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Monday, June 30, 2008

Maya Angelou


"Three years before this writer was born in 1973, a book was published by another more superior writer than I. The title of the book was simple, yet so great in meaning," I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.” I read this book as a young girl and greedily devoured each and every word within. When I put the book down, I too knew why the caged bird sung."An autobiography is often the telling of someone’s life in their sunset years.

Looking back, Maya Angelou’s telling of her life opened our eyes to the possibilities. Penned through her childlike eyes and contining through for others, we have come to know and love Maya for her strength and courage. The epitome of a strong woman of color, Miss Angelou shows us how we too, can prevail over bad times.

There is, however, much more to Maya than her autobiographies.Raised in the deep south , shunted by relatives and being raped at the age of 8. We know all too well the harm she suffered as a child. As a result, her rapist was beat to death three days after leaving jail. Maya chose to never utter a word. She said if her words were so powerful to cause another human's death, then she would never speak again.The mercy that she had towards her rapist is awe inspiring. To have been so young and still have an understanding that life has value, even if it belongs to a man that violated her so horrifically.

Maya's life is as colorful as any fiction novel. Working as an actress and briefly as a prostitute, Maya’s life is a history lesson of the black woman’s experience in the early years of the civil rights movement.The first woman and only the second poet in US history to write and recite for a Presidential Inauguration..Maya has been making up ever since for her earlier silence.

In 1959 she was asked by Dr. Martin Luther King to be the northern coordinator for his Christian coalition. From 1961-1962 she was the associate editor in Cairo for the "Arab Observer" (The only English language newspaper in the Middle East at that time.)She went on to edit a paper in Ghana in 1964-1966.Maya was the first black woman director in Hollywood with “Georgia, Georgia” for which she also wrote the screenplay and musical score

Maya has done so much in her life that it’s almost mind numbing, yet she manages to remain humble. She travels by bus when she lectures, because she finds the glare of celebrity life to be tiring. I am sure we can all agree that it is indeed a blessing that Ms. Angelou found her voice.
Maya Angelo is a woman who exudes positiveness, not only through action, but through her words.
-- poets
-- empirezine


Quote Of The Day

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude, don't complain."

Maya Angelou

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Sitting Bull Tatanka-Iyotanka


The Battle of Little Big Horn is perhaps one of the best known battles between the Sioux Indians and the settlers. General Custer marched with his troops onto the black hills to face the Lakota Indians who were tired of the settlers stealing and encroaching on their sacred lands. This battle was forever known as Custer’s Last Stand.

The settlers were defeated by a fearless warrior known as Tatanka-Iyotanka whom we know as Sitting Bull. Tatanka-Iyotanka is probably the best known of the Lakota Indians to this day. Born into the warrior Sioux nation, Sitting Bull was destined to fight for his people. His first kill was of a Buffalo at the tender of age 10. By the age of 14 he achieved his first battle kill and received his white warrior feather.

The life of the Native American may have seemed harsh to others, but it was the life that had been lived for generations. Respect of the earth and its resources coupled with mysticism for the Creator.

Sitting Bull was very active in fighting for the rights of his people. As the frontier was pushed farther into Lakotan territory, so did the frustration of the people increase. Treaties were broken and skirmishes fought, which culminated with the Battle of Little Big Horn. Once gold was discovered in the Black Hills there was no doubt that the smaller conflicts that had came before was not going to be easily settled as before.

Although similar in war record, Custer and Sitting Bull stood for different things, where as Custer stood for the US government and its desire to encroach on Indian land at will. Sitting Bull stood for the right of his people to exist on the Great Plains as sovereign free people. After the defeat of General Custer and his men, the US Army relentlessly pursued the Plains nations. In 1877 Sitting Bull lead his tribe to Canada, where he lived for four years. He refused an offer to live on a reservation, in exchange for a pardon, but was forced to surrender to the US army after realizing that there wasn’t going to be enough buffalo to feed his people.

Almost like a latter day Prophet, Sitting Bull led his people back to the US where he was confined to Fort Randall (In violation of the previous surrender agreement). He was later allowed to return to his reservation only leaving in order to perform in Buffalo Bills, Wild West Show. He made $50 a week performing but gave his money away to those in need. He only stayed with the show for four months. After which he returned back to the reservation.

The ghost dance movement marked the end for him. Anything that could be seen as a tool that could be used against the authority of the settlers was considered a threat. The ghost dance movement was simple. It was a dance that was supposed to hold special power in that it would work to free the Lakotan people and bury the settlers. The US government was suspicious of anything that was seen to help the Indian cause and particularly Sitting Bull's interest in this movement was profoundly disturbing to those people in authority. He still carried great weight with the people and the US government was more than likely afraid that he would incite his people to rise up against the status quo.

Some say it was an assassination carried out by Indian accomplices. Others say a tragedy. Regardless, on December 5th 1890, Sitting Bull’s life was cut short. Some call Sitting Bull an obstructionist which is true in so far as he was against allowing the US government to take the land of the Indian. But I believe that Sitting Bull was a fighter for the rights of his people much in the same vein as other civil rights activists. The difference is that his people were indigenous to this land.

-- Dick Shovel
-- Lakota



Quote of the Day.

"If a man loses anything and goes back and looks carefully for it, he will find it." Sitting Bull

-- Powersource

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Donatella Versace





Born in 1955...the youngest of four children, Donatella Versace has proven to have the natural talent that is needed in running a dynamic Fashion House such as "The House of Versace."

Famously having to step up to take the reigns of her murdered brother, Gianni…Donatella has proved that beauty and brains can work together in creating true fashion.

Playing muse and confidante to her brother Gianni…Donatella moved to Milan in order to help him establish "The House of Versace" fashion.

A fashionista in her own right, Donatella was content on playing a supporting role to her brothers more flamboyant role as head designer. His shooting death in 1997 changed everything. She said the only time she felt like giving everything up was after her beloved brother’s murder.

She regrouped with her family on the Caribbean and went on to forge a new path for Versace post Gianni's murder.

At a time the company was losing direction. Donatella brought a fresh outlook and realigned the business model.

She was the first to use celebrities to sell clothes. Notable celebrities that have worn Versace include Britney Spears, Madonna and Brad Pitt. Who can forget the green Versace Dress that Jennifer Lopez wore at the Emmy Awards? It epitomized what the Versace brand is known for –feminine sexuality and old school glamor.

Donatella says that the power suits and harshness of women in the 80’s was a grave mistake. She believes that being feminine and displaying it should not prevent a woman from moving ahead in her field.

Through her work,Donatella has proved that anyone can be someone if they put their mind to it.

It’s clear that Donatella has grown to become a gifted designer in her own right.

Previously married to the American model Beck…Donatella has two children. She famously has been lampooned on Saturday Night live for her previous drug use and notoriously over the top personality. Donatella has worked hard to push the Versace brand back on top.

Danatella and the family has truly kept Gianni's legacy alive. And how many family members would that?!

--nymag
--nymag


Guess What?

Donatella Versace owns 20% of Giovanni's entire stock, her brother Santo Versace owns 30%, and Donatella daughter Allegra owns 50% of the companies stock.

monstersandcritics

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Mariah Carey

Born on Long Island in 1970…Mariah was born the daughter of an Irish Opera singer and Afro-Venezuelan engineer. The youngest of three children …Mariah’s voice made her stand out her from older siblings. Her mother recognized the gift of Mariah’s voice at the age of 3 when Mariah mimicked her singing a Verdi opera.

Her parents divorced at the age of three….and her mother subsequently worked many jobs to support the young Carey children. It’s well documented that Mariah and her father had an acrimonious relationship after that point.

Her classmates gave her the nick name of Mirage due to her absences from school due to her work as a demo singer for local recording studios.

She did manage to graduate from her high school and landed the position as a backup singer for Brenda K Starr.

The rest is history.

Mariah’s demo tape was handed to Tommy Mottola…The head executive at Columbia Records. After hearing her voice…Mariah was immediately signed.

Mariah’s success in the 90’s was manufactured in part by her husband who helped guide her early career.

Her use of the highest soprano register, the whistle level, was at times disputed as manufactured in the studio. Her MTV unplugged quieted the doubters for good.

Her rise to success in the 90s’ was a façade for the inner struggle that Mariah was going through. Her marriage to Tommy Mottola ended in 1997. Her first movie, "Glitter," bombed at the box office and the voices again began to question Mariah’s lyrical style. Her sometimes tepid song choices didn’t help.

Mariah’s behavior began to become more and more erratic which culminated with an appearance on MTV’s "TRL" where Mariah handed out popsicles. Shortly after that performance, Mariah was admitted to the hospital, and it was reported that she was suffering from nervous exhaustion.

Mariah has worked for the Urban Child organization since the beginning of her career. She talks about an experience in a residential summer camp for underprivileged kids as a catalyst. She wanted to help ensure that other disadvantaged children had a better experience than her own. She raised $700,000 for the Fresh Air Fund. Her work and effort resulted in a camp being named after her.

Mariah received a congressional award in 1999 for her contributions to youth charities. She was recognized for her work with the Fresh Air Fund and The Administration for Children and Families in NY.

The Fresh Air Fund is a charity geared at providing disadvantaged inner city children with the opportunity to experience a new, and healthier environment for a few days in the Summer.

She also works with the Make A Wish Foundation..A charity that focuses on making wishes come true for sick children. Mariah has donated over $100,000 to fund over 20 children’s dreams.

Mariah has a voice that can lift hearts and clearly the good spirit to do the same for children.

She recently married singer Nick Cannon.

The new Mrs Cannon has solidified her position has modern day Diva.


--time
--mtv
--wikipedia

Guess What?

Butterflies taste with their feet.

butterflyjungle

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Shuan White "The Flying Tomato"

Winning the gold medal on the half pipe at the 2006 Olympics in Turin wasn’t a child hood dream for the boy wonder Shaun White. But it was the most exciting moment of his life. Easily the most recognized face in action sports.

Shaun snowboarder/skateboarder was born to Roger and Kathy White on September 3rd 1986. For a baby born with a heart defect who endured two heart surgeries before the age of 1 to be able to reach the levels of athleticism that he has, almost defies belief.

Following his older brother, Jessie, Shaun first learned to ride the slopes at the tender age of six. At seven he won his first wild card contest on the snow board. At the age of nine he befriended Tony Hawk in a skate park and the skateboarder became a mentor to him. By the age of 13 his skills, talent and clear fearlessness on the slope was noticed and he turned Pro. He went on to win his first major competition in 2001. He went on to win numerous competitions becoming the first athlete to compete and win medals in both the summer and Winter Olympics in 2001.

Known as "The Flying Tomato" due to his flaming red hair..Shaun is well liked due to his down to earth personality and obvious love for the sport. His sense of humor was displayed well when he was interviewed on CNN and began talking about the extra luxuries that were afforded him on the return plane trip from Turin after his win. When teased by the CNN anchor about having free drinks when underage…he quipped, “Mountain Dew..Baby! A great example of Shaun’s love of life and quick humor. He even had a hand in the design of a video game, Cool Boarders 4.

Not to be constrained by his sport, Shaun delved into the world of music by releasing an album, "The White Album”, creating a clothing line and releasing DVDs. Rolling Stone called him the coolest kid in America at 22 years old, and he is known throughout the circuit as a genuinely nice guy. There is no limit to the heights that this child prodigy can reach.

--rollingstone

--theshaunwhitealbum




Thursday, June 19, 2008

Britney Spears


Britney Jean Spears was born in 1981 in rural Louisiana.

She auditioned for the "New Mickey Mouse Club" at the age of 8 but was deemed too young. She spent the next three summers attending a school for Performing Arts in New York, and joined The Mickey Mouse Club with fellow alumnae Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake.

After her stint finished she went back to Louisiana.

She burst onto the music scene with her first album..”Oops I did it Again”….and followed that success with three more albums which went straight to number one.

She is the only recording artist to have achieved such a goal.

The mark of Britney’s mature life in the music business has been marked by some controversy. Her metamorphous from coquettish child star to maturing adult was watched under the unforgiving glare of the media. Perhaps mismanaged, Britney has a very keen sense of business. Her partnership with Elizabeth Arden and the subsequent sales of her perfumes have amassed over $600 million so far, which is a far cry from the goofy preteen playing for laughs for Disney!

Britney’s sense of style has been often commented on. Her trademark fedora has adorned her head from the most casual of functions to the red carpet. Whether it's neutral black, summer plaid or sparkly…The words Britney and Fedora are almost synonymous together.

Britney doesn’t talk very much about her more charitable side, but she does have one. In fact, Britney gives far more than she is given credit for. She personally donated $50,000 to a cancer charity and treated four Katrina survivors to a day filled with shopping and dining,

Britney has a big heart and even set up a camp to help children explore their love for the performing arts.

The Britney Spears Camp for the Performing arts has proven to be very successful.

Britney is definitely a lot of things. Some say a train wreck waiting to happen. Some say a child star who grew up too fast under the hot media lights, but I think the truth is somewhere in the middle.

Regardless, something tells me we haven’t heard the last from Miss Spears.

-- looktothestars


Guess What?

"It's Britney B*tch." Britney Spears

britney

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Tabi Bonney/Interview


When the first bars of ”Beat Rock” drops, you know exactly where Tabi Bonney hails from - Washington, DC. A city that seems to always sit on the precipice of poverty and crime..there really hasn’t been much to sing about.

But with the emergence of Tabi Bonney that could all change.

When we asked Tabi about his perfect day, one would imagine he would talk about material things but, Tabi was very clear about what his idea of a perfect day is. He’d love to sit on a beach on a sunny day, eating brochettes, with a beautiful woman and then use that experience for more inspiration.

Sounds great doesn’t it?

Born in Togo, West Africa…his early life was spent traveling between Africa, Europe and the USA. It’s not surprising that this young globe trotters favorite places in the world are the Ivory Coast and Nice, France. Both visually stimulating…Nice has the uniqueness of having both snow capped mountains and beaches in the same aerial view.

Tres Bon!

The son of a well known African musician it was almost inevitable that Tabi would follow his father into entertainment, but writing rhymes didn’t always come easy to him.

He formed a group with his friend Haziq Ali…Organized Rhyme back in high school.

They opened for the likes of Lil Jon, Cam’ron and Outkast.

He pursued a degree in biology at Florida A& M and went on to get his Masters in secondary education. He taught for two years until the music bug caught hold of him again and he chose to follow his passion.

Initially his mother, a retired school principal, and his musician father weren’t impressed with the idea of Tabi’s new found direction; however, after hearing his first radio hit, they realized that he had real talent and have been supportive ever since.

He credits the discipline that he learned through his medical studies as part of what kept him focused. He also talks about his mother being a driving force in his life’s path. He laughingly calls her the “Dopest International Ghetto Moms” in the world.

That self discipline left him in good stead when it was time to push his first album. Frustrated with the major record companies, not convinced that they understood his vision…Tabi took it upon himself to produce and market his own independent production.

"A Fly Guys" Theme was born and was subsequently released. He directed his first video,”You”, which was picked up by VH1 Soul. He became the first Indy artist to be picked up and featured in this way.


One could call Tabi more of an international artist than most. His clothing line has a Euro centric lean to it and having traveled the world with his family. Tabi has a feel to him that says more than just DC.

His love for his homeland Togo is a motivating factor in his determination to make it to the top. He told us that he would love to work to develop his homeland, which is woefully underdeveloped.

His next album “Dope meets Fresh and Fresh meets Superstar” is due out on release in 2008. The latest video off the album, "Cool and Fly," was filmed in Togo and has realized one of Tabi's dreams. I’m sure that this will be the first of many fulfilled dreams.

When pushed to define the term “SWAG”..Tabi says that for him it means being true to yourself and having other people admire and get inspiration as a result of that.

Being true to self is pivotal to Tabi’s success. Being genuine is important to him too. He cites that attribute as a quality he looks for in a friend and it’s clear that Tabi is no fake.

With Tabi you get the full package. His lyrics represent what the popular kid would have said and there’s no doubt that this cool kid's popular status will continue to rise.

--jamati
--wikipedia
--brightcove
--washingtonpost
--sohh


UnCut Interview with Hip Hop/Pop/Alternative Artist Tabi Bonney


The Cee List: Where do you see yourself in a year?


Tabi: On the beach in Lome,Togo...literally LOL!

The Cee List: Which charitable causes move you?

Tabi: My mission is to give back to the country of Togo in West Africa. Everything is so underdeveloped there now. They need simple things such as paved roads and a sewage system.

The Cee List: Idea of a perfect day?

Tabi: Sunny with a breeze about 80 degrees on the dot. Having a good intellectual convo with a pretty woman, then boning right after that. Then after that eating some brochettes right off of the grill. Then taking a dip in the beach, then writing a dope song after all of that inspiration!

The CEE list :Your utopia?

Tabi: Living my dreams...creating my own world, (which I am doing ; )

The Cee List: Where was your favorite place you lived/or visited and why?

Tabi: Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa. It's like a little Paris, not sure how it looks now because of the civil war though. Next would have to be Niece, France. The city is so visually stimulating. When you arrive in a plane you see snow capped mountains and a beach in the same view!!

The Cee List: I didn't see any info on moms...

Tabi: My moms is the dopest international ghetto moms in the world LOL. She was in the peace corps and was a teacher and principal for a couple of schools in the US and Internationally. She is definitely the person where I get my drive from.

The Cee List: How was life growing up, aside from music?

Tabi: Life is and was great. No complaints or major tragedies. My parents are jet-setters so we were able to experience different continents and cultures since we were babies. That's why I think I have no apprehension on expressing myself and completely being myself.

The Cee List: What does family means to you?

Tabi: The WORLD

The Cee List: Your idea of a friend?

Tabi: Someone that you can sense is genuine don't confuse that with Genuwine(I don't know him like that). haha! But seriously...a friend is someone that you can call on at any pint and they will give you their honest opinion or run to your aid if you are in need.

The Cee List: What does swag means to you?

Tabi: I kinda hate that term because everybody is overusing it. But I guess it's being yourself to the tenth power and other people admiring or getting inspiration from it.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Jolie and Brad Pitt

There is no doubt that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have risen to become a Powerhouse couple when it comes to giving in charity. In 2006 the couple donated over $8 million directly to help those in need.

Angelina and Brad have the created the ultimate Trojan horse by actively selling the first pictures of their first natural daughter Shiloh for $10 million and donating the entire proceeds to charity. It is an ingenious way to raise money and awareness at the expense of the medias craving for exclusivity.

It says a lot about the medias fascination with this unusual family but volumes more about the sincerity that the couple has when it relates to philanthropy.

Born in Oklahoma and raised in Springfield, Mo…Bradley William Pitt didn’t seem to be destined to Hollywood celebrity but his love for movies took him to Los Angeles...only two weeks before graduating from college. Often seen as an example of what good looks and celebrity could do…Brad's star rose rapidly but it's clear that his relationship with Angelina heralded the start of his active social campaigning.

Angelina and Brad have chosen to embrace their personal need to help others by adopting children of various races and ethnicities.

Angelina’s work for children began in 2001 with her first visit to Cambodia. She was amazed at how hard life was for children and went to the UNCHR in order to see and learn more.

She was subsequently named Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations.

It was in Cambodia that she adopted her first son, Maddox.

After her relationship with Brad Pitt became more substantial (He later adopted Maddox.) they went on to adopt two more children…Zaharah from Ethiopia and Pax from Vietnam. They have one biological daughter Shiloh and currently await the birth of their twins. It’s clear that their love for their children motivates them in every way.

It’s clear that children are a focus for Jolie and Pitt. They have put their heart and soul into campaigning for the rights of children and formed the Jolie/Pitt foundation in order to facilitate that need.


--pittwatch

Compassion for Children

"I never saw anyone who was more compassionate towards children than Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). His son Ibrahim was in the care of a wet nurse in the hills around Madinah. He would go there, and we would go with him, and he would enter the house, pick up his son and kiss him, then come back." (Muslim)

Monday, June 16, 2008

Lil Wayne-1 Family


At times called the Al Green of hip hop..At others deemed controversial, Lil Wayne a.k.a. Weezy, is probably better known for his sure lyrics rather than for his charity work.

But there is more to him than meets the eye.

Born In New Orleans as Dwayne Michael Carter Junior in 1983…Lil Wayne was noticed for his academic ability and won a place in the school's gifted program.

He was a wild child. Selling dope and once even accidentally shooting himself in the chest with his mother's gun….There’s no doubt that Lil Wayne doesn’t do anything in halves. A chance meeting with Cash Money at the age of 11 was the start of his rise as Rap's Superstar.

By the age of 14 he was given his first recording contract and subsequently dropped out of school. By 16 he had his first child with his high school sweetheart. They got married, but due to perhaps their youth, they divorced soon after.

His rise to fame culminated with his album, entitled “Tha Carter”, that placed the crown of King of Southern Rap firmly on his head. The ability to rhyme and never write down his lyrics has set Weezy apart from the rest.

Little Wayne has proven to be a controversial artist because of his love (and some say addiction) for a drink known as syrup. His past arrests and pending cases have left a minor shadow over Lil Wayne.

Maybe with the formation of his newest charity, One Family, public perception of Lil Wayne will change for the better. The foundation is geared towards urban youth. It seeks to develop their creative skills. Seeking to engage, educate and motivate…the foundation is in its beginning stages, but it will definitely help the urban youth to excel using Lil Wayne as their role model.

Their first project has been restoring a Katrina damaged athletic field in his home town. Students from his former high School in New Orleans designed the logo for his One Family Foundation.

Lil Wayne is currently studying for a psychology degree.

He may be called crazy, weird and even genius but it's clear that we haven’t heard the best from Weezy.

-- ninapacker

Quote of the Day

"If they ain't talking about you, you ain't doing nothin." Lil Wayne

rollingstones

Friday, June 13, 2008

Swag and Chic Friday

Prada Building Omotesando,Tokyo


(Image via Flickr)

Hokusai

"Under the Wave off the Coast of Kanagawa" 1823-29


Katsushika Hokusai was born 9/23 /1760 the 10th year of the Hōreki period. He was one of Japans leading artist, best known for his ukiyo-e woodblock prints from the Edo (Tokyo) period. The Edo period (1603 – 1863) is one of Japan’s greatest art periods. Hokusai is author of the "Thirty- Six Views of Mount Fuji”. It shows different views of Mt. Fuji in different seasons, weather, places and distances.

--wikipedia

(Image via Koitsu)

Guess What?

Mt.Fuji (Fuji-San) is Japan’s most sacred and tallest mountain. It stands 3,376 meters tall.


pbjomnimedia

Christian Louboutin

(Image via Manolo's)

Dominique Perrault Architecture

Olympic Tennis Stadium, Spain 2002-2009

(Image via wallpaper)

Book Review

Richard Brody's Godard Bio "Everything is Cinema"


Publishers Weekly: Comprehensive and fascinating, this critical biography of one of the leading filmmakers of the French New Wave, Jean-Luc Godard, by New Yorker editor and film critic [Richard] Brody offers the significant events and achievements of the cinematic innovator who combined an eye-opening concoction of art, politics, music, personal values and social mores.


behindtheapprovalmatrix


Thursday, June 12, 2008

Bono

Nominated for The Nobel Peace Prize…Bono has established himself as a true “fusion philanthropist" Someone who has the ability to mesh different people and ideas.The One Campaign has been instrumental in promoting a call of action for every citizen to do something about poverty in developing countries.

Born as Paul David Hewson in Dublin, Northern Island in 1960. Bono was the 2nd born brought up as a Catholic by an Anglican mother and a Catholic father. He acquired his name as part of a childhood ritual of sorts. In school he was part of a lyrical gang who used to go on public transportation and serenade travelers with songs. Bono had the loudest voice so one day his friend called him Bono Vox which is latin for Good Voice.

In 1976 Bono answered an ad for band members and soon U2 Was born. He went on to great success with his band. He wrote most of the lyrics for the songs and it was clear from the start that U2 were conscious of the world’s tragedies.

Bono has been part of many initiatives to help poverty in Africa and stop world hunger as a whole. He was motivated to be proactive after seeing a concert organized by Amnesty International in 1979. Since that time he has been focused on shining a light on the issues that affect the developing world.

Debt, AIDS, Trade in Africa (DATA) is the charity that he founded in London. It was created to stem the debt that poor African nations incur when borrowing from the West. At this time most of DATA resources are being focused into the One Campaign, which is a grassroots project geared to motivate individuals and create a strong lobbying force in America.

Its clear that Bono has a good voice,and a good heart too.



atu2
wikipedia

Guess What?

Bono wears sunglasses because he has sensitive eyes.

--interesting-facts

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Mary J. Blige



Mary burst onto the scene in 1992 with her debut album, "What’s the 411." We knew that a new star had been found in this young girl from Yonkers, NY.

With her powerful voice coupled with raw emotions …she forced us to look into ourselves and face our deepest fears. Mary sung to us and told us of her struggles with alcohol and love. We cried with her and laughed with her. Mary’s songs formed the back beat for many of her fans lives.

With her cry for "No More Drama"…Mary made it clear that she wasn’t going to stand for or accept any more nonsense in her life. A new vision and way of living was Mary’s way of turning her early dysfunction around. She replaced her management and changed her way of thinking. Love and subsequent marriage with Kendu Issacs gave Mary the emotional peace that she vocally sought.

Mary’s philosophy when it comes to charity is simple. She says giving money is easy when the money is going to be spent on things but if you give the ability to make changes and maintain those changes then you empower people to be better.

So it is of no surprise that Mary has created a charity especially for young woman. The main focus is to create confidence and empowerment for the younger generation. Operating under the pseudonym FFAWN (Foundation For the Advancement of Women Now). The foundation that Mary set up with Steve Stoute is in its infantile stages, but it fills a void that is sorely needed.

Her foundation is currently working to open a center in Yonkers which will be aimed at women of all ethnic and religious backgrounds. The center will be aptly named The Mary J. Blige Center for Women.

There is definitely no more drama in Mary’s life. Just positivity and love.

-- ascap
-- ourworld

Quote of the Day

..."I firmly believe that if you don’t evolve and grow, you will die." Mary J. Blige

essence

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Madonna


Considered the Queen of Pop. There’s no doubt in her 25 years in the spotlight that Madonna’s life has courted controversy. At other times she shuns it. Her growth and constant reinvention in front of the cameras has been at times shocking, at others uplifting. We can call her the Chameleon of Pop …it’s clear that Madonna is a force to reckon with.

Madonna is soon to reach the ripe old age of 50 but there is nothing old about Madonna at all. She says this time is her best time. She dances better and feels more focused than before.

Being a mother to three children, including an African child named David, has thrust Madonna’s life in a different kind of spotlight. She has likened the adoption process of David as being akin to childbirth. The public scrutiny and, at times lampooning, has made her new growth more satisfying than the previous incarnations.

Born in Michigan. Madonna was an A student and won a scholarship to the University of Michigan. She moved to New York on the behest of her ballet teacher with the hope of becoming a professional dancer and found herself surrounded by those people who could make it happen for her.

Her first album “Like a Virgin” dropped in 1982 and it marked the beginning of her ascent into Superstardom.

Throughout the years Madonna has gone through different changes. Using religious icons, pushing boundaries and speaking out against injustices. Madonna has definitely earned the title of the most successful female recording artist of all time.

The reinvention of Madonna from wanton hedonist to responsible mother and wife has left some rather cynical as to the sincerity of Madonna’s actions. Has she simply gone through another change in order to generate and support her career…again?

With the adoption of Malawian David…it’s hard to see Madonna as the hard edged business woman that she was known to be. Rather you can see her softer side. It takes a lot to adopt a child from an African nation…particularly one where the laws were not even in place to support the action…but Madonna has proven that with true determination anything can be achieved.

Her study of the Jewish Mystical belief of Kabala is a far cry from the times where even the Pope spoke against her. It’s hard to see any one artist that has had such an effect on pop culture in the last 25 years in the way that Madonna has. She’s moved with the times, and at the end of the day, that is the very quality that will ensure that we will be noticing Madonna for many years to come.

wikipedia


Madonna ft. Justin Timberlake - 4 Minutes

Guess What?


Lake Malawi is often called the "Lake of Stars" because of the glittering produced by reflected light.

worldinfozone

Monday, June 9, 2008

Barack Obama



Change

History was made on Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 with the nomination of Barack Obama for the Democratic Presidential Nomination. His rise as a political wonder boy has been monumental and will be marked forever as an example of what true determination can do.

Born on the Hawaiian Island of Honolulu. He was the product of a short lived marriage between a Kenyan Immigrant and an American woman. Barack’s childhood was filled with change. He lived in Indonesia for a time with his mother and her second husband. Later moving back to America to finish school.

He attended Columbia University in New York City, graduating in 1983. He went on to attend Harvard where he became the first African American President of the Harvard Law Review.
Perhaps a promise for things to come.

There is something almost magical about Barack Obama. The whole country seems swept up in his message of Change and more importantly Change that people can believe in.

Growing up Bi-racial in a unforgiving America had to be hard for the young boy wonder but all the new things that he saw helped to mold him into what he is today.

He speaks very honestly in his autobiography about his dabbling in recreational drugs and it is that burst of fresh air honesty that gives Barack the ability to inspire all. Barack speaks out on those issues that have divided America and seeks to unite with his message of change. Perhaps in November we will have the ultimate change and will be calling the Illinois Senator…Mr. President.

-- Wikipedia
-- Barack Obama
"I'm asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington... I'm asking you to believe in yours." Barack Obama

SUPPORT CHANGE(Barack Obama)

Takashi Murakami

"Davy Jones Tear" by Takashi Murakami

More Than an Artist. More than Japan. He is a constantly evolving production. Bizarre Yet Elegant. Blurring the fine line between commercialism and art . Making commercialism a sought after art form...No one can deny Murakami a place as an Icon in our generation.

Raised in Tokyo, a place where he credits as having the energy that forces an artist to create in the “now,” he seems to be unstoppable. From Tokyo to Louis Vuitton…he continues to firmly plant his ideas on the world at large. Bringing the passion of animation to the public through his own creation…Superflat!

Using sculptures, canvas and even commercial products, there is no doubt that he is the forerunner of his genre and a true pioneer of Individuality. His very modern Panda signature placed on the classic style of a Louis Vuitton bag has to be the mark of a genius, if not an avant garde thinker such as Murakami.

Recognized as one of the forerunners to a new generation of artists and one of the most influential....he plays curator twice a year to young Japanese artists..It’s clear to see that we have not seen the best of what the Takashi production factory has to give.

takashimurakami
time