Bleu Magazine Issue #64 De La Ghetto

CARNAGE

PROKLLA KINSHASA

STEAL STEAL THE THESHOW. SHOW.

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THE LEXUS ES F SPORT. With masterfully crafted details, impressive performance, and aggressive styling, the ES 350 F SPORT, part of the ES line, was born for the spotlight. Along with a new 302-hp1 3.5L V6 engine, available Apple CarPlay2, and 17-speaker Mark Levinson® PurePlay3 surround sound, the ES F SPORT is as pleasing to the ears as it is to the eyes. So when you step onto the stage of life in the ES F SPORT, you’ll steal the show.

lexus.com/ES | #LexusES

W W W . O D F C L O T H I N G . C O M

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Table of

Contents Photography by Jeff Forney

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54 THE REIGN OF DE LA GHETTO: EL JEFE DE LA MUSICA URBANA

Issue 64

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Table of

Contents 16 Access By Bleu

50 Travel St. Croix

21 Cars

62 Photo Journal

Porsche Enters the Electric Game

Portraits of Kinshasa

22 Gadgets

74 Feature

Away From Home

ProKlla

26 Grooming TSA-Approved Wellness

28 Fuel Wang Sheng Yuan

30 Fitness

76 Feature Keion Henderson

76 Op-Ed Why It Sucks That Young People Care About Climate Change

Wanderlust Workouts: Equipment On-The-Go

80 The Humans

32 Books

82 Bombshell

Read, Pray, Love

Shenseea’s Blessed Life

34 Fashion

90 Spotlight Camelback Resort

42 The Creatives Carnage

93 Icon Anthony Bourdain

46 Travel Costa Rica Photography by Benjamin Lizardo

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MASTHEAD

On the Cover DE LA GHETTO Words by: TOMMY RODRIGUEZ Photography: JEFF FORNEY Stylist: DARIUS BAPTIST Grooming: DUSTY STARKS

Publisher/Editorial Direction DĂŠVon Christopher Johnson

Head of Content Ebony Allison

Art Direction & Design Vee Banionis Agnes Mazeikate

Graphic Designer Luis Carlos Lopez

Contributing Writers

Shalisa Alba, Ashlyn Chak, Adam Jacot de Boinod, Nneya Richards, Kaylin Young, Dominique Carson

Contributing Photographers

Vincent Dolman, Casey Mathewson, Amy Torres, Karen Lienhard

Editorial Contributors

Merilee Kern, Chevy Wolf

Sean Azeez

Raven Roberts

LaToya Shambo, Lashawnda Goffin info@bleulife.com

Digital Content Strategist Kaylin Young, Brandon Beachum, Kwame Owusu

Brand Ambassadors Rannon Harris (Chicago - Midwest) Leroy Williams (Northeast)

UK Fashion Editor East Coast Fashion Editor

Partnerships & Branded Content

THE BLEULIFE GROUP

Newsstand Distribution TNG 1955 Lake Park Drive, Ste. 400 Smyrna, GA 30080

Copy Editor

Chairman, CEO & President

Deputy Editor

Digital Content Designer

Submissions

AD Sales:

Bleu Magazine 26 Broadway, 3rd floor New York, NY 10004 info@bleulife.com

Trevoy Ross

Pauleanna Reid

Staff Writer

Jamie Rollo, Tommy Rodriguez, Elysia Tanswell

DĂŠVon Christopher Johnson Carlton Brown

Todd Evans, Rivendell Media 908.232.2021

Bleulife Media & Entertainment Inc. | 26 Broadway 3rd Floor New York, NY 10004 | E-Mail: info@bleulife.com | Online: bleulife.com Printed in Canada. Opinions expressed by advertisers, columnists, feature writers or other contributors are not necessarily the opinions of Bleu Magazine or its staff. All advertisements, photographs, text or illustrations are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized to have secured proper consent for the use thereof. Bleu Magazine shall not be held responsible for any errors, loss, expense or liabilities on advertisements accepted after the deadline. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or advertisement in Bleu Magazine is not to be constructed as an indication of sexual orientation of such persons, advertiser or organization. Partial or complete reproduction of an advertisement, news article, feature or photograph from Bleu Magazine is strictly prohibited as Bleu Magazine is a registered trademark. A $25 or 1.5% (whichever is greater) fee will be charged for all NSF checks. All rights reserved.

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

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As we enter a new decade, not just a new year, many thoughts bring themselves to the front of my consciousness. The most obvious cliche is how fast time moves. Forget George Bush’s lies about Sadam Hussein’s weapons cache. Father Time is the ultimate weapon of mass destruction. Time can never be beat. It goes on without care or regard of your to do list, business plans or missed birthdays. Time, is nothing else but a constant reminder that we really have no control of anything.

We never run out of new ideas. But, we do run out of time to complete them all. Time, or the lack thereof, can kill dreams, cause you to miss a flight, oversleep for the interview with the the new job you so desperately need, or simply forget to call bae.

When I Know This Road Gets Bumpy Word To The Broski Jay He Got Different Names In Different Countries Three Laps In A Whip When We Beat That Case

I suggest instead of wasting time, we honor it. We make the best of it. And absolutely do not waste it. Let 2020 be the symbolic marker of a clearer vision and sharper focus. Get a new watch. Put fresh batteries in the clock. And most importantly set some realistic goals with a plan of action.

Time will remain undefeated (of course until Elon Musk builds a time machine). But we can still control what we do with it.

Where Man Live Way Too Comfy I Don’t Do Well When People Making Disses Or Making Threats Well A Man Ain’t Got Flow Like Private Jets

DéVon Christopher Johnson Founder And Group Publisher

For Way Way Less Less I Know You Tryna Get One Down On Us Ever Since Been Stressed Bcoz You Know The Reps Done Owe You One And We Always Pay Them Debts Wassa Wassa Just Like The Cronies Press I Don’t Do No Imposta Link With Scull And Cousin Jamie Hard Then We Dip On Gaza Pasha Sasha Pissed I Way Way Too Young At The Time For Slashes You Ni$$!s Spend Too Much Time On Captions Not Enough Time On Action WAR DRAKE Issue 64

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C O N T R I B U TO R S

DAR I US B AP T IST

Darius Baptist was born to style. For almost two decades, the NYC-based image consultant has built a diverse body of work within the realms of music, fashion and entertainment. His work has been seen on magazine covers and his editorials have garnered nationwide and international success. With his motto “Style is what you make it,” Darius continually looks for ways to present subjects in a new and exciting way.

N N E YA R I C H A R D S

A born and raised New Yorker, Nneya Richards is a fashion and travel maven. At just 15 years old, Nneya started as a founding contributing editor of TeenVOGUE magazine. She is a travel and fashion consultant, appearing in publications, panels, and national television. Through her platform and her blog, N A Perfect World, Nneya aims to empower people, especially young women of color, to travel, as she believes it is through exploring the world that we will bridge cultural gaps and misunderstandings.

R AV E N R O B E R T S

Raven Roberts is a New York fashion stylist with an affinity for vintage fashion. She is always on the hunt for a fierce look to create the perfect mood for her shoots, clients and herself. She’s a veganadjacent foodie with a love for baked goods. You may have also spotted her in a commercial or two.

VINCENT DOLMAN

Vincent is a London-based fashion and celebrity photographer.

In 2004, Dolman’s work was featured in the Black British Style exhibition at the V&A. Since then he has had huge success shooting fashion and celebrity magazine editorials for high-profile international clients, including I-D, Notion Magazine, Wonderland, and Bleu Magazine. He has also worked for entertainment giants such as EMI, Universal Music, Island Records and Atlantic Records.

Celebrities he has worked with include Rihanna, Eminem, Pharrell Williams, Ed Sheeran, Juliette Lewis and Dua Lipa to name a few.

JEFF FORNEY SHALISA ALBA

Born in the East Bay, transplanted to NYC in his 20s and now based in L.A, Jeff is a lover of the arts. From high-profile editorials to creating beautiful advertisements, capturing organic moments is paramount to his work. “I’m a people person and have always been quite organized. Now I just organize people in front of the camera.”

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Shalisa Alba is a freelance writer based in South Jersey. Born and raised on the Jersey Shore, her easy-going spirit and love for words give her a knack for writing many topics, but her favorites include mental health and wellness, wealth creation, sustainability and inclusivity.

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AC C E S S BY B L E U

JUST M ER C Y PR E M I ER E Directed by Dustin Daniel Cretton, Just Mercy follows the true story of Harvard graduate Bryan Stevonson, played by Michael B. Jordan, who moves down to Alabama in pursuit of aiding those who cannot afford quality legal representation. His first case is the wrongfully convicted Walter McMillian, played by Jamie Foxx, who was placed on death row for murdering an 18-year-old girl. While incessantly fighting for McMilllian’s freedom, Stevenson faces racial, legal, and political obstacles. The star-studded red carpet premiere, hosted by Kobe Bryant and Terrence J, was held at the Cinemark Baldwin Hills in Los Angeles.

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1. Pictured: Terrence J (left) and Kobe Byrant (right). 2. Pictured: Karan Kendrick 3. Pictured: (from left to right) O’Shea Jackson Jr., Karan Kendrick, Kobe Bryant, Michael B. Jordan, Brie Larson, Jamie Foxx, Bryan Stevenson. 4. Pictured: Michael B. Jordan 5. Pictured: Brie Larson 6. Pictured: Jamie Foxx 7. Pictured: O’Shea Jackson Jr. Photos courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures 16

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AMER ICAN E X PR E S S AND BILLBOAR D ’S WOMEN IN MUSIC E VEN T In order to show their commitment to females thriving in the music industry, American Express and Billboard teamed up to host their 7th Annual Women in Music event. For the first time this year, however, they partnered with She is The Music to host a songwriters’ camp at the Record Plant. Alicia Keys, who co founded the organization last year, was able to help aspiring performers, songwriters, and producers hone their skills at the two day program. Following the camp, American Express and Billboard hosted a pre-award show brunch for female executives working in music prior to the Billboard Women in Music Awards. At the brunch, Keys hosted a “fireside chat” to discuss women in the music industry, the challenges they face, and their future. At the show, Keys was awarded the American Express Impact Award, which recognizes women who break down barriers in the industry that helped create a clearer path for those who followed.

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8. Photographed: Gail Mitchell and Alicia Keys. 9. Photographed: Alicia Keys at Pre-Award Show Brunch. 10. Photographed: Alicia Keys and Gail Mitchell. 11. Photographed: Alicia Keys at Songwriters’ Camp. 12-13. Photographed: Alicia Keys at Songwriters’ Camp.

Photos courtesy of Renae Wootson

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THE 4x5

Oddity From Sea to Shining Sea The U.S is physically expansive. Each region has its own customs and ways of life, with each state having a unique set of laws. In some states, however, those laws take unique to a new level. We don’t know why, when, or how these laws were signed into place or if they’re even enforced, but they do still exist. Here are four states with five of their strangest laws.

KENTUCKY Kentucky comes in a close second to Alabama for weird laws. In this state, however, most of these laws are aimed at women. Who hurt you, Kentucky?

ALABAMA Alabama has some of the oddest laws in the nation. The laws below really make you question what the hell went down in the Yellowhammer State to make legislators sign them into place.

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It is illegal to wear a fake mustache in church, but only if it causes laughter. All non-comical false facial hair is allowed.

By law, you are not allowed to walk around with an ice cream cone in your pocket.

In Alabama, you cannot play dominoes on a Sunday. It’s a strictly Monday through Saturday game.

In Lee County, you can’t sell peanuts after sundown on a Wednesday.

Incestuous marriages are legal, legitimate marriages.

Source: www.yellowhammernews.com/tk-crazy-laws-alabama/ 18

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By law, Kentucky residents are required to shower at least once a year.

In this state, you are deemed “sober” until you literally cannot hold yourself up.

A woman can only marry the same man three times in Kentucky.

In Owensboro, Kentucky, it is illegal for a woman to buy a hat without her husband’s permission.

Women are not allowed to be bikini-clad on a state highway without being armed with a club or having at least two officers present. Oddly enough, this law only applies to women more than 60 pounds but less than 200 pounds. Wow!

Source: www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/these-15crazy-laws-ky/

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TEXAS The Lonestar state is known for traditionalism, but these laws are far from conventional. These strange laws purportedly are for the benefit of the state’s residents.

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In Dennison and Bristol, you can actually face up to a year of state imprisonment for adjusting your stockings in public.

Throughout the entire state, the Encyclopedia Britannica is banned because it contains instructions on how to make your own home-brewed beer.

It is illegal to sell your eyes.

It is completely against the law to shoot a buffalo out of a second-story hotel room. Third-story or first-story is fine.

You need a special permit to walk around barefoot.

Source: www.kisselpaso.com/13-weird-texas-state-laws-thatare-still-active/

CONNECTICUT Connecticut channels its Puritan roots with these strange laws, and some are oddly specifc.

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If you are running for public office, it is prohibited to campaign at a dump.

In Bloomfield, Connecticut, it is illegal to eat in your car. You can’t even do it if you’re parked.

In Devon, Connecticut, it is against the law to walk backwards after the sun sets.

Only the blind are allowed to use canes.

In Hartford, married couples are prohibited from kissing in public on Sundays. Not quite sure what the rule would be if you’re not married.

Source: www.onlyinyourstate.com/connecticut/illegal-inconnecticut-ct/

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Introducing...

People

Places

Content

See. Be Seen. info@bleuscreens.com

CARS

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Words by: SHALISA ALBA Photo Credit: LEXUS

Porsche ENTERS THE ELECTRIC GAME WITH THE 2021 TAYCAN TURBO S

Introducing the 2021 Taycan Turbo S, Porsche’s first all-electric sports saloon and the future of automotive fun.

First unveiled as a concept car named Mission E at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Taycan is Porsche’s first ever series production electric vehicle (EV) and quite possibly the most anticipated model in modern history. Rivaling the likes of the Tesla Model S, Porsche is hoping to remind consumers that there’s room in the electric car market for more than one premium sedan.

Models introduced at launch include the high-performance Turbo and Turbo S with a mid-range model called the Taycan 4S added to the lineup shortly after. The Turbo S sports the highest specs and most expensive price tag starting at $185,000, but even those enthusiasts who admittedly despise electric cars have tested this one and found it to be most impressive.

With its 800V architecture giving way to remarkable steering precision and unparalleled brake and throttle response, this all-wheel drive EV gives the kind of thrust characteristic of a traditional engine and a

driving experience no human has previously had.

Sporting two permanently excited syn-chronous motors, one on each axle, the Turbo S is capable of going from 0 to 60 in 2.6 seconds with 774 pound-feet of torque and 616 brake horsepower available at all times, while a max of 750 can be achieved using the Overboost Power with Launch Control mode. Augmented with a two-speed transmission at the rear and a skateboard chassis, the Taycan’s 5,000 pound frame laps seamlessly around tracks allowing it to set the record-breaking Nürburgring lap time of 7 minutes and 42 seconds. Designed for repeat performance and extended use, the car can be launched many times without overpowering or overheating, which can be translated to greater torque on the highway, an area where many other EV’s struggle.

Outfitted with a 100 kilowatt-hour battery, 93.4 kwh of which is usable, the Taycan Turbo S can reach a top speed of 161 mph and a

P O R S C H E TAY C A N TURBO S SPECS Top Speed:

161 mph

Acceleration: Battery:

2.6 sec. (0-60 mph)

100 kwh; 270 kw peak charging

Range: Transmission:

280 miles 2 speed automatic

total range of 280 miles. And although Tesla has somewhat set the benchmark for range at 300 miles, Porsche makes up for this upset with its peak charging power of 270 kw – even greater than Tesla Model 3’s peak rate of 250 kw – lending an 80 percent charge from nearly 0 percent in just 20 minutes.

Touting 21-inch wheels with body-matching color, quad LED daytime running lights, and a shape similar to the Panamera or 911, the Turbo S sports a clean design you would expect from a Porsche. The interior includes up to four digital screens and Porsche’s classic analog clock on the dash in the front. The back houses distinct “foot garages” in the floor allowing even the tallest of passengers to join in on the fun.

Handling just the way a Porsche should, every meter driven is a nod to decades of dynamic sports racing technology and masterful German engineering. So much of the know-how we have come to appreciate about Porsche over the last 50 years can be found in this car, and the Taycan will definitely set new standards.

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GADGETS

O O New technology takes away the worry when you’re traveling.

Here are some gadgets that help you keep a tidy, sustainable, and safe home while you’re away.

Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller

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Photo credit: Rachio

GADGETS

“Hey Alexa, water the lawn,” is a statement you can now say with the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller. This device allows you to care for your yard remotely using your smartphone, Alexa or Google Home. And with Rachio’s exclusive Weather Intelligence feature, you can save up to 50 percent on your water bill as the program uses weather data to adjust irrigation schedules based on rainfall. The corresponding app also monitors your lawn, giving it the precise amount of water it needs to thrive and will actually notify you if there is a potential leak, alerting you before it becomes an expensive problem. Installation is quick and easy, requiring zero fancy tools or expertise.

Available at Amazon

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GADGETS

Ring Video Doorbell The Ring Video Doorbell might be the best home gadget yet, offering an entirely new level of peace of mind. This device will detect, and immediately notify you, when there is motion in front of your home. The second anyone steps foot near your front door, you will know.

The HD camera attached to the doorbell is weather-resistant and has infrared night vision so it will always be on the lookout. The device comes with a free application that will not only notify you the second there is motion in front of your door, but also allows you to stream the footage live and talk through the two-way speaker from miles away. It is also priced well at $148.99 and costs only $3 a month for the video storage. If peace of mind while away from home is important to you, the Ring Video Doorbell is worth the price.

Available at Ring

Wyze Bulb Wyze Bulbs are 9.5-Watt LED bulbs compatible with smart home devices. They can correspond with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant controls on and off, dim the lights, and change the color to your ideal settings. The bulbs correspond with the Wyze application, which allows you to control the bulbs from anywhere you have internet access and your smartphone. If you’re away from home, but accidentally left your lights on, you can turn them off remotely. The Wyze Bulb is also extremely easy to install. They’re simple screw in bulbs and directly connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network.

Available at Home Depot

Photo credit: Wyze

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Photo credit: Ring

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Braava Jet M6 Robot Mop

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Photo credit: iRobot

GADGETS

Compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant and controlled through the iRobot HOME app, the Braava Jet M6 Robot Mop will thoroughly clean your floors with a touch of a button. Through the app, your Braava can Jet clean specific rooms or the entire house. The square-shaped robot is capable of spot cleaning, regular mopping, and dry sweeping, and reaches all those corners you never could. This smart mop is also compatible with the “i” and “s” series Roomba. The two smart devices will work together to make sure the floors are vacuumed before they’re mopped. If you plan on traveling for long periods of time, this gadget is a must-have.

Available at QVC

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GROOMING

TSA-APPROVED WELLNESS Maintaining your grooming routine while you travel can be a hassle.

Sometimes you simply can’t take everything with you. These must-try travel size products are compact and quality approved.

ANTHONY NO SWEAT BODY DEFENSE Crowned as GQ’s Grooming Award Winner, No Sweat Body Defense has received rave reviews from both customers and critics. This product is the perfect combatant against chafing, but unlike other powders, it isn’t messy and won’t dirty clothing. The tapioca starch keeps you dry and prevents chafing, working hand in hand with aloe vera and vitamin E to refresh and nourish your skin.

KIEHL’S OIL ELIMINATOR 24-HOUR ANTI-SHINE MOISTURIZER FOR MEN Get rid of that oily, greasy skin with Kiehl’s oil eliminating moisturizer. Formulated with Khiel’s Aerolite Technology and totara wood extract, this product has been clinically tested to absorb sweat, visibly shrinking pores to leave your skin shine-free for 24 hours.

It’s perfect for refreshing acneprone skin.

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CLINIQUE FOR MEN ANTI-AGE EYE CREAM So long crow’s feet and dark circles.

This lightweight cream easily fits into your daily facial routine and works wonders against fine lines, wrinkles, and dark, puffy eyebags.

Give your eyes the hydration they need and throw this 0.5 ounce bottle into your suitcase.

CRICKET MICRO HAIR TRIMMER Nobody wants to look disheveled or messy when they’re traveling the world. Keep yourself tidy with Cricket’s Micro Hair Trimmer.

This very affordable hair trimmer is incredibly versatile and practical, and can be used to trim those little pesky hairs. At about the length of a finger, this wireless trimmer is the perfect travel grooming tool.

LAB SERIES MULTI-ACTION FACE WASH Lab Series’ travel sized Multi-Action Face Wash is a foaming cream cleanser that does it all. Simply massage a small amount into your face for an effective cleanse and gentle exfoliation. The vitamin-enriched face wash follows the cleanse up by nourishing and reconditioning the skin, making it great for prepping for a close shave.

BAXTER OF CALIFORNIA ALUMINUM TRAVEL SHAVE BRUSH This shave brush is essential for any man looking for a great, clean shave.

This 100 percent natural badger hair brush lifts facial hair and creates an even lather. Its compact size ensures that you achieve a great shave while you’re on the road, with a savvy design that allows the brush to dry even when it’s closed.

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FUEL

Words and Photography by ASHLYN CHAK

WANG SHENG YUAN: THE TAIWANESE GARDEN OF JAPANESE EXUBERANCE

We went all the way to Taipei, Taiwan to bring you a piece of the most authentic Yakiniku experience outside of Japan. So sit back and relax because there is going to be a lot of fatty beef and rice wine involved.

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id and durable at the same time. Not only can a Keisodo grill withstand up to 1700°C (or 3092°F), it is also remarkable for its natural air circulation which helps to conduct heat evenly. Such quality for a stove means that every part of the top-notch meat is cooked at just the right temperature without losing flavor.

Located near the heart of Taipei City’s historic Datong District is Wang Sheng Yuan, a new Japanese style barbecue restaurant that has already made a name for itself by being dedicated to the craft of grilling meat in the traditional way. They only serve the best beef and pork, handpicked and cut by the most experienced chefs - all direct from Japan, Taiwan’s former colonizer of five decades.

As Japan’s first overseas colony, it is no surprise that Japanese culture is deeply ingrained in modern Taiwanese culture. You can see Japanese restaurants nearly everywhere in its capital, Taipei, but not many restaurants have mastered Japanese cuisine with as much authenticity and appreciation like Wang Sheng Yuan. Despite having just opened in the beginning of 2019, it has already garnered local media attention for going above and beyond the other Yakiniku establishments in Taipei.

Wang Sheng Yuan (“旺盛苑”) loosely translates to “the garden of exuberance.” And you have to give it to them, because even the table grills they cook on are extravagant. Specially ordered from Japan, they only use the most famous type of Shichirin that is called the Hida Konro. (Shichirin “七輪” means a portable stove, a.k.a. that embarrassing Japanese tattoo on Ariana Grande’s palm.)

A Shichirin Hida Konro is made of a sponge-like clay called Keisodo, which is burned from diatomite (or diatomaceous earth) - a soft, powdery mineral that, when burned and made into clay, has a unique structure that is light and porous, yet rig-

But you need not worry about burning that nice and fancy wagyu beef when you visit Wang Sheng Yuan, because unlike many other Japanese barbecue places where you have to cook your own food, they make sure you are cared for by sending a server to your party, grilling the meat right in front of you. They are not pushy about it either. If the server observes that you are slowing down, they will hold back on serving to ensure the best Yakiniku experience for you.

A personal favorite of mine has to be the lightly-cooked beef tongue - most Westerners might frown upon the idea of eating an animal’s tongue, but in many East Asian cultures, nothing shall be wasted. And honestly, it was exquisite. Chewy

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enough to have some texture, yet so soft, tender and juicy that it damn near melted and exploded in my mouth all at the same time.

While the other Asian barbecue places serve beer, Wang Sheng Yuan’s licensed saké sommeliers match your food to a fine bottle of Japanese rice wine that is sure to bring out more flavors and textures than you ever thought possible.

In fact, they have so much respect for the art of Japanese cuisine and how saké is entwined in the food culture that they had their own bottle made in collaboration with one of the oldest wineries in Japan, Gozenshu. This special edition saké is named Clean Reverb: it is refreshing and not overpowering so it cleanses your palate, which is perfect for the yummy fatty beef they serve. It is so versatile that you can have it either hot or cold.

Wang Sheng Yuan also has an exceptional range of Japanese plum wine, but our server Brian deemed it too sweet for the food we were going for - and we humbly listened, especially after he was nice enough to bring us some of the aforementioned Clean Reverb to try for free, and we realized he was right. Maybe we can have plum wine another time when we are not in the mood for fatty beef.

And if saké is not your thing, you can even clean your mouth with complimentary individually packed dental floss and mouthwash stored in the bathrooms.

Currently, there are only 20 seats at the restaurant to ensure a quiet and enjoyable dining experience.

The exclusivity of Wang Sheng Yuan means that the servers are able to give you friendly undivided attention. The saké had us wobbling out, but just before we left some of the other servers even came over to chat with us about tourist attractions in Taipei, and told us that entry for the Taipei Fine Arts Museum is free after 5 p.m. And you know it was genuine because the servers’ tip is already included in the bill over there. So if you are looking for a real treat, perhaps it’s time to take a trip to Taiwan.

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FITNESS

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Nothing makes staying in shape harder than traveling. While you’re immersing yourself in new cultures, relaxing, and indulging (maybe a little too much) in food and drink, fitness tends to fall to the wayside. Stay in shape on-the-go with these portable fitness tools.

1.NSD Essential Spinner The NSD Essential Spinner is the perfect little fitness tool to bring aboard any plane or train. This compact gadget allows you to strengthen your hands, wrists and forearms in just minutes. This device not only helps prevent repetitive stress injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome, but improves grip and finger strength as well, making it ideal for desk dwellers, tennis players, and gamers alike.

The NSD Essential Spinner is quick and easy to use, and with its small configuration it can be taken anywhere without a hassle.

2. Cross Rope Jump Set Jumping rope is one of the most effective cardio workouts.

It burns maximum calories, raises heart rate, improves coordination, and strengthens feet and ankles. An added plus is that you can bring jump ropes just about anywhere. Cross Rope sells a variety of high quality jump ropes that suit different fitness goals and feature a unique detachable handle design. Cross Rope seamlessly combines technology with the widely loved workout through their corresponding smartphone app, which contains hundreds of free workouts that can be streamed anywhere.

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4. Bodylastics Resistance Band Set Most hotel gyms only have cardio machines and obviously, weights are not the easiest thing to travel with. The Bodylastics Resistance Band Set makes resistance training extremely portable and convenient. The 12-piece set comes with a travel pouch and only weighs a total of 4.4 pounds making it perfect for travel. The set comes with five different anti-snap resistance bands, two handles, a guide, a travel bag, and a lifetime warranty for just $26.95.

3.eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat The eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat is the most portable mat on the market. The lightweight material is easy to fold down and slip into any suitcase without too much added weight keeping you from paying extra costs when checking luggage. The mat is also environmentally sustainable.

These mats are uniquely made using nontoxic foaming agents and a blend of natural cotton and polyester, rather than the typical synthetic polyester reinforcements in typical yoga mats.

5. Perfect Push Up Weighing a total of 5 pounds, the Perfect Pushup can truly be taken anywhere with its sleek and compact design. But don’t be mistaken by the size, the Perfect Pushup provides the most intense and effective full body workout. The two handles sit on a turntable that works out more muscles than the typical pushup by engaging the arms, chest, shoulders, back and abs. The Perfect Pushup’s design also limits the strain on wrists and elbows, and stabilizes and strengthens shoulder joints.

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BOOKS

Read,

THE ATLAS OF BEAUTY: WOMEN OF THE WORLD IN 500 PORTRAITS

by Michaela Noroc

Love

P r ay ,

R e a d , P r ay , L o v e

Michaela Noroc has been traveling the world and documenting it through her lens since 2013. The Atlas of Beauty features stunning photos of 500 different women from around the world. From Mumbai, India to Cambridge, England, each photo details the lives of the women photographed, much like Brandon Stanton Humans of New York. Noroc aimed to capture the stories of regular women from around the world to display their beauty, courage, dedication and talent.

Love

THE ART OF FLANEURING: HOW TO WANDER WITH INTENTION AND DISCOVER A BETTER LIFE

by Erika Owen In this book, Owen describes the joy of “flaneuring,” meaning to wander without an itinerary. The world “flaneuring” comes from the term used to describe affluent French men who would wander the city in the 19th century. Each chapter outlines how flaneuring can improve your everyday life focusing on mental health, physical health and more. This is definitely an interesting and unique novel that discusses a very doable activity both at home and abroad.

Books are a great source for travel inspiration, providing information and photos on newfound places and new takes on the classic wonders of the world. These books will surely ignite the traveler spirit in everyone.

AIRLINE MAPS: A CENTURY OF ART AND DESIGN

100 BEST PLACES ON EARTH

by Rough Guides Rough Guides has been publishing travel books for over 35 years, which has made them a reliable source for travelers. Their 2020 edition of 100 Best Places includes a combination of classic tourist destinations, like the Grand Canyon, Arizona and new up-and-coming spots such as Tbilisi, the capital of the country Georgia. Inside the bindings are 150 stunning, high quality photographs of some of the most beautiful places on the planet. From hilltops and mountain ranges to urban scenery, Rough Guides outlines every stunning corner of the world.

This book would look great atop any coffee table and is the perfect source for travel inspiration.

by Mark Ovenden and Maxwell Roberts

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STAY SHARP!

by Dr. Gareth Moore Stay Sharp is the perfect book to bring aboard your plane, train or automobile to keep your mind active while traveling. This book contains puzzles and activities, along with advice, to keep your brain sharp and active. Long flights, train or car rides can be mundane. Dr. Moore’s book is the perfect way to pass the time while also being productive. Dr. Moore has written numerous books on brain training for both adults and children, and earned his Ph.D. in Machine Learning from Cambridge University.

ove

Read,

Ovenden and Roberts meticulously curated an array of vintage airline maps and advertisements that perfectly tell the story of sky travel over the last century. When commercial flights were made available in 1914, they opened an entirely new way to travel the world with ease. Saying goodbye to ocean travel, adventurers could now be in an entirely new world in a fraction of the time. This book outlines the excitement of that change with nostalgic, aesthetically pleasing nostalgic photos.

This book is the perfect gift for the world traveler in your life.

Read,

ODDS Photograpy by AMY TORRES & KARIN LIENHARD

PHOTOGRAPHED FOR EXTRA BUTTER NEW YORK

& ENDS

MERCHANDISE AVAILABLE AT EXTRA BUTTER NEW YORK

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F.C. REAL BRISTOL CAMOUFLAGE SOCCER BALL RETAIL: $105

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Photo Credit: BRYAN PEREZ

Words By JAMIE ROLLO

‘HELL’ IN BROOKLYN: THE WORLD OF CARNAGE Taking the EDM world by storm, Carnage is completely unique in his ways. Aside from delivering thrilling performances, he works with nonprofits to help cultivate the community he grew up in.

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t’s 1:29 a.m in Brooklyn’s Avant Gardner music hall as Carnage takes the stage. Hundreds of ravers, eyes dilated and sweating profusely, begin head-banging and moshing in their Halloween best to electronic beats that reverberate through the floor. Rooted in both togetherness and pandemonium, EDM culture can be hard to understand. But in the heart of it all, the energy becomes palpable and it’s made clear why this genre has become the hip underground of a new millennium.

Carnage revealed in an interview prior to the show, appropriately named Hell, that he curated the lineup himself as he does with all of his RARE Events.

For him, it’s not about clout or name recognition, but an artist’s ability to convey the craziness of the harcore world. “RARE Events always have the best lineups, check our résumé,” he boasted. “It’s because I hit up the homies to come play, I don’t just like pick whoever can sell tickets, nah. I pick dope people.” This past September, RARE Events hosted a festival in Bangkok, Thailand. All of the 15,000 tickets sold, making their first event in Asia an as-

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tronomical success. “In the RARE crowds there’s like a mix of everyone,” Carnage said, “and they’re just there to have a good time.”

If Hell in Brooklyn was any indication, Carnage is the host of all hosts when it comes to EDM. However, this renowned DJ wasn’t always playing electricifying sets to hardcore ravers. He is actually a producer and the mastermind behind dozens of hip-hop/hardcore EDM hits including “Bricks” featuring Migos and “WDYW” featuring Lil Uzi Vert, A$AP Ferg and Rich the Kid. He even worked with longtime friends G-Eazy and Wiz Khalifa on the track “Wait for Me,” a song with over 9 million streams on Spotify.

Carnage decided to start creating hardcore EDM music when he saw an opportunity to deliver something unique to the already unconventional genre. “No one else was really playing it so I wanted to do something different. I don’t wanna be a part of the simulation, you know? I don’t wanna add to the saturation of all the same shit being played all the time,” he said.

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His shows can be unpredictable with a hodgepodge of fans resulting from his diverse index. “You get a lot of people from the urban space and they come to my shows for something different,” Carnage explained. “But there’s also a lot of people who are straight up ravers that come to my shows. It’s open for anybody and everyone.”

To kick off the new decade, Carnage released a brand new single, “Hella Neck,” which shows off diverse abilities. The thrilling club banger has more of a prominent hip-hop influence with Tyga, Takeoff, and Shoreline Mafia featured on the track. “I wanted to kick off the year with a certified banger for my hip-hop fans,” the DJ said in a statement.

“Tyga is making hit after hit right now, Shoreline Mafia’s sound was perfect for this beat and Takeoff brings the song to another level.” Tyga added, “I have been boys with Carnage for a while now and always have loved his beats. We have been wanting to work together on something so when he showed me the track I knew this was the one.”

Carnage is completely in his own lane. Aside from being a proud “big and sexy” fashion ambassador, he always brings a refreshing level of uniqueness to his music. He was of the first hardcore DJ’s to incorporate more mainstream music into his sets.

At Hell on Halloween, he played original remixes to a variety of songs spanning genres, including an astonishing, bass-heavy rendition of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” He added, “I was kind of in my own space. Now, it’s very diverse but people like me and a couple of other fools had to break down the door to being able to just be as crazy as you want and having no one really judge you for it.”

With mass success in hip-hop and EDM, Carnage always makes sure to give back. “I try to do as much as possible to help out the communities where I was raised from,” he explained. “I lived in Guatemala for like nine years, my blood is Nicaraguan, so those two countries hold a big part of my heart.” In Nicaragua, he has helped to open two schools and an orphanage.

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Carnage does a lot of work with the Refugee and Immigration Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES), an organization that provides legal aid and assistance to families separated at the border. This past April, he released a song called “Letting People Go” in partnership with the nonprofit. The emotional music video, which amassed over three million views on YouTube, outlines his family’s journey from Nicaragua through Guatemala to the United States. A portion of the proceeds from the single were donated to the organization. The song holds such meaning to him that performing it live on Halloween brought him to tears. He was met with a roar of encouragement and adoration.

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THE WONDER OUS NATURE OF PURA VIDA IN

Costa Rica Words and Photography by ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD

Costa Rica is known for its lush rainforests and crystal blue waters.

The island has become a classic, tried-and-true vacation spot.

In my travels, I have discovered that several countries have an all-encompassing word to cover their basic means of daily interaction. In Hawaii there’s “aloha,” in Fiji there’s “bula” and in Costa Rica, there’s “Pura Vida.” Translating to “pure life,” it spans the entire spectrum of greeting and parting incorporating: “no worries,” “enjoy life,” “take it easy,” “good luck” and “have a good day.”

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while pelicans swooped alongside into the water.

All my senses were engaged demonstrating the beauty that nature can provide. Iguanas hang out by the pool, Halloween crabs scuttle through the gardens, while sloths slumber in the treetops.

Arriving late at night at my first place to stay, I was mesmerized by the rhythmic natural symphony of the sea, the moon, and the clouds. The Arenas Del Mar is a resort with delectable cuisine, exceptional levels of service and exemplary eco-credentials.

Up and downhill the buggies go as one took me to my tropical fruit breakfast upon a table beside the sand of Playitas Beach in toe-touching reach of the ocean.

Very close by, down a discreet gravel lane, was my next place to stay, the one-of-a-kind Villa Punto de Vista. This astonishing six-story construction is the courageous and ambitious creation of David Konwiser, the owner and architect, who was born in Costa Rica and educated in America. The design makes optimum use of the dreamy views with angular windows jutting out like ships’ prows over the ocean beyond. All very James Bond! I looked out over the rocks and islands that speckled the sea like the scales on an iguana’s back, adding perfectly to this ultimate jigsaw puzzle of a setting.

I found an elemental joy in picking up an almond nut from its tree and, as if from heaven, a leaf descends dancing, entertaining and poetically falling

The dining is done on the fourth floor partly for the greater vantage point, but also to serve as nature’s look-out point, to have front row seats for

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the best show in the area, and be amongst the birds, monkeys, and sloths. One security you can’t legislate for is the pickpocketing skills of the raccoon or the “monkey mafia,” as the locals call it.

Next, I went further up the Pacific coast to Guanacaste and the exquisite beaches of the Papagayo Peninsula. Playa Nacascolo, which was once an area of commerce in pre-Colombian times, is the longest beach while Playa Jicaro is the most remote on the southern side. In the north, there’s Prieta Beach Club, which makes for a perfect day out with the Olas Lounge, an ideal spot for lunch in front of waves strong enough for me to bodysurf.

My next stay was at Vista Hermosa, Papagayo Luxury. Right in the middle of the peninsula, this 10-year-old condo is part of the Las Terrazas complex of 16 homes whose owners leave their properties wild around them to grant the animals free movement. They are the work of Costa Rican architect Ronald Zürcher. Using terracotta walls both inside and outside, the homes blend the natural surroundings and display a contemporary clean aesthetic.

The décor is stunning and eclectic. Tastefully done and respecting the overriding view out over the water to the marina beyond.

The large square-shaped spacious room, the hub for the ancillary rooms, has a low ceiling and a horizontal feel replicating the landscape.

The landscape of Costa Rica and her biodiversity is simply magical: thick lush rainforests, with dense foliage, uncrowded pristine beaches, steep mountains and majestic volcanoes, and waterfalls.

It makes for the perfect backdrop for the sheer wonder of the colorful birds and animals.

I even looked through the index of the definitive book on Costa Rican birds to find exquisite and exotic names like chestnut-mandibled toucan, buffy tufted cheek, longtailed tyrant, bare-necked umbrellabird, whip-poor-will, Double-striped thick-knee, the oilbird, ovenbird, and White-fronted nunbird. As for animals, I saw in another book the misfit leaf frog, the bullet ant, the trumpetfish, the Beau Brummel (a fish) and the Jesus Christ lizard, so-called as it walks on water.

My final place to stay was the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica.

The bayside (Playa Blanca) and oceanside (Playa Virador) have a different feel and, I allowed myself to believe, almost a different climate. Eco-friendly electric buggies went at a relaxed speed and it was such an important first scene as the rounded shape of the foyer was truly receptive and embraced me with its open arms, luring me into its golden mosaic fold.

The colors are consistent throughout and blend organically with their natural surroundings. The earth-toned stucco exteriors were computer-generated from actual dirt samples to replicate the deep browns, oranges, and reds of the soil and the roots of the land.

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The three main restaurants are all side-by-side. The Añejo, an interesting spot serving Asian fusion with Costa Rican food, is a casual and informal restaurant both inside and out offering tapas including salmon tostadas and charred tuna wonton tacos, “lomo salteado empanadas” and “hamachi tiraditos.”

How resourceful, cunning and wondrous are the forces of nature: the Annona fruit changes from green to a darkish reddish-brown as it ripens, the Indian tree sheds its bark every three days while one local species of grass contracts with the human touch. Whales mate above a beach shaped like a whale’s tail. Not to mention all of the camouflage tricks.

I couldn’t get enough of this delightful country. I have to go back. Whenever, but hopefully soon.

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W H E R E T O S TAY :

ARENAS DEL MAR BEACHFRONT AND RAINFOREST RESORT (888) 385-9218

VILLA PUNTO DE VISTA (888) 890-8687

W H AT T O D O :

OCEAN COURSE PENINSULA PAPAGAYO

W H E R E T O E AT :

THE AÑEJO

(at the Four Seasons) (506) 2696-0000

(506) 2696-0371

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK

PLAYITAS BEACHFRONT RESTAURANT

El Salto, Puntarenas Province, Quepos, Costa Rica +1 (800) 3813-3770

FOUR SEASONS RESORT COSTA RICA

NAUYACA WATERFALLS HORSEBACK RIDING TOUR

(506) 2696-0000

Cataratas Nauyaca, Dominical - San Isidro PZ, Provincia de Puntarenas (506) 2787-0541

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(506) 4040-0422

PESCE (506) 2696-0000

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Words and photography by NNEYA RICHARDS

The Unabashedly West

WEST INDIAN U.S. VIRGIN ISLAND OF ST. CROIX With natural beauty, a rich cuisine owing to the islands’ West Indian flavor, and a population with a deep independent entrepreneurial spirit, it’s no wonder that many mainlanders head to St. Croix and end up staying!

When you think of the U.S. Virgin Islands you might think cruise ships, Bermuda shorts and a very safe island haven for the American baby boomer set. Consisting of four larger islands and 50 smaller islets and cays, the culture and style of each island varies as much as any American state from another. St. Thomas is a major cruise ship destination, with a big port welcoming several ships a day in high season, but if you’re looking to go slightly off the beaten path while at the same time having the ease of a U.S passport and ability to spend U.S dollars, then St. Croix, the largest of the USVI’s, is the paradise for you.

Crucians pride themselves on their laid back lifestyle. The island is simultaneously teeming with life while amid revitalization. That’s the beauty of St. Croix: this dichotomy. It is a tranquil respite for those wanting rest from their mainland, yet it is a bustling hub of new businesses and growth which can be seen from the heavy presence of entrepreneurs on the island catering to locals and tourists alike. Though it has been under the governance of seven different countries in its history (Spain, England, the Netherlands, France, the Knights of Malta, Denmark, United States), St. Croix is still decidedly West Indian and AfroCaribbean. All of these influences can be seen in Crucian architecture, food and culture.

Sure, you’re in the U.S but you’ll hear beautiful English with a Caribbean lilt, Spanish, Creole, French, Danish and Patois on the island. St. Croix is a unique melting pot of all the aforementioned cultures and has a strong sisterhood with the

island of Puerto Rico, a 40-minute flight away.

Have you ever heard of the term Crucian-Rican?

Crucian-Rican is a local St. Croix term for the mix of the island’s culture with that of Puerto Rico.

There is even a Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Friendship Day celebrated on the second Monday of every October. Puerto Ricans began migrating to the island in the 1920s after the collapse of Puerto Rico’s sugar industry. Crucian-Rican can describe the people, culture, and food. It can only be found in the cuisine of St Croix, not the other

USVI’s. Think of it as Crucian food with traditional Puerto-Rican seasonings, flavors, and pairings.

Arroz con pollo and maduros, with a twist.

Whether you’re craving traditional island fare, contemporary vegan or a top-quality cocktail, the food, and drink scene on St. Croix has you covered. Perhaps you’ve heard of the U.S. Virgin Islands cuisine ambassador, Crucian restaurateur chef Digby Stridiron? This millennial chef ’s smile is as infectious as his passion for his hometown and

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island culinary traditions - too often overlooked by international culinary institutions. His restaurant Braata, in Frederiksted, is the embodiment of Chef Digby’s pride in his Caribbean heritage, citing influences and flavors from the Taino people to the slaves brought from Africa.

St. Croix local Anquanette Gaspard offers a toptier walking tour of downtown Christiansted that fills you up on local food and lore at Virgin Island Food Tours. The island’s food culture is on full display during the annual Taste of St. Croix festival in the spring where local chefs display their skills and guests can salivate over more traditional local delights. Travelers can bask in local foods such as kallaloo from The Kallaloo Man found in downtown Christiansted, red grout (a dessert with Danish origins) from Braata, or a savory vegan eggplant “bacon” slider from Sugar Apple that would be found on the menus of any posh vegan dining spot from LA to London. You can even sample breadfruit vodka, a sustainable cureall, from the local brand Mutiny Island Vodka.

After all of this delicious food, head to one of the best places on the islands for world-class libations from Master Mixologist Frank Robinson at his craft and cocktail lounge, Bes, named after the Egyptian god. Open from Wednesday through Saturday, Bes serves titillating cocktails with locally sourced ingredients with names that will leave you intrigued and bashful, like the “clitoria!”

Right up there with the quality of service is the atmosphere with Frank’s booming laughter

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echoing throughout the bar. Get there early to get the best seat in the house, a little booth nook in an old stone arch, but we can’t guarantee how long you’ll stay in your seat. The DJs on weekends can turn the place into a real bacchanal.

Young entrepreneurs are revitalizing St. Croix, paying homage to their West Indian upbringing and future, not just in the food and beverage space on the island but in beauty as well. Naturally sourced beauty regimes are typical island practices. After years as a nurse in her native Jamaica, Cultured Naturals founder Ramone Reid decided to marry her medical background and self-care passion in the natural realm. Reid uses local oils, fruits, and other natural ingredients to serve her customers’ hair and skin needs the natural way. She even has a “lab” in her downtown Christiansted store: a beauty bar to whip up products for customers on the spot, depending on their desires.

While shopping, eating and drinking around downtown Christiansted, you might notice the charming streets with bright pastel storefronts and doorways. 18th Century Danish-style buildings with red roofs are well-preserved here despite the island being hit hard by Hurricane Maria in 2017.

Watch the sunset cast a beautiful glow over the twin city of Frederiksted on the West side of the island.

To be even further steeped in history stay at the luxury resort, The Buccaneer, located on a

beautiful family-owned sea-facing property that was once a sugar plantation. Many of the historical buildings are still intact and refurbished. While staying on the grounds of a former plantation could be questionable juju, the original sugar mill on the property has hosted shows like The Bachelor and is considered a top romantic spot on the island.

About a mile and a half off of St. Croix is Buck Island and Buck Island Reef, the United States’ only National Monument in the Caribbean, named so by the decree of President John F. Kennedy in 1961. About 880 acres, the island, and its surrounding marine garden is home to many endangered and threatened species making it a beautiful site for responsible snorkeling.

You have to go to Buck Island with authorized operators. Nature has a way of protecting itself though… Stay clear of those picnic tables you’ll see on West Beach that the parks department kindly built for visitors. Those trees above them with the green apples are beautiful manchineel trees and contact with them - the sap, bark, leaves or the apple - causes chemical burns to human skin. Don’t fear though! A beautiful guided 45-minute tour of the island will give you panoramic views of the reef.

“St Croix is different, I’m different,” said an oil refinery worker to his wife as he asked for a divorce a few months after being on the island.

St. Croix’s island vibe will get you. Within a day you’ll be limin’ and unabashedly West Indian.

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W H E R E T O E AT :

W H AT T O D O :

THE BUCCANEER

BRAATA

VIRGIN ISLAND FOOD TOURS

5007 Estate Christiansted, 00824 800-255-3881

69A King St Frederiksted, St Croix 00840

P.O. Box 3611 Kingshill, VI 00851 866-498-3684

SUGAR APPLE BED AND BREAKFAST

BES

CRUZAN RUM DISTILLERY

27 Prince St Christiansted, Virgin Islands 00820 310-890-8111

53 B Company Street Christiansted, St. Croix 00820 340-773-2985

#3 & 3A Estate Diamond Frederiksted, St. Croix 00840 340-692-2280

W H E R E T O S TAY :

HOTEL CARAVELLE

LA REINE CHICKEN SHACK

RAINBOW BEACH

44A Queen Cross St Christiansted 00820-5020 855-591-8790

24 Slob A-B Estate La Reine Kingshill, U.S. Virgin Islands 00851 340-778-5717

Follow the coast road north of Frederiksted Rt 63 & Rt 71

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Jacket B JAMES

Words by TOMMY RODRIGUEZ Photography: JEFF FORNEY Styling: DARIUS BAPTIST Grooming: DUSTY STARKS

He’s a musical visionary who built an empire that has towered over Latin America for well over a decade.

Through the rise and fall of many artists around him, he remains. This is De La Ghetto.

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n the world of sports, dynasties are capable of shaping leagues and shifting entire fanbases.

From the near 20-year run by the New England Patriots to a Chicago Bulls team that hoisted six Larry O’Brien trophies in just eight years, all dynasties have one thing in common: longstanding domination.

In the music realm, a similar principle stands for earning the seal of approval as a dynasty. The careers of artists such as Michael Jackson, Prince, and even Jay-Z have set precedents other artists have only dreamed of replicating.

But in the Latin urban genre, few dynasties stand rival to that of De La Ghetto. The reggaetonero has come a remarkably long way from the streets of La Perla, Puerto Rico, ascending to and remaining at the top of the Latin music industry since 2006.

Yet in spite of three Latin Grammy nominations, countless hit records, and recognition as a reggaeton legend, De La Ghetto remains hungrier than ever.

Born in the Heights to Dominican and Puerto Rican parents, Rafael Castillo, more commonly known as De La Ghetto, lived out his early years in the Bronx before moving to Puerto Rico. It was there, on the Island of Enchantment, that Rafael grew up to find himself in the beginnings of the golden age of reggaeton.

Boot DIOR

Despite living in New York City for only a short period of time, the concrete jungle found ways to shape him and his music forever. “I always still had that New York influence in me while living in Puerto Rico, ‘cause my first language era inglés,” he said. “Por eso yo me pasaba escuchando música hip-hop americana, [de] Nueva York, from down south, from L.A., you know, Texas. Todas las partes del area.”

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Like many other artists, De La Ghetto knew from an early age that music was his calling. While he had always envisioned his final destination, he struggled in the search for a route there. “I always wanted to rap and do music, but I didn’t know how to, you feel me?” he shared. The wait for opportunity quickly grew too long, and a young De La Ghetto found himself turning to the streets as a means to put clothes on his back. “Whatever hustle I could get my hands on, I was there.”

Through the struggle, De La Ghetto remained a student of music. Listening to and absorbing every mixtape he could get his hands on, he was constantly expanding a music arsenal that became largely responsible for his longevity as an artist. His ability to incorporate sounds from all genres is unmatched, and drawing from that very arsenal has set him apart for the entirety of his 14 year career.

An upbringing filled with the sounds of the soothing melodies of R&B, gritty lyrics of New York hiphop, and rhythms of Puerto Rican salsa shaped the sound of the soon-to-be emcee.

From classic salsa to heavy metal, De La Geezy has drawn inspiration from it all. “My older cousins, they were like into rock, so I was really into Guns N’ Roses. Esa banda fue que me inspiró a mí a cantar.”

“You know, you wanna just get motivated por diferentes sonidos, diferentes eras.”

The hundreds of hours the reggaeton icon spent listening to CDs on his Sony Walkman, flirting with his musical talents, and waiting for his chance finally paid off. After years of having one foot in the streets of Puerto Rico and the other in the recording studio, De La Ghetto was introduced to Arcangel. The rest? History.

Shortly after meeting Zion, a fellow reggaeton vocalist, the two signed to Baby Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. The duo blew up at unanticipated rates, with records like “Ven Pegate” and “Aparentemente” wrecking through the streets of Latin America. “Our boom was so big, like we wasn’t expecting it bro,” he said over the phone.

“Me and Arcangel met each other, we met Zion, and then in a year? One year passed and we was already doing shows, traveling to Dominican Republic, traveling to Orlando, you know, Latin America.”

While only sticking together for two years, the short-lived duo called for the dawn of De La Ghetto’s solo career. After parting ways, the newfound superstar got his break as a solo artist in 2008 with the release of his debut studio album, Masacre Musical. Since his break, El Jefe Del Bloque has witnessed numerous records of his peak on Bill-

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“You know, you wanna just get motivated por diferentes sonidos, diferentes eras.”

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Bomber & Sweater IH NOM UH NIT Pants DIPLOMACY Sunglasses RAY BAN

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board Charts and earn recognition at the Latin Grammys.

Almost a decade and a half removed from his signing with Baby Records, De La Ghetto still can’t pinpoint the reason behind his long term success.

“I don’t know, man,” he said. “Not a lot of people have that angel, man. One of my best friends told me, ‘yo, you blessed man. You got that angel. You and Arcangel.’ If you have it, you have it, my G. You gotta stay humble, too, and don’t forget where you come from.”

De La Ghetto’s modesty may prevent him from telling us why and how he’s managed to remain relevant (and that’s an understatement) for 14 years, so allow me to take a stab at it.

“Whatever hustle I could get my hands on, I was there.”

In addition to his incredible versatility and possessing one of the smoothest voices in the genre, De La Geezy was undoubtedly an artist before his time. The entire Latin urban genre is now following a blueprint that he has helped create since the birth of his career. “What I was doing back in the day,” he acknowledged, “ahora es que está saliendo, you feel me? Like with the streaming, with the Spanish remixes, with the Spanglish. With

the Spanish trap, the R&B, the hip-hop, with the dancehall. I was already on that.”

It is this very principle that has allowed De La Ghetto to evolve and make music that fits in seamlessly with this new generation of Latin urban.

And this evolution hasn’t gone unnoticed.

De La Ghetto’s recent nominations at the Latin Grammys for Best Urban Music Album and Best Urban Song are a testament to his relentless work ethic and undying sound. “When I did the Mi Movimiento album, all the energy was focused on the Grammys. We was just talking every night.” He detailed his “darker” and “more mature” approach to this album, making the project perfect for older audiences as well as adolescent audiences.

He has followed up his album success quite strongly, recently dropping “FEKA” in collaboration with El Alfa and Miky Woodz. Burning through the streets like wildfire, the song is a turn back to the hood “with that toque de elegancia” and a peek of what’s to come with his upcoming album. “This album, Los Chulitos, is straight for the streets, straight for the younger generation. I got all the young bloods in the album, production wise and artist wise.”

With features from El Alfa, Dalex, Myke Towers and several more, this project may be his biggest yet. He may very well be sitting at the Latin Grammys again next year. And the next. And the next.

14 years later, De La Ghetto still has a ways to go.

Continue to witness the takeover.

“Gracias a Dios que estamos aquí todavía rompiendo, ‘mano.”

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of Kinshasa

The Capital of The Congo On a journey to the rich lands of The Congo, photographer Vincent Dolman focused his camera on the nation’s youth, raising awareness to The Congo Nation of Ball. Patrick Mukoko, the organization’s founder, seeks to change the narrative of Africa by empowering the younger generation through sports.

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Photo Credit: AL NAFI WALKER

Words by JAMIE ROLLO

PROKLLA: COMBATING THE ISSUES LEFTOVER FROM THE CANNABIS PROHIBITION

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know, maybe the next three to five years might get overturned and now you’re gonna have to go through additional paperwork of expunging.

And even so, by the time that they legalize it, everybody’s gone through the hardship.” That hardship being six months probation and a permanent arrest record.

Christian Santos founded ProKlla, a shortened version of “Prohibition Killers,” after experiencing the legal and monetary struggle of having a marijuana charge.

Despite there being an evident acceptance of cannabis in society and media, there are still many people of color being arrested for the normalized narcotic.

While on probation, Santos was actually pulled over and his car was searched completely. He explained how he was following all road laws, and wasn’t pulled over until he got in the left lane on a two lane highway, which is apparently illegal. The cop pointed out that he was on probation, and called two other cops for backup when it was just him and a friend.

“At this point we’ve realized [cannabis is] not as bad as

A constant debate when it comes to legalizing cannabis is the question of profiling and unfair treatment for minorities.

Data collected from 2001 to 2010 shows that 52 percent of drug arrests were marijuana related.

Of those arrests, 88 percent were for possession, not intent to sell. “I have friends of all different colors, shapes and sizes that have been arrested for it,” Santos commented. “If you look at the numbers, we’re doing most of the time, we’re getting arrested the most, we’re dealing with most of the penalties of it, and most of us can’t afford a nice lawyer to get us off the hook.”

society made it seem for so long.

We’re progressively legalizing the states… But, there are people that are still suffering,”

“We gotta make a federal impact before we can say that we’re gonna start seeing the remedy of the hardships that we’ve gone through,” said ProKlla founder Christian Santos. The brand, which sells embroidered hats, gives a percentage of their proceeds to those with outstanding marijuana charges. “Right now, we have limited scope. Our goal is to help people in the transition of this getting legalized.”

Santos was inspired to create this altruistic endeavor after he was arrested for a small amount of weed. “My family wouldn’t have been able to pay off those tickets for years. I was lucky enough that I had a decent job that allowed me to pay that off,” he explained. “I can only imagine anybody else in my neighborhood or neighborhoods like mine that are not able to pay that ticket off, and are dealing with stupid little arrests over a dime or a nickle of weed.”

ProKlla sells a variety of high quality hats. 15 percent of their profits go to helping those with outstanding marijuana charges and tickets. Santos plans to set up an application once they acquire the funds to start helping those in need. Through the form, applicants will be able to enter their ticket number so that ProKlla can verify it and reach out to the governing body directly to pay it off.

“At this point we’ve realized [cannabis is] not as bad as society made it seem for so long. We’re progressively legalizing the states… But, there are people that are still suffering,” said Santos. “You’re still getting arrested over something that, you

While the data shows that white and Black Americans use marijuana at the same rates, Black Americans are four times more likely to be arrested for possession. In places such as Iowa, Washington D.C, Minnesota, and Illinois, Black Americans were 7 to 8 percent more likely to be arrested than white marijuana users. The ACLU also reported that states spend a whopping $3,613,969,972 on enforcing marijuana probation.

Hispanics also make up a large majority of marijuana arrests. A study conducted by WNYC found that in neighborhoods where Black and Hispanic Americans are only 10 percent of the population, minorities still make up 80 to 90 percent of cannabis arrests.

“The roots of marijuana prohibition are heavily concentrated in racism in the U.S.,” said Justin Strekal, the political director at the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). Harry Anslinger, the director of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics at the time the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 was passed, is historically racist and a known figure head for the War on Drugs.

During the 30s, which was coined “The Jazz Era,” people of color were being liberated through

music. Anslinger was clearly threatened by said freedom, and quickly began to associate jazz and swing music with drug use. He constantly told mistruths about marijuana and its effects. One of his famous lines was, “you smoke a joint, you’re likely to kill your brother.” These distortions were widely believed by the public as Anslinger, a close friend of famous yellow-journalist William Randolph Hearst, spread negative facts about the plant.

And it wasn’t just his disdain for the harmless drug, his war on marijuana had severely racist undertones. He was once quoted saying, “reefer makes the darkies think they’re as good as white men.” He frequently blamed jazz and swing for marijuana use stating, “There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the U.S, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos, and entertainers.

Their satanic music, jazz and swing, result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers and any others.”

The effects of Anslinger’s war on drugs still last today. “Unfortunately, you know, marijuana’s criminalization is more dangerous than the substance itself. It had lead to a relatively low hanging fruit excuse for law enforcement to engage in interactions with constituents,” said Strekal. “This has led to the militarization of poor communities that more closely resemble a police state rather than the Land of the Free.”

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Words by: KAYLIN YOUNG Photography by: MARCUS OWENS Stylist: J. BOLIN

As a pastor at one of the fastest growing churches in the south, Keion Henderson has always been passionate about connecting with others. He has found great social media success sharing his wisdom with the world.

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Nearly 40 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 to 29 have no religious affiliation. While many faith leaders are dismayed by these numbers, Keion Henderson positively sees a chance to bridge the gap between Christianity and culture. “I don’t want to use God’s name in this interview as a crutch to lean on because someone may be reading and call it ‘the universe,’ someone else may call it ‘a higher power.’ I just so happen to subscribe to Jesus Christ being my Lord and Savior.”

With such a strong desire to connect with people – despite their spiritual leaning – it’s no wonder why Henderson’s ministry at the Lighthouse Church in Houston has become one of the fastest-growing in the south. Beyond the pulpit, Henderson is also a serial entrepreneur, an award-winning singer, and a family man. With so many titles, it’s easy to assume Henderson has always had it all figured out, but he said that despite his many callings, it took him 36 years to truly know who he was.

“Sometimes you can know what you’re doing and not know who you are,” he said. “I think the best journey in life is not to find out what they’re calling you, but to find out what you’re called for.”

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Today, there is no identity barrier strong enough to restrain him.

This year marks 10 years at Lighthouse, although Henderson has 24 years of experience in ministry.

Biblically, the number 10 holds great significance as it represents testimony, law, responsibility, and the completeness of order. “I didn’t even plan for our church approaching 10 years while we’re in a series entitled ‘What Made Jesus Mad,’ and one of the things that made Him mad was the law. I think that’s why that message – ‘The Pressure of Being Gifted’ – may be apropos for people who may not be within the sect of religion, but who still love God,” Henderson explained. “I’m non-traditional, and I think the truth is somewhere in between what man thinks and what God said. We’re all just figuring out how to do it right because none of us know exactly what He meant.”

That message, “The Pressure of Being Gifted,” is from his 2017 visit at Elevation Church, one of Henderson’s most-streamed sermons with nearly 1 million views on YouTube. “When I wrote that message, I had no idea it would go around the world or that it would resonate with so many people,” he commented. “I feel comfortable in the confluence of ministry and marketplace.”

Speaking of gifts, Henderson realized his at the age of 14 when he was called to preaching. “I heard things like, ‘you’re too young,’ ‘what can you teach me?’ But what they missed is that the Holy Spirit is the same age in all of us, so what I was telling them was truth and truth doesn’t need me to be grown to express it. I knew what the truth was, I knew where to find it, and I knew what God wanted me to do,” Henderson said.

If you’re still thinking Henderson is “just another preacher,” here’s another distinction: he’d rather wear the hottest Kenzo sweatshirt and sneakers than a suit and robe. His policy on attire is simple: “I never wear anything that someone has to take their eyes off the message to see what the messenger is wearing. But God never told a man what to wear to church on Sunday.”

When it comes to the issues of distraction and distrust, Henderson understands both ends of them. “I always say that I would rather have God and not need Him, than need Him and not have Him,” he explained. “If we get to the end of the world and find out God isn’t real, then we haven’t lost anything. But the big question is: what if we get to the end and He is real?”

The reliance on “if He is real” has led Henderson to places he couldn’t have fathomed. “These are the dreams of a young kid from Gary, Indiana whose mother worked at Taco Bell making $7 an hour. And now we have four churches in one of the largest cities in the United States of America.

The album? How did I even do that? Opened a business? How did I do that? They’re just a bunch of dreams and I believe dreams are simply thoughts asking for permission to live. My thoughts have been knocking on my heart and I finally got into position where I believed I can do anything God told me to do. I’ve lost the fear, but even when I was afraid, I did it anyway.”

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Why It Sucks That Young People Care About Climate Change It’s easy to see children fighting for the planet and feel proud. But the fact that young people feel the need to become active is a sign of serious problems in the way society operates This generation of young people has become very passionate about climate change. To the extent that they’re organizing and participating in powerful activism. Perhaps the most famous example of this phenomenon took place on September 20, 2019. Young people worldwide lead an unprecedented coordinated strike.

Children abandoned their schools, and adults joined them by skipping work. On that day, an estimated 4 million people participated in the protests. The movement spread across all seven continents, with demonstrations even taking place on the Antarctic Continent. At the forefront of the action was 16-year-old Greta Thunberg.

Her activism started back in August 2018 with weekly school strikes to protest for climate action outside the Swedish Parliament. Before the protests, she had sailed from Plymouth, England to the United States. Once she hit dry land, she went straight to the U.N. to demand they take drastic action to reduce emissions.

Plenty of powerful and influential people gushed over her courage, dedication, and passion. Former President Barack Obama, for instance, met with her and called her “one of the planet’s greatest advocates,” which is a curious statement coming from someone who used to be in charge of one of the planet’s worst polluters. And therein lies the issue. Here’s a segment from Greta’s speech: “This is all wrong. I shouldn’t be up here. I should be back in school on the other side of the ocean. Yet you all come to us young people for hope. How dare you! You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words.”

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Commentators were quick to note that many who praised Greta didn’t realize that she was talking about them. People who have or had the power to do something, brag about how much they support her without understanding that her very existence as a figurehead depends on their complete and utter failure in the face of the climate crisis. Child activism isn’t inspirational. It’s dystopian. We are down to the wire with very little time left to prevent catastrophe. The urgency is not because the crisis happened all of a sudden, but instead because of the continued failure of those in power.

That failure begins with capitalism. The goal of any corporation is to make money above all else.

This in and of itself can cause decision-makers to sacrifice a lot in the way of ethics. But in an economic system where the decision-makers are free to hoard the vast wealth generated by their workers for themselves, it’s easy to see why the planet seemed worth sacrificing. Oil companies knew full well what their products were doing to the planet way back in the 1980s. In 1982, Exxon predicted that by 2060, CO2 levels would reach around 560 parts per million and that this would push the planet’s average temperatures up by about 2°C (35.6°F) over then-current levels. In 1988, Shell found that CO2 levels could double by 2030. Both companies also knew that the rise in temperature would cause disasters like rising sea levels and disappearing ecosystems. But changing their products would have meant less money. So instead they kept their knowledge secret for as long as they could. Then once it got out, they actively blocked any government action that would curb the damage their products are doing to the planet.

And it wasn’t even difficult.

Here’s the next stage of the failure. The political establishment serves money above all else. All the big fossil fuel companies had to do to prevent action on climate change was cough up some cash.

It’s estimated that every year, five of the world’s largest oil and gas companies spend around $200 million on lobbying. For all but a small selection of progressives, that has been enough to sell the planet for. This is most stark in Republican denialism, which some are trying to rebrand as “skepticism” (don’t fall for it). One can hardly forget the pathetic image of Senator James Inhofe bringing a snowball to the floor in 2015. But let’s not let the Democrats off the hook. Barack “this-16-year-oldchild-is-the-best-chance-earth-has” Obama held office for eight years. He had a majority in both the house and the senate early in his first term. He had more power to solve the problem than all 4 million of those climate protesters combined. But he didn’t. In fact, in many respects, he worsened the problem. In 2018, he even bragged about the fact that fossil fuel production went up during his administration: “That whole, suddenly America’s biggest oil producer and the biggest gas, that was me, people.” Before him, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush all let their terms go by without taking action. Even if we disregard Trump’s idiotic denialism, American climate change policy has been abysmal for decades.

But this is America we’re talking about. The land of free speech. Surely the media, the fourth estate, has been holding the political establishment’s feet to the fire? You’d hope so, but that has been far from

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the case. In the debates leading up to the 2008 presidential elections, the moderators did not ask a single question about climate change. The same thing happened in both 2012 and 2016. When not ignoring the issue outright, U.S media often fell into the “both sides” trap. Even though the science was conclusive, television news stations kept giving air-time to denialists in an attempt to be “impartial.” In part because many outright deniers came from the Republican party. News networks have a habit of letting the right get away with lying out of a fear of being labeled the “liberal media.”

This faux “impartiality” was disastrous because it’s a simple matter of fact that having a debate on an issue tells people that the topic is up for debate.

Pew research shows that as late as 2016, only half of Americans believed that man-made climate change was happening. Only 27 percent even knew that most scientists believed it was happening. The news media could have put immense pressure on government officials to take action. Their failure to do so is undeniably part of the reason we are just now starting to talk about taking real action.

The emergence of politically active children is not a cause for celebration. When children are forced to take action, everything else has failed. They become active not out of a sense of civic duty, but because they are burdened with the awful knowledge that no one is protecting them. The children who survived the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School started organizing because they were shown that too many in power did not care to protect them from being gunned down in schools. Amariyanna Copeny became known as Little Miss Flint because at the age of

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12 she learned that those in power don’t care if her drinking water is poison. Just like them, Greta Thunberg and the thousands of other youth climate activists are fighting because they have been shown repeatedly that no one in power could care less if they have a future or not.

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stage, especially with our present day climate of race baiting by a certain individual in the White House. I also wanted people who are not of color to see and feel what it might be like to be in the shoes and life of an inner city Black family. But there are many stories, not just the one I depicted on stage. It was written to get a dialogue about race out in the open. We had two talkbacks for those who attended, one on Race and Theater by Richard Wesley and on about Race and Health Care by Dr. Olajide Williams. We also taped people and used their voice recordings at different times during the performance. They were asked: WHAT DOES RACE MEAN TO THEM.

William Electric Black William Electric Black is an Emmy Award Winning Writer who brings activism to theater and children’s programming. Serving as a writer for Sesame Street from 1992 to 2002, Black has perfected the craft of teaching real-life social problems to younger audiences. He believes strongly in gun reform and issues facing inner city communities. He recently wrote a play titled “The Whites” in which he depicts white characters facing the everyday problems of the Black community, such as mass incarceration, segregation, red lining and more. Black has also worked with the organization Hip-Hop H.E.A.L.S, which creates content for at-risk youth to promote healthier lifestyles.

What were some of the main societal issues you tackled in your recent play, The Whites?

In The Whites I wanted the audience to be aware of present day issues still facing the Black community such as mass incarceration, segregated schools, gun violence, and the red lining of people of color (keeping them housed in certain areas).

What made you want to play with the concept of “race-reversal” in that particular project?

What was the audience’s reaction?

I had the idea many years ago when I was at Bowdoin College but never wrote the play. This past summer, an old college buddy of mine, Gerald “Rasuli” Lewis, reached out to me and asked, “hey, whatever happened to that idea?” I decided to write it after hearing from him. Then, a few weeks later, another Bowdoin brother called and said that Rasuli has passed away. I could not believe what I was hearing. I knew right then and there that this was a special project and it had to reach the 80

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The project was well received by the audience.

They agreed that is was provocative, powerful, insightful, and timely. I did not want the cast to act or be Black. I wanted them to be white and live in a world where they did not have doors open to them because of their skin color. Perhaps mass incarceration, segregated schools, police brutality, high rates of suicide are cliche to us - but not in white America. I wanted them to wear this way too familiar clothing, these stressful realities we face everyday, and perhaps even understand or acknowledge what it does to us.

You speak a lot about gun violence, what are some ways you call attention to this issue?

Gun violence really bothers me. It is a plague destroying the lives (young lives) of inner city Black people everyday. We need to do something about it. I am tired of the candles and cards left at sites where people have been shot. I am tired of the marches, the mothers who are seen holding pictures of their loved ones, the ineffective politicians and clergy who say a lot but get nothing done. My Gunplays Series (five plays about gun violence) was written and performed to bring light to this situation. It was a five year project (one play per year) produced at Theater For The New City. Over 50 actors were part of this project that included talkbacks about what we can do to tackle this dire situation. Seniors, community groups, high school students, a Supreme Court Judge, the

First Lady of NYC, politicians, and local clergy came out to support the series.

Can you talk about your work with Hip-Hop H.E.A.L.S? Hip-Hop H.E.A.L.S. is an amazing organization under the direction of Dr. Olajide Williams. It is devoted to improving the lives of young people throughout the NYC area by combining hip-hop with engaging programs that focus on nutrition, exercise, calorie counting, stroke awareness, and healthy eating and living. For over eight years, using hip-hop tracks by Artie Green, Doug E Fresh, and other rap composers, I have written, directed, and produced videos that are animated or live action for the lower school children who are at-risk to develop illnesses related to unhealthy lifestyles. The concepts for the videos, under the guidance of Dr. Williams and Vanessa Sawyer, are thought out carefully so their impact, along with an in-school program, can successfully create a change in how young people approach their daily intake of food and see the importance of exercise.

Can you talk a bit more about your work with youth-oriented programs and the impact that you hope to give?

Presently, I am writing a series of Pre-K/first grade, easy read books to combat gun violence.

As an Emmy Winning Writer for Sesame Street (1992-2002), I truly realize how important and necessary it is to reach children as early as possible when trying to impact their prosocial behavior or to teach them valuable skills in math, science, language, reasoning, conflict resolution, and problem solving. Gun violence is a major problem that we must solve. The Lower Eastside Girls Club on Avenue D in the East Village has already helped to distribute the first book, A Gun is Not Fun, to schools on the lower east side. I have finished two more books, There are no Guns on the Moon and A Gun is not the Answer. As I work on more books I am also working on a Gun Violence Awareness Pilot Program (a creative curriculum Pre-K to fifth grade) that I want to roll out at a lower school in the NYC area this coming year 2020.

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**photos courtesy of Deondre Moore

Deondre Moore Deondre Moore has been doing HIV advocacy work for over five years. He was diagnosed at the age of 19 and since has been learning and spreading newfound knowledge about living with HIV. Recently, he has been doing a lot of work for the campaign, Owning HIV: Young Adults and the Fight Ahead.

The campaign sought to establish knowledge of how much Gen Z and Millennials know about HIV and the notion that Undetectable=Untransmittable. The first-of-its kind survey found that those age groups still believe in harmful stigmas about how HIV is transmitted and that most were unaware of U=U, even respondents living with HIV. As a community mobilizer for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Moore brings these issues into the spotlight to curtail harmful misconceptions. To learn more about the survey, visit http://www.owninghiv.com.

Can you talk about your role as a community organizer?

Being a community mobilizer for AIDS Healthcare Foundation and that role kind of helps me to be able to share information and put it out there amongst various institutions [and] demographics from legislators, people in politics, people who make key decisions like school boards and things like that, and getting the community together and giving them that information that we now have.

How long have you been doing advocacy work?

I tested positive at 19, and I got started a little less than a year later, so by the time I was about 20, so I would say about five years now.

What was most shocking to you about the newfound data?

For me, it was the lack of knowledge there is around where we are as it relates to HIV and science. [Such as] the folks who don’t know about Undetectable=Untransmittable and what that actually means and how that actually decreases stigma within the HIV community and everywhere, actually. To know that there are folks who are living with HIV and don’t know that once they reach undetectable viral loads that they can no longer transmit the virus, it’s kind of alarming to me. It looks as though the information that we now have is not being put out there.

Why do you feel it’s important to spread awareness about Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U)?

Ultimately, as a person like me living with HIV, it kind of empowers me to want to be medically adherent and go to those appointments with my doctor, have questions for my doctor, and it kind of sets a goal of where I would want to be, where I do want to be, and where I am as a person living with

HIV. Looking back at where this all started, you know 30-plus years ago, and where we are now, it’s just exciting to know that folks can live happy and healthier lives free of stigma, which is what U=U helps with as well.

What are some other harmful stigmas about HIV? You have folks who still have these misconceptions that you can transmit or get HIV from social events [or] interacting with people with HIV socially. So hugging, kissing, talking to, sharing utensils with all of that. It’s so harming because I’ve seen how bad it’s used against folks living with HIV and then it can destroy families too because of that precedent that’s there. So, it’s just - knowledge is power. Literally. The more you know, the better you know how to manage it. The more you know, the better you know how to treat people living with HIV. Essentially, we’re just everyday people. The only reason why you’d even know is because we tell you. Other than that, you would not know, [HIV] doesn’t have a face, it doesn’t look a certain way, we all come in different shapes, sizes, and colors.

it was more of a social thing, which the findings within the survey kind of speak to that and that’s kind of what we knew, but now this survey actually proves our thoughts.

What are your biggest pieces of advice for Gen Z and Millennials in regards to HIV awareness?

My biggest advice is to learn the knowledge for yourself if you feel as though you’re not getting it, go out and find it - it’s there. Use the resources that you have in the community, and once you get it, share that, distribute it. Sometimes, whether or not we want to be, we have to be our own advocates… For me, I think education is a human right, it should not be a privilege. If we have [the information], we must share it and give it to our youth.

How have those stigmas affected you personally?

Before U=U, before I found out about U=U, dating was a little difficult… Trying to get folks to understand, from my own terminology, that I was trying to put out there that I’m living with HIV, but I’m healthy, I’m just like any other person, I have an undetectable viral load and all of these things.

I even lost friends when I first came out about my status because the stigma associated with HIV and their lack of knowledge there. And that’s really it,

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s ’ a e e s n She e f i L d e s Bles Photography by: CASEY MATHEWSON Fashion: RAVEN ROBERTS Hair: KISHA MARIE Makeup: TISH FERGUSON

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onversations about dancehall cannot happen without mentioning Shenseea.

The Jamaican multi-hyphenate (singersongwriter-dancer...) released “Blessed” featuring Tyga last summer and set blogs, social media, and the radio on fire. Set on the sands of Jamaica, the video opens with Shenseea waking up with another island gyal in bed – a scene that surprised many, but did not phase Shenseea in the slightest, “I want people to see it. It’s love.” It also didn’t stop the song from racing to over 6 million listens on Spotify – one of which was none other than Cardi B, who posted on Instagram how “poppin’” the song was.

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Our Bombshell is certainly receiving plenty of love these days, but growing up as a mixed girl in St. Elizabeth did not make Shenseea an immediate fan-favorite. But she wants no sympathy! Becoming a young mother to her son, Rajeiro while navigating through the adversities of her career, it’s safe to say Shenseaa’s skin is thick and criticism holds no power in the world she is creating for herself. The budding superstar opened up to us about her life back home, the honor of becoming the first Dancehall artist signed to Interscope Records, and that time a fan grabbed her #blessing on stage.

You’ve been described as many things… dancehall diva, singer, songwriter. But in your mind, who is Shenseea?

How do you want people to see you?

I want them to see me as a multi-faceted artist. I want people to see me beyond their expectations. I want to be seen as a real person. I don’t want them to see that I’m a perfect person. I want them to see me as real and encouraging, regardless of whatever may happen to me.

Growing up, did you always want to be a performer? Or was it that Whitney Houston cover at church that turned you on to the music world?

Growing up, I always wanted to be an international artist.

When I realized that I could sing from a young age, I started building this love and passion I have for music, and there wasn’t a day that passed that I wasn’t singing or listening to music. I can honestly say that I’m addicted to music. I feel like if I could marry music, I would because I just love it so much. It’s such a different feeling when an artist can sing, and you can feel the passion. I always wanted to become an artist.

What was it like growing up in St. Elizabeth with both Korean and Jamaican blood? How does your heritage affect the woman you are today?

I used to get teased a lot because I was different. People are really harsh, and I started to get a different kind of attention and a different kind of treatment – sometimes it was good, sometimes it was bad. I looked different, I had extra-long hair, and those are things I’ve gotten bullied about. I’ve always been judged. I’ve always been picked on. So now, as an artist, I’m highly criticized, but I’m not upset. It’s never deterred me from being who I am and I bear that strength because I’m so used to a lot of criticism. It molded me and I know the type of person who I am – I’m very confident.

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Your first big performance was the 2015 Reggae Sumfest.

What was it like going from smaller performances to being on stage in front of a huge crowd of people who love your moves, your songs, your vibes?

I remember I was really shy. I had just started performing, so it wasn’t my best performance. But looking back I’m like “wow,” I’ve grown so much music-wise and musically, I’m so proud of myself. My people in Jamaica were looking at that like “wow, we have seen her grow, we have seen her evolve into a better artist.” I didn’t watch that performance because I already knew it wasn’t my best performance because I was nervous as hell.

But growing and having that experience helped me get more comfortable and confident with who I am on stage.

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Your latest hit, Blessed, has pulled over 20 million views on YouTube, over 6 million listens on Spotify, and gained attention from artists like Cardi B. How does it feel to see your song gaining so much attention?

I feel over-elated. I’m very blessed and happy.

Having a team like mine at Interscope with people who love music and areas dedicated to my career as I am… They are working so hard. Teamwork is everything to me. It has been like this ever since I came on the scene with my other team, Romeich Entertainment in Jamaica. They have shown me that teamwork is always first. Everyone sees that this is a movement. They are for the movement and they want to join the movement. I try to be as positive as I can for the public because I don’t want to showcase any negativity. I try to tell everyone that the lyrics of the song are so empowering and addicting – even if you don’t like it, you can’t help but sing it over and over in your head. As I get bigger, more people are recognizing me and the movement, and I’m grateful for that. I always saw this coming, but I didn’t see it coming right now.

The music video for “Blessed” shows all the beauty of your home island. What do you want your fans to see and know about Jamaica?

I want everyone to know that Jamaica is my favorite and the best country in the world. I’ve talked to a lot of famous people and they want to start coming here or move here because the vibe is completely different! It’s a different taste of paradise. I think Jamaica is one of those places that you must visit. There are so many attractions here – the rivers, food, the beaches, the people, the culture, I think it’s all so exciting. And Jamaica is the reason I love dancehall so much also because it gives me a different level of pride. I want to be one of the people – one of the influencers – who can showcase Jamaica’s beauty across the world.

You’re the first Dancehall artist to sign with Interscope Records. What does this mean to you and how do you think it impacts the culture of dancehall as a whole?

I’m glad you said that – I am the first. So far, we’ve found nothing but love. I am excited to see what comes of this because I’m giving my all and working so hard – and so is my team at Interscope.

I want to see another Dancehall artist signed and then another one, and another one. I want to put this in God’s hands and see how far this art goes.

I’m just working hard and hoping for the best.

We’ve known for years that the music industry – specifically when it comes to artists of color – can be hesitant to accept the LGBTQ+ community. But that’s never stopped you from portraying who you are in your music and online. Last year, you caught heat for posting a video of you kissing another girl… and then in your “Blessed”

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music video, one of the opening scenes is you waking up with a gorgeous gyal in bed. Why do you think there was so much resistance to you sharing your sexuality?

To be honest, no other Dancehall artist has done that because they are so afraid. In our culture, we just started accepting the fact that homosexuals exist. Once you are a homosexual, you cannot have a certain status or respect from people in my country because of our culture. We are not used to that and back in the day, we just didn’t support it entirely. Now, I think the world is changing so much that Jamaica is coming around.

I don’t think people should be living in a box and living unhappy. I promote love and self-love.

People should be comfortable living their lives with who they love – as human beings, we deserve that. We don’t deserve death just because of who we choose to be with.

The reason I put that in my music video was to show that I am not afraid. I don’t think people out there should be afraid. I know a lot of people in Jamaica who are struggling because you will get bullied – or worse – for that. As an influencer, I want people to know that there are other people out there just like them and they don’t need to hide it. And that’s one of the reasons why I wanted to boost it even more by posting it on Instagram because I knew it would go viral and I knew that’s exactly what I wanted. I want people to see it. It’s love.

Another thing you’ve never hidden from the world is your beautiful baby boy, Rajeiro.

How has motherhood affected your career?

I love it! It’s one of my favorite jobs. I truly enjoy being a mom. What really helps me is technology.

The fact that technology is so advanced now that I can pick up the phone and hear him telling me he loves me, it gives me even more motivation to do what I have to. It has influenced my career because it has motivated me to a different level. I’m doing this so he can have a better life than I did growing up. I just love being a mom.

LIGHTNING ROUND: B: Favorite thing to do with your son when you’re home?

S: We love to visit the beach because he loves the water just like me.

B: Dream collaboration?

S: I have so many people I admire musically, but definitely Rihanna.

B: Craziest fan encounter?

S: I was performing one time, and some girl grabbed my vagina and my butt. It was crazy.

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amelback Mountain Resort is the perfect year-round getaway. Located in the Pocono Mountains, the resort is just a quick 90-minute drive from New York City. Camelback Mountain Resort is a great stay for couples who want to get away from the city for the weekend, or even for just a few hours. And when families plan their inevitable winter getaways, they are making their way to Camelback Mountain.

Words By DOMINIQUE CARSON Photo Credit CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN

Camelback Mountain Resort: PA’s Year-Round Playground

Since 1963, Camelback Mountain Resort has been bringing the joy of winter sport into Pennsylvania. The resort has expanded immensely over the years adding more slopes, lifts, lodging, and an indoor and outdoor waterpark.

At the resort, you can ski, snowboard, or indulge in snow tubing.

Camelback is hailed as the absolute best skiing destination in Pennsylvania with over 250 professional ski and snowboard instructors, top-of-the-line equipment, and ability to accumulate one foot of snow in just 24 hours. The resort is also home to the largest snow tubing park earning the fitting nickname, “adventure park.”

Seven years ago, the resort was expanded even further totaling 42 tubing chutes with the addition of two magic carpet lifts that carry guests uphill with ease. Safety is always first and before participating in the elevated fun, guests have to learn how to be cautious on the mountains and lifts. If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, Camelback offers a learn-to-ski/snowboard program for both kids and adults. The day-long instructional course mixes learning and teaches guests how to put on the equipment, balance, and utilize the skis and snowboards safely.

Most people visit the resort between late December and mid-February.

Ticket prices can be anywhere between $10 to $60 depending on guests’ ages, planned activities, family size, and coupons. On weekends and special holidays, prices are $10 to $78 and snow tubing prices range from $28 to $40. There are special deals and packages throughout the year if you want to extend your stay at the resort, the most popular is the “Stay and Play” and Breakfast package. And to top it off, Camelback Mountain Resort hosts weddings for all seasons. The bride-and-groom wedding activities include bike tours, ziplining and passes to Aquatopia, the onsite, indoor water park.

Once tuckered out from the slopes, guests can relax with a massage or grab a drink at the indoor swim-up bar, Flyboys. There are also nine different restaurant options on the location: Colonial Commons, Graffiti Pizza, World Bazaar Coffee Shoppe, Sweet Discovery, Neptunes, Hemispheres, Trails End Pub and Grille, Kartrite’s Summit House, and Berrelli’s Family Style Italian.

New activities are constantly posted on the resort’s website so visitors will not miss out on the latest events and happenings. For example, Camelback Resort also has seasonal competitive skiing camps and ski teams including Alpine and freestyle ski teams. The resort also offers an array of entertainment options for all ages. There are live bands on weekends and holidays, and plenty of shopping.

While snow eventually melts and seasons change, Camelback Mountain Resort keeps the fun going all year long with their Camelback Lodge and Indoor Waterpark, and the Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark.

Camelbeach, which opened in 1998, is the largest outdoor waterpark in Pennsylvania. For the thrill-seekers, the park features nine different hair-raising water slides as well as a wave pool, a Flowrider, and an “adventure river.” There are also plenty of kid-friendly attractions for the little ones and many hideouts for relaxation.

Camelback Mountain Resort is under a two-hour drive from Manhattan.

There are buses that run from Port Authority to two different stops near the resort making it easier than ever to visit this Poconos getaway. For reservations and more information about Camelback Mountain Resort, visit their website (www.camelbackresort.com) or give them a call at (570) 629-1661 or (877) 895-9030.

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Global Issues Trafficking

Censorship

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ICON

Anthony Michael Bourdain was one of those special humans that lived in a reality most of the world can only dream of. To sum up his impact as a chef that traveled and had a great sense of humor voids the tremendous influence he had on people.

The food is the least of what he exposed the world to. Bourdain opened the eyes of his audience to what true humanity is - to see each other as equals.

Words by DEVON JOHNSON Photo Credit: ALLIE SMITH

Anthony Bourdain

The meals, the exotic ingredients and waterfront vistas were just accessories to the dynamic conversations he engaged in with local people. Real people. So yes, he attended Vassar College for two years and then graduated from the worldrenowned Culinary Institute of America in 1978. Yes, his highly acclaimed show CNN’s Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown won four Emmys. Yes, he ran the kitchens of New York restaurants such as the Supper Club, One-Fifth Avenue, and Sullivan’s. Then became executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles in 1998.

Not all superheroes wear capes and tights. Some use chopsticks.

Timeline

1978 Graduated The Culinary Institute of America,

1956

1978

1999 New Yorker article, “Don’t Eat Before Reading This.”

1998

1999

But, greater than all of this was his contribution to the global connectivity of varying ethnicities, communities and cultures. The world lost a global citizen when he died. Oceans, mountains, sunrises, and low tides lost a friend.

July 25th 2005 First Episode Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations on Travel Channel 2010 Nominated for a Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming

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2005

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2000 Best-selling book Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly

June 25th 1956 Born in New York 1998 Became Executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles in NYC

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April 14th 2013 - First Episode Anthony Bordain: Parts Unknown on CNN

2011

2013

2018

June 2019, The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) established a scholarship in Bourdain’s honor

2019

November 21st 2011 First Episode The Layover on Travel Channel 2008 Inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s “Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America”

June 8th 2018 Died Le Chambard - Hotel Restaurant Alsace, KaysersbergVignoble, France

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