Honestly.....

I'll take the painful truth over a pleasant lie any day!!

(More on this to come. Sleep on that fah now!)

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

I found the keys to Happiness & Succe$$

If we strive to do even half the things mentioned in these two pieces of writing, we'd live such an ideal life and obviously be better people. I know the happiness we would yield within would not only be perpetual but unbreakable as well. The men who wrote these pieces were most definitely enlightened. These are two of my favorite poems. Both stumbled upon at dear friends of mines houses, titles typed into my "memo pad" in my blackberry to google later, and read every few days to keep myself in check.  Other poems rarely made me think as deep as these two have. They've made me feel like I've gained some special insight or the secrets to life have been revealed to me.  The first is Desiderata by Max Ehrman and the second is titled "IF" by Rudyard Kipling.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

IF 

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream–and not make dreams your master,
If you can think–and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ‘em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings–nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
YOURS IS THE EARTH AND EVERYTHING THATS IN IT,
And–which is more–you’ll be a Man, my son!

Matthieu Ricard on the habits of happiness

Via one of my favorite websites. Ted.Com where intellects from various fields speak on whats important to them in 18 mins or less. Well, that's what is requested but some do go a couple mins over. Nevertheless one of the most inspiring and informative sites EVER. I'll post at least 1 good video a week.  Some are funny, some may leave you a little more perplexed then you were before and some are enlightening, but all will make you think and at least broaden your perspective.  

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

(Matthieu and the Dalai Lama)

Ted.Com - "Sometimes called the "happiest man in the world," Matthieu Ricard is a Buddhist monk, author and photographer.

After training in biochemistry at the Institute Pasteur, Matthieu Ricard left science behind to move to the Himalayas and become a Buddhist monk -- and to pursue happiness, both at a basic human level and as a subject of inquiry. Achieving happiness, he has come to believe, requires the same kind of effort and mind training that any other serious pursuit involves.

His deep and scientifically tinged reflections on happiness and Buddhism have turned into several books, including The Quantum and the Lotus: A Journey to the Frontiers Where Science and Buddhism Meet. At the same time, he also makes sensitive and jaw-droppingly gorgeous photographs of his beloved Tibet and the spiritual hermitage where he lives and works on humanitarian projects.

His latest book on happiness is Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill; his latest book of photographs is Tibet: An Inner Journey. "

"Matthieu Ricard, French translator and right-hand man for the Dalai Lama, has been the subject of intensive clinical tests at the University of Wisconsin, as a result of which he is frequently described as the happiest man in the world."

Robert Chalmers, The Independent

J.Cole- Who Dat

The video for his first single off his debut album. Two of my favorite songs of his are Losing My Balance  and Lights Please. Click the titles and check 'em.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

$ubway Chronicle$: From Dope Rides to Random $miley Face$.....

The $ubway never seems to dissapoint me when it comes to witnessing randomness. Sometimes its great things, and other times its just blasphemy! Here's some of the things I've recently spotted:

1. Homo Thug II by Asante Kahari

There was a lady reading this book on the train. Sorry for the bad shot, but it's hard to snap a photo with your berry & still remain inconspicuous lol. But back to it, I saw this lady reading this book and I couldnt help but giggle a bit. I know I shouldn't judge, but it's just so hard when someone chooses to read books like that to expand their horizon. Really, how far are you really expanding it? SMH. While I finished reading "Little Bee" by Chris Cleave, she continued to read her book. Yall tell me, am I wrong to shake my head at her reading selection?

2. Dope Rides

So this Bike had to be the cleanest thing on the F Train! Lol. I had to snap a pic. The guy treated it as if it was his real child! Either way, yall can't tell me this bike aint fresh!?

3. LOL Smiley Face

This spectacle simply made me laugh! Someone really took the time to turn their bagel into to $ubway artwork. Hahahahahaha, gotta love NY.

-Peace & Ble$$ing$ (KA)

GUCCI Mane James!!

Peace &  Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Child Sex Trafficking in Atlanta

Child sex trafficking is an issue all around the world, including the U.S. The most disturbing of our many global atrocities to me.  I remember Oprah did an episode on it and my heart ached while tears shed the whole time. Her focus on the issue was in 3rd world countries such as Thailand, China and India.  Human trafficking is the fastest growing international crime.  I was reading a recent article on child sex trafficking and was surprised to learn that Atlanta, GA is considered of the biggest hubs for under age sex trafficking in the U.S. Teen Identity, a girls' empowerment grouped based in Atlanta, GA, released a PSA video this week that chillingly connects the victims of sex trafficking with their stats. Pray for them, us and the rest of the world.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

“Numbers” (HD) - Child Exploitation & Sex Trafficking PSA from Ron Dawson on Vimeo.

I TOLD YOU SO!!

Fahreal fahreal I think I got quite the ear.....look what was released today!

Miguel feat J.Cole - All I want is you video!!

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Miguel Jontel- Next BIG thing! Mark my words.

My 15 year old sister is an avid youtube cruiser and about a year ago she put me on to a guy named Miguel Jontel with a song called "Quickie" , yeah I was smh at her too.  Impressed by that 1st song I started cruisin his youtube channel myself and was totally perplexed as to why he hasn't made it yet.  On the low, he has made it as a producer, having wrote songs for  Usher, Musiq Soulchild and others.  Here is a more in depth article on him via Theboombox.com for those interested, if you don't care that much just check the links provided below.  Miguel Builds Industry Buzz With Genre-Defying Sound.

Here's some of his music for while you're reading.

My fav!! Sure Thing!!

Another favorite, this one is feat J.Cole All I Want is You

Remind Me That I'm Lonely 

HERE is a writing session for a song that I guess he's giving to Musiq Soulchild, sounds like its gonna be goood too.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Throwback Jam

It's Friday, the weekend kicks off at 5 or 6 pm,  until then, let's take it back....enjoy the jam :)

 

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (KA)

Lauryn Hill Rocks the Bells!!

Soooo, peep the 2010 Rock the Bells updated line-up!!! 1 way or another i'm sooo there!!

Washington, DC
Sunday August 29, 2010
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Pre-Sale Friday June 18 @10am
On-Sale Saturday June 19 @10am
Tickets available @Ticketfly.com.

 For Other Locations, etc...click here

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (n.g.)

Yessssss!! Mezmorized Video

"I don't love 'em, I don't chase 'em-I duck em!" - Wiz Khalifa

This video will be edited for MTV so we'll be able to catch it on MTV Jams n shit soon! WoOHOO!

Publish Post

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

New Music: Trey Songz- Already Taken

Alright, I'm sure everyone knows that Trey Songz is gorgeous, but more so he is everywhere! He just did a video with Keri Hilson for "Yo Side of The Bed" and here he is heating up the screens with another video. This time, Trey brought out his gorgeous ex, Helen Geldu to star in the video for "Already Taken", which is on the soundtrack for Step Up 3. East Africa's finest baybay....so what I'm biased ;). Maybe there's still some chemistry there, you tell me, check it out....

 -Peace & Ble$$ing$ (KA)
~Mu$ic is My Boyfriend~

RiRi Graces Cover for Elle (July 2010)

Rihanna is definitely the baddest b*!%$ in heels and her range just won't let up! Her transformation from a cute girl from Barbados to a fashion icon has been unbelievable. I absolutely adore her daring style & off- the wall fits. What can I say, Rihanna is bad! Check out the flicks & footage from her recent shoot with Elle Magazine for the July Cover Shoot.

 

Make Sure They Fit.....

So the other day I was choppin it up with @NG, speaking on the atrocities I see in New York Subways.  You see, I spend a good amount of time on these trains, all of em....1,2,3,4,5,6,7, A,B,C,D,E,F,N,R,Q,V,W, L, J, M, Z.....all of em! And I have seen all kinds of things, from funky outfits to people down right drunk & gettin it on! Lol. So, I figured I'd start snappin shots of the good, the bad, and the ugly on NYC subways. 

First shot. May 30, 2010. R Train. The other day, I was on the train headed to Queens to spend time with my Queens fam, and there it was....little pinky toe hangin out her sandal! I was flabbergasted. Did she not realize that the shoes didnt fit properly when she purchased it? I mean come on, that little piggy was headed to the market! I wanted to lean over & let her know she should tuck that *ish in. But, I just snapped a pic.....ya'll be the judge. Would you walk out yo house knowing ya toes was hangin out ya shoes...in a bad way?! 

-Peace & Ble$$ing$ (KA)

Silly Kids!!

FUNNIEST KID TEST ANSWERS OF ALL-TIME (via HUFFINGTONPOST.COM)

Lmaooo @ these clever ass kids 

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

 

Major Lazer and La Roux Present Lazerproof Mixtape

I'ma La Roux fan so when I heard about them releasing a reggae/dancehall type of mixtape !!!!!!!(no words) !!!! ???? jus pure curiousity! This is gonna be in heavy summa jam rotation for me! They even got a Lemonade cover yo (track 3-to I'm not your toy)!Lmao I'm soo serious-and its !LL. The links below- Listennnnnnnnnn

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Who's Rich Hil???

I couldn't wait till 'Music Monday'!! loll

Rich Hil is a pretty talented MC. I came across a song he has with Kid Cudi, Won't You Tell Me, and liked it. After further research I found out he was the son of Tommy Hilfiger, yes, the fashion designer.  This made me dubious of his talent as a rap artist but also heightened my intrigue. I started youtubing some more of his music and fell upon, Leaning on my Re-up, also ILL. I read up on him and he's got a lot of cosigns from pretty decent artists so I decided to download his mix-tape and I luhhh it!! 'I Can't Stay Longer'  and ' Love Like Mine' are my favorite tracks thus far, but i'm only on my first listen and doin it while i'm writing this.

Download Limosa Nostra Act 1 here!!. It's also rumored that he will be releasing a mixtape with Kid Cudi. 

Check Day Dream and Love my Love.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Rock the Bells 2010

So the 7th Annual hip-hop Rock the Bells tour line-up was announced a couple days ago and i've been anticipating this because I heard Lauryn Hill and A Tribe Called Quest were headlining it. BULLSHIT!! I'm not surprised but i'm still pissed! I will remain faithful though because there's still time for them to get on. The tour kicks off on August 21 at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, CA then continue on to Shoreline Amphitheater in San Francisco on August 22, Governer’s Island in New York on August 28, and will wrap up at Merriweather Pavilion in Washington D.C. on August 29. (Friends take note- Yall know August is my birthday month and making this tour is all I really want so who's down!! Sice me!)

Artists confirmed for the ROCK THE BELLS 2010 FESTIVAL SERIES are:

Wu-Tang Clan
Rakim
KRS-One
Slick Rick
Street Sweeper Social Club
Murs and 9th Wonder
Wiz Khalifa
Clipse
Immortal Technique
Jedi Mind Tricks
Brother Ali
DJ Muggs and Ill Bill
Big Sean
Yelawolf

Hosted by
Supernatural
DJ Rocky Rock

It's said that the focus on the tour is "Classic Rap Albums" so.....
* Slick Rick (performing The Great Adventures of Slick Rick)
* KRS-One (performing Criminal Minded)
* Rakim (performing Paid In Full)
* Wu-Tang Clan (performing Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers)

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Rest In Peace Sleeping Beauty, Aiyana Jones

I just had to take the time to post this entry for a few reasons....One, because I just posted a piece on the direction of our youth & violence. Two, because I feel that it has been overlooked since the hype has died down. And Three, for those of yall who don't know, should know about Aiyana Jones.

 On May 16, 2010 7-year old Aiyana Jones was sleeping as Detroit Police proceeded with a no-knock raid. The end result, Aiyana Jones died. Now here are the details, simple format:

1. The police were looking for the suspect in the homicide of Jerean Baker.

2. The police threw a flash grenade into the apartment.

3. Aiyana Jones father, Charles Jones, rushed to the front of the apartment, attempting to help his daughter. Instead, the police wrestled him to the floor....his face was forced to lay in his daughter's blood.

4. Aiyanna Jones was burned by the grenade & shot twice by the bullet.

5. Police are asserting that there was a "scuffle" which caused the shots. (In my opinion, false)

6. 7-year old Aiyana Jones died (Shot twice & burned).

Now, some may wonder two things, why did this all start & why would they throw the grenade? As for how it all started....the death of 17-year old Jerean Baker caused the police to search in those apartments for the suspect. People are saying it the dispute between Jerean & the suspect started over  a push or shove. As for why the grenade was thrown? Well that can be attributed to the excitement of having a camera crew around the police. The popular 48 Hour show was being taped. 

Honestly, I am just saddened by the event. How can people be so cruel? Does a father's face really have to be shoved into his dying daughter's blood? Does a simple dispute  have to escalate in the death of two children? I often look around & consider those third world countries & the pics of the ailing kids....and then I think of the Great America.....a place where everything and anythings is possible, yet catasrophe's like this occur far to often. 

Rest in Peace Aiyana Jones & Jerean Baker

-Peace & Ble$$ing$ (KA)

The Kid Frankie!!

Wiz Khalifa- The Kid Frankie Video. I always wondered how he kept his lips from getting dark. Loll

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

"No Bullshit" Breezyyy

Soo Chris Brown put out another video from the Fan of a Fan mixtape for "No Bullshit" and uhhhhh......just watch.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Rock$tar 101 Video!

Back to the dark side-I don't know how I feel about this...back to the leotards, spikes, and black lipstick. It's becoming routine, which is why I loved the Rude boy video. Interestingly enough, Melina Matsoukas, the director of this video also directed her Hard and Rude boy videos.  She's also responsible for: Beyonces- Why don't you love me & Diva, Snoops- Sensual Seduction, Lily Allens- Not fair and more. Now SHE seems extraordinary ( I think I luh her lol). Anyway here's her vision-Enjoy!

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

M.I.A is baaaack

The dopest mc/singer/producer is back with her 3rd album /\/\/\Y/\ (a.k.a. MAYA) said to be released next month and gracing the June/Jule 2010 issue of Complex magazine!! Here's some photos from her photoshoot via complex.com.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Rihanna so soft!?!

I don't remember the last time I didn't see her in some shoulder padded leotard or some tights with some spikes somewhere. She still "So hard" but she let her femininity shine in this photo shoot for YOU magazine.

*Photos via  Rihannadaily.com

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Chuckin up the Deuces!!

Fav song on the 'Fan of a Fan' mixtape and here's the video for Deuces! Chris Browns acrobatic skills are impressive!

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Nas & Damian Marley-......Killa Combo

Distant Relatives dropped on May 18th and although I'm a huge fan of both artists, I was a bit apprehensive about the combo.  Not that I doubted their musical genius, I simply feared it would be exactly what I expected- a repetitive theme of unity, the ghetto, and reaching babylon. Now I feel foolish because although it does speak of all that, its done so beautifully. The album is deep, a stretch from the ego centric shit everyone is on. Don't even think they mentioned "swagga" once! loll Beyond the social and political commentary it is an album capable of lifting your spirits. UPlifting and lyrically genius! Worth the $$$ fahreall.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Christina Aguilera named World Food Programme Ambassador Against Hunger

I know I've been slacking with the posts lately, but its been kinda hectic lately! Anywho, this is a piece that I found really great....Christina Aguilera was recently named a World Food Programme Ambassador Against Hunger! Amidst all the comparison of her to Lady Gaga, this lady is actually making it clear that she is strikingly different. She lets her actions speak louder than her words, which in this case is pretty hard considering homegirl can hit a tune! Few weeks ago (May 13thish) she visited two schools in Haiti that utilize WFP programs & even helped serve food. Big Ups to Xtina, check out more pics below! 

(Peep the footage of her singing Happy Birthday to Haiti)

-Peace & Ble$$ing$ (KA)

Happy Birthday Malcolm X

May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965

Warrior. He left a legacy that few will match. His piercing intellect, revolutionary thought and fearless approach set a high standard that evoked action and passion from a countless number of people. No holiday or ceremony can really repay our debt to you-but I am forever grateful.

"We declare our right on this earth...to be a human being, to be respected as a human being, to be given the rights of a human being in this society, on this earth, in this day, which we intend to bring into existence by any means necessary."

"I'm for truth, no matter who tells it. I'm for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I'm a human being, first and foremost, and as such I'm for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole."

"Without education, you're not going anywhere in this world."

"Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today."

"Power in defense of freedom is greater than power in behalf of tyranny and oppression."

"Truth is on the side of the oppressed."  

"You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom."

"You don't have to be a man to fight for freedom. All you have to do is to be an intelligent human being."

"The price of freedom is death."

"Respect me, or put me to death."

"I don't mean go out and get violent; but at the same time you should never be nonviolent unless you run into some nonviolence. I'm nonviolent with those who are nonviolent with me. But when you drop that violence on me, then you've made me go insane, and I'm not responsible for what I do."

"It doesn't mean that I advocate violence, but at the same time, I am not against using violence in self-defense. I don't call it violence when it's self-defense, I call it intelligence."  

"I don't favor violence. If we could bring about recognition and respect of our people by peaceful means, well and good. Everybody would like to reach his objectives peacefully. But I'm also a realist. The only people in this country who are asked to be nonviolent are black people."

Peace &  Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Save the Children..

Support The D.C Healthy Schools Act!!

As we all already know, obesity is a serious problem in the United States.  Sadly enough, our society enables and basically promotes obesity with our fast-food, microwavable, high calorie yet convenient foods. We can get deep and speak on the conspiracy of how expensive "organic" and fresh foods are in comparison to the generic/basic more affordable foods at the grocery stores but that's not the focus of this post.

 This generation of children are the first that are expected to die before their parents due to obesity and the complications caused by it. 43% of D.C. public school students are overweight or obese.   In an attempt to save the children, "Earth Day Network" has created The D.C Healthy Schools Act.  It is " a landmark bill that will substantially raise the nutritional standards of school meals, bring fresh, local fruits and vegetables to schools, triple the amount of physical and health education, and create a school gardens program. A penny-per-ounce tax on soda and sugar-sweetened beverages is proposed to fund the D.C. Healthy Schools Act — and provide additional money for local health programs, such as eliminating the District’s “grocery gap.”

So PLEASE Sign the petition to fund healthy and nutritious school meals, more physical activity for students, and expanded health and wellness programs for children.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

 

Petitions by Change.org|Start a Petition »

Your ears can thank me later...

Take a listen. If you can't appreciate the story in the songs, then you'll enjoy the eclectic collection of beats, sounds and vocals that create the sound. If you don't enjoy either.....your ears are just stubborn. 

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

(there are a total of 4 songs-cldn't post all the videos bec i'm just not that tech savy but just click on the link)





The XX - "Night Time" from Kniphe Party on Vimeo.
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Hot Chip We Re Looking For A Lot Of Love - VidoEmo - Emotional Video Unity">


The Xx Teardrops - VidoEmo - Emotional Video Unity">

Alicia Keys- Unthinkable (I'm ready)

So, Alicia Keys finally released a video for my favorite song on her album, Unthinkable. It touches on the issue of interracial dating, which unfortunately, is still a head turner in most of the world. You'd think in 2010 we'd be above and beyond all the labels and restrictions but in actuality we're still so far behind.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Statement of Gratitude

Gratitude- Letting others know you see how they've helped you 

 
I once had an assignment which required me to write a "statement of gratitude".  It's basically a statement of acknowledgment expressing your appreciation.  We were suppose to go beyond the obvious and dig deep and find what intrinsic values it were that we appreciated so much. I enjoyed the assignment because it did bring to surface those things I appreciated most about those that I love and it's not everyday we truly recognize and give thanks for them. Here's mine so maybe today you can also think about what it is you genuinely appreciate about the ones in your life-even if your not feelin 'em right now loll

From my mother, the strength of an unyielding faith, and the power of love unconditional.

From my father, the resilience in times of adversity, the beauty of laughter and joy and the knowledge of wellness that pure happiness creates.

From my brother, the benevolence towards all God’s creatures, the necessity and display of trust he shares with me and in mankind.

From my sisters, companionship like no other.

From my lover, a fire lit from a burning desire, passion in its most intense form and the ability to love with reckless abandon and confide with no reservations.

From my friends, support, and proof that I am not alone. A connection that proves to me that we, the citizens of this earth, are all one.

From my God, a beautiful view.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)