DY
DY Magazine: Old City, Maneyunk and Chestnut Hill
magazine thedymag.com
Jan/Feb 2012
An intelligent guide to the lifestyle of art, literature and politics.
Artist
Vahge The Whimsical Romantic
DY Profile with Stacey
FlyGirrl Wilson
ISSN 2152-6540
Message from the Editor
2012 is slated to be a year of profound and necessary change. And no, I am not referring to the kind of change you were told to believe in; because I am in no way endorsing or co-signing for any politician or political party when I say this. I am merely stating the obvious. Humanity is awakening to the truth about the world in which we all live. Whether it’s on the subject of the US economy or our banking system; which Burnie Madoff (the so called biggest crook of all time) recently was quoted as saying “…is a ponzi scheme”. Or the truth concerning some of the unscrupulous decision making and political posturing going on amongst both parties on Capitol Hill. It is becoming quite clear that the masses are no longer willing to turn a blind eye and simply go back to putting their hands in their pants, slouching on their couches in front of the TV and slushing down beers; as the country is dragged through the dirt into utter oblivion. It is no longer an option for Americans to remain willfully ignorant or permit themselves to be distracted and misguided by the powerful propaganda machine we call The Media. Whatever way you choose to look at it, the jig is up and the trap door has been sprung. People are realizing they have been duped and as a result they are beginning to ask questions. They want to know what our law makers are really doing on Capitol Hill. For the first time in the history of our great nation people are starting to create dialogues, via social media sites and blogs; sharing ideas and information. All in an effort to spread truth or link pieces of the shattered puzzle; to gain some sort of clarity out of it all. This is not a phenomena strictly being experienced here in the states, it is happening worldwide in every nation on every continent. And what will be the outcome of this springing forth of the human consciousness? REVOLUTION. But not the kind of Revolution that is violent or miss placed and stagnant in nature; but clear, concise change, that we will all truly believe in. If humanity is to survive the next 100 years it needs to realize that we are all the same, that we are all a part of the same family, and that family is the Human Race. Then and only then will we be able to create a world dedicated to peace and most of all LOVE. However, in order to get there we must first release ourselves from those things that have divided us. We all must let go of our egos, Live to Love and Let Live. This means accepting others for who they are, and not passing judgment for what carrier choices they may have made, where they live, what religion they practice, their nationality, the color of their skin or sexual orientation etc. Peace and true Change is possible, once we stop allowing ourselves to be divided into pieces.
Peace, Love and DY On the cover: Secretary, this page La-Mort
Publisher/Founder: Damon Youmans Layout Editor: Lisa Tarter Account Executive: You Group, Inc. Administrative Officers: The You Group Web Adress: http://www thedymag.com
Contributing Writers: Damon Youmans Lisa Tarter By Miriam B Medina Michael E Sedgwick Robert Lee Simon Daniel
DY Magazine is a subsidiary of the DY Group and its constituents. All articles are reprinted via permission or as open submissions. Articles are subject to change in order to meet space and magazine layout guidelines. DY Magazine has the right to edit any specific content and layout to meet the requirements of both digital and online piblications. Advertisements are solicited via web access and at the permission and discretion of the DY Group and its clients.
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DYCONTENTS Jan/Feb 2012
Artist Bio Dan Fenelon P. 10 Space is Flat By Jesse Taylor Page 24
DY Remembers “You’re Surroundings” by: Damon Youmans P. 4 DY Profile: Stacey FlyGirrl Wilson P.6
Artist Bio Andre Jones P. 18
The Blogospher Gold Yard P. 16 Health Well-Being Tip “Reach Out And Touch Someone Close To You - It’s Psychologically And Physiologically Healthy” by: Robert Lee P. 22 Check This Out P. 28 The Spotlight Singer D’Amont’e P. 29 Around the World P. 32 Politics “Our Founders Failed’ by Simon Daniel P. 38
Artist Bio Vahge P. 24
Confessions on Facebook P. 40 Poem “Deja-Vu” by Miriam B Medina P. 41 Short Story “Not Forgotten” by Michael E Sedgwick P. 42 Artist Bio David Lawrence P. 34
DY
Remembers
You’re Surroundings by Damon Youmans
I
can still remember as a child growing up the words of my parents; “Make sure you pay attention to your surroundings, it’s dangerous out there.”I’m sure many parents at one time or another have made this statement to their child or children. I’ve found myself wondering, if that is the case, then today’s parents now find themselves saying; “Make sure you pay attention to your cell phone.” Are cell phones the new drug?
an editorial thought
Experts state that when you are addicted to something or have an addiction, medical facilities are available to provide help. Normally, it is the parents who would provide help to their addicted children. In this case, I suppose when it comes to modern technology the parents wouldn’t be as helpful due to their own addictions gadgets. Technology has become an interruption in our lives. Nowadays, phones have newly added features that allow us to have access to the Internet, text, videos, pictures, and music. We are so in tune with our phones that we have become out of tune with our environment, and now more than ever seems like the wrong time to lose focus on our surroundings. I know I’m not the only person that sees the turmoil that we face in our economy. I see the housing market down. I see food prices going up. I see an addiction to technology that is not allowing our minds to have a second or two to focus. So, the next time you are riding the subway, or you pass by individuals walking, texting, in the gym or in school; I encourage everyone to start paying attention to their surroundings. Because weather you know it or not your surroundings are paying attention to you.
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DY PROFILE Interview With
Stacey
FlyGirrl
Wilson
DY: It’s obvious that Hip Hop and soul music has played a large part in shaping who you are as an artist, just by looking at your name alone we can see you were definitely a city girl at heart. So, Dee dle e while growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia where e :Tw it’s all green grass, quiet nights and picket fences; what Title would you say attracted you most to the city and how did it shape you as female artist? FG: Let’s just say I was a seasoned teenager. (Ha!). Long before I was supposed to, I was roaming the city streets and hanging out at various clubs dancing the night away. So, I adopted an affection for the city early on. Actually, cities in general. I tended to hang in Philly and New York. What attracted me most was the energy. Just by walking down the street you can just feel that you were somewhere unique. I felt comfortable. So, I went to art school here in 1995 immediately after high school. I’ve been here ever since. DY: What medium do you think you feel most comfortable expressing yourself creatively, graphic design or painting? FG: Both. But my design work is more of a job to me. A job I enjoy, of course. But it’s my main job. Honestly it is more of a tie between event planning and painting. DY: You are not only an artist but a party promoter as well. And you’ve been
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the hostess of one of the longest running Old School Hip Hop parties in the city called “Tasty Treats”. How did you become involved with promoting and what was the inspiration behind the name “Tasty Treats”? FG: Prior to starting my own company, I worked for a few other places where I had a hand in the promotions and planning of events. I was the Program Manager for a Marketing company called KBA back in 1999. Prior to that I was the manager of a nightclub called Brave New World. Then, in 2001 I created Squarebiz (The company that started Tastytreats - Flygirrl, Questlove & Yameen Allworld). It was comfortable to me. From there I just kept booking and promoting. 11 years and thousands of events later - here we are.. The name Tastytreats came from a normal night out chatting out ideas.. Myself, Questlove and Yameen were having a conversation about what was missing in Philly. We came up with the concept of the party with included handing out Tastykakes with hostesses that wore “Jawn” t-shirts. So, the name was an extention of that. And it stuck! We started the party in 2001. Rocked Filo’s/Fluid every Saturday for 10 years and is the longest running party in Philly!. Then, in the spring of 2011, we went monthly. Tastytreats is the first Saturday of every month at Fluid Nightclub.
DY: Stacey I have to say when I first met you I was blown away by your presence. You are such a cool person to chat with; you made me feel like I had known you for years. And all I did was walk up to your table and introduced myself. So, that being said how do you manage all the different personalities you might meet along the way? I mean as a female party promoter and graphic designer does it get challenging at times maneuvering
Title: Just Like Music
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through 2 primarily male dominated fields? FG: First off, thank you. I really appreciate that. Second, It does get interesting sometimes to juggle the certain frames of mind I need to be in for whatever it is I’m doing. But that comes along with the job. So, I’m ok with that. I’m happy about my work. Having to network and be Above, Title FlyGirrl social is a large part of what keeps right, Chixn Kixhighres me working. Sometimes you meet people you click with and some you don’t.. I think you take each instance for what it is. If it’s meant to be for you to connect beyond that then it will happen when it should. As for if it’s challenging due to being a woman, I don’t run into to many obstacles or issues. I create the path and opportunities that I want for myself or atleast plant the seeds for it. And being a women doesn’t alter that at all. I’m not someone who gets caught up in the fact that things may be male dominated. Honestly, I look at us as equals. If anything there are so few females doing what I do that I feel I have an advantage. DY: Not to long ago You were a creative ambassador for Philadelphia Tourism’s “Philly 360” project. How did you become involved with the organization and what have you been able to bring away from the entire experience?
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FG: In 2009, The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Board created a new venture called “Philly 360”. Theynamed 10-15 people Creative Ambassadors for Philadelphia and I happened to be one of them. Each year since, they have picked a new group of Ambassadors. Over the years, I’ve grown my relationship with them to include partnerships on various events, lots of upcoming projects as well as being an Insider for their website that features my blog on Visual and Create Arts “Visually Fly” (www.philly360.com/ flygirrl). The experience has been fantastic! First off, it was an honor to have been recognized for what I do and have done over the years in this city. It felt good, like what I spent my time doing really mattered. I knew it mattered but this solidified it, you know? They are a fantastic group of people that I am proud to be connected to. DY: Over the years you have garnished a great bit of notoriety and fame with placement of your art work on MTV’s Real World, The Moments, The Minutes, The Hours Jill Scotts book of Poetry, your spot as an ambassador for Philadelphia, Philly 360, along with all of your promotion work and graphic design projects. So, how do you juggle it all and manage to keep life in perspective? FG: Sometimes I have no idea! (Ha!). Really, I Continued on page 47
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Artist
BIO
Dan Fenelon The “Wavedog” T
rained at the Arts Student League in NY and the Museum School of Fine Arts in Boston, “Wavedog” has been creating a sensation with his collection in the US and abroad. In a recent edition of Play Times, published in Singapore, the editor wrote: “Equipped with a unique painting style that infuses cartooning, street modernism, and traditional motifs, Dan is definitely someone to look out for in the East Coast art scene.” Dan intricately paints his famous tribal patterns on hot and trendy urban vinyl dolls, which he then embellishes with ornamentation in the form of wood sculpted headpieces, metal spikes and additional objects that
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Top left; Monster Mash, Acrylic on Canvas, right: Mural at Luna Stage, 30’x 25’ Acrylic
infuse each figure with a distinctive personality. Wavedog has created a universe of distinct, one of kind sculptural creatures and is selling at Galleries in New York, LA and France. Dan has also created several large scale public murals. In 2009 he was comissioned by the Montclair Art Museum and painted a 32 foot by 12 foot mural that hung 30 feet high in the glass atrium at the museum. The mural has recieved rave reviews and the museum director Lora Urbanelli says ”Dan approaches his canvas intent on capturing a deep and serious cultural spirit. In the synthesis, myth and symbol are processed through a graphic filter that combines depth of meaning with a lighthearted and dazzling presentation. The result is both youthful and mature, thought-
provoking and down-right fun!” More recently Dan won a commission to create A 50 foot high mural that welcomed the Dalai Lama to the 2011 Newark International Peace Summit. The landmark art work stands at the corner of Broad St. and Lincoln Park in Newark, NJ. Dan is currently seeking to create more artworks in public spaces and looking for galleries to show his work. Artist’s Statement “My work infuses a blend of cartooning, street modernism and ancient tribal motifs along with an ex-
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plosion of vibrant colors. Cartoons were a big influence on me growing up, and when I began to examine Egyptian hieroglyphics and Aztec codecs I made a connection between them and modern sequential art. Combining these elements with toys and other modern mass-produced objects was just the twist I was looking for to create a feeling of tribal tradition applied to modern culture.” Recent Exhibit Montclair Art Museum (2009-2010) Installment and exhibition of Myth Memories and Inspiration, a 32’x12’ Mural in the Blanche & Irving Laurie Foundation Stairwell. Lora Urbanelli, Director of the Montclair Art Museum: “Dan approaches his canvas intent on capturing a deep and serious cultural spirit. In the synthesis, myth and symbol are processed through a graphic filter that combines depth of meaning with a lighthearted and dazzling presentation. The result is both youthful and mature, thoughtprovoking and down-right fun!”
Right: Krusty Shrine, Custom Toys and Mixed Media, 50”x 30”x 14”
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This page: Petro Graf, 48”x 64”, Mixed Media
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Left: Fishead, Mixed Media, Top of this page: SkateDecks and Custom Toys, 8”x 33’x 4”, Mixed Media
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The blogosphere
Gold Yard Gold Yard chronicles the personal journey of one aid worker as she helps in providing humanitarian aid in Haiti. Join us every edition as we are touched by her strong and opinionated views on the truth surrounding relief efforts in one of our world’s most resilient and proudest of nations. This time we follow her to France as she explores it’s most famed and beloved city, Paris.
T
oday I saw a nut fall on a girl’s head…She stopped and rubbed her head where it hit her. Her brother came over and rubbed her head too, yelling to their parents in Spanish, something about “cabeza”. He spotted the guilty nut, picked it up to show it to them. Then he dropped it back onto the sidewalk, and gave it big kick into the street. I was touched that the boy cared enough about his sister to do that, but it was pretty funny, and I bet the trees were chuckling to themselves too. In Paris (yes, people here speak many languages, it’s like New York City), most of the streets are lined with trees, planted close together
so there is lots of nice shade in many neighborhoods. Unfortunately, the government planted many of the same kind. As in, one variety of the same species for an entire block or up to dozens of blocks. That means that when a disease or pest comes along, it takes over very fast. The block where I saw this scene, is no exception, with all the leaves on the Horsenut Trees looking brown and yucky from a caterpillar blight. Maybe they’re in a bad mood and dropped the nut on purpose at the moment. But a little girl? Come on now!
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Is LOVE By: Damon Youmans DY Magazine 17
Artist
BIO
Andr’e Jones
P
hiladelphia, Pa. (December 6, 2011) - André Jones, an artist, teacher and father, uses his artistic gift to highlight, honor and redefine Philadelphia’s musical roots. His emotionally captivating artwork celebrates classic soulful sounds of Philadelphia’s native music legends and new millennium rhythm & blues musicians. The Illustrated Sounds of Philly is a vivid and lively art exhibition depicting national recognized Philadelphia musicians, such as jazz icon Grover Washington, pioneers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the legendary Roots to songstress Jill Scott including Philadelphia’s mega singing sensation, Boyz II Men and rappers Beanie Siegel and Freeway. André Jones researched and selected various genres of music that wears the official Philadelphia
stamp, he listened to as a child and now enjoys as an adult. Jones re-
Top: Jasmine Sullivan Bottom, Vivian Green
defines Philly’s urban musical community with his monochromatic interpretations of deep purple hues juxtaposed with bold painted musi-
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Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez
The Roots DY Magazine 20
Jill Scott
cians and singers. Jones’s artwork embodies a visually stimulating quality that you not only feel but hear. “I have explored the musical history of Philadelphia’s past and present day musical icons to evoke personal memories in myself and the viewer” said Jones, a West Virginia native. Jones moved to Philadelphia to pursue new artistic endeavors, Natty Rebel a graphic and silk design company. “Art is survival and I use it for good: to educate, stimulate and motivate myself and others.” The Illustrated Sounds of Philly débuted in Old City at the Vivant Art Collections on December 2, 2011. Andre Jones, a North Virginia Native, now resides in Philadelphia with his wife and children. He nurtured his craft at Virginia Commonwealth University and graduated with a degree in Commercial
Art and Illustration. Jones takes a critical view on social, political and cultural issues involving the African Caribbean Diaspora. In 2004 Jones, journeyed to Philadelphia where he worked with prominent organizations like The Mural Arts Program, U.PENNP.Y.A.P. (Philadelphia Youth Advocacy Program) and University of the Arts-P.A.E.P. (Philadelphia Arts & Education Partnership). The combination of his talent and youth services secured his mission to Ethiopia in 2007. There, he was commissioned to paint the backdrop for the Adama Ethiopia Millennium Celebration, featuring Juilan Marley and Andrew Tosh. Today, his work can be found at Vivant Art Collection for his first solo-exhibit.
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Health
Well-Being Tip Reach Out And Touch Someone Close
To You - It’s Psychologically And PhysiologicallyHealthy
by Robert Lee
W
hat is the value of a good massage? For the surgeonfish, even a fake massage will do! Marta Soares of Portugal’s ISPA University Institute recently concluded in a study using surgeonfish and fake cleaner fish, that mimicked the movements of real cleaner fish, to see if the draw of the cleaners was their scouring function, or the stimulation that the nibbling action provided to the bigger surgeonfish. It is well known that many larger fish, including massive sharks, not only allow but encourage smallsucker fish to “ride along” and nibble at parasites on the scales of the big fish. It is a symbiotic relationship, in that the small fish
gain protection, while the bigger fish gets a good cleaning. But seeking out these little stimulators for the sake of a good massage seems hard to understand.
However, the Soares experiment leaves little room for doubt. First, Soares exposed the surgeon fish to all kinds of stressors, similar to what they would experience in the wild, then they were put in a tank with the cleaner wrasse. The surgeon fish immediately sought out the cleaners, and positioned themselves in such a way that the wrasses’ fins provided the massaging action. So how does this extrapolate to humans? Psychology Today reports that, when used to treat eating disorders, massage therapy had some unexpected benefits. As expected, it boosted dopamine and serotonin levels, resulting in a calming effect. But it also decreased the patients’ dissatisfaction with their bodies and raised their self esteem. This
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is the simple and powerful valu of touch, as assessed by the Univesity of Michigan Medical School. They showed that there is a strong correlation between being touchdeprived and having an eating disorder.
Minimalist’s Guide to Living The High Life On A Low Budget and Wild People IHave Known. His blogs include http:// findingtheoasis.blogspot.com,as well as blogs on minimal living, living in a yurt, harvesting wild plantsand ecoinnovations.
Developmental psychologist Tiffany Field, Ph.D., claims that massage, for premature babies,helps them gain weight and improve health. She also claims that touchdeprived babies grow up to be more aggressive than those that receive tactile interaction. Diane Zeitlin, of the New Jersey Medical School discovered that touch therapy revved up the immune system in students at exam time, who were experiencing fatigue and anxiety. And cancer patients under the care of Pauline King and Richard Jost, of Ohio’sJames Cancer Hospital reported less pain and anxiety as a result of receiving massage therapy. More than just sometimes, it seems, the power of touch is all we need to improve our attitudes and responses, in our days, and our lives. Whether human or animal, massage and tactile stimulation are essential to our emotional, and physical health. Among other interests,Robert Lee is a writer who focuses on ethical considerations in business andliving life simply. He is the author of six books, including The Last Drop of Living,A
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Artist
BIO
Title: Duchessa Viviana
Vahge
The Whimsical Romantic
Vahge was born in the quiet suburbs just south of Baltimore, where her neighbors had perfectly kept lawns and watchful eyes. An isolated child with few friends, she withdrew to her imagination for entertainment and solace. Her early years were spent befriending muppets, making up stories, and slowly constructing a three-storied, twenty-five roomed Barbie house. She began making collages one summer during a bout of restless obsession in the company of a philosophical feline and a consortium of colorful characters. A self taught artist, Vahge moved to Brooklyn, NY in the fall of 2007,
where she currently lives and works. Her collages have shown in London, Italy, New York, California, New Jersey, Miami, and Santa Fe, NM. She has provided promotional artwork for the Dresden Dolls, and artwork to Universal Records for Katharine McPhee’s 2010 holiday album. Vahge’s collages contrast the whimsical and romantic with unsettling aspects of reality. There is also often a hint of humor in her work. She incorporates elements of dreams, literature, music, theater, and classic portraiture, and 4
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draws heavily from the rich imagery of german epressionism and victorian culture. Usually crafted on a small scale, her work is highly detailed, using layers of paper to construct characters and scenes with precise proportion and depth. She focuses mainly on female characters, placing them center stage and exposing their inner turmoils and unique beauty. In all her work, whether it be a sociopathic conjoined twin, a tragic clown, an embellished lady-in-waiting, or a chaste mistress, Vahge celebrates oddity with elegance.�
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This page: TeaTime, opposite page: Johanne
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Check This Out
The Always Playful
Horrible Adorables
“Horrible Adorables” are quirky faux-taxidermy mounts of strange creatures and wonderful wonders. On first glance these sculptures are playful, brightly colored and approachable. Upon further examination though, it becomes clear that these creatures may not be as sweet as they look. Many have strange proportions, gangly teeth and physical peculiarities. Like many who wildly duplicate the famed “Jackelope,” I take inspiration from Cryptozoology, the study of hidden animals. I attempt to create and present a collection of specimens that appear as if they may have existed... or still do exist. As the creator of these fantastical curiosities, I am fabricating hybrid specimens in a playful manner that asks the audience to put logic aside. Mounted on wooden taxidermy plaques, the animals are displayed in ways that beg the viewer to believe they are au-
thentic. Though I mimic traditional taxidermy, in which an animal is killed and stuffed to appear as if it is “alive” again, these wonders possess more personality than any animal you may see mounted in a museum or den, even though they are sheerly imagined beasts. Each of the odd animals in the “Horrible Adorables” line, aptly named for their creepy but sweet nature, are created by Jordan Elise Perme. Jordan graduated in 2009 from the Cleveland Institute of Art with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fiber and Material Studies. She is interested in the tactility of soft sculpture, as reflected in her material choice of wool felt and hand cut shapes to create textures. During the day, Jordan works as a freelance toy and textile designer and some of
that playfulness and whimsy informs her taxidermy artwork. Jordan has shown throughout the U.S. participating in Indie Craft Fairs in various cities, including Philadelphia, New York City and Washington DC. To learn more go to facebook under Jordan Elise - Horrible Adorables, or email Jordan at horribleadorables@yahoo.com http://horribleadorables.blogspot.com/
Fashion designer LauraGalic, does whatever she feels, because everything around her is a source of inspiration. She has a strong sense of self and a passion for tailoring that she inherited from both sides of her family. It was about four years ago when she decided to drop out of interior design school to persue a carrier in fashion. Now today she is flattering figures everywhere with her unique style and cuttingedge designs. She enjoys playing with shapes and exaggerated contours. A style calling card that makes her designs playful and fun to wear. “I have a soft spot for fine fabrics with natural fibers, fabrics that re-
Fashion Designer
Laura Galic
ally make the designs shine.” All of Galic’s garments are handmade with the greatest of care and each pattern is carefully calculated again and again until they reach there evolutionary peak. “My goal in life is to keep doing what I’ve been doing for the last 4 years with the same enthusiasm and passion.” Etsy Reviews Dec 23, 2011
High quality, fashion forward clothContinued on page 46
At right: three of L a u r a’s designs
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The
Music
Spotlight Singer
D.Amont’e
A Poetic Soul
D
.Amont’e (Dante Askew) began to grasp the concept of song writing and arranging at 14 years of age. His musical attributes also include producing, writing and performing. Whether it’s creating melodies or pulling the strings over an attentive audience, D.Amont’e definitely understands the concept of the entertainment industry. D.Amont’e’s sound could only be described as “a classic R&B/Soul singer, crooning poetry over a bed of notes.” He’s an artist whose music and writing style reflects who he is as a man. And isn’t that what the ladies want? A man in touch with his feelings and emotions for the woman he loves.
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Just as any other great talent has done, D.Amont’e. has endured the ever so famous open microphone circuit, blessing many stages with his style of sound and unique vocal talents. This self proclaimed throw back singer hits you with a variety of falsetto tones and pitches over raspy natural toned vocals. You can find all kinds of examples on his latest CD entitled “The window”, which is written as a musical story about love and loss through D.Amont’e eyes. With the help of Skipp Waller (CEO/BlackCat Inc.), D.A managed to compile spoken word and neosoul combined with R&B singing. “My style of music is different because I like to tell the story of a man’s thoughts when put through a trying situation. Not just all about love, but financial, or everyday life
problems. I believe there’s more to life than love in a song.”
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All Around the World Every edition we bring to our readers news worthy events from around the glob. Here are just some of the headlines gripping our world today.
India New strain of TB Hits India A new drug-resistant strain of the deadly tuberculosis virus has surfaced in India . According to reports, the near fatal lung disease has a mortality rate of 50 percent and currently has infected 12 people. The new strain has been renamed TDR for Totally Drug Resistant tuberculosis by Mumbai doctors. One of the youngest patients is 13 years
of age and was diagnosed in October 2011 and another infected patient, a 31 year old woman died November of 2011 due to complications from the disease. Recent findings have been released by the Hindua Hospital were TDR was found in the fluid samples of 12 tuberculosis patients over the last 3 months. After the studies were released a team of state health department civic officials became involved to help combat the growing problem. However, Dr PY Gaikwad has been trying to down play the Hinduia Hospitals findings, saying they were invalid because the hospital lacks the necessary credentials to detect such cases, thus they should be questioned. Highly resistant strains of Tuberculosis have been widely known amongst the public health community where it is accepted that there could be more drug resistant strains of TB lurking about.
Europe Opposition: More Romanian protests being planned DY Magazine 32
As Europe continues to plunge into economic uncertainty; tempers and opposition have begun to flair amongst the Romanian civilians and the government. Romania’s opposition coalition announced Monday (1/16/2012) that they will be organizing demonstrations in Romania. The massive protest is slated to take place after a four day citizen protest already in the works. The protests are designed to express the people’s discontent following the Romanian government’s implementation of stricter austerity measures. Measures they (government officials) say are imperative if the country is to stay afloat over the coming months. Liberal opposition’s leader Crin Antonescu announced that the coalitions will meet to formalize their plans for the protest, emphasizing the groups disapproval of the
government’s handling of citizen unrest. The National Liberal Party believes the prime minister and his entire cabinet should resign because of their inability to properly deal with violent protesters in Bucharest over the past few days.
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Artist
BIO
Title: Cosmic Jammin
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David Lawrence
inspiring self-awareness and cultural integrity through art
B
orn in Brooklyn, New York, David J. Lawrence is a recipient of the prestigious “Creative Arts Award” of New York. This renowned artist believes that “the sign of a genuine work of Art is that it can stir our unconscious feelings and past emotional experiences, while also inspiring self-awareness and cultural integrity”. By virtue of this definition, David has blessed us with an enormous array of “genuine works of Arts”. David is recognized as a major contributor to the art of the 20th century because of the brilliant manner in which he visualizes his objects and scenes. David has had a life long ambition to be a professional
artist. He has achieved this goal in such a manner that he has launched a national and international market for his originals and reproductions. Talent, coupled with an academic journey to refine his gift, has resulted in David’s name being 4
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Title: Cosmic Woman
Title: King Tut
Title: Metamorp
Title: LagoonSunset mentioned as one of the most influential artist of our time. This quintessential American artist trained at the High School of Art and Design, and the prestigious Art Students League of New York, where fellow alumni include Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Norman Rockwell, and Georgia O’Keefe. He also attended Long Island University, studying professional art and illustration. He regards works done by legendary collagist, Romare Bearden, and European masters Pablo Picasso, Braque, and Henry Matisse that has helped to inspire the unique style used in his paintings. David works in many mediums such as Airbrush, oils, and Acrylics that bring together a collage of techniques and integrating them into styles such as: Abstract, Cubism, Figurative, and Futurism. His recent series of works combines the Sciences of Astronomy, Numerology, Geometry, and Physics with the
imagery, symbology, textures, and patterns of Indigenous cultures in his own unique style “Pyramidism”. The context of the multicultural contemporary art created by Mr. Lawrence is based on spiritual and cultural motifs within the ancient cultures around the world. To assist in this effort, David collects African Sculpture and other African artifacts. The African artifacts he chooses are the tools and references, which reflect the art form, used in many of his dynamic paintings. He states, “Utilizing historical African Art as a reference guide helps to enhance my knowledge of traditional art and gives me a better understanding of cultural history, which allows me to teach others through my paintings”. David’s work hangs in galleries throughout the United States, as well as in Europe, Barcelona, and Italy. He has also promoted and shown with members of the first nationally acclaimed African-American artist group of Philadelphia “Mixed-Media”. To learn more about David’s work email him at artontheavestudio@yahoo.com or give him a call: 347-683-3547.
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Politics
Our Founders Failed By Simon Daniel
I
n the years following the founding of our nation, John Adams wrote a series of letters that wereeventually published in a manuscript called “Defense of the Constitution of the United States of America”. In these letters Adams breaks down in detail, several democracies in the history of recorded human civilization and then dissects each one’s failures,and why they fell. He talks about the swinging pendulum of a 2 party system: “...From the beginning to the end it will be a government of men, now of one set, and then of another; but never a government of laws.” John Adams It is clear Adams recognized the danger of what would happen if thenation divided into two idealogical parties. He describes in detail how the government will fail to represent the voice of the people and the is-
sues athand through a rotating pendulum of power being handed back and forth between two parties until the laws are all temporary and the problems of the 2 extremes will swing back and forth. The laws no longer serve the people and we currently have a panel of republicans running on a platform of repealing all the progress made during the past 4 years. It is not that Adamswas psychic, it was simply that he was well educated on the history of human civilizations. In another section Adams discusses the cycle of human civilizations over the millenia as we struggle to create balance of power, and that balance its elfs wings on a pendulum between the people and the wealthy. Eventually the balanceis corrupted by the greed and ambition of men who forget their history and grow to take for granted the balance of power and forget that the balance benefits everyone. The Buddhists attempt to fix this by rejection of material possession, the Christians attempt to “love thy neighbor” and respect their property. It seems to me that from the dawn of human civilization we have attempted and failed over and over to calm the rolling tide of human greed that eventually leads to imbalance and bloody revolution. Our founding fathers attempted to fix this and their solution has unfortunately failed the soak the test of time. “...and when, to serve their wild ambition, they have once taught them to receive bribes and enter-
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tainments, from that moment the democracy is at an end.” - John Adams Adams continues at the end of the letter “The only remedy is to throw the rich and the proud into one group, in a separate assembly, and there tie their hands.” - John Adams The sadly comical thing,is that what happened to our country, is exactly what Adams was trying to prevent with the creation of 2 houses of congress. We forgot our own history (as Adams says happens) we became accustomed to the balance of power and our freedom (like freedom both of and from religion), we took the balance for granted, and the minute we believed it wasn’t
fragile, we stopped fighting to protect it. We completely forgot the purpose of having 2 houses! Which allowed for corruption of the wealthy to creep into the house ofrepresentatives. In the earlier lettersAdams explains that the Senate is to be this “one group” where the wealthy aristocracy governs under tight lock and key, and is limited to 2 per state while congress may grow as the population grows (although congress passeda law to prevent this originally intended growth in the size of the house backin 1913). In the above quote Adams explains that we can’t deny that the wealthy will struggle by any means necessary Continued on page 46
CONFESSIONS on
Food for thought: scientist in another country Angie- If anyone else did this there would be cries of ‘Terrorism’. Iran accuses Israel and the USA of assassinating an Iranian nuclear professor in Tehran, pointing to a string of attacks against such scientists in the count... Alby- saw this. frikin’ astounding..... Angie- sad and so very disappointing for humanity. Victor- It’s only terrorism when it’s a challenge to the CIA/Mossad/ FBI/US Government power and authority, which is all under the umbrella of the Federal Reserve cartel. Rol- it is the silence of a hypocritical world. Den- This is going to backfire on Israel and the United States. Can you imagine our response if four of our scientists were assassinated? With friends like Israel, who needs enemies? Share the sandbox. Give the world a break from this festering boil. You can’t have your Greater Israel. Ric- Isn’t it evident who the ter-
rorist State is? Ahhh... but it for your security. Now I get it... know wonder we are a hated Nation. Phi- Iran has nuclear power stations but the output can’t be shoved into a new missile, it has to be enriched first, and Russia is helping them, with the USA behind Russia I read last week. Don- WHO ARE THEY GOING TO STEAL FROM AND GET TO BUY ALL THEIR SHIT AFTER THEY KILL ALL OF US Phil- Who is going to kill all of us ? I hope you aren’t propaganda led. Don- HOW LONG DO YOU THINK BEFORE THIS SHIT BLOWS UP IN OUR FACE, HOW MANY BOMBS DO YOU THINK IT WILL TAKE TO KILL US ALL? I SEARCH FOR TRUTH, WHY DON’T YOU SPREAD A LITTLE OF IT IF YOU HAVE IT Phil- So Afghanistan had nukes or bombs blowing up here before we attacked them and so did Iraq ?? Phil- The only bombs I heard and saw about 9-11 were the ones planted inside the twin towers themselves, the prewiring done before 9-11. This is seen on videos so the Terrorist as you know them, didn’t have time to get off the planes and plant bombs inside that day, they were already there. BTW,
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the men were trained on our bases inside the USA, and most of them named, shown were still alive after the attack. MI6 in the UK planted the drugged shoe bumber on the plane, with the wrong appliance to start his shoe. A lighter doesn’t or can’t work. The opinions and comments reflected in this article do not necessary reflect the
views and or opinions of DY group or its affiliates.
Have some confessions to share?
Do you want to see some of your own thoughts and those of your friends on our pages? If so, send your conversations in a Microsoft Word document to dymagaz@gmail.com
Poem
Deja-Vu By Miriam B Medina There’s a certain way about you And it’s driving me out of my mind Whenever we get together I can see it so clearly, I’m blind... Tell me, were you mine in another life, In some other place and time? It seems the same but different now, I know we’ve been here before. The passion we once shared is the same somehow I know we’ve felt this before A feeling I can’t explain or ignore... Is it Deja-Vu, or is it some fantasy I’ve created in my head All I know is that you have awakened feelings that have been long since dead Though many years have passed between us and your hair and beard are now gray You still have that boyish smile And I? Sweet memories of all those yesterdays... You are my dream, a dream come true. Now my life is worthwhile and it’s all because of you. Still I can’t shake that nagging feeling That I’ve known you of old I just want to keep holding you
So this mystery can unfold. Life with you is so exciting You make me come alive I know I’ve found my rainbow’s ending True gold shines in your eyes Your love is like a breath of Spring Refreshing, so young and so new Your tender kiss says everything It thrills me through and through... You have my sweet caresses, and You share in my loneliness You wipe away my tears when I cry, and You are my strength when I am weak You know what to say when I can’t speak I’m flying high from what you make me feel inside... Can you feel my heart beating fast? How I long for this moment to last and last And when we touch, I get this feeling We’ve felt like this once before... Call it Deja-Vu, I know we’ve loved before Call it Deja-Vu, It’s you that I adore Can’t you see how my heart is beating so, How can I ever let you go? Now that you are once again in my life. Stay with me where you belong Let us sing together our song, A song as Ancient as the Nile, As new as every latest style, You are my Deja-Vu Article Source: http://EzineArticles. com/6776626
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Short Story
Not Forgotten By Michael E Sedgwick
T
he elderly woman, seated on a bentwood chair in front of the grocery store counter at the corner of Chestnut Grove, read from a shopping list she wanted filled. The last of its kind in town, Sally’s Corner Grocery & Deli, with its wooden counters, was a great favorite with the older generation who loved to swap rumors while they shopped. Most customers found it easy to relax and gossip in the store, with no pressure to hurry. Some of the stories circulating were quite salacious but this feature had little interest for the tired, elderly woman who merely wished to finish her
shopping and go home. An interested observer might have noticed that her once expensive hat and fur-trimmed brown coat, now mangy and threadbare, gave a hint that former means had given way to distressed circumstances. Food items at any of the big supermarket chains were noticeably cheaper than at Sally’s store but supermarkets did not supply chairs for a frail, elderly woman or provide the patient and helpful service she appreciated. Anyway, sometimes a stranger in a supermarket might try to start a conversation, she thought, and one had to be very careful with whom one spoke in public these days. There were plenty of incidents in the news typifying the danger from people who appeared to seek nothing more than friendship; people who having become familiar with one’s personal life then perpetrated a crime of some kind on the basis of the knowledge gained. Elderly people living on their own were especially vulnerable. “Do you want salted butter as usual, Mrs. Henderson?” the shop assistant asked.
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“Yes please, I prefer the salted kind, Patty. I don’t care what they say about avoiding salt; I find salted butter gives more flavor to bread. I need a pound please.” “What’s next Mrs. Henderson?” “I would like a pound of that ham you sliced off the leg in the display case a few days ago. You gave me a sample to try then and I found it quite delicious. I also need a tray of cheesy potatoes and a halfdozen whole-wheat bread rolls.” “A pound of ham thinly sliced is a lot. Can you eat all that?” “Oh, no Patty. I don’t propose to eat it all myself. I’m arranging a supper for my two great-grandsons Jerry and Harry. They are twins and we will be celebrating their twenty-first birthdays this evening.” “Who else will be coming?” “Nobody. There will be just Jerry, Harry and me and that reminds me, I need a birthday cake like the ones in the case. Can Sally decorate one for me today-something suitable for young men?” “That’s fine Mrs. Henderson. We’ll have young Tom deliver it around four o’clock. Will you be at home then?” “That will be lovely. Thank you. Do you think Tom could also bring a pack of Samuel Adams lager and a bottle of Tanqueray gin. Those bottles are all rather heavy to carry. The boys like Samuel Adams beer but the gin is for me. Tanqueray is more expensive but it’s a little sweeter than some of the other brands.” “I’ll write that on the cake order: a six-pack of Sam Adams Lager and a Tan gin. Is there anything else?”
“No thank you. That’s all I need... I think. Yes, I already have birthday cards and candles so that’s everything. Thank you for your help Patty. You people here are so nice.” “It’s our pleasure, Mrs. Henderson.” When the door closed behind the elderly woman, Patty turned to the new assistant, “She’s such a nice old thing isn’t she?” “Who is?” “Mrs. Henderson, silly. Who did you think I’ve been talking to? She’s ninety-two years old and she’s lived on her own for over sixty-four years. You would think that might drive someone batty. Her husband died during the Normandy invasion in World War Two.” “Oh....” Mary Henderson walked around the corner of Chestnut Grove on to Seventh Street and then three more blocks to her home in a cul-de-sac where she had lived for thirty years. As a very private person, Mary knew Patty in Sally’s Corner Grocery & Deli better than her neighbors, who were all young, working couples. Her daughter Carolyn, a woman with many health problems, some real and some imaginary, lived in Los Angeles and had been divorced for twenty years. Carolyn, a sixtyeight year old, visited Mary three or four times a year but always grumbled about the ordeal of her journey. Of Mary’s two grandsons, one lived with his wife in Chicago and worked in the Sears building while the other was single and worked for Boeing in Seattle . She
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saw them both only twice a year: at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Typically, she led a very solitary life but occasionally she wrote short stories, some of which were by accepted by women’s magazines. She also crocheted tablecloths and other items as prizes for the church bazaar. Sometimes, she went to the neighborhood theater if an interesting play was running and if her friend Millie from the churchwomen’s club could spare an afternoon to accompany her. Today, however, was the most important day of the year: the birthday of her two great-grandsons. I’m sure I love those boys more than their mother, she thought with regret. She hurried indoors, removed her hat and coat and continued the preparations she had started before leaving the house to go shopping. Thank goodness, I’ve done the vacuuming. She found vacuuming such hard work, and feared the possibility of a heart attack while engaged in doing so, but the job had to be done and she could not afford to pay someone else to do it, as many others did these days. She spread her most elaborate crocheted tablecloth on the dining table and took great pleasure in setting out her best China dinner service and silverware. A cut-glass vase stood at the center of the cloth, displaying the best of the red roses she had pruned from the bush in front of her kitchen window. She added condiments and white linen napkins to the table setup, made a
pot of tea, and sat in her favorite rocker armchair with the morning newspaper on her lap. I think I deserve a short rest, she thought. She read until her eyes closed and slept until the doorbell rang at five minutes past four. The bell rang several times before she reached the front door. When she opened it, Tom from the grocery store stood on the path with her cake, beer and gin in a cardboard box. With a cheerful whistle, he placed the box on the hall table for her. “Looks like you’re having a party, Mrs. Henderson.” “Yes, it will be a fine party. I’m quite excited. Thank you for bringing my groceries young man.” She gave him a two-dollar tip and, with a smile, watched him pr ance down the path to his van, whistling all the while. Sally had decorated the cake with two White Sox players in action. It looked splendid when placed on the dining table between her grandsons’ place settings and added to her already excited frame of mind. She put the six-pack of beer in her small refrigerator and the bottle of gin on the silver tray where she kept a bottle of Glenlivet single malt and two of her grandfather’s crystal glasses. Like him, she continued a family tradition of always drinking malt whiskey from those glasses and, anyway, the whiskey tasted better when drunk from them. She brought out two silver candleholders from the buffet and inserted a red, tapered candle in each. The time had arrived for her to decorate a large serving
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platter with slices of ham and bring in the dishes of salad, cheesy potatoes, bread rolls and butter from her kitchen. With the table setting complete, everything looked grand and appetizing. She poured beer into two silver tankards and set them beside her great-grandsons’ place settings. If she could have removed the cork, she would have preferred to open a bottle of sparkling wine for herself but failing that, a shot of Glenlivet, straight up, in one of grandfather’s crystal glasses, filled the bill. She brought a pair of silver frames, holding photos of Jerry and Harry in their dress-blue marine uniforms, from the mantelpiece and set them between the red candles, which she then lit. Her two great-grandsons were in a Humvee Truck in Ramadi , Iraq , in June 2006, when a roadside bomb destroyed them and their vehicle. They were nineteen years old. Mary Henderson planned to celebrate their birthdays every year she remained alive. She looked at the photo on the mantelpiece, the one of her husband Jim, killed on Omaha Beach in June 1944, and raised her glass to him. “My dearest Jim, I miss you so much.” Then she raised her glass to the boys with a tear in her eyes. “Happy Birthday Jerry, Happy Birthday Harry,” she said, “I have all your favorite foods here for you. Welcome home my lovely boys.” Author Michael Sedgwick says that this story is one of many in his collection of short stories titled “Of Heaven & Earth” that readers have
enjoyed because each story is in a separate genre, often with a twist or surprising end. Most stories can be read within fifteen to thirty minutes, making them good bedtime reading. Please visit his website: http://www.authormichaelsedgwick.com/ for a full description of stories available in the collection and links to where they can be purchased in either eBook or printed paperback formats. A free copy of the book in paperback format can be won by answering a question on page 5 of the website. Don’t wait. Examine the website now!
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Visual Artist, Musician, Vocalist, Creative Writer, Poet, or Performer; and you would like to share your talents with our readers, contact us at: dymagaz@gmail.com. On the subject line write Attention: DYSubmissions. You could be featured in our next publication of DY magzine. Good Luck DY Magazine 45
“Our Founders Failed” Continued from page 39
for power. However he also says the wealthy will always be concerned about defense of the boarder. They “protect their wealth” and are more involved in foreign affairs, so this group is important. While the poor will always be concerned with the well being of the citizens, which is equally important. (basically the ideology or the republican party belongs in the senate, while the ideology of the democrats belongs in the house, and the president and supreme court is supposed to check and balance them both). Our founders goals was to give half of the power in congress to the wealthy, and half of the power to everyone else. They were to be limited and isolated in the senate and then balanced in ideology by a house of representatives. He explained in detail in earlier letters that the house of representatives was to be reflecting the English “house of commons”, this was supposed to be the voice of the common man, the average American citizen of any and every station, giving the whole of the people an equal weight in their own governing. Our founders recognized that the rising power of the wealthy has always throughout history lead to corruption and bloody revolution and the eventual replacement of thegovernment. A revolution like this occurred in France and Russiain the past 100 years (a little more). What they failed to do was put a system in place that would prevent the House of Representatives from being over run by the wealthy. The
founding fathers also failed to explicitly forbid bribery. In 1776 when the country was founded, bribery was in fact illegal for elected officials, but I don’t think it even occurred to them in their wildest imaginations that this nation would systematically legalize bribery over the years first in the form of campaign contribution, then in the form of lobbying, and now today in the creation of PACs and Super-PACs that have allowed the wealthy to purchase every senator and congressman in office, and even influence the supreme court ruling “corporations are people” and can donate unlimited funds. The house of representatives is now mostly wealthy 1%, or elected officials acting as puppets of corporations or those wealthy 1%. If this doesn’t change, history tells us what comes next. Revolution.
The opinions and comments reflected in this article do not necessary reflect the views and or opinions of DY group or its affiliates.
Continued from page 29
ing custom made for yourbody? Yes please! I highly recommend all of her products and plan on orderingmore for myself soon! She was friendly and worked with me to get exactly what I wanted. Thanks again Laura! Aug 24, 2011 Amazing - a perfect fit. Beautiful, will more than likely be buying again. Thanks Laura! You can find Laura’s garments for sale at www.Etsy.com or contact her via email at laura_1103@yahoo.com or on her facebook page http://facebook.com/galiclaura.
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don’t know. I just make it work. Freelancing is interesting. Things are so random and thankfully constant that I try to not to stop and think about. If I do, I think I start to panic a little bit realizing just how much I have to do. (Lol) What makes it easier is the fact that I love everything I get to do. I’ve really learned how to multitask and manage myself well when it comes to my time and my deadlines. I have a crazy work ethic and I think that’s the main reason how I manage it all. It’s definitely not for everyone, lol.
Some outdoor events in the Spring and Summer, more Art, T-Shirt, Jewlery and lots and lots of flyness! Stay tuned! To learn more about Stacey FlyGirrl Wilson you can visit one of the various web sites listed bellow.
www.flygirrl.com www.twitter.com/flygirrl www.facebook.com/flygirrl www.itsthelifecreative.com www.philly360.com/flygirrl www.flygirrl.bigcartel.com
DY: So what can we expect from Philly’s favorite Fly Girrl This 2012. What sort of projects have you got in the works for this year? FG: Lots of multimedia projects.
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