The Photo

A 58-year-old New York City subway passenger was killed on Monday after he was pushed onto the tracks of an onrushing train in Manhattan by a man who had been mumbling to himself as he walked along the platform, The New York Times reported.

New York Police Department spokesman Paul Browne says investigators recovered security video showing a man fitting the description of the assailant working with street vendors near Rockefeller Center.

Police went there Tuesday and took him into custody. The victim, Ki-Suck Han, tried to climb back onto the platform after he was pushed, but did not make it; he was struck by a southbound R train in the 49th Street station. He was pronounced dead at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital, the Times report said.

The police released a brief video from a surveillance camera in which the attacker is seen and heard cursing at the victim and telling him to stand in line “and wait for the R train.”

Though this is a tragic story, one thing I would like to focus on is the fact that there was a photo of the man hanging off of there platform edge hanging on to his life. The reported works for the New York Post and the post used the photo for they're cover the following morning. This is probably the clearest indication of why journalists and reporters get a lot of hate. Instead of frantically trying to get help while a man is seconds from his death, you snap a photo for news. That is inhumane. This act, in a way, separates the news from real life. Real life would be getting help whereas "The news" is all about the news and a tragic accident is certainly news. Though the reported took the photo the Post as a corporation is responsible and wrong for printing the photo.

Teleport 2 me!

    Earlier this year KiD CuDi teamed up with his producer Dot Da Genius create a Rock n Roll inspired album entitled "WZRD". It can easily be said the stand-out track on the album was/is "Teleport 2 Me". A testimony of what's like to be lying in bed, missing someone and wishing they were there with you.

  I am one of the many who truly love this song and was extremely excited to see that the music video has leaked.

    This video is very close to what I imagined while listening to the song. One thing that I think is beautiful is how he is never laying on the bed but it is up on wall like a painting or TV screen. He's looking up at the bed almost admiring it and anticipating his "special someone"'s return. He also looks absolutely amazing in this video  I love it.

David Petraeus Scandal!

I guess this would be my political post for the month.

    David Howell Petraeus is a retired American military officer and public official. He served as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency from September 6, 2011, until his resignation on November 9, 2012, due to an extramarital affair he had, which was reportedly discovered in the course of an FBI investigation and made public. Professionally, Petraeus is a respectable man. Though having an affair while still married is wrong, that is no reason for a man to step down from his own job. David Petraeus did not betray this nation; he only betrayed his wife and deserves his job back.

    Petraeus’ served more than 37 years in the Army and became the director of the CIA after serving as Commander of United States Central Command, which required him to oversee the military efforts in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Central Asia, the Arabian Peninsula and Egypt. Furthermore, has a very long list of impressive recognitions. In 2007, TIME magazine named him one of the 100 most influential leaders and revolutionaries of the year; he was on GQ magazine’s list of The 50 Most Powerful People in Washington in 2012; and The Association of Special Operations Professionals named Petraeus as its 2011 Man of the Year. The man Petraeus is, professionally, shows that he has done nothing to leave his job. Petraeus may not be a “good husband” but he is certainly good at what he has done for this nation and his stepping down is a major loss. This is supported in the New York Daily News article: David Petraeus deserves his CIA job back”. In the article, the writer describes the situation, states their opinion, and gives examples of similar stories. The article states “The list of Washington sex scandals is long and, really, quite distinguished. One would have to include John F. Kennedy and, just to be fair, Thomas Jefferson. I want to mention Warren Harding, a randy devil he, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, whose wartime affair with his driver, Capt. Kay Summersby, has long been alleged. Lyndon Johnson’s affairs have been documented by the indefatigable Robert Caro – and were all but conceding by the weary Lady Bird Johnson. These matters can hurt.”

Outfit of the week

This was my outfit for Paint and Poetry, a showcase that brings together artists of all kinds for an art showcase of visual art and spoken word. This look was thrown together, it’s that simple! I’ve worn his cropped sweater before, it just a sweater I bought from the 99 cent store and cut myself. I’m wearing my favorite high waisted shorts and brand new houndstooth tights from macy’s. The sneakers are also a great edition to this look. They’re platform sneakers that look like converses, from Forever 21. I felt like this look is very "Clarissa Explains it All"/90's inspired.

4th annual Youth Poet Laureate Slam

   The New York City Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) program is a voting-themed teen competition designed to energize youth voters through spoken word poetry, all put together by Urban Word NYC and NYC Votes. The program is open to students, ages 16-19. The finalist were a group of poets who submitted a resume of all community service they've done along with a poetry portfolio. These 12 finalist competed at the Schomburg Library in Harlem for title of NYC's 2013 Youth Poet Laureate.

  The night began with 2012's YPL, Ish Islam, performing a piece along with fellow poet Naajidah. The host was poet/songstress Shanelle Gabriel. Then the poetry began. Each poet performed a 3 minute piece in the first round and then a 1 minute political poem in the second round. The night was filled with pieces about school, family, health, and of course politics. For all performances: http://www.youtube.com/user/TimothyDuWhite

Now the winners:

Paint and Poetry vol. 9!

   Paint and Poetry: A collective effort of all things art, presented by Mojo Disco. Paint and Poetry brings together artists of all kinds for an art showcase of visual art and spoken word. We listen, we admire, we mingle, and we love.(photos below)




    Last night's P&P was the 9th event of the series and did not disappoint. The event was held at the 3rdeye(Sol)ation art gallery in Brooklyn, where it has been held before. The complete ambiance was comforting. When my best friend and I arrived people were just piling in. We got some food, chatted, and took photos while DJ SI was on the one's and two's. Of course, I had to give props to the DJ. In between spoken word performances he had everyone jammin and just feeling good with the best Hip Hop tracks from the early 90's to now.

   Before the poetry was perfect time to admire the "Paint" aspect of this event. There were paintings all over the walls done by various artists. These paintings incorporated themes such as love, culture, and music. Each piece of artwork fit into the vibe of the whole event perfectly.

    Now, let's get to the poetry. Last night's event seemed to be a male dominated night, but nonetheless the talent still shone through  The spoken word segment showcased our up and coming Poets/MCs, such as Ronnie Brown, Chris Wise, and Sha Summers. They all had something important to say as well as entertaining lyrics. There was an intermission, which gave opportunity for more mingling, networking, photo taking, dancing, and fun. Not to mention D.Lacy was giving hand massages as form of relaxation therapy the whole night.

Ashley August and I

Ali Esteem getting a hand massage

Mojo Disco and Ashley August

For more photos click HERE

https://www.facebook.com/PaintAndPoetry

How to wrap your hair at night!

    Last year I made this video but the advice I gave wasn't ideal for everyone. SO here's another demonstrative video on how to wrap your Senegalese Twists/Protective style at night!

Please visit: http://iloveboxbraids.tumblr.com/

New Track from Big Boi, featuring Kelly Rowland

   New music! Big Boi releases newest single “Mama told me”, featuring Kelly Rowland. The track is the first single off Big Boi’s highly anticipated  album “Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors”.


    The 6 time Grammy award winner reaches back to the late 80’s and early 90’s era with a smooth Pop and R&B feel, with “Mama Told Me”. Kelly Rowland’s voice on the chorus is very sultry and reminiscent of Janet Jackson. The beat is simple yet effective and of course Big Boi is as great a lyricist as ever. This track is ideal for every audience, whether or not you are aware of Big Boi’s reputation in the rap industry.

    The track is amazing, and I am certainly looking forward to hearing the new album. Check out more of my review [HERE]

Hoe?

   A word use to described someone(most commonly a woman) who is extremely promiscuous. But I feel that words like "hoe" are made for people to separate themselves from people who do things they don't approve of. Without certain words we are all thrown in the same category.
    Simplistically, if my little sister is playing in mud and I don't approve of this I'm gonna call her "Silly" for doing that. I don't consider myself silly so that separates me from people like her.

    So many people now-a-days try to stop bullying but don't realize that we're all bullies. We all judge. Especially high school kids. You know how many slurs and other bad words these kids use against each other on the regular?! & then that's brought into adulthood, it's a vicious cycle of disrespecting one another. What we all really need is eloquence.

     A Prime example of Adult Bullies who lack eloquence is "The Bad Girls Club". A reality TV show which gets a bad rep for exploiting young women who don't know how to act. Basically the show puts 9 self proclaimed "Bad" women in a house to live together for about four months and they act wild. They go to the clubs and get into fights. They grow to dislike and fight each other and there is always a separation. Despite all the wrong doing these women do, almost all their arguments are sprinkled with "You're a hoe" "You're a slut" "Close your legs" and other similar statements. It is appalling that a woman can be SO concerned with another woman's sex life but it seems that's how we are. (Lets focus on Americans, because I don't know about other countries.) We attack others for doing things we don't like or approve of. It's silly but almost second nature to be angry with someone because of their life choice(s) which clearly don't effect the person getting mad at all, whatsoever. This is bullying.

    So, if you've ever called someone a hoe, I've got news for you: You're a BULLY. Cut it out! It starts at home. We can't change the world unless we change ourselves.

The Baddest Witch!

This Halloween was my 20th birthday and my costume is my outfit of the week. I dressed up as a witch! As I’ve been doing for many Halloweens, I wore my own clothes and a few accessories. I went for a subtly sexy gothic look. Black, Lace, and feminine. I topped the look off with a $3 witch hat from the family dollar. Of course me nails, hair, and make-up made this look 100%. I spent my 20th with my family due to a Hurricane Sandy, it was great. My best friend came over, dressed as the Easter bunny, and we went trick-or-treating. We then came back home for some birthday cake, gift opening  and good vibes. Overall it was a great day.

My best friend, Ali Esteem, as a bunny and I

Our Halloween candy.

My Birthday cake.