“Dont Die Before You Lived”    12.21.2007  

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Last year alone more than 700 young people were involved in pedestrian road accidents in London, however the number has continually gone down 58% since the mid 90’s. Feeling that more needs to be done, Transport for London has created a new campaign entitled, “Don’t Die Before You Lived” using morbidly vivid and graphic images to get the message across to London’s youth.

Placed in high traffic areas such as Camden Tube Station, Stretham High Road, and Harrow Road, Transport for
London displays some of the effects of these severe accidents by having chalk outlines of several diverse young people with dreams. A potential dancer, athlete, and skateboarder have nothing left but a chalked outline, year of birth, date of death and shattered dreams.

The most striking of the “Don’t Die Before You Lived” campaign is the commercial showing how a simple mistake can shatter your life, your dreams and the lives of those you’ve known when colliding with the solid steel of a car. Though sometimes these images are disturbing, they present a clear and striking message about pedestrian and driver road safety, getting the point across to those that need it the most.

On The Move…    12.12.2007  

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From the Virgin Festival in Maryland, to Sonar in Barcelona, Red Bull on the Move has been traveling to different festivals and cities around the world presenting the many emerging sounds of global dance culture. Serving up some of the hottest tracks, and unreleased mixes, from artists like Simian Mobile Disco and Derrick May, Radio FX’s ‘Red Bull on the Move’ will celebrate their one year anniversary tonight at New York’s own Cielo.

Promising not to disappoint, Red Bull on the Move will have appearances by New York DJ and producer Dennis Ferrer. Ferrer’s 2006 debut album The World As I See It, has created hype with the soulfully filled techno beat of “Church Lady” and the undeniable club anthems “Touched the Sky,” and “Transition”. Making his U.S. debut, will be England’s own Ben Westbeech. His album Welcome To The Best Years Of Your Life showcases Westbeech’s sensual voice and clever lyrics, that are uniquely blended with the rhythms of jazz, blues, hip hop and soul. Tracks like “Nothing Else” and “Mini Mix for Annie Mac.” are standouts, as he discusses love, lust, music and life.

And the party will be going strong ’til the break of dawn, as Ferrer and Westbeech will be joined by resident DJ Kevin Hedge of Blaze, as well as invited guest J-Justice of Seattle’s Sun Tzu Sound. An additional treat will be vocalist Yasmeen performing her new single “Glad I Found You.” For free admission, guests can RSVP here or pay $15 at the door. Space is limited and admittance will be given on a first come first serve basis.

The Golden Touch    12.10.2007  

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The classic saying has always been diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but for this holiday season there’s an alternative to having your girl laced out in bling. Jules Kim, creator of Bijules has been putting the ‘golden’ touch of unique style, onto such creatures as serpents, AK-47s, ice picks and Japanese katana swords. But for this Christmas season, Jules Kim has created the sickest jeweled accessory. Coming in two sizes “nail rings” are gold tips that have actual gold fingernails that fit on over your fingertips. Unfortunately this manicure doesn’t come cheap, with prices starting from $150 for pinkie rings to $630 for the nail set, these little pretties could break your bank… but it would totally be worth it.

No. 1’s Done It Right    11.28.2007  

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No. One’s Done It Right takes the time to help those that can’t help themselves, as a premier event planning service. Catering to both international and local communities, No. One’s Done It Right helps forgotten and often overlooked neighborhoods through fundraising parties, planning concerts and highlighting new talent. They’re collaborating with the F.L.O. (For the Love Of) Humanity Foundation, who through community service, collection drives and volunteer services, heighten social responsibility and awareness of underprivileged communities. Along for the ride is the CUCU Foundation, which provides food for roughly 600 children through the Macheo Children’s Home in Thika, Kenya. No. One’s Done It Right hosts its first official event today (Wednesday, Nov. 28th) at Katra, located at 217 Bowery, N.Y.C. Featuring performances from Brooklyn-based rappers Thelonius Kapps and Live Wire, along with DJ sets from DJ Brina Payne and Kidz in the Hall’s Double-O.

As The Veil Turns    11.16.2007  

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It was a rainy day in May 2006, when photographer/filmmaker, Nsenga Knight found inspiration through the midst of tragedy. A’aliyah Abdul-Karim, author, activist and a pioneer in the Muslim community had died. Nsenga was traveling to the burial, when her car broke down along the way. Through the processions of mourners, Nsenga snagged a ride with Abdul-Karim’s friends, and listened to the women reflect on their lives, experiences and the then emerging Brooklyn Muslim community nearly 60 years ago. From the car ride to the burial site Nsenga laid witness to the testimonies of Abdul-Karim’s life, and further grasped the importance of Abdul-Karim as well as other women who have witnessed and participated at times in the transitions of the Muslim Community.

Entitled, As the Veil Turns: Female Pioneers of the American Muslim Community, Nsenga gives an inspirational glimpse into Brooklyn’s oldest Muslim communities. Located in the gallery at Harriet’s Alter Ego in Brooklyn, the exhibition documents the lives of black female members of the Nation of Islam and practitioners of Sunni Islam prior to 1975, and asks them about their lives before, during, and after becoming a Muslim. Included in the exhibition are 9 large scale black and white photographs of black women who converted to Islam prior to 1975. Each photograph is accompanied by audio recordings of conversations and interviews with each woman, so onlookers can gain a true sense of their story. Take in all the sights and sounds November 18th through December 31st.

Harriet’s Alter Ego

Make-A-Mixa    11.15.2007  

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As time progresses, slimmer, sexier and more futuristic styles of technological gadgets are being pushed into the spotlight. With more expensive tech toys making their way into our everyday lives, and sometimes burying a deeper hole in our wallets, we’re constantly fighting to keep up with other tech junkies. Makeamixa.com has reinvented the USB flash drive in the nostalgic design of an audio cassette. With 1GB of storage space instead of actual tape, a sleeve and label designed by you or picked from the MIXA designs, you really can’t lose.

Get Uplifted    11.14.2007  

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With the holiday season here, come to Cielo, located at 18 Little West 12th Street, for a time to give, receive and get uplifted. Presented by Gary Foster and Russell Simmons, on Nov. 15 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. Upliftment Jamaica is dedicated to inspiring, educating and empowering Jamaica and her people. The event will showcase performances by 77KLASH & Jah Dan, will have music provided by J PERIOD and be hosted by Beverly Smith. The pre-gala reception asks that guests bring unwrapped toys for the children of Jamaica, and the event will also feature a PUMA shoe swap. By bringing in a gently worn pair of shoes, you’ll get a free gift certificate from PUMA. Check it.

Common Sense    11.07.2007  


Breaking the mold yet again with another music video that rivals some movies out today. Common’s “I Want You” contains an All-Star Cast of Kerry Washington, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Serena Williams and Derek Luke. Watch the drama unfold as former lovers, Kerry Washington and Common, play a quick game of cat and mouse, leaving current girlfriend, Alicia Keys, in the dark about what’s really going on. Though only a music video, the action unfolds telling a clear story, while Common spills his heart over a subtle yet striking beat. Directed by Kerry Washington and Sanji Senaka. Hands down the best video I’ve seen in a long time.

Habana/Harlem    10.31.2007  

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The HarlemStage Gatehouse presents Habana/Harlem, two days full of live music performances, dialogue and film. Located at 150 Convent Avenue (at West 135 Street & Convent Avenue) beginning on Nov 2nd at 7.30 p.m. listen to the musical performances esteemed artists like Cuban percussionist Roman Diaz and pianist Oriente Lopez, as well as Spanish Harlem native and musical newcomer GIF, as each artist presents a blend of jazz, hip-hop and Latin music. The party continues on Nov. 3rd at 4.30 p.m. with a screening of Lisandro Perez-Rey’s documentary, La Fabri-K: The Cuban Hip-Hop factory, about La Fabri-K, a Cuban hip-hop collective’s journey from their inception in Havana to their U.S. tour, featuring appearances by The Roots as well as hip hop legend, Afrika Bambaataa. Finally at 7.30 p.m. Habana/Harlem closes with Grammy nominated and international known drummer Ignacio Berroa, as he plays the night away with one of New York’s oldest classic, Latin, dance bands, Orquesta Broadway led by founder/musical director Eddie Zervigon.

Box It Up    10.29.2007  

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For most sneaker fanatics, (and you know who you are,) sneakers are only as important as the protection you give them. Limited editions, rare collectibles or even just your favorite pair get locked up in a cardboard box only to have you search through towering stacks to find them again. Look no further than The Clear Box. Made from 100% clear plexiglass, Japanese designer Neo has created a way to not only protect your coveted kicks, but also make them easier to spot amongst your towering stack of faves. Sold exclusively at online shop We Sold Out, stock up on a couple of boxes or buy just one to display your favorite pair.