Portside

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Four of Ruby Dee's Best-Known Film Roles

Actress and activist Ruby Dee died June 11 at the age of 91. She defied segregation-era stereotypes by landing lead roles in movies and on Broadway. Here are four of her best-known film roles.

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Struggling to Get By in the Walmart Economy

Even if you don't work or shop at Walmart, you're living in the Walmart economy. Walmart workers are leading the movement to change it. Join us at: www.WalmartEconomy.com.

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Bing Crosby: Buddy Can You Spare a Dime?

Lyrics by the incomparable Yip Harburg, music Jay Gorney (1931).

They used to tell me I was building a dream

And so I followed the mob

When there was earth to plow or guns to bear

I was always there, right on the job

They used to tell me I was building a dream

With peace and glory ahead

Why should I be standing in line

Just waiting for bread?

Once I built a railroad, I made it run

Made it race against time

Once I built a railroad, now it's done

Brother, can you spare a dime?

Once I built a tower up to the sun

Brick and rivet and lime

Once I built a tower, now it's done

Brother, can you spare a dime?

Once in khaki suits, gee, we looked swell

Full of that Yankee Doodly Dum

Half a million boots went slogging through Hell

And I was the kid with the drum

Say, don't you remember? They called me 'Al'

It was 'Al' all the time

Why don't you remember? I'm your pal

Say buddy, can you spare a dime?

Once in khaki suits, ah, gee, we looked swell

Full of that Yankee Doodly Dum

Half a million boots went slogging through Hell

And I was the kid with the drum

Oh, say, don't you remember? They called me 'Al'

It was 'Al' all the time

Say, don't you remember? I'm your pal

Buddy, can you spare a dime?

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Movie: Belle

This film is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate mixed race daughter of Admiral Sir John Lindsay. Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield and his wife, Belle's lineage affords her certain privileges, yet her status prevents her from the traditions of noble social standing. While her cousin Elizabeth chases suitors for marriage, Belle is left on the sidelines wondering if she will ever find love. After meeting an idealistic young vicar's son bent on changing society, he and Belle help shape Lord Mansfield's role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England.

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Why Is the Solar System Flat?

Why did the whirling spherical ball of gas that formed our solar system turn into the flat disc that the sun and planets occupy today?