Ninth grade
Healy North High School
Global Warming
Chicago, IL – The cause of global
warming is carbon dioxide and other
pollutants that collect in the atmosphere.
Like a thick blanket they trap the sun's heat
causing the world to warm up. Many
people think global warming is caused by
hurricanes, but really global warming
makes the oceans warmer and because of
that the hurricanes pick up more energy
and become more powerful.
Global warming is causing serious
concerns - melting glaciers, causing early
snow melts, and severe droughts which
result in more dramatic water shortages in
the American West. Rising sea levels will
lead to floods on the Eastern sea board in
Florida, and in other areas such as the Gulf
of Mexico, where warm sea surface
temperatures will fuel more intense
hurricanes in the southeastern Atlantic and
gulf coasts. Forest, farms, and cities will
face trouble - new pests and more
mosquito borne diseases. And the
disruption of habitats such as coral reefs
and alpine meadows could drive many
plant and animal species into extinction.
The country with the largest source of
global warming pollution is the United
States. The Americas make up 4% of the
pollution.
Fortunately, It's easy to stop global
warming - all we have to do is reduce
pollution from vehicles and powerplants,
and drive cars that don't use a lot of gas.
In Miami the busiest and costliest Atlantic
hurricane season on record draws to a
close today while hundreds of thousands
of Americans still dealing with the
devastation dealt by Katrina, Rita, and
Wilma. Despite the end of the Jun 1 - Nov
30 hurricane season, hurricanes can still
develop over the next few months.
However, hurricanes have not been known
to hit the United States between December
and May. And that's welcomed news
particularly along the gulf coast, where
Katrina hit. Nevertheless, the weather in
January 2007 was unusual. On Channel
Seven news they said if the global warming
continues at this rate the world will be over
within 40 years.
Something Funky & Sweet
by Solomohn “Piebald” Ennis
Chicago, IL – Normally, something like
this wouldn’t even cross my radar. I mean,
really, bagpipes and funk? The Funky
Bagpipe Ghetto, are you serious?
But there he was, name: Honey Blo, and
bagpipes and funk is his thang.
This is what happened:
A brother stepped to me with red gators
on, a pair of red slacks that matched the
gators, a red shirt and jacket that matched
the slacks, and a red Dobb to top it all off.
Of course, I smiled. And, you’ll know he
smiled back.
Then, as smooth and tight as licorice he
said, “Hey sista, you like funk?”
I thought to myself: Funk, yeah, I suppose
it’s alright.
Well, like I just stated I thought that, and in
the meantime, he was reaching into a black
bag that matched his black overcoat to
retrieve his CD.
“Listen, sista, you’ll like this. It’s me on
the bagpipes. Yes, yes, a brother plays the
bagpipes, and I’m doing something like a
James Brown piece, but with my own funk
on it, ya know.”
I looked at him, up then down, the gold
buckle on his gators sparkled. I said,
“Alright, brother, I’ll give it a try.”
He said, “That’s all I ask.”
Working as a freelance writer, I get a lot of
stuff. People are always sending me books,
CDs, DVDs, invitations – you name it I get
it. Anyone who needs media exposure is
always more than happy to accommodate
me. All of that to say this: It’s hard to be
impressed after having heard the best of
the known, and the best of the unknown.
In a business like mine – there are very
few surprises left.
But, lo and behold, in steps Honey Blo and
his funky, ghetto bagpipes. And, although,
I was reluctant, I had to give him a try.
Who can turn down a man with the stones
to wear red gators?
So, I slid the CD into the player, and there
they were — bagpipes. But, these are not
Scottish pipes with kilts, and pale white
legs. These are Detroit pipes with grits and
gravy, Chicago pipes with ribs and hot
sauce. You’ll know how we do.
Funny enough, I liked The Funky Bagpipe
Ghetto. Liking it, made me scoot over to
the computer, and look up this Honey Blo
man. I found his website, and more of his
music on (you’ll ain’t ready for this,) the
Chittlin’ Circuit. The Chittlin’ Circuit is a
print publication, and an online radio that’s
for us and ‘bout us. Where has this mecca
of Black music been all my life?
Clicking around on the Circuit led me to
Honey Blo’s wildly popular song, "Love
and Alcohol Just Don’t Mix". This song
gave me the opportunity to hear his voice,
and get a feel for where he is regarding
lyrics. This too, I liked. It’s an easy little
diddy, not overdone, perfectly balanced,
with a great message. ‘Cause you’ll know,
love and alcohol don’t mix. Don’t get me
to testifyin’. I truly have had my
experiences.
Back to Honey Blo. He has three CDs
available for purchase: the swaggering and
energetic Get Funky; the fiery and
exuberant Love and Alcohol Just Don’t
Mix; and The Funky Bagpipe Ghetto, a
rousing and boisterous compilation with
classy stepper set jams.
Honey Blo’s music is gaining popularity,
and he is deservedly becoming a Chicago
Blues/Funk legend; and, he’s been tested
by the best, having played with Chicago
Blues master, Muddy Waters; the talented
and loved Lovely Lee; and the ever-talented
Artie ‘Blues Boy’ White; Super Percy; and
Vance Kelly.
Check Honey Blo’s website, the address is:
www.honeyblo.com; or you’ll can hear
him on the Chittlin’ Circuit at: www.
chittlincircuit.com; and he performs at
numerous Chicagoland clubs and taverns;
specifically, Durkin’s, The Taste, and East
of the Ryan.
This rising star keeps his schedule open for
corporate events, parties, and for any
person in need of good, jazzy, original
music.
Call him up, he’ll definitely blow you
something funky and sweet.
Contact Honey Blo at: (773) 324-0348.
You can also see Honey Blo on You Tube.
Click here for his You Tube Video.
