butch Leake replaced Rick in early
1970. (CORNER TALK REPORT)

CLINTON TO SUSPEND CAMPAIGN

2008-06-04T18:32:00.000-07:00

Senator Hillary Clinton is set to suspend her campaign at the end of the week
and concede to Barack Obama.

She is set to acknowledge her support and backing of Obama for the Presidency.
(CORNER TALK REPORT)

HISTORY MAKING

2008-06-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

The Democratic party made history last night with the first African American nominee
for President of the United States.

Senator Barack Obama won out over Senator Hillary Clinton in delegates to clinch
the nomination. But as always Clinton refused to concede and maintained her defiance
while exploring a future strategy.

Some say she will try an use her political savvy as a bargaining tool for the Vice President
position on the ticket.....

It may be a little to late as this bitter battle winds down as bridges are not that easy
to fix owing to the ferocity that this campaign has taken.

Could they work together an be comfortable? that would be something that would
have to be explored. Then there is the Bill Clinton factor, baggage which might turn
out to be a bad liability owing to his shoot from the hip tirades....

Obama will have an up hill battle as he seeks to mend the unity of the
party that has been fractured over the coarse of the primaries.

Last nights primaries were split with Hillary Clinton winning South Dakota and Obama
taken Montana which gave him enough of the delegates to win the nomination.

Go to cnn.com for statistics and analytical commentary........ (CORNER TALK REPORT)

NUBITOONZ by Butch Leake/URBAN LODGE

2008-06-02T05:34:00.000-07:00

KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL

2008-05-23T01:50:00.000-07:00

A must movie to see this spring is Indiana Jones (Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull), directed by Steven Spielberg.

It's been 20 years since the last Indiana Jones film starring Harrison Ford and
for Indy buffs this will be a treat.

Set in 1957, Professor Jones has returned home to his college to only find out that he
is under investigation by the federal authorities because of his activities and the
university is being pressured to fire him.

On his way out of town Indy meets a rebellious lad named Mutt who has a grudge and
a proposition for the archaeologist.

If he would help Mutt on a mission that has deep an personal stakes involved.

Indy could very well make one of the most spectacular archaeological finds in history...
the Crystal Skull of Akator. A legendary object of fascination an superstition and fear.

The film also stars Cate Blanchett from the films Elizabeth an Elizabeth the Golden years,
who plays a cold an beautiful soviet agent Irina Spalko with her crack military unit
in search of the skull with the belief it would give the soviets the ability to dominate the world once it's in there possession and they can unlock it's secrets. (CORNER TALK REPORT)

POLITICAL THEATER

2008-05-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

President Bush recent tirade in the Israel knesset on the states 60 birthday
just shows the administrations continued flawed an deceptive policies.

Everyone knows this is nothing more then political theater played out by
a president who has fallen even lower in the ratings than Nixon during
watergate.

His recent attack on Sen. Obama on his willingness to have dialog with countries
that the current administration deem as enemies of the United States is a continuation
of the scare tactics which this president has used since the beginning of the Iraq war.

Israel has admitted it self that it has back door dialog with organization such as Hamas
an Hezbollah in seeking release of prisoners held by these groups and conducted these
kind of talks for years.

This only shows the reality of Middle East politics as it really is and not what the
rhetoric of what the Bush administration is trying to project to the American public.

Presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain is echoing nothing more than the same old scare
tactics with his continuation of the Bush policy as we move towards the November
national elections for the President of the United States. (CORNER TALK REPORT)

CLINTON WINS CLIFF HANGER

2008-05-06T22:47:00.000-07:00

Sen. Hillary tonight after a long cliff hanger in Indiana wins the primary by
a narrow margin of 51% to Barack Obamas 49.

The night began with a Clinton spread of 10% which dwindled by 12pm in the evening
to 2 points.....

Obama won decisively in North Carolina early in the night 56% to Clintons 42.

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

NO GAME CHANGER

2008-05-06T17:44:00.000-07:00

Obama has a comfortable win over Clinton in the North Carolina Primary.

Clinton predicted this could be the game changer if she could win both
Indiana and North Carolina....

It is expected that Clinton will win Indiana but the decision will be close as
54percent of the vote is in but no projected winner as of yet..... (CORNER TALK REPORT)