Dr. Binoy Kampmark

Zac Bissonnette, author

Kelela

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew home Wednesday to face a tougher, less adoring crowd than the cheering legislators in Washington. What was Bibi’s controversial speech really all about? Why did a foreign leader usurp protocol? Will ISIS cast a long shadow over the next presidential election? Can resolve be possible in the middle east? What’s happening in Russia? Does Putin actually kill off his detractors? Is everything in our world going crazy? To answer these questions and more, Dr. Binoy Kampmark, Senior Lecturer in Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT University Melbourne, Australia and contributing editor for Counterpunch magazine will join the program to help us make sense of what appear to be, ever-increasing problems. Dr. Kampmark has a unique ability to explain complex global issues. His well-considered opinions make for essential listening.

The Dark Side of Cute, is a fitting subtitle for an investigative book on  the “plush toys”, better known as Beanie Babies. Bestselling author, Zac Bissonnette delved into the peculiar, sad, funny and fantastic story of how a troubled and reclusive college dropout named Ty Warner turned his dream of creating the most adorable plush toys the world had ever seen into the largest personal fortune in the history of the American toy industry. Norman B will talk to Zac Bissonnette about his fascinating new book, The Great Beanie Baby Bubble.

This week’s Hit That Never Was features a reverential cover of John Lennon’s haunting, Jealous Guy. Can you guess the name of the artist? Plus, Norman B will introduce you to the music of first generation Ethiopian-American, Kelela. The Los Angeles-based singer sports magnificent dreadlocks, which she appears to chop off in the video for her new single, A Message. This powerful video is a must-see. We wonder if it was intended to be homoerotic? Go to BACK. to view the video and tell us what you think.

It’s a bumper-packed show, you will not want to miss! Life Elsewhere airs Sundays, at 12 noon ET at The Source WMNF HD3  and Mondays, at 5.00pm PT at NWCZ Radio

Make sure you check out the cultural links at BACK.

Life Elsewhere is now available at Soundcloud