Tuesday, September 29, 2009

The 20Something Year Olds Challenge


Prelude: At first, I was going to try to make this poetic, catchy and deep but then I realized that the issue that I am about to discuss deserves more attention than just a rhyming sequence; An issue that hurts my heart and is evident in everyday news that this issue isn’t getting any better. My biggest concern is that we, the 20somethings, are ignorant to the fact of our importance and relevance in what is going on in today’s society and without awareness, it will only get worse, making it even harder to fix.

OUR YOUTH NEEDS HELP FROM US, THE 20SOMETHING YEAR OLDS…PERIOD. THEY ARE VICTIMS OF A LIFE AT RISK DUE TO:

WORKING PARENTS NOT AROUND, STRIVING & STRUGGLING TO SUPPORT THEIR FAMILY IN THIS RECESSION

ABSENTEE FATHERS

YOUNG PARENTS

PARENTS AFFECTED BY SUBSTANCE ABUSE

AND THE LIST GOES ON…….

It is not our fault nor is it our obligation to be there for them, when no one else can be BUT it is our responsibility as the future leaders we all want to become, to acknowledge what is going on in our community with our youth and to take action. We put statuses up on Facebook and Twitter, distraught, sad and angered by what we hear on the news about another “unfortunate situation” with another young teen. In the midst of the hype, we are vocal and opinionated about what is going on in the streets with our youth. We come together, in agreement finally, as young adults to state how we feel and how distressing it is. And it is not until when the news, the politicians and the activists quiet down and forget that we begin to quiet down and forget…..that is until the next act occurs.

As a 20Something yea old, we need to stop acting as a HYPE man/woman, emphasizing our opinions when it is convenient and accepted but to take it to that next level. Our generation gets scared when we hear the term, “GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY,” but it’s not as hard as it sounds. Encouraging, mentoring, spending time with, acknowledging and empathizing is all it takes, whether it’s the young girl down the street or your Aunt Whatsherface’s 14 year old son. We are caught up in the “I” but it’s time to get caught up in the “WE.” WE are too self-centered to notice anyone else in the same room with us, someone who may be crying out for help…

Be proactive within your surroundings and maybe we won’t have so many retroactive frequencies in the community.

This is my challenge to YOU, the 20Something Year Olds, as well as MYSELF…..Ready? Set….GO!

BY MONISA

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

#TheArtGallery


The stroke of a key. The power of an exclamation point. The subliminal message behind your all CAPS. The face of the keyboard defines your online reality. Period.

Image is everything, image is key, image is what is apparent to both you and me…..right? But image is not real, image is not the true you, but apparently your online image perfectly describes…. you…..right?

Facebook and Twitter are the two most popular online networks. Facebook started off as a resource for college students to stay in touch with old friends and family. It has now evolved into, not only a public “art gallery” but is the god that created Twitter, an idol that we all are guilty of worshiping and another online “art gallery” that portrays the pieces of art that we create for each other. We paint images of ourselves for others to see and hopefully believe. We try to create a person that we WANT to be, but may not necessarily really be. Putting up a face that pleases every friend/follower, hoping to gain even more friends/followers, hopelessly wanting to be accepted, because online “What you see is what you get," RIGHT? Bragging rights on who has the most followers, is cool…..RIGHT? Must be, because EVERYONE does it....But who is REAL on Facebook and Twitter? How can you tell that the person you constantly RT on Twitter would be the same person, if you spoke to them in person? Or....you say one thing on Twitter/Facebook, but in real life, your actions are contradictory.

"If you knew better, you would do better......."

So ummm, yea......Our generation, unfortunately, has allowed technology to subliminally show us who we are supposed to be, just like the media, and that image is more important than reality and our integrity/character. Show me who you really are, that’s foreign nowadays....We are allowing Facebook/Twitter to define our image, but before these social networks, who were you really? Does that person still even exist? People confuse IMAGE with INTEGRITY.... but they are different. Your integrity is way more important than your image....so why are we so focused moreso on image? We actually need to focus on both and find ways to balance them both, without looking like a complete fake! But most importantly, know who you really are before you try to convince other people of who you are.

Here is a challenge, and how about you RT this: You paint the picture and stop allowing Facebook/Twitter to paint it for you, because “I don’t believe you; you need more people.” (c) Jay Z

*whats the new online lingo....oh yea.....POW!
Signing off……

Monisa Mason

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Its that Time of the Year Again.....Ohio Hip Hop Awards



The Ohio Hip Hop Awards are back again....Today is the day....and Dollhouse would just like to extend a GOOD LUCK to all nominees!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Volkswagon Might be on to Something.....



By 2013, there will be a car that takes 240 MPG....The Volkswagon L1 Concept that is!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Fall in Love With Fall!

As the final days of summer wind down and autumn approaches, it's time to start thinking about the second best part of cooler weather (a hot pair of boots is the absolute best)-jackets! When it's too cool outside to bare arms what better way to show off your great sense of style than the perfect coat. Here, we give you some fashionable options for fall that will have you dreading the heat.

First up, the ladies:

The Motorcycle Jacket...
Who says you have to be a biker to look like one? An edgy look like this can be softened by pairing with a flirty dress, or maintained with skinny jeans and equally edgy motorcycle boots. Just be sure not to overdo it and look more like you're wearing a costume. Try a predictable silhouette in a surprising shade of pink, like this pick from Urban Outfitters.


The Boyfriend Blazer...
Blazers are a chic way to dress up a pair of jeans or take some of the girly out of a dress. This is a classic concept that will add instant "cool" to any look. When going for the boyfriend cut, be sure to go for an oversized look with a slim fit through the waist. The idea is to look like you raided grandpa's closed without actually looking like you raided grandpa's closet. Here is another pick from Urban Outfitters.


The Tuxedo Jacket...
Much like the boyfriend blazer, the tuxedo jacket is where masculinity meets femininity. Best paired with jeans or a fun dress, this jacket will step your outfit up a notch. Just don't pair this one with a tuxedo shirt or you might be way, way, way too formal. Check out this pick from Nordstrom.


And something for the men:

The Toggle Coat...
The last few years I have been all about a good looking man in a pea coat. Why not switch it up a bit and go for another classic-the toggle coat! The look maintains the charm of the pea coat and adds a bit of fun. This is pick from Urban Outfitters has some interesting details and almost looks military inspired.


The Denim Jacket...
Take a common jacket and add your own twist to it. This pick from Urban Outfitters is a tight fit, but features details that give it that worn, rugged, "destroyed" look with a zipper instead of buttons.


The (This is Beautiful, What is That) Velvet Jacket...
Now, I never thought I would encourage velvet anything, but I'm a fan of this jacket. A little texture never hurt anyone and this pick doesn't exactly scream velvet. Be careful with this one, though, because it can easily be done terribly wrong. This pick from Nordstrom is not your typical velvet jacket (if there is such a thing) and won't have you looking something like Hugh Hefner.


by Ciara

Eargasms




Mr. Hudson & The Library:

Based out of London, first released an album in 2007, Tale of Two Cities. Signed to G.O.O.D Music (Kanye West), the band will be releasing their second album, Straight No Chaser, on October 5th. Mr. Hudson currently has a single featuring Kanye, called SuperNova and is also featured on Jay Z’s Blueprint 3. One of their biggest fans now, I strongly encourage you to check this new sound out.

PJ Morton:

Sounds like a mixture of Anthony Hamilton, Tyrese with a vibe of Musiq, PJ Morton is definitely a new fav. Melodic and relaxing, mixed with soul and jazz, PJ Morton is the son of gospel legend Bishop Paul S. Morton. This New Orleans native independently released an album, Emotions, in 2005, followed by a 2007 release, Perfect Song and then 2008, Live from LA. He too, is another hot commodity that you may want to keep your eye/ear on!

By Monisa

Tuesday, September 15, 2009