Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

The Trump International Hotel & Tower, which will be the centerpiece of one of the palm islands, The Palm Jumeirah.

Almost any kind of temptation is available in the modern Dubai. With its opulent modern buildings mixed with traditional Islamic architecture, it's no surprise that the ruler of Dubai, Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is as much a product of the new Dubai as anything else.
The rising investment potential in Dubai seems to know no boundaries. From the British Prince Andrew to the music producer Dallas Austin, Dubai’s earns its title as the playground for the rich and famous.

Talking about how much money one has is often seen as a social faux pas. But when we talk about Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum it’s hard to pretend the elephant in the room does not exist, especially when the elephant is worth $14 billion.

Considered the 4th richest man on the planet, the Ruler of Dubai and President of UAE lives in a world where modernity co-exists in an uneasy truce with tradition.
Married to his first wife for the past 29 years, the Sheikh is also married to the daughter of the late King Hussein of Jordan. Educated in the UAE, Mohammad went on to study English with his cousin in London in 1966. He also has a great love of poetry, and is a big participant in the various sports activities that takes place in Dubai.

Known for his acts of charity, Sheikh Mohammad has set up an initiative called “Dubai Cares,” a foundation, which helps to improve conditions in developing countries within the Middle East and Africa. The directive is to help educate no less than 1 million children in those impoverished parts of the world. Private donations have already exceeded $27 million. “Dubai Cares” is a lofty aspiration and one that may be remembered with more love than “No Child Left Behind."
--dubaicares

Quote Of The Day.

"Innovation is about taking risk, and challenging the norms..." Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Justin Timberlake

Not many people can claim to be recognized by short phrases but Justin Timberlake can claim that crown. Wardrobe malfunction, Bringing sexy back and Britney are all terms that will underline who Justin is forever.

Super bowl’s wardrobe malfunction and Bringing Sexy Back are definitely strange bedfellows but there’s nothing strange about Justin Timberlake.

Born and raised in Memphis, TN, who would have thought that J.T would grow up to be the international sex symbol that he is today. A far cry from goofing around on the Mickey Mouse Club and thankfully as far removed from the felonious grips of Lou Pearlman(May he serve in peace).

We watched him develop from the astute businessman that he is today. He brought "Sexy Back" which will possibly be one of the most iconic statements of this decade. It means something different to everyone. Does he mean bringing the old love back or is it being who you want to be regardless of WHAT anyone else thinks. Bringing the sexy back into what was previously thought as plain or flat? Yes truly a dissertation could be written based on that phrase alone.

Justin’s own interpretation.

Not only is Justin a very talented entertainer. He is also actively involved in great charity work. He’s active in promoting music as a part of a child’s development even encouraging the general public to sign a petition advocating music education (which was given to congress). Maybe our Justin has political aspirations. If he does, he would definitely get my vote. Vote Timberlake 2038! Maybe he can bring sexy back to the White House.

wikipedia
looktothestars

Quote Of The Day

"If you put out 150 percent, then you can always expect 100 percent back. That's what I was always told as a kid, and It's worked for me so far."

Justin Timberlake

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

Chic and Swag Friday.

Valextra By Appointment, Harrods

Thats right, you must schedule an appointment to see the new collection by Valextra.

Bali Island

Located in Indonesia, east of Java Island.

Black Cab Sessions.

Black Cab Sessions.Chapter Twenty-Eight: Benjamin Zephaniah

Claude Monet's Painting "Le Bassin Aux Nympheas"

"Le Bassin Aux Nympheas" sold for 80.5 million dollars at an auction in London this Tuesday.

Nike Aqua Snake Skin Zoom Blazer

Saudi Arabian Designer Amina Al-Jassim

Abu Dhabi Fashion week.

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

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

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

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

Chic and Swag Friday