Holidays Under The Lights

     Easter Break is this week and if you plan on staying in New York during break, there are plenty of things jumping off in the Big Apple.  The following opportunities are conveniently planted in the heart of NYC.  So pull out your calendars store the following events on your to-do list!

           

            With Women’s Month swiftly coming to a close, Webster Hall will be hosting a Girl’s Night Out event Thursday, March 28^th.  Just in time for Easter break!  Fellas, GNO isn’t only for the ladies.  You’re invited too!  Tickets are just 15 bucks, and ladies, if you’re over 21, you can get in free.  Please note, you must be 19 year and older.  In effort of keeping this event up to the ladies standards, no hats, boots, timbs or baggy jeans (for men and women) are allowed. And collared shirts are required for men.  If you don’t adhere to these guidelines, you will be denied entry.  The event starts at 10:00 PM.  A good time is guaranteed!  Head to this website to get your tickets. http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3293694&REFERRAL_ID=tmfeed&crosssite=TM_US:1618435:140

Now who said Halloween can’t happen year around?!  On Saturday, hop on the train heading towards Time Scare, I mean, Time Square to plunge into a world of terror.  No costume necessary.  Located 668 8th Avenue, the Time Scare Haunted House easily echoes the eerie scenery of a nightmarish psychiatric hospital.  Fraught with many twists and turns that feature gruesome sights, shocks and scenes reminiscent of horror films, you’re destined to leave frightened, panting and perhaps, in tears.  Have no worries.  You can ease that anxiety with a delicious meal at their restaurant.  General admission tickets are $27, but if you rally a group of friends, ticket prices are chopped off by 20 to 30 percent.  Ticket times are for 3:00 PM Saturday and 1:00 AM Sunday!  The choice is yours.  To buy tickets online, go to http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3300504&REFERRAL_ID=tmfeed&crosssite=TM_US:1652316:337347

            If you’re not too tired from the thrill of the Haunted House, come out from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM to participate in NYC’s annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival.  That’s right. Bonnet Festival. People from across the world gather along Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Street to flaunt their Sunday’s best!  Outfits hit both sides of the spectrum featuring outrageously eccentric to ravishingly elegant attire.  Just a quick history lesson.  Did you know that NYC’s Easter Parade spawned from the simple decision to decorate churches with flowers in celebration of Easter back in the 1800’s? The small gesture produced what we see today at the parade!  Get a glimpse of what the parade entails with a clip from 2012’s Easter Parade. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHWuPmEmJ5A  

- Brittany Spell

Majestic Casual x Beyonce x Lil' Wayne

This week I did some research into some different genres of music and I have to say I’m pretty excited about what I found.  If you are familiar with XXYYXX, the 17-year-old smash producer who birthed the trippy tracks About You, XXYYXX and Alone, then Majestic Casual may be the next big thing for you to listen to.  Majestic Casual urges you to ‘experience music in a new way,’ done by dozens of producers with the chill like remixes to familiar songs from Biggie’s "Dead Wrong" to Destiny’s Child "Say My Name" and almost everything in-between. With a constant stream of videos always coming in, Majestic Casual is definitely one to watch, check out the Boyz II Men remix of "Can You Stand The Rain" and one of their popular tracks "Wild Child" below. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAj5TKIdDxU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNvjKkXFBvU

So, is it just me, or is Bey’s new Bow Down just not cutting it?  King Bey’s release of her first single off her upcoming album coming out later this year is a bit, well much.  I can’t say that I can get used to Bey’s cursing on a track, but the songs not all bad and you can expect to hear it all over the place simply because its done by Bey.  There is also rumored to be an upcoming remix featuring artists from the dirty south, stay tuned.  Songs like this have fans questioning, is change really good?  I hope we can still expect some of the sweet songbird side of Beyonce in her upcoming album.  Here is the video promo for Bow Down/I Been On. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S31aR9a5Fc

After Lil Wayne’s severe seizures and ICU scare, Wayne is back!  He released a video thanking fans for their continued support, here’s a link to the video.  Wayne’s release for what is reportedly his final album is due in two days, stay on the lookout for “I Am Not A Human Being 2”. 

http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.11NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzNjQwNTc5ODM5MDgmcHQ9MTM2NDA1Nzk4NTQ4MiZwPSZkPSZnPTImbz**YjlhOWI2YWUwNGQ*MzczYjM5MjRiZDhl/OWZiZTI4ZiZvZj*w.gif

http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/1_adys6fus/uiconf_id/6740162 

http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/1_adys6fus/uiconf_id/6740162

What’s On My Replay?

Yay Yay – Schoolboy Q

Pour It Up – Rihanna Ft. Yung Jeezy, Juicy J, Rick Ross & T.I.

BSail – Kendrick Lamar

20/20 Experience – Justin Timberlake

B**** Don’t Kill My Vibe Remix – Kendrick ft. Jay Z

- Alyssa Jones

From The Runway to Your Closet: Spring ’13 Must-Haves

Ah, Spring. The sun is out, the flowers are blooming, & the winter chill is calming to a light breeze. Time to break out of those heavy winter coats & show off those outfits that have been begging for a little sunlight. Every season a new set of trends come to view & I have just the pieces to make your Spring (& possibly even Summer) pop! The top fashion designers pulled out all the stops on their lines this Spring & gave us a sneak peek as to what has to be in our rotation this season. Check out these top fashion trends for Spring 2013 that will have YOU walking like a runway model!

Black & White

            You hear Spring & automatically think pastel colors & florals, however this year Spring didn’t want to be so bright. Add a few black and white outfits to give yourself a sleek and edgy look. Outfits like this can go from E-board meeting to nightclub with a few adjustments & a change of a heel. Signature outfits stand out in the best ways & you definitely don’t want to be a part of the crowd.

Stripes, Stripes, STRIPES!

            Even though everyone is into the geometric shapes this year, stripes are what’s coming up next. Bold stripes on shirt, pants/skirts, or BOTH will make you look down right cool & give your look a hipster vibe. Don’t think you can pull it off? Try it away! Trust me, you’ll be happy you did.

Peek-a-Boos

            Looking to add a little spice to your wardrobe? Cutouts are what’s hot! Dresses with cut out sides, shirts with sheer middles (cleavage alert!), or even skirts that slits go to where no man has gone before, it’s all the rage! Perfect pieces for a night on the town or just to feel hot for a day; work it out & feel confident doing it!

Statement Sunglasses

            When your Aunt Sally wore those big sunglasses that covered her entire face they looked silly, but this Spring you’ll be crowned a fashionista! Statement sunglasses with flare ends will send a simple outfit through the roof. Don’t overdo them with bulky jewelry or wild outfits. Keep it cute & the glasses will do the rest.

Bermuda Shorts

            If you’re like me & aren’t cut out for the booty shorts & stockings, then Bermuda shorts might be up your aisle. These wide legged shorts come to the knee and give any outfit a flirty flare. With all the different materials they come in, you can’t help play with the variety. They go great with a heel, flat, or combat boot. A fitted shirt & a light jacket would be perfect in my eyes, but there are so many options and a whole season to test them on!

Short Suits

            Having lunch with the girls? Get fancy & throw on blazer with a pair of pleated shorts for a business casual look. Another style that can go from business to fun within seconds, but the best part? No adjustments! Short suits will keep you cool while keeping you looking cool (get it!). A low heel is best, but of course you have to out do your friends from time to time. Throw on that 6-inch & pump it out!

Floral Pant

            Okay, okay, a little floral made it on the list. Floral is a classic, & classics never die. A bold floral pant will be divine with a simple blouse & cute shoe. Make them as bright as you want, it’s Spring! If you’re a fan of your backside, then these will definitely give your ass-sets a bit more attention. Can you handle the attention the flowers will bring?

And its that simple! With a few signature pieces, you could be the next Naomi Campbell! Keep your Iphones in your purses though. Have fun dressing!

- CookTP

Music & Films To Relax Your Mind

With the month swiftly coming to a close, midterms ending and Easter break listlessly creeping upon us, let off some well-deserved steam as you indulge in the most exciting events happening throughout New York City! 

Do you know what Lauryn Hill, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Jimi Hendrix have in common?  ALL four iconic music powerhouses have graced the notorious Apollo Theater with their beguiling presence!  Apollo’s Amateur Night continues to serve as a platform for performers to illustrate their talent (or lack thereof) as audience members are given the opportunity to firmly flex their judging muscles!   Take a break and join the Apollo Theater on Wednesday for a memorable night.  The theater is located 253 W 125th St and tickets can be brought on Ticketmaster.  Ticket prices range from $20 to $32 with an additional $5 off in advance until the day before the show!  http://www.ticketmaster.com/Amateur-Night-At-The-Apollo-tickets/artist/839690

From Sunday to Thursday night, you can ease your longing for childhood as you enjoy the latest Wizard of Oz rendition, Oz the Great and Powerful in 3D!  Just a train ride away, you can get a subtle blast from the past at Brooklyn’s Academy of Music (BAM) Theater.  Trailers for the new film illustrate an action-packed remake that’ll surely leave watchers regenerating famous lines like “there’s no place like home”!  General admission is $16, but lucky for you, prices for students is $12 with valid ID.  Show times for Sunday include: 1pm, 3:40pm, 6:30pm and 9:20pm.  Show times for Monday through Thursday include:  4pm, 6:30pm and 9:20pm.  BAM is located 30 Lafayette Ave.  For more information, visit the website.  http://www.bam.org/#Calendar

Last, but certainly not least, you can end your week with the annual hafla (Arabic for “party”) and dance celebration at  BAMcafé Live!  Friday at 10pm, you can witness the extraordinary movements of the most illustrious practitioners of raqs sharqi (belly dance) in New York City.  The bewitching rhythms of North African and Middle Eastern melodies will fill the air as special guest Carmine & Friends and Pure Onyx Movement get the crowd moving.  As always, BAMcafé Live events are abstract, one-of-a-kind and truly unforgettable! 

- Brittany Spell

Catholic Churches and the Culture of Corruption

Recently, the Catholic Archbishop of Durban, Wilfrid Fox Napier  said  pedophilia is a psychological "illness, not a criminal condition" to defend his fellow priest(s).The South African cardinal told the BBC that it is the priests who were abused that go on to abuse children in the future. I was really confused when I read that statement,  I really don’t understand how that is going to solve the problem of priest molesting kids. Priests should know better regardless of what may have happened in their past. Their position warrants them as a moral leader, if anything they are going to make those children clinically depressed and “carry on” the culture of pedophilia.

Also, in another similar case, the archdiocese of L.A covered up for the sins of one of the priest in his diocese, Father Mahoney. The Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles sneakily covered him up and paid the bill for his “mental treatment” in a church run mental centre. After a few weeks, he was simply allowed to minister again. Just like that.  No formal punishments. No suspension. Just “treatment”  to relieve him of his pedophilic lifestyle.

I hope the new pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio ( also known as Pope Francis) does something about all the corruption that has been going on in the Catholic Church, he seems to be very humble and opts for n austere  life- like most priests should!! He also has a lot of strong views on corruption and other controversial issues in the church. Hopefully Pope Francis makes eradicating corruption –amidst other pressing issues of course- one of his priorities.

- Jasmine Mbadugha

Reggae x Jhene Aiko x Jay-Z x Drake

It’s the middle of March, and I have summer fever.  I don’t know about you guys, but I couldn’t be more ready for the summertime.  Now, for those of you who don’t know I am an islander to the core, born and raised on the tiny Island of Bermuda; and that means I grew up on Dancehall, Reggae and Soca and there is no better time for us islanders to prepare for summer than now when all the new summertime favorites start to be released.  This week I daydream of myself on the beach nonstop while listening to Machel Montano.  For those of you who’d like to daydream just as I do, I’d encourage you to listen to “The Fog”, “Drinkin’ Rum” and “She Ready” on repeat!  

Sweet Jhene Aiko has released another careless, feel good song just when we needed one.  Jhene is known for her chill out music vibe, whimsical beats and dope lyrics, she’s perfect for a feature and even better when her beautiful eerie voice that can dance all over a track.  Her new video for “Burning Man” is a beach themed summer night track that will have you pressing the replay button for sure!  Check out the video below. 

Besides the Kanye drama, sigh, with JT and Jay-Z’s “Suit and Tie”, I’m excited for the two to go on tour together!  Even if Yeezy doesn’t really like the song, the two would be something crazy on tour and presale tickets were recently released, so if you guys want to see the magic I would suggest grabbing your tickets ASAP!

http://www.ticketmaster.com/JAY-Z-and-Justin-Timberlake-tickets/artist/1837448

We underestimated him greatly.  Yes!  Drake, thank you for “5AM In Toronto”.  This is the Drake I’ve been missing, telling the world we need him and proving why he is such a great lyricist.  I was a Drake fan early, and watching him progress can make one crazy sometimes.  Yes, Drake always produces hits and gives us just what we need when Hip Hop is having a drought, but there’s nothing like a declaration of ‘you need me’.  From his mellow and meaningful hits of So Far Gone to his first album Thank Me Later and the powerful sophomore album, Take Care Drake hits the mark every time.  The uncertainty comes from his character, it’s like Drake is lost in the Hollywood lights with a reputation that begs him to man up.  I’m rooting for Drake though; I believe that he could be the best to do it in our generation simply for always knowing what to do.  If Drake does things on his own time and keeps up with the unexpected collaborations, catchy singles and deep lyrics he could be well respected in the Hip Hop community.  I’m looking forward to the release of his upcoming album Nothing Was The Same. 

   

What’s On My Replay?

5AM In Toronto – Drake

Immortals- Kid Cudi

Burning Man- Jhene Aiko

Kingin – Curren$y

Eyes Like Sky – Frank Ocean

- Alyssa Jones