ThaWilsonBlock Magazine Issue51 featuring ALIVYA

ThaWilsonBlock Magazine is a digital monthly publication based in Pasadena, California. Released on the 10th of every month, ThaWilsonBlock Magazine highlights local culture through creative arts.

Publisher / Editor

Our Channels

Mistah Wilson

Youtube

Designer Mistah Wilson

Spreaker iTunes Facebook

Content Curator

Instagram

Mistah Wilson

Pinterest

Advertising & Sales Mistah Wilson

Twitter StumbleUpon

Butch Thompson Dominic Poole

ThaWilsonBlock Magazine 851 N. Oakland Avenue Pasadena, CA 91104

Journalists

Advertising & Sponsorship

Mistah Wilson

(626)586-4440

Send Us An Email!

1. Who is Better and Why: Kendrick Lamar or Hopsin? (VOTE NOW) 2. EVENT: Join Pasadena Heritage on tour through Architecturally-rich & Historic Churches 4/22/17 3. WilsonBlock Wednesdays Episode 7 featuring Mos Hi (April 5th, 2017) 4. Pasadena rapper Nicky BeacHouses talks New Music, Hardships, and Lyrical Composition 5. HISTORIC LANDMARK: Watts Towers (near Los Angeles) 1921-1954 6. What City Would YOU Prefer to Live in the San Gabriel Valley? (Complete List of Cities) 7. COMPARE THESE: windchILL's "Grind Mode" vs. Wildcard QM's "The Odyssey" 8. EVENT: Dinner with Cheech Marin @ The Rose 4/20/17 9. 50 Historic Landmarks by African-American Architects 10. EVENT: Action Power Initiative Open Mic 5/7/17

STREET ART: “Hold Up” by Levalet in Paris

16 Places Around the World You're Not Allowed To Visit

HIGHLIGHTS

ALIVYA Talks Life in Kenya, Her Love for Singing, and African Culture

BEACHOUSES Nicky BeacHouses interview about New Music, Hardships, & Lyrical Composition

Who is Better and Why:

Kendrick Lamar Or Hopsin?

(VOTE NOW)

ThaWilsonBlock Magazine is raising money for 'Walk to End Alzheimer's' in Pasadena this October (2017) M is tah Wilson (or M ichael Ta ylor), publisher of ThaWilsonBlock Magazine, is leading the "Ac hiever Believers" team in this year's Walk to End Alz heimer's in Pasadena, California. I t all s tar ted in S eptember/Oc tober of 2 011 when M ic hael received the tragic news of his mother Bernic e Taylor passing away to Alzheimer's disease. "To this day, i t remains the bigges t tragedy of m y life," says M ic hael. And this is coming from a guy who spent the bes t part of his years in fos ter care, taking ps yc h meds, and being ins ti tu tionaliz ed.

Bernice Ta ylor was M ic hael's long-term fos ter parent from weeks old to about the age of 8. He was taken ou t of her care as a c hild when his behavioral issues began to spiral out of c on trol. S incebeing taken away from Ms. Taylor in 199 8, M ichael has been to c ountless different group homes, fos ter homes, and even juvenile deten ti on fac ilities. After aging ou t and emancipa ting from the fos ter care s ys tem, M ichael has been on a mission to make a difference ever s ince.

And after hearing tha t M s. Taylor passed away to Alz heimer's, M ichael has pledged to join the fight agains t this horrible dis -

ease...but not jus t for her sake‌ When Michael researched about Alzheimer's disease, he learned tha t i t ac tuall y e ffe c ts us more than we may think. With all the natural thre a ts known to man, M ichael found i t qui te alarming tha t Alz he ime r's is the 6 th le ading cause of de ath in the U nite d S ta te s of Ame ric a. And tha t e ve r y 6 6 seconds, some one is de ve loping s ymptoms of this disease.

The fu ture outlook on care provide rs for Alz he ime r's patie n ts are gradually diminishing by the ye ar and we M US T do some thing about i t!

M ichae l par tic ipate d in his firs t ' Walk to E nd Alz heime r's' in C entur y C ity (2 014). "I t was a re al emo tional thing for me, " e xplains Michae l.

"B ecause I wen t b y m ys e lf, I wante d to take s ome pic tures wi th pe ople.

But, I found mys elf warring tears as I shared my s tor y wi th o ther s so tha t the y migh t take a photo wi th me. " I t was an even t tha t ga ve M ichael a sense of purpose. For the next two years , M ic hael was attemp t to r a is e m on e y f o r th e wa l k b u t wo u l d u l ti m a te l y f a l l s h o r t. Th is ye a r , M ichael is keeping his dream alive!

And he has set out to honor his mother Bernice Ta ylor by rais ing a minimum of $1,000 and joining th e Grand Champion's club. His vis ion is to perform on s tage at one of th e wa lks s ome da y.

In 2 014, Michael also success fully ran the L os Angeles M ara thon and raised $1,000+ for tra nsi tional age fos ter you th like himse lf. S o, the re is no ques tions tha t he has wha t i t takes. However, M ichael knows he cannot do it alone. He needs your help! Here is wha t you c an do to help make a difference:

Buy a digital copy of ThaWilsonBlock Magazine *(50% per sale is proudly donated towards the walk)

Join our "Achiever Believers" team!

Make a Generous Donation

Spread the Word!

Locksmith describes the true meaning of traveling home in this live production.

Directed by Jesse Ray Diamond Website: http://www.Jesseraydiamond.com Track prod. by Locksmith, Mike Blankenship, Mike TopNotch, The Kid Rated R, Rebecca Nobel

Watch Music Video!

Childish Gambino "Redbone" (Full Lyrics)

Zedd & Alessia Cara - Stay (Official Music Video)

"Peace of Heaven" Gabrielle Ayers

Listen Now! R e l e a s e d

4 / 2 3 / 1 7

As

Yirim Seck

walks along

23rd and Jackson in the Central District, he has little trouble pointing out where historical buildings once stood and where open spaces have been replaced by modern structures.

He has spent most of his life in this neighborhood. The music he creates as a hip hop artist speaks to the changes in his neighborhood and the changes in larger society. Seck is one of many Seattle hip hop artists who embody resistance in the form of music and art that pushes for local activism.

“ A s A rt i s t s we hA ve A re s p o ns i b i l i t y t o ra i s e a wa re ne s s o r i ns e rt o u rs e l ve s i n c o nv e r s A t i o ns t o i n c i t e c hA ng e , ” Seck said. “we cAll it A culture. it returns Art to the people,” Julie C said, another local hip hop artist. “community is A core. hip hop Acts As A mechAnism of Activism.”

The music is specific to Seattle, but also speaks to larger issues.

Draze, a local artist also from the Central District, releAsed A song lAst yeAr cAlled “Irony on 23rd,” on the controversiAl pot shop uncle ike’s on 23rd and Union and the gentrification in the greater Seattle area. It became an anthem for the rally that shut down 23rd and Union last year.

Read More

50 Historic Landmarks by AfricanAmerican Architects

L

os Angeles was

home to arguably the most successful African-American architect of the 20th centur y: Paul Revere Williams.

Born in 1894, Williams designed thousands of buildings over his five-decade c a r e e r, f r o m l a n d m a r k s l i k e the LAX Theme Building, to glamorous homes for the c i t y ’s r i c h a n d f a m o u s , t o civic projects and public housing. He was the first African-American to become a member of theAmerican Institute of Architects (AIA), in 1923, and the first to become an AIA Fellow in 1957. In late 2016 (36 years after his death) he was awarded the AI A Gold Medal award , the i n s t i t u t e ’s h i g h e s t h o n o r for architectural achievement, becoming, once again, the first African-American to do so. Wil lia m s’ su cce ss

w a s e x t r a o r d i n a r y, g i v e n the era he lived in. His work is part of the littleknown story of AfricanAmerican architectural achievement in Los Angeles.

But a recently published map, produced by the Los Angeles chapter of the AIA, aims to change that.

The map shown on the next page highlights over 50 projects in Los Angeles with significant contributions by African-American architects, designers, and

50 Historic Landmarks by African-American Architects (continued)

engineers — from subway stations to libraries, hospitals, college campuses, place s of wo r shi p, ci vi c ce n te rs, housing, a police station, a n d a m u s e u m . Wo r k b y P a u l R. Williams is of course featured, along with projects b y R o b e r t Ke n n a r d (Wilshire/Normandie subway station), Gabrielle Bullock (USC Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute), Roland A. Wiley (Union Station Gatew ay E a s t Po r t a l ) , Va l e r y A u -

gustin (La B rea Baker y), Norma Sklarek (Leo Baeck Te m p l e ) , A n n e - M a r i e A r m strong (Comparte Chocolatier), and others‌

Read More...

Pasadena rapper Nicky BeacHouses talks New Music, Hardships, and Lyrical Composition Nicky BeacHouses: To be real, I’m from everywhere man. I was actually born in Duarte, Ca, and spent a majority of my upbringing in Pasadena with a lot of stops in between. But, Pasadena is home for me.

That's where I honed my craft and met all of my greatest influences and best friends. I never really understood how blessed I was to be living in such an affluent area with access to so many resources and diverse and dynamic people until I wasn’t living there anymore . Lol Mistah Wilson: Yo, BeachHouses! You already know! It's an honor to have you here for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine. What's tha latest & greatest?

Nicky BeacHouses: It's an honor to be interviewed. All glory to God. I appreciate the opportunity to grace your platform. What's the latest and greatest you ask?

Look out for that Black Ray Liotta, soon and very soon.

It's already done.

Mistah Wilson: Real quick, let's talk life growing up in Pasadena.

What was it like for you?

Mistah Wilson: I have to say that you were among tha very first Pasadena artists who jumped on ThaWilsonBlock movement back when we had the social network up. How has everything been since?

Nicky BeacHouses: Ups and downs man. Since then I’ve been married, divorced, had a son, moved to Vegas and some more. lol and Bing i don’t know if you know, but we had some complications during the birth of my first child. he was somehow disconnected from his mothers umbilical cord in the midst of his delivery, unbeknownst

to the doctors. So he went about 45 minutes without breathing. As you would imagine this caused several complications, especially to a newborn. he was diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy among a host of other things. Its a blessing that he is here at all, and i am thankful to have him. He’s been a source of strength and motivation for me. He is completely dependent on his mother and I, and that has taught me a lot about patience and consideration.

Mistah Wilson: What led you to become a rapper and when did you start?

Nicky BeacHouses: Man, I'm singer truth be told. and my knack for poetry made rapping kinda like second nature to me. Also being raised in church allowed me to digest and understand music in a certain way. By the time I got to biggie I was done for. lol Mistah Wilson: Name some DENA artists that you've worked with and would like to work with...

Nicky BeacHouses: I’ve worked with a lot of dena artists man, and I’m thankful. rESidue Riggins, King LaPlaya, Relly 2euce, WE55, Kawshus, Yancy Deron, Phat Rat, Paco, just to name a few, cuz the list is actually kinda obnoxious lol . I'm also in groups with CoNS my brother (Better Music) as u know, and well as JKizzle626 (Animated Minds, Beasthood), both of whom i re-

gard in my personal upper echelon of MCs period. but my bucket-list list would include you my friend, Bing Bing, first and foremost, Orbit aka the Grinch, and my homie JoJo from school. maybe the kid Bullet. He kinda nice too.

Mistah Wilson: Since becoming a fan of Hip Hop way back when, would you say it has gotten better or worse? Why? Nicky BeacHouses: It's gotten better, as everything tends to. The good shit is just a little harder to find because of the over saturation of people trying to rap period.

A lot more people rapping = a lot more trash people to weed thru. But I appreciate the new dudes as long as they saying something.

Kendrick is probably the

Stream & Download "DAMN" by Kendrick Lamar (Full Album) featuring Rihanna, Zacari, & U2

Stream

/// Download

best to ever do it. So I can’t knock the direction it's going in. But it's always going to be an audience for ignorant shit cause that's just a reflection of our society these days. Sad but true.

However, none of that shit I condone.

Mistah Wilson: You have a way with words! What are some techniques you use to come up with catch phrases and punch lines?

Nicky BeacHouses: I look for ironic shit, and I’m kind a name dropper, so I tend to look for names that stand out to me and/or are hard to rhyme with. I also work a lot with entendres and I don’t know if that's just programmed into me or not.

But studying punchlines helps equips you to make them.

Mistah Wilson: Would you say you are a better freestyler or songwriter?

Nicky BeacHouses: Songwriter, although the way I record most of my songs is somewhere in between the two. A lot of times I record my songs unwritten, maybe 4 bars or so at a time. lol a lot of cuts and a pain in the ass for any engineer, but the songs come out a lot stronger and more authentic this way I’ve found. So I guess I’m a hybrid.

Mistah Wilson: Yo, BeachHouses! It's been awesome, bro.

Thanks for coming through for this exclusive w/ ThaWilsonBlock Magazine. We look forward to

working with you in tha near future. If you have any shout outs, let's hear em...

Nicky BeacHouses: On behalf of the city, I just wanna thank you Bing Bing. You've been a personal inspiration to me, and I look up to you a lot, my brother. This thing you got going is gone fuck around and be all of our way out. Mark my words.

•••

Stephon Marbury leaves the Chinese Basketball team that made him a Legend (VIDEO) Master P: "I Made More Money Than Jay-Z & Ice Cube In One Month" Pasadena rapper West In Peace drops new music video "Level" Stephon Marbury and the team that made him a legend abroad are headed for a temporary separation after the two sides failed to come to terms on his playing future and the former NBA All-Star turned down an offer to coach the

DJ Akademiks: "Why is Lil' Wayne NOT a Boss?" (Video)

team, according to Marbury would still like to play at least one more season in the CBA, but the — the team with which he won three championships in six seasons — is reportedly entering a rebuilding phase and unwilling to use one of its two foreign-born player spots on the 40-year-old, beloved as he is.

Read More...

Chance the Rapper makes mockery of Mainstream Record Labels

A L I V YA Exclusive Interview

“I always try to incorporate African drum patterns to my songs even if the song sounds really western, I also dress in African attires in my videos and photo shoots.�

A L I V YA Exclusive Interview on

Life in Kenya, Her Love for Singing, and African Culture

Mistah Wilson: Greetings, Alivya! We are honored to have you here with us for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine! How ya' been?

ALIVYA: Great, I have been good , am grateful and honored to be here with you, too.

So our audience can get a better understanding of you, could you give us a quick background on yourself?

Mistah Wilson:

ALIVYA: I was born and raised in Kenya, was raised by a single mother, it was

me, my mother and my brother. Growing up was not an easy journey, I faced everything from having both my mother and brother sick and having to take care of them, to lack of finances but one thing was for sure, whenever my mum was healthy and on her two feet , I knew me and my brother would be fed, she is a very strong woman, and she always taught me to be strong. I found peace in song writing and singing , I joined the youths choir at 11 years and the praise and worship team , and I sang among 25 year olds. I par-

ticipated in music and drama clubs and we toured the country and performed in many festivals and wrote my first song when I was 11.

Mistah Wilson: How was life growing up in Nairobi, Kenya for you?

ALIVYA: Growing up in Kenya was actually fun, growing up, I had lots of friends and some of the games we played that will forever remain in my mind are, hide and seek , and police and robber. It was also about

lots of books, we read a lot, I had to take a lot of classes and I had to pass them all.

There was also a lot of church, my mum made sure that I attended all the services.

Mistah Wilson: What led you to

becoming a musician?

ALIVYA: My love for singing and the healing effect it gives me, I also got a lot of support from friends and my mum. I love it so much and it keeps me going through

tough times.

Mistah Wilson: In what ways do you incorporate African culture in your music?

ALIVYA: I always try to incorporate African drum patterns to my songs even if the song sounds really western, I also dress in African attires in my videos and photo shoots.

Mistah Wilson: Are you currently independent or do you have a management team?

ALIVYA: I have a team that really helps me out, I haven’t signed any management contract yet. I however like to be in control of my work because I feel like I know myself best. I mean I know what looks good on me, I know what sounds good , I take advice though.

Mistah Wilson: Let's talk music!

What current and upcoming projects do you have in the works?

ALIVYA: I have music videos that I wanna finish, music videos from some of the songs I have on my E.P. I also have a lot of songs that I wanna record, some of the songs are really heavy and personal.

mances and why? What are some things you do to prepare for a showcase?

ALIVYA: Lighting for me is the most important thing, followed by my stage presence, I want to make sure that my presence is felt and remembered. I prepare for my performance by testing the lightning and by off course going over the song and the routines like a million times.

Mistah Wilson: When writing and performing new songs, where do you pull inspiration from?

Mistah Wilson: How about events? Got any upcoming shows we should know about?

ALIVYA: I have plans to do a Kenyan tour, but that will probably be at the end of the year.

Mistah Wilson: How serious do you take your musical perfor-

ALIVYA: From my personal experiences, mostly so because I am honest with myself and I understand myself best, I am my worst critique.

Mistah Wilson: Who are some key musicians that have influenced you to be the artist you are today?

ALIVYA: Whitney Houston, she made me want to take vocal classes.

Beyonce because of her stage presence, R Kelly and

Brenda fassie.

Mistah Wilson: What have been some challenges you've faced when pursuing a career as a musician?

ALIVYA: Trying to come out of the sensitive and emotional part of me that makes me write songs and getting into the business part. I would say the marketing , business and trying to make money from my art has been my biggest challenge.

I also have had to face my fears and come out ,be open and connect with my fans past the level of just giving them songs.

Mistah Wilson: What have been some more of the rewarding things on your journey?

ALIVYA: I love how my E.P came out and I like it that I got to work with amazing and great people while recording it.

Mistah Wilson: Who are some

artists or musicians you've worked with and would like to work with some time in the future?

ALIVYA: At the moment I have only been working on solo projects, but I would most definitely like to work with Diamond Platnumz of Uganda Davido and WizKid from Nigeria.

Mistah Wilson: Name 3 of your personal favorite songs of yours..

ALIVYA: I love Like A Prayer Madonna Power of Love Jennifer Rush and We Found Love Rihanna

Mistah Wilson: What do you plan on accomplishing through your music?

ALIVYA: I plan to use music to touch peoples lives and to provide a healing and

powerful influence. I also want to accomplish what I was brought to earth to do.

Mistah Wilson: What encouraging words do for aspiring musicians pursue a career as an

positive, you have looking to artist?

ALIVYA: That its possible , with a strong will and not giving up, it can be done.

Mistah Wilson: What overall message do you want your fans to know?

ALIVYA: I want all my fans to know that I love them and that whenever they listen to my songs, they should know that they are not alone.

Mistah Wilson: How and where can people keep up with you online?

ALIVYA: People can find me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook as AlivyaFromKenya

Mistah Wilson: Hey, Alivya it's been so great having you here with us for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine! Let's hear some shout outs!

ALIVYA: Shoutout to all my friends in America and at

home in Kenya, shoutout to all my fans. •••

“So San Gabriel - been here for 45 years. No city, no schools, no PD, no fire department but we still pay taxes for no services. Even Rosemead stole our Zip Code. Wedged between Monterey Park, Rosemead, & Montebello, We have no businesses so nobody wants us. The Hills have the best views money can buy,” -Maria Morales “Put it this way if you wanna move to the SGV go into Walnut, West Covina, Covina, Charter Oak, Glendora, Rowland Heights, Diamond Bar, San Marino if you could afford it and Sierra Madre, and Arcadia,” -Ivan Aicrag “Raised my kids in Alhambra. Loved it, then changing demographics forced us out. Spent many years in Hacienda Heights. Loved it. Now in the autumn of my life it's Rosemead and, surprisingly . . . I LOVE IT!” -Art Brambila “None. I’d give anything to go back to Montclair and be in between Fontana Speedway and Pomona Speedway and listen to the races from my back yard,” -Angel Rodriguez Rocha “I'm near Montebello it's basically East LA. If I stick my hand through the gate my hand would be in Montebello. It's perfect right here,” -Kevin Nieto

How Freelance Photographers Can Strategically Sell Their Digital Photos

Photographers are needed worldwide!

Freelance photographers have a flexible "lifestyle career". Photographers are uploading photos to the Internet and selling them online! In locations everywhere, there is a demand to hire photographers for assignments and special occasions.

It's easy to sell your digital photos online. This guide

to freelance

photographyexplains how you can get started selling your photos and building your own photography business.

Now you can enjoy a career doing what you love!

Learn More...

Conrad Benner documents Philadelphia's diverse street art scene

Conrad Benner, the Philadelphia native behind the six-year-old Streets Dept blog and a popular Instagram account, has turned a continued fascination with his city, deep connections to the street art community, and a great eye into a long-running document of a fertile street art scene.

While New York often gets credit as the birthplace of graffiti and street art, Philadelphia, a city with a large population of students and a worldrenowned city mural program, has both a huge contemporary art scene and a deep history of street art. Darryl McCray, or Cornbread, who is considered one of the progenitors of street art, made his name tagging around the city in the late ‘60s, and even made the papers for writing “Cornbread Lives� on an elephant in the Philadelphia Zoo. Read More...

Mary Ellen Mark and Helena Christensen Discuss Photography Mark and Mary are known for doing different types of work but are both highly regarded photographers in the industry.

And to hear some of their stories is quite an interesting experience. At one point, Mary talks about visiting a morgue on Oaxaca and seeing things that she said really changed who she is.

Similarly, Helena talks about taking a course with Mary Ellen Mark and getting into the art form. My words aren’t going to do this half hour video any justice, so just watch it.

Overcoming Your Fear of Flying? It May Be Easier Than You Think.

Take just a minute and imagine you’re on board an airplane, going someplace you’re really looking forward to visiting. You’re relaxed and comfortable in your seat, with a calm, quiet mind when you notice that you’re actually enjoying the peace and quiet of the flight. You hear the steady ‘whoosh’ of the engines and find it soothing, like the sound of waves breaking randomly and steadily on the ocean shore. What used to cause you so much stress and anxiety has become something you actually look forward to as a time for you to let go and just be at peace.

You look out the window and see the crisp blue sky and puffy white clouds far beneath you, and you remember sitting in your chair and first reading these words - when I told you that your next flight could be different - and you smile to yourself as you realize that this moment, RIGHT NOW was when flying began to change for you...

Keep reading and learn how you CAN overcome your fear of flying and why you may only need to do two things to make it happen...

Keep Reading...

Colorado Street Bridge Pasadena, CA (1912)

(aka Suicide Bridge)

The Colorado Street Bridge was designed and built in 1912 at a total cost of $191,000 (equivalent to $4,566,867 in 2016). The bridge was designed by the firm of Waddell & Harrington, based in Kansas City, Missouri. The structure carries Colorado Boulevard (then called "Colorado Street"), the major east-west thoroughfare connecting Pasadena with Eagle Rock and Glendale to the west, and with Monrovia to the east. It spans 1,486 feet (453 m) and is notable for its distinctive Beaux Arts arches, light standards, and railings. The bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Learn More...

How To Build The Model Train Layout Of Your Dreams (Step by Step Tutorial)

Regardless of whether you are an absolute beginner, or have been in the hobby for years, there is always something new to learn and discover.

Trouble is: trying to learn everything on your own is a daunting task, so that’s where the “Members Only” Model Train Club can help.

You can read the information, print it out if you like… or, just relax, enjoy and learn from the videos. It’s up to you.

You’ll get to ask questions and work through ideas with the experts. Everything will be at your finger tips, so you won’t need to waste hours trying to find the answers ever again.

Learn More...

Old Fresno Water Tower (1894)

The Old Fresno Water Tower is a historic water tower in Fresno, California. It is listed on theNational Register of Historic Places. Designed

by George Washington Maher, the tower was completed in late 1894. It ceased operation in 1963 and has served as a visitors' center since 2001.

Chicago architect George Washington Maher was commissioned in 1891 to design a new water tower for Fresno in the Tower District. His design was influenced by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871; the fire destroyed the Chicago Public Library but not the Chicago Water Tower, which then acted as a temporary library. Maher's original design called for a library and a third floor to be built within the tower, but neither was executed. Construction finished in November 1894, and the water tower remained in use until 1963 when its pumping equipment had become inadequate. The water tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 14, 1971. It was designated an American Water Landmark by the American Water Works Association in 1972.

Read More...

Proven Methods That Help Eliminate Alcohol Addiction

You'll discover why many recovery programs do not work. 95% of recovery programs in the U.S. are not based on solid research and evidence. While many "lesser-known" techniques produce ASTOUNDING results. There are proven ways to dramatically decrease cravings, urges, intrusive thoughts and withdrawal symptoms. Make sure you watch the whole video as the end will surprise you.

Learn More...

How To Help Prevent Panic Attacks.

If you have panic attacks or an anxious feeling more than you'd want, you probably miss out on some great experiences you could have in life. Some causes are overlooked, and until you find them you'll stay anxious, especially at times where you really need to be relaxed.

On this website you can test-drive a 14 week home study course that will give you significant results as of the 4th week give or take (if you follow the instructions in it).

Learn More...

Photographer Martha Cooper sets out to help Preserve New York's History of Graffiti Art

New York City in the 1970s and '80s was very different than the city today. Not only were cars, signs and clothing styles a time capsule of the era, but the city looked different: it was covered in graffiti. To get an idea, watch the 1983 film Wild Style. A dominant visual aspect of the day, graffiti widely spread around New York City at this time, with subways, building walls, almost anything being tagged by artists including Dondi, Seen, Lady Pink, Zephyr, and Revolt. Many people just simply walked by and ignored this new art form, but Martha Cooper, a

staff photographer for the New York Post at the time, was interested in gaining a deeper understanding of these graffiti and their authors.

"I had never even understood that kids were writing their names on walls," says Martha Cooper, "I don't think that was generally known, people thought it was just random vandalism."

Read More...

Designer Michael Ford highlights Hip Hop & Architecture An instructor in architectural technology at Madison Area Technical College in Madison, Wisc., Ford brought his message here last week at the invitation of the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

He lectured at Rustbelt Reclamation, which makes furniture from recycled wood, and spent part of Friday urging students at John Hay High School's program in architecture and design to stick it out and become professionals.

"The students that I'm talking to are the people and the bodies and minds we need," Ford said. "They are needed, not just wanted." Through his writing, teaching and national speaking, Ford aims to dissolve barriers that have discouraged black children from becoming architects, city planners and urban designers. He has a book coming out soon on the need for diversity in the design professions, and the damage caused by modernist slab towers forced on minority neighborhoods after World War II that fostered crime and social isolation through design.

Ford thinks that Hip Hop culture, from rapping to break dancing, is the ultimate critique of mid-century modern vertical slums, and one that could be translated positively into new buildings and city plans. Michael Ford created a limited edition modern furniture line, "Remixed," based on Detroit clothing designer Al Wissam's high stitch count leather designs.

"Hip Hop is the voice of the voiceless," he said. "It gives a story to people not commonly listened to, including people such as myself."

While African-Americans such as Cleveland's have surmounted racial barriers to become an architect, the profession remains generally off limits to blacks, decades after the Civil Rights era‌

READ MORE An unbuilt, conceptual design of low income housing by Michael Ford.

"Stop Wars" Unknown Artist

See More...

COMPARE THESE: windchILL's "Grind Mode" vs. Wildcard QM's "The Odyssey"

STREET ART: 'Keep Your Coins. I Want Change' by Banksy

Marshawn Lynch officially joins the Raiders

Watts Towers (near Los Angeles) 1921-1954 The Watts Towers, Towers of Simon Rodia, or Nuestro Pueblo ("our town") are a collection of 17 interconnected sculptural structures within the Simon Rodia State Historic Park in the Wattscommunity of Los Angeles. The tallest of the towers reaches a height of over 99 feet (30 m). The towers and walls were designed and built

by Sabato ("Simon") Rodia (1879–1965), an Italian immigrant construction worker and tile mason, over a period of 33 years, from 1921 to 1954. The work is an example of outsider art and Italian-American naïve art.

The Watts Towers are located near the 103rd Street/ Watts Towers Los Angeles Metro station of theLos Angeles County Metro Rail Blue Line, and off the I-105 Century Freeway. They were designated a National Historic Landmark and a California Historical Landmark in 1990. They are also a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, and on the National Register of Historic Places in Los Angeles.

Learn More...

Stripes | Urban landscape DG Oakill Photography