Check my review of Hollis, Queens emcee Monsta X:
http://www.brooklynbodega.com/2010/04/25/x-factor-monsta-x-mixtape-review/#comments
And the video for his debut single, “Goin’ In” :
Archive for 2010
Brooklyn Bodega #3: Mr. Beatz Record Release Party Review
In Artz, Brooklyn Bodega, Daily Rotation on April 12, 2010 at 8:34 pmCheck out my review of the Mr. Beatz Spit Therapy (his new record) release party for Brooklyn Bodega:
Mr Beatz is a rapper and beat-maker extraordinaire in the underground Hiphop scene.
Expanding my aural horizons, everybody!
Check his video for “Plain & Simple” :
Looks like it is shot on location at 5Pointz Aerosol Art Center, an outdoor graffiti wonderspace in Long Island city, across the street from P.S. 1.
Built by Wendy Spring 2010 Picks
In Brooklyn Social Club, Feminista, The 'Ness, bright lines on April 6, 2010 at 7:01 amBuilt by Wendy Spring 2010 collection. Three pieces strike me right away:
Kahlo Dress
Linen Jumper
When it rains...
Lil Wayne Blogs from the Pent
In Artz, Daily Rotation, Muses and Music, bright lines on April 6, 2010 at 6:27 am
Yes, that’s right–Lil’ Wayne is blogging and selling merch from prison.
In his Letter #1, Lil’ Wayne says:
“During my prison stint, I want my fans to know I love you. I want all of you to know that I appreciate all the mail I get, and this is my way of saying thank you. The F is for Family, Friends, and Fans.
“Love. Live. Life. Proceed. Progress. That’s who I am and who I’ll always be. You see, we’re all living on borrowed time, so I’m not worried about this situation. Life happens quick. The more time you spend contemplating what you should have done…you lose valuable time planning what you can and will do. Trying to tear down the past prohibits you from building up your future. So for my time here, my physical will be confined to the yard. My love and my spirit, however, know no boundaries.”
You can even get a ‘Weezy Thanx You’ desktop/Twitter background:
http://weezythanxyou.com/goodies/
Lil’ Wayne is currently serving a year long sentence at Riker’s for illegal weapon possession. Apparently he’s isolated from the general population, and can be eligible for parole in eight months for good behavior. Sigh…
Stay strong Weezy!
Some love for “A Milli” :
Brooklyn Bodega #2: Talkin’ Shop w/ Toro Y MOI
In Brooklyn Bodega, Muses and Music on April 6, 2010 at 5:04 amNow, for days I had up the videos for “Blessa” and “Talamak”–Just today I was lucky to interview Chaz Bundick, the visionary behind Toro Y Moi.
Check out the article:
http://www.brooklynbodega.com/2010/04/05/talk-shop-toro-y-moi-interview/
A Dose of Daily Candy
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Daily Rotation: Erykah Badu’s “Window Seat”
In Daily Rotation, Feminista on March 31, 2010 at 5:35 amErykah Badu, in all her glory. Well, part of its fuzzy because of the ho-hum politics of nudity that won’t allow us that access. Or perhaps Miz Badu prefers it that way, and it’s one of those “you kinda had to be there” type moments.
Track # 2 on her new record, New Amerykah, Part II: Return of the Ankh
Brooklyn Bodega #1: Little Dragon Performance Review
In Brooklyn Bodega, Brooklyn Social Club, Feminista, Muses and Music, all that glitters, bright lines on March 29, 2010 at 8:45 pmHi Bright Liners,
I’ve started writing articles for Brooklyn Bodega, a website devoted to exploring Hiphop, art, culture, politics, as well as curating the annual Brooklyn Hiphop Festival. There’s so many forces in the conversation. I’d like to bring to the table the influences different genres of indie music have on Hiphop, interviews with artists and thinkers and creators who can incite dialog and shifts in the status quo.
Whew. For now, here’s a start. Little Dragon performed at The Music Hall of Williamsburg and Mercury Lounge last week, and I wrote a performance review for Brooklyn Bodega:
http://www.brooklynbodega.com/2010/03/29/little-dragon-nyc/
And check out Little Dragon’s video for “Swimming” off their new album Machine Dreams. Yukimi Nagano’s father, Yusuke Nagano created the vid!
photo courtesy of Matthew Drazin, www.shotsofrock.com
Daily Rotation(s): Toro y Moi
In Brooklyn Social Club, Daily Rotation, Muses and Music, nerdysexycool on March 11, 2010 at 5:17 amNot quite done with the lo-fi Daily Rotations for today’s installment. It’s this here warm spell in NYC. It’s a love jones I won’t name yet.
It’s Toro y Moi.
Musician Chaz Bundick’s project, by way of South Carolina-
Toro y Moi’s chill wave grooves are all about atmosphere, good times, kickin’ it, Spring Awakening, and shedding layers for smoother skin.
He’ll grace the Brooklyn Bowl stage with New Zealand psychedelic indie rockers The Ruby Suns on March 26th, 2010. Tickets are $5! Pretty voices, cheap tickets.
The video for “Blessa”:
and the boys playing with rockets in the video for “Talamak”:
Daily Rotation(s): Neon Indian + Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor
In Daily Rotation, Muses and Music on March 11, 2010 at 4:47 am
Alan Palomo of Neon Indian just released “Sleep Paralysist”…The track, co-produced with Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor, echoes the outerworldly video game tunes on his debut record Psychic Chasms.
Daily Rotation(s): “Tightrope” Janelle Monae featuring Big Boi
In Daily Rotation, Feminista, Muses and Music, all that glitters on March 11, 2010 at 4:40 amRobo-R&B art-roc-songstress Janelle Monae, all pompadour and soul, belts this shiny, self-assured ditty with poise ‘n attitude. Big Boi’s smooth foray against the funky bass line compliments the pure abandon that Ms. Monae delivers perfectly.
Brooklyn Freestyle Sessions @ Rose Live Music
In Brooklyn Social Club, FG/CLlinton Hill/Bed Stuy, Muses and Music, The Talented Mssrs. & Mlles. I Know, Williamsburg, nerdysexycool on March 3, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Mobius Collective, every Thursday at Rose Live Music in Williamsburg, BK
Mobius Collective celebrates their 3rd anniversary at Rose Live Music this Thursday.
Saxophonist/director Troy Simms, along with staple cipher Omar Little (trumpet), Borahm Lee (keys), and David Bailis (guitar), the Collective features guest DJ’s and musicians each session. Last week amidst the snow storm, the house was packed full of folks ready to go on a trip. Guest DJ–brilliant selector–Deejay Obah–filled in the blanks between sets, seamlessly taking us from a recording of Fela’s “Yellow Fever” into the band’s supersonic rendition of it. Keyboardist Borahm Lee brings it full force, slapping at his keyboard, mapping out intricate solos, infusing the tune with an echo here, a reverb there–he’s a vision to witness in action. Jazz to warm you up in the beginning, dub to settle the whiskey in your bones (it’s cold outside, y’all), flowing into Afrobeat and Hiphop to get the people dancing.
There’s something to the venue too. The abuela wallpaper and jazz club stage has an old-timers vibe, a subtly complementary addition to the listening experience.
Mobius Collective, courtesy of the band's Myspace
Note about their name, “Mobius Collective,” it’s a reference to the Mobius Strip, a one-sided, single edged surface that has no beginning or end. This metaphor comes alive during their performance–the musicians contribute to the soundscape by carefully listening, evoking the continuity between them, between the genres they journey across in a few hours’ time.
Check it @ Rose Live Music, every Thursday!
What: 3rd Anniversary Party of Mobius Collective’s “Brooklyn Freestyle Sessions
Where: Rose Live Music, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on 345 Grand St. @ Marcy
When: 10 PM to 3AM
Dialog Box: Modality & Miles Davis
In Muses and Music, The Talented Mssrs. & Mlles. I Know, nerdysexycool on March 3, 2010 at 5:26 pmThe third track on Miles Davis’ 1959 Kind of Blue, called ”Blue in Green”:
You can see how thinking about music moves into mysticism–Kwami Coleman
This Sunday, I talked to my friend, musician & musicologist, Kwami Coleman, who resides in San Francisco, about modality in music. I was listening to Miles Davis’ ”Blue in Green”, a highly textured musical composition, from his record Kind of Blue, which is very modal. Now, I’ve studied music, namely violin, but still have lots of questions regarding the theories. At first, Kwami broke down the basics of my questions, but then it soon delved into the relationship between music & tonality & its (unknowable) effects on human psyche.
When we hear a piece of music, it elicits a response from us. Whether we listen to Miles Davis, to get into a heady, reflective, sober condition or the energetic, multilayered, orchestrated spontaneity of Fela Kuti—there is an emotional response drawn out of us. We attribute emotions—longing, misery, whimsy, joy—to the melodies we hear. We all know this. And we know that the reason for this will never be fully understood, there’s value in understanding what certain tones provoke in the listener.
To read the Dialog Box interview, click the title of this post.
Throwback–Raya Uhuru
In Brooklyn Social Club, FG/CLlinton Hill/Bed Stuy, Feminista, The 'Ness, The Talented Mssrs. & Mlles. I Know on February 23, 2010 at 12:05 amDress line I started back before the recessionista days:
Bold ‘n Old School Couture
In The 'Ness, all that glitters on January 29, 2010 at 5:26 amSpring 2010 Couture Show in Paris brought a lot of drama and royal color. I’m definitely feeling Gaultier’s high-fi ranchero look!
Check fashion photographer Valerio Mezzanotti’s work in his new magazine: http://www.nowfashion.com/
Christian Dior, Image courtesy of Valerio Mezzanotti for NY Times
Jean Paul Gaultier, image courtesy of Valerio Mezzanotti for NY Times
Energy 2 Burn: Hip Hop, Weekend Edition
In Brooklyn Social Club, Muses and Music, Williamsburg on January 28, 2010 at 5:28 am
Alexis Mabille Spring 2010 Couture. Metaphor for Saturday Night.
A note from the party: (they’re pretty giddy, no?)
“Two vinyl-addicted dj’s are going to bring a bunch of true skool hip hop party records and breaks circa “88-’92 to Trophy bar and play them..and YOU are gonna come out and dance, sing along, “Jump Around” “Pass the Mic” move “Back and Forth”..you get the Pic!!”
Details:
Trophy Bar, 351 Broadway (btwn Keap & Rodney), Saturday January 30, 2010
11 PM to 4 AM
Haiti, the earthquake, and my family, by Edwidge Danticat
In Feminista, Politickin', all that glitters, nerdysexycool on January 28, 2010 at 5:16 am
Beautiful words about her family, life and death, by writer Edwidge Danticat in the New Yorker.
RIP Howard Zinn
In all that glitters, nerdysexycool on January 28, 2010 at 4:52 amThe People’s Historian, activist, and teacher Howard Zinn died of a heart attack on Wednesday, January 27 in Santa Monica, CA. I chose this excerpt from the article “The Optimism of Uncertainty” (The Nation, September 2, 2004), which was adapted from The Impossible Will Take a Little While: A Citizen’s Guide to Hope in a Time of Fear.
“Revolutionary change does not come as one cataclysmic moment (beware of such moments!) but as an endless succession of surprises, moving zigzag toward a more decent society. We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world. Even when we don’t “win,” there is fun and fulfillment in the fact that we have been involved, with other good people, in something worthwhile. We need hope.
An optimist isn’t necessarily a blithe, slightly sappy whistler in the dark of our time. To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places–and there are so many–where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. And if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.”
Ports 1961, Spring 2010 Ready to Wear
In Artz, The 'Ness on January 25, 2010 at 5:34 amPorts 1961 is a women’s ready-to-wear line by designer Tia Cibani. Her structured clothes have a romantic new world meets old world feel. Her Spring 2010 collection is a palette of ice cream tones–frosty vanilla to butterscotch cream, with swirls of strawberry. Click here for behind the scenes Ports 1961 runway show coverage.
Red Baraat’s Record Release Party, 1/30
In Brooklyn Social Club, Muses and Music, The Talented Mssrs. & Mlles. I Know, bright lines on January 25, 2010 at 5:21 amRed Baraat, led by drummer Sunny Jain, is a dhol ‘n brass band, mixing North Indian bhangra beats with brass funk. Their debut record, Chaal Baby, has just been released by Sinj Records. Their release party is at Le Poisson Rouge @ 158 Bleecker St. $12 in advance/ $15 at the show
Check out their performance at the Ports 161 Fall 2009 fashion show.
I’ll even throw in the songbird and sweetheart of Pakistan, Nazia Hassan’s kitschy disco single “Aap Jaisa Koi,” from the film Qurbani (1980). Red Baraat covers the tune in the video (it’s the second tune, if you can tell…)
RIP Nazia Hassan نازیہ حسن (April 3, 1965 – August 13, 2000)
Apartment Show & the art of Andy Barrett
In Artz, Brooklyn Social Club, The Talented Mssrs. & Mlles. I Know, Williamsburg on January 25, 2010 at 4:51 amGallerists are turning homes into art space–whether it’s for reasons economic, aesthetic, and non-market oriented–creating intimacy, dialog, and accessibility for guests.
The Hooper Apartment Show’s opening reception is this Saturday, January 30, at The Lenora on Hooper St. in Williamsburg. Curated by Eric Laine, of bipolart, an eclectic group of artists are participating, including my friend Andy Barrett.
His “carton marquetry” work is composed of intricately collaged found-on-the-street cardboard. Everyday cartons are deftly translated into stories, colorful, absurd and fantastical.
Check out his portfolio at: http://www.andybarrettstudio.com/
images courtesy of artists’ website
Some of his work is at sale, including cardboard lamps, at Mc & Co @ 57 North 6th St. (btwn. Wythe & Kent)
Tonight–Live Art, Music & Haiti Benefit at Sucre in BK
In Artz, Brooklyn Social Club, FG/CLlinton Hill/Bed Stuy, Fort Greene, Muses and Music, Politickin' on January 24, 2010 at 12:08 am
Sun Protection!
In Brooklyn Social Club, The 'Ness, all that glitters on January 23, 2010 at 11:32 pmThis is my jam! Necessary, even when the winter sun seems weak–it’s still filtering through clouds, ready to zap you with UV.
This product, introduced to me by my dear, clear-skinned and organically beautiful friend, Ngozi–
This stuff is a mineral powder (that smells slightly of cinnamon and clay). The brush ‘n powder power duo is amazing for travelling to hot, sunny places
Eminence's Sun Defense Powder, in Calendula Spice. For dark tan to caramel tones.
Eminence is European y’all! And uses natural fruits, vegetables, and minerals! This mineral power is comprised of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, which gives you that even coverage and sun protection. Vitamins A and E are sweet healers too! And to add a bit of dewy luster, use a tonique, named straight outta Eden–Sweet Red Rose or Wild Plum–
You can buy it here.
Daily Rotation: tUnE-YarDs’ “Sunlight”
In Dialog Box, Feminista on January 23, 2010 at 10:49 pm“I could be the sunlight in your eyes, couldn’t I?”
So asks Merrill Garbus’ (band name: tUnE YarDs) on her solo debut record, “Bird Brains.” In this song, her husky, humming voice is laid over a staggering drum set, until she breaks into this melodic question.
Miss Bruno’s “My So Called Dress”
In Feminista, The 'Ness, The Talented Mssrs. & Mlles. I Know, all that glitters on January 22, 2010 at 4:36 amCan I say…
J’adore!
Now, Miss Bruno and I are kindred spirits connected, cyber-spirituelle and whatnot. For serious–creativity, spark, story, color, lineage & design–I’m taken by this collection.
Here’s my favorite from the My So Called Dress collection (I think Angela Chase would appreciate).
The Sia Sia dress, v. 1–I 
love this sexy off-the-shoulder sheath dress. Made from hand-spun, handwoven cotton from Burkina Faso.
love this sexy off-the-shoulder sheath dress. Made from hand-spun, handwoven cotton from Burkina Faso.Beautiful synergy–the turquoise spade pattern, the prim suede trim, and the fly detailing on the belt–total elemental balance.
The Philosophy of Miss Bruno
(the beauties behind the threads, in the photos spread above)
“missbruno sprung from the marrow of our lineage, making twists and turns jusqu’ it morphed into the trans-worlds collection you see today. specifically, we are two sisters: brooklynites by way of Ayiti; designers, by way of musik and film; independent, by way of clothing made directly from our collective hands. our designs thrive on our philosophies on life: wholistic, lush, simple. we make things meant for sustainable living and other unassuming revolutions.”
Check the sweet sale at their online store. featuring dresses from this limited collection.
(http://shop.missbruno.com)
- Tap Tap Romper
- Rara Dress
- Wild Silks and Hand-woven Cotton
Daily Rotation: Yukino Kano renders Debussy
In Artz, Daily Rotation, Feminista, all that glitters, bright lines on January 19, 2010 at 1:16 am23 year old Japanese pianist, Yukino Kano, plays Claude Debussy’s Reflets dans l’eau (Reflections in the Water) with grace and masterful touch. Each tremble across the length of the piano evokes ripples and currents, and she is a wonder to hear and watch.
From Toni Morrison’s “The Site of Memory”
In Feminista, Politickin', all that glitters, nerdysexycool on January 18, 2010 at 9:11 pm“You know, they straightened out the Mississippi River in places, to make room for houses and livable acreage. Occasionally the river floods these places. ‘Floods’ is the word they use, but in fact it is not flooding, it is remembering. Remembering where it used to be. All water has perfect memory and is forever trying to get back where it was. Writers are like that: remembering where we were, what valley we ran through, what the banks were like, the light that was there and the route back to our original place. It is emotional memory–where the nerves and the skin remember how it appeared. And a rush of imagination is our ‘flooding’…’
Beautifully spun words, by Ms. Toni Morrison. In honor of the struggle that’s going on in Haiti now. Remembering that we all connect to primordial memories of being uprooted, the landscape we breathe in & witness, the homes and ports in which we welcome strangers, and the eternal rebuilding.
10 Things the U.S. Can and Should do for Haiti
In Politickin', bright lines on January 14, 2010 at 5:38 pmI’m reposting this brilliant list.
By Bill Quigley of the Louisiana Justice Institute
One. Allow all Haitians in the US to work. The number one source of money
for poor people in Haiti is the money sent from family and workers in the US
back home. Haitians will continue to help themselves if given a chance.
Haitians in the US will continue to help when the world community moves on
to other problems.
Two. Do not allow US military in Haiti to point their guns at Haitians.
Hungry Haitians are not the enemy. Decisions have already been made which
will militarize the humanitarian relief – but do not allow the victims to be
cast as criminals. Do not demonize the people.
Three. Give Haiti grants as help, not loans. Haiti does not need any more
debt. Make sure that the relief given helps Haiti rebuild its public sector
so the country can provide its own citizens with basic public services.
Four. Prioritize humanitarian aid to help women, children and the elderly.
They are always moved to the back of the line. If they are moved to the back
of the line, start at the back.
Five. President Obama can enact Temporary Protected Status for Haitians with
the stroke of a pen. Do it. The US has already done it for El Salvador,
Honduras, Nicaragua, Sudan and Somalia. President Obama should do it on
Martin Luther King Day.
Six. Respect Human Rights from Day One. The UN has enacted Guiding
Principles for Internally Displaced People. Make them required reading for
every official and non-governmental person and organization.
Non-governmental organizations like charities and international aid groups
are extremely powerful in Haiti – they too must respect the human dignity
and human rights of all people.
Seven. Apologize to the Haitian people everywhere for Pat Roberts and Rush
Limbaugh.
Eight. Release all Haitians in US jails who are not accused of any crimes.
Thirty thousand people are facing deportations. No one will be deported to
Haiti for years to come. Release them on Martin Luther King day.
Nine. Require that all the non-governmental organizations which raise money
in the US be transparent about what they raise, where the money goes, and
insist that they be legally accountable to the people of Haiti.
Ten. Treat all Haitians as we ourselves would want to be treated.
Bill is Legal Director at the Center for Constitutional Rights and a law
professor at Loyola University New Orleans. He is a Katrina survivor and has
been active in human rights in Haiti for years with the Institute for
Justice and Democracy in Haiti.
Great Firewall of China
In Politickin', nerdysexycool on January 13, 2010 at 10:26 pm
Photo: a makeshift commemoration to Google, in front of its Beijing office. Don’t go Googz!
Claiming cyber attacks by the Chinese government, hacking into the accounts of Chinese human rights activists, Google declared they would stop cooperating with Chinese Internet censorship and abuse.
Contributing to the Relief Effort in Haiti
In Politickin' on January 13, 2010 at 9:40 pmHere’s a list of agencies you can donate to, compiled by the NY Times. I chose Partners in Health, endorsed by writer Edwidge Danticat.
January 13, 2010, 1:34 AM
Haiti Disaster Relief: How to Contribute
By THE NEW YORK TIMESFor readers interested in contributing to help victims of the earthquake in Haiti, here is a list of contact information and links for some agencies that plan to provide relief.
The New York Times does not certify the charities’ fund allocations or administrative costs. More information about giving, for this and other causes, is available online from the GuideStar database on nonprofit agencies.
AMERICAN JEWISH WORLD SERVICE
45 West 36th Street
New York, NY 10018
(212) 792-2900
AMERICAN RED CROSS
Text “HAITI” to “90999″ to make a $10 donation.
2025 E Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20006
(800) REDCROSS (733-2767)
AMERICARES
88 Hamilton Avenue
Stamford, CT 06902
(800) 486-4357
CONCERN WORLDWIDE US
104 East 40th Street, #903
New York, NY 10016
(800) 59-CONCERN
CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES
(800) 736-3467
P.O. Box 17090
Baltimore, MD 21203-7090
CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL DISASTER INFORMATION
(703) 276-1914
INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE
122 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10168-1289
(877) REFUGEE
MERCY CORPS
Dept. W
P.O. Box 2669
Portland, OR 97208-2669
(888) 256-1900
OXFAM AMERICA
226 Causeway St., 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02114-2206
(800) 77-OXFAM (776-9326)
THE SALVATION ARMY
615 Slaters Lane
P.O. Box 269
Alexandria, VA 22313
SAVE THE CHILDREN
Haiti Earthquake Children in Emergency Fund
54 Wilton Road
Westport, CT 06880
(800) 728-3843
SAMARITAN’S PURSE
P.O. Box 3000
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 262-1980
WORLD VISION
Haiti Earthquake Relief
P.O. Box 9716
Federal Way, WA 98063-9716
(888) 511-6548
CARE
151 Ellis Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
(800) 521-CARE (521-2273)
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS USA/MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES (MSF)
333 7th Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10001-5004
(888) 392-0392
INTERNATIONAL ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHARITIES
P.O. Box 630225
Baltimore, MD 21263-0225
(877) 803-4622
PARTNERS IN HEALTH
P.O. Box 845578
Boston, MA 02284-5578
(617) 432-5256
UNITED NATIONS CENTRAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUND
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
380 Madison Avenue, 6th floor
New York, NY 10017
U.S. FUND FOR UNICEF
125 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10038
(800) FOR-KIDS (367-5437)
Update: Haiti on Twitter
In Politickin', all that glitters on January 13, 2010 at 5:19 amHere’s a list of Twitter accounts covering the earthquake in Haiti, compiled by the NY Times.
http://twitter.com/nytimes/haiti-earthquake
Below, more from troylivesay, a missionary based in Port-au-Prince. If you want to follow his tweets, as I’m doing, click here.
troylivesay
6 minutes ago.
“Just experienced a stronger aftershock. It had calmed.”
8 minutes ago.
“The Haitian people are out praying together–aftershock happening right now.”
22 minutes ago.
“For those who don’t know–Haiti does not enforce building codes”
23 minutes ago.
Haiti
In Politickin', all that glitters on January 13, 2010 at 4:31 amThe first black republic in the Western Hemisphere. More recently, plagued by food riots, natural disaster, corruption. And now, an earthquake of 7.0, with aftershocks at 5.7 and 5.3. The damage that’s been done is horrific, and it doesn’t seem as though there are definitive numbers confirmed of folks who have been killed. Everything I’ve been reading thus far refers to the mayhem and destruction that’s unfolding in the aftermath of the initial earthquake. This is so terribly sad.
As of 11:24 PM, Courtesy of NY Times’ Lede Blog and Twitter.com (Click the red for the latest information)
Haitian Twitter uswer, Frederic Dupoux @fredodupoux — writes that, “no phones are working,”
He also writes in two updates posted within the past hour:
Just came back from Caribbean Super Market. It looks like ground zero. people are trapped it’s dark we need light and cell phone service.
It’s really ugly, just like in a bad dream. people need help, get out and help!
troylivesay ( A Christian Missionary working in Port-au-Prince)
- “Tipap made it home from Carrefour – saw many dead bodies and injured along the way – said most buidings w/more than one story are down”
- “In our area mostly exterior walls fallen – people afraid to re-enter their homes…”
- “I’ll stop in on borrowed internet later again if possible”
- “we can’t get through to the other orphanages/ministries here – no phones and lots of panic – all the Heartline people and children are ok”
- “I can’t imagine the devastation this has caused to such an overly stressed city – I think it will be suffering for quite some time.”
- “most people are staying outside in our area – aftershocks are still continuing…a neighbor was in a school that collapsed”
- “Phones and internet are mostly out – we don’t have either at home – radio says the Palace fell down and buildings fell down all along Delmas”
- “Just experienced a MAJOR earthquake here in Port au Prince – walls were falling down. – we are ALL fine – pray for those in the slums…”
Seun Adebiyi’s Story
In Politickin', all that glitters on January 12, 2010 at 8:58 amThe story of Seun Adebiyi’s search for a bone marrow transplant is awe-inspiring. At 26, he has a rare form of lymphoma and leukemia, and the transplant can give him a lease on life. He hails from Nigeria, recently graduated from Yale Law School, and hopes to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics (the sport: Skeleton.)
Here’s a video by Seun, in search of bone marrow match:
For more information on leukemia and registering to see if you can be a bone marrow donor, visit:
www.dkmsamericas.org
While they just had a drive on January 10, you can STILL be a donor.
Seun Adebiyi’s blog gives up to date information on his training/competition record, his reactions to chemotherapy, and interesting experiences.
Blessings, Seun!
Miss Bruno New York’s ‘My So Called Scarf’
In Brooklyn Social Club, Feminista, The 'Ness, The Talented Mssrs. & Mlles. I Know, bright lines, nerdysexycool on January 12, 2010 at 8:24 amJanuary simply feels better when you’re tucked away under winter accessories. We’ve all broke down and bought a
Corner Store Lily
dinky pair of black $5 gloves off the street when it’s become unbearable, as well as those faux-ushankas and poly-blend scarves.
Be done wit’ all that!
The Artivist Scarf, model, Popular Thug, aka Sugar Aphrodite
Madame et Monsieur Bruno
The Highlife
Grinning and Bearing It.
In Artz, Brooklyn Social Club, Williamsburg, nerdysexycool on January 9, 2010 at 11:16 pm |
 |
Often, my Daily Candy mail makes me smile. Even if I can’t afford the countless clothing or travel and culinary destinations they tote on their website.
But this here, this is just pure furry genius. For all of you melancholics and pessimistic souls:
The Painkiller Below, Courtesy of
“Summoned via text message, Death Bear will visit your Brooklyn apartment to remove painful reminders of your past (direct him toward empty cigarette packs, pictures of the ex, dropped-crotch pants) and give you the chance to start fresh in 2010.
Aside from practicing the dark art of absorbing negative memories, the man inside the suit also leads Chinatown garbage taxidermy tours, offers free bouncy rides on subway platforms while wearing a fish costume, and has a candy crack delivery service on weekends ($1 per bag).
But the resolution service is free this Saturday and Sunday.
So grin and bear it.”
To make an appointment, text 347-742-2293. For more information, go to clubanimalsnyc.blogspot.com. To find out more about the man inside the bear, go to natehillisnuts.com.
Photo: Kevin Walsh
Also available are “Bunny Butterfly Kisses”–courtesy of “Blizzard” the honey inside the bunny (head).
Brooklyn artist, Sean Lewis
In Artz, Brooklyn Social Club, Fort Greene, bright lines on January 9, 2010 at 11:00 pmMr. Sean Lewis, a Brooklyn-based visual artist & reader of the bright lines, has recently come to my attention.
Below is “Crashed Porsche”, oil on canvas, 48″ X 48″:
Houndstooth prints, oil paintings and pen & ink drawings of cars in crashed states (perhaps an homage to his Detroit roots?). I imagine a man’s world–a porsche, a Houndstooth jacket, a walk with a lady in Fort Greene–revved up & re-imagined colorfully, hard lines and pretty designs.
Check out his portfolio here. His artist adventures are documented in his blog.
Mercedes Collage (digital print):
“Sean Lewis grew up in Detroit, Michigan where he developed a love of art early on. At a young age, he studied architecture, ceramics, drawing and photography. Although he continued to study art at the University of Michigan, Sean decided to master in architecture. It was not until after university that Sean took up oil painting. He immediately became devoted to the medium and moved to New York to pursue it. Sean has lived and practiced in Brooklyn, New York for 5 years.”
Daily Rotation: Pistolera’s “Policia”
In Daily Rotation, Feminista, Politickin', The Talented Mssrs. & Mlles. I Know on January 7, 2010 at 2:48 amPistolera’s accordion-driven cumbias reside on the border ‘tween Brooklyn & Mexico. Here’s their video for “Policia” from their record En Este Camino:
Check them out at the 92Y Tribeca, this Friday, 1.8.10 @ 8 PM. San Francisco agency Trouble Worldwide & NYC world label Barbès have brought together a motley of bands that crisscross borders, sounds, and sensibilities!
For the band’s website: http://www.pistolera.net/
I Prefer Dark and Handsome, myself.
In Politickin' on January 7, 2010 at 1:58 amUgh. Not only does Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan annoy me with his non-glycerin induced tears, absurdly chiseled middle aged corpus, and view of himself as an “ambassador of islam’, but this unnecessarily archaic and racist endorsement of “Fair & Handsome” cream made me feel those same things that rose up in my college years.
Don’t enjoy–but watch:
Narz!
Thanks MGV, for another gem to ponder!
In Commemoration of ICE
In Uncategorized on January 7, 2010 at 12:40 amOver here in NYC, it’s cold y’all!
It’s been hard to get the writing juices flowing again. So what better way to start gettin’ inspired than by a flowing soda machine!
Ice Cube(s), anyone? Or perhaps some artificially sweetened Ice Tea?
Courtesy of the lovely Marissa GV–(or as she would say, lovely.com)
