THE NYAFF PRESENTS OPENING NIGHT PRESENTATION OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN FILM NOIR ‘COLD HARBOUR’

THE NEW YORK AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS OPENING NIGHT PRESENTATION OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN FILM NOIR ‘COLD HARBOUR’

WHAT:    Opening Night of the 22nd New York African Film Festival, presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center (FSLC) and African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) and organized under the banner of the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024). The initial leg of this year’s festival runs May 6–12 at FSLC and features a diverse crop of 15 features and 13 short films from Africa and the Diaspora. The NYAFF continues throughout May at the Cinema at the Maysles Documentary Center and the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s BAMcinématek. The festivities take place as AFF marks its 25th anniversary. 

Directed by Carey McKenzie, Cold Harbour pits township cop Sizwe—Tony Kgoroge, who won Best Actor at the 2014 Durban International Film Festival for the role—against a seedy underworld of criminals and fellow cops in his quest to investigate a smugglers’ turf war. The Opening Night reception will follow at the Frieda and Roy Furman Gallery at the Walter Reade Theater. 

WHO:    Isaach de Bankolé (supporting actor, Run); NYAFF directors Carey McKenzie (Cold Harbour), Dare Fasasi (Head Gone),Teddy Goitom (Afripedia Series), Nicole Mackinlay Hahn (Burkina, All About Women), Sandra Krampelhuber (100% Dakar – More Than Art), Nova Scott-James (Handmade in Thamaga); 
Mahen Bonetti, NYAFF founder and executive director of African Film Festival, Inc., Lesli Klainberg, FSLC executive director

http://www.africanfilmny.org/

http://www.filmlinc.com/films/series/new-york-african-film-festival-2015

Domingo Zapata’s three one-of-a-kind, hand-painted pieces to be auctioned!

Recently, Stacey Bendet hosted a private dinner party to celebrate the Alice + Olivia and Domingo Zapata CFDA Capsule collection. The collaboration with the CFDA got launched on Tuesday, April 28th at the dinner party.

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Attendees Included

Stacey Bendet, Domingo Zapata, Princess Eugenie York Lisa Smilor, Diane von Furstenberg, Juliette Lewis, Jennifer Morrison, Mary Louise Parker, Kelly Rutherford, Diana Picasso, Ashley Smith, Tali Lennox, Rachel Roy, Abby Elliott, Gigi Burris, Sara Sophie Flicker, Sabine Heller, Kyle Hotchkiss Carone, Ian Jones, Sean Macpherson, Lola Schnabel, Brandi Garnett, SZA, Chelsea Leyland, Amirah Kassem, Cleo Wade, Phoebe Stephens, Annete Stephens

Music by Alix Brown

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Famous Artist Domingo Zapata’s three one-of-a-kind, beautifully hand-painted pieces to be auctioned for CFDA

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For the first CFDA capsule collection, Stacey Bendet has partnered with celebrated artist Domingo Zapata. The collection will be available for purchase at the end of April at all alice + olivia stores and other retail partners.

Each year, alice + olivia will work with a new artist to create a one-of-a-kind piece to be auctioned off with 100% of proceeds going to the CFDA. Versions of this item will then be featured in a capsule collection available at all alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet stores and other retail partners with 50% of the proceeds donated to the CFDA.

Stacey Bendet, CEO and Creative Director of alice + olivia, says,“This partnership is exciting for me as it is very reflective of my brand and our continued collaboration with artists. It is also wonderful to be able to raise funds for the CFDA, in their ongoing support of our industry and its new talent.”

Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA says, “Stacey Bendet has been a valued member of the CFDA for a long time and we could not be more appreciative for her work to help us in our cause to advance up-and-coming fashion designers. The extraordinary support we will be receiving from the brand thanks to this initiative is invaluable to our organization.”

The alice + olivia x Domingo Zapata capsule collection consists of three pieces:

  • a gown $898,
  • floor-length skirt $598 and
  • a mini dress $298,

Each in a beautiful print rendered from a mural painted by Domingo Zapata.

“As an artist, my purpose is to share with the world those things that speak to my heart”, says Domingo Zapata. A few hundred pieces of each style will be produced and sold at all freestanding alice + olivia stores nationwide. The pieces will be available for presale Wednesday April 29th onwww.aliceandolivia.com/CFDA.

The collaboration with the CFDA got launched on Tuesday, April 28th at a dinner hosted by Stacey Bendet and Domingo Zapata. Additionally, Paddle8 will be auctioning off one of a kind pieces including a gown and floor-length skirt, both hand painted and signed by Zapata. An alice + olivia custom two-piece skirt and leather bustier with piping in print painted by Zapata will be up for auction as well. All proceeds will go to the CFDA. 

 Additionally, Paddle8 will be auctioning off one of a kind pieces including a gown and floor-length skirt, both hand painted and signed by Zapata. An alice + olivia custom two-piece skirt and leather bustier with piping in print painted by Zapata will be up for auction as well. All proceeds will go to the CFDA.

For more details on auction, visit: www.paddle8.com/auctions/aliceandolivia 

Special thanks to: BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® and BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® East Gin, MARTINI® Prosecco, GREY GOOSE® Vodka, Robert Mondavi Private Selection and Peroni Nastro Azzurro.

Nail Art: New Trends to Follow

The new fashion mania has unusual trends for spring 2015...

In the past few years nail art has become a mandatory fashion whim, that can very elegantly substitute jewellery. When shaking hands, when waving adieu, ladies’ ten fingers are always at the forefront of interaction with others, and their decorations somehow point out the personality of the girl wearing the nail art.

This spring dictates three musts in the use of Vernis à Onglese: simplicity, lightness and refinement. Patterns and colors are accepted, although black and white are the hippest shades. Natural colors, like old-rose, beige or pastel tints are highly recommendable. Even more so, the nude effect. For the summertime ladies can run wild adopting some gold and silver, as long as the length of the nail is moderate with a rounded shape. Stilettos are out!

New York’s latest Fashion Week had proclaimed gangsta nail art - with dazzling gems or delicate pearl - as the new mania for the hot season. The over-the-top-graffiti-inspired nail decorations however seem to clash with a more recent fashion debate, where the Big Apple and the City of Angels collide on what nail art to adopt. New Yorkers prefer solid colors, whereas Californians enjoy all kinds of creative patterns, especially those inspired by nature, evoking flowers or fruits. A trait to which both coasts seem to comply to, is the Reverse French Manicure, where a contrasting color to the main varnish is placed on the bezel near zone cuticle rather than on the tip of the nail. 

Los Angeles is more celebrity driven as opposed to the fashion driven New York, nevertheless this new nail art trend has been flaunted at red carpets in both cities. The Half-Moon Manicure seems to please all, for the edgy elegant way it uses the negative space, creating an orderly extravagant chic look.

Manhattan Holiday: Vespa in the City

How to ride a Vespa in New York City, just like in Roman Holiday...

April 23rd marks an important birthday for Vespa, who can enjoy her last sixties. Sixty-nine years ago aeronautical engineer Corradino D’Ascanio presented to the world the most iconic Italian scooter, that according to industrialist Enrico Piaggio looked like a wasp (now you know what Vespa means in Italian), and is now part of the permanent collection at MoMA.

From 1946 to today (almost seventy years later), Vespa is the utmost glamour scooter model, made legendary by Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn riding it through the Italian capital, in ‘Roman Holiday.’ Have you ever thought of evoking that magic in the Big Apple? Well, apparently someone in Central Park did! The NYC Vespa tours transform a normal tour into a scenic adventure with your experienced and skilled vespa tour guide driver. You can pick half-hour tours or one hour tours and you will cover the City’s most famous landmarks in and out of the park. These include the Carousel, the Dairy, the Balto statue, Summerstage, Strawberry Fields, the Dakota building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Rockefeller Center, Times Square and Lincoln Center.

But if you want to pick your own itinerary and be the one driving the scooter be aware of certain precautions. Be sure to find a spot that is away from people’s blind spots and road hazards, one that gives you the maximum ability to accelerate, decelerate and change directions as needed. Traffic in New York can become over hectic, but don’t be intimidated. A good way to get a car to give you space behind you is to sway the scooter under you. Also try to wear the best safety gear, we know you want to look glam like Princess Ann and reporter Joe Bradley on that Vespa, but you’ll be more appealing if you make it all in one piece. Better safe than sorry, right? So using a pack protector in the City is a good idea. If you wear something or do something to the Vespa that will catch people’s attention it’s going to make it less likely for them to hit you. Perhaps also a colorful helmet could help. We all know the rules have changed since the 50s: helmets are obligatory when riding today.

Finally and most importantly have fun, look all over the place and take in all the beauties New York has to offer...don’t forget to watch also the traffic lights! You, the Vespa and your amore, are sure to have the time of your life experiencing the “Manhattan Holiday.”

Street Fashion comes from flea markets

Flea markets in New York can be a revelation to create your own fashion style...

Are you addicted to the vintage look? I am! If you are too I’ll take you on a journey through the hippest flea markets in New York, to grasp that alluring shabby chic street fashion look.

When you mention flea markets some people, obscured by prejudice, might twitch their noses. But bare in mind that besides helping the environment through sustainable fashion you are also digging for pieces that belong to a historical tradition of tailoring, that gave major focus to the choice of materials and manufacturing, before Made in China took over.

Uptown girls won’t miss a hike through GreenFlea, located at Columbus Avenue between West 76th 77th Streets, which flaunts a history of more than quarter of a century and is the darling market of the nerdiest vintage freaks. 

Hell’s Kitchen is the place to get hell of a street fashion look! Just walk around West 39th Street between 9th & 10th Avenues and you will find a triad of markets, where you can get all your mid-century modern items.

If you leave Manhattan, the Brooklyn Borough can be full of surprises. One Hanson Place gathers hundreds of vendors every weekend selling antique, vintage clothing, arts and crafts by local designers. On 70 Seventh Street you can roam about  during the weekend at Artists & Fleas, co-founded by Amy Abrams and Ronen Glimer, which can be found not only in Williamsburg but also in Chelsea. Here you’ll find anything, from accessories to eccentric home decor.

Staying in the Chelsea neighborhood I must mention by beloved Garage Market which unfortunately has closed and succumbed to New York real estate, since the building that hosted the indoor parking garage is to be torn down for new constructions. But just a few blocks away from 12 West 25th Street, the outdoor market will take over, just remember you have to pay 1$ for entrance.

The list can go on, but if you get these covered you are on the right track to being one of those City bargain hunters, who knows how to find the best deals for cool street fashion.

THE ACADEMY PRESENTS “AN ANIMATION SHOWCASE: FROM CELLULOID TO CGI” IN NEW YORK

There were days when animation happened on papers, by drawing. Artists sat for hours and draw the pictures, by hand, each and every frame, before they could be put in motion for our eyes. Then came time of "stop motion animation", putting and moving objects. Much harder than it actually seems. But with the invention of computers, things started changing. But did it really become easier? Or much more complex, creating and generating true to life images. Or bringing to life things that we could just imagine. As a kid, we just enjoyed all those cartoons, animation and stuff but now you may wonder how those marvels really come true. Well, now you can learn about it!

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present “An Animation Showcase: From Celluloid to CGI,” an animation series that takes place April 24 – May 29, 2015, in New York.  Aimed at highlighting the techniques that make up the craft of animation, the program will use a variety of panels and screenings to explain and explore hand-drawn, stop-motion and CGI animation.

The series will open with a presentation featuring the animation studio LAIKA’s creative team behind the Academy Award-nominated “Coraline” (2009), “ParaNorman” (2012) and “The Boxtrolls” (2014).  The showcase will also include an anniversary screening of Disney’s “Pinnochio,” a conversation with members of Blue Sky Studios about their CGI work, a program on the history of silent animation in New York, and will close with a sneak preview of Disney-Pixar’s upcoming film “Inside Out.”

For up to date information on “An Animation Showcase: From Celluloid to CGI,” and to purchase tickets please visit our event pages:

https://www.oscars.org/events/animation-showcase-celluloid-cgi

April 24: The Nuts and Bolts of Stop Motion: The Artistry and Ingenuity of LAIKA

May 9: The 75th Anniversary Screening of  PINOCCHIO

May 12: The Anatomy of an Animation Studio: An Evening with Blue Sky

May 19: The History of Silent and Early Sound New York Animation

May 29: A Sneak Peek of Disney-Pixar’s INSIDE OUT (at the School for the Visual Arts)

HOMEGOING Services, in honor of Pastor William Lee Bonner

“His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord..”— Matthew 25:23

On Good Friday, April 3rd Bishop William Lee Bonner, beloved pastor of the renowned Greater Refuge Temple Church (GRT) in Harlem and Chief Apostle of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ (COOLJC), made his transition from labour to his great reward. He was 93 years young.

I can only imagine the type of faith Bishop Bonner had amassed over the years, watching the changes in the American landscape. Faith.  That power that surges through the soul and spills out, wrapping a community of believers inside a place of spiritual refuge.

93  years young, Bishop Bonner was a builder of dreams and unafraid of rolling up his sleeves and getting the hard work done. 

Bishop Bonner, affectionately known to millions around the world as “Pastor Bonner,” leaves a rich legacy that is unparalleled. Heralded as a spiritual giant by his contemporaries, Pastor Bonner was known for his ministry of preaching the true, unadulterated Gospel of Our of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Pastor Bonner was sent to become the pastor of the now 2,500 member GRT after the death of its founder, Bishop Robert Clarence Lawson, in 1961.

In 1961, the dream was starting. The struggle dark and taunt with trouble.  Courage was needed. Looking back maybe it appears easy but history tells the truth even if it’s uncomfortable to acknowledge. 

Upon arriving and seeing the need, he immediately set about the remodelling of the “Mother Church” and headquarters of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Refuge Temple. Yet, Pastor Bonner proved that he was more than a preacher—and literally undertook the Herculean effort of serving in the role of general contractor in order to renovate the edifice that is now known as Greater Refuge Temple today.

Building on faith—the foundation of a strong church—was something Pastor Bonner achieved from the outside and inside, creating a strong body that glued the congregation and helped the church grow. 

This ultra-modern edifice has changed the face of Harlem’s historic “7th Avenue” and is undisputedly one of the most modern structures in the community. In addition to GRT, his passion for souls—and youth in particular—led him to create a multi-million dollar youth center known as the R.C. Lawson Building, also located in Harlem. His desire and vision to build and create establishments that would benefit the Kingdom and people of God continued well into his later years. 

For over fifty years, many across the country and even in foreign lands have testified of the great miracles of healing, deliverance and breakthrough under his powerful preaching and teaching.

Millions also experienced his evangelistic ministry via “The Hour of Truth” broadcast–which aired on nationally syndicated television outlets such as BET and The Word Network—as well as radio stations across the country and via live-stream. Over the decades, Pastor Bonner has simultaneously pastored churches in New York, New York; Detroit, Michigan; Washington, D.C.; Jackson, Mississippi; and Columbia, South Carolina. Considered one of the greatest ministers of all times, Pastor Bonner was the spiritual overseer of more than 700 churches worldwide on three continents. 

Sheila Harris, Public Relations Manager of ESSENCE MAGAZINE shared this:

“Pastor Bonner meant so much to our entire congregation. Personally, he was like a second Dad to me. He was always genuinely concerned for all of us—both spiritually as well as personally. He will be greatly missed, but we know that he is in a better place.” 

Pastor Bonner was preceded in death by his wife, the late Mother Ethel Mae Bonner, and daughter, the late Ethel Mae Bonner Archer. He is survived by his son, William Lee Bonner, Jr., his grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews and beloved family, friends and co-laborers worldwide. 

Details for the multi-city Homegoing services in New York and Detroit are below. For more information, please visit www.greaterrefugetemple.org.

thegreaterrefugetemplechurch@gmail.com

HOMEGOING Services held in honor of Pastor William Lee Bonner on MONday, April 20th at 10 AM-6 PM: Pastor Bonner will lie in state at Solomon’s Temple (2341 East 7 Mile Road, Detroit, MI, 48234).  On Tuesday, April 21st at 10 AM: “Celebration of Life” held at Solomon’s Temple (2341 East 7 Mile Road, Detroit, MI, 48234)

Thursday, April 23rd at 1 PM-6 PM: Pastor Bonner will lie in state at Greater Refuge Temple (2081 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Blvd, N.Y., N.Y. 10027) at 6 PM: “Pastoral Celebration of Life”—hosted by the pastors and congregations of Pastor Bonner’s churches in N.Y., Columbia, S.C., Washington, D.C., and Jackson, Miss.)—held at Greater Refuge Temple (2081 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Blvd, N.Y., N.Y. 10027)

Friday, April 24th 6 PM: “International Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ Homegoing Celebration” held at Greater Refuge Temple (2081 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Blvd, N.Y., N.Y. 10027) Saturday, April 25th at 10 AM:

Procession to final interment begins at Greater Refuge Temple (2081 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Blvd, N.Y., N.Y. 10027) to travel to:Woodlawn Cemetery — Webster Avenue and East 233rd Street, Bronx, N.Y. 10470

From Russia to Brooklyn – Edward Snowden, The Whistleblower!

Edward Snowden Busto New York

The world needs more whistle-blowers. This is what seems to have passed through the minds of those who placed Edward Snowden’s bust in Fort Greene’s Park. Was it really John Oliver’s interview with Snowden on ‘Last Week Tonight’, which triggered it? Or is it that America, or at least Brooklyn, decided to sing to the tunes of whistle-blowing!

The 4-foot-high, 100-pound sculpture, portraying the man who is now exiled in Russia was sneaked into the public park just before dawn at the beginning of the month. It wasn't done on April 1st, so it isn't an April’s Fools Day prank. It rather seems to be a tribute to Edward Snowden, done by a group of admirers who didn't pick by chance the Revolutionary War memorial. For instance, the activists besides hoisting the bust added to a column the name of the former contractor who had leaked classified information from the National Security Agency to the media. Although, Snowden's artistic appearance was short-lived. At daybreak, police said city parks officials ordered the sculpted Snowden removed. And by evening, his bust was being held at Brooklyn's 88th Precinct pending an investigation. The idea for the tribute was conceived by two New York City-based artists, joined by a West Coast sculptor.

Edward Snowden according to his followers is equal to those 11,000 American prisoners of war who died aboard British ships during the American Revolutionary War, which are remembered in the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument. He represents continuity: the plight of Americans who gave birth to their country and whose sacrifice slipped into anonymity. The artists who have mobilized for this action have declared: “We feel that Snowden's actions really continue that story. It is built upon a set of ideals to live freely, not be confined or posed to surveillance or monitored by your government. You can’t have freedom of expression to pursue liberty if you feel like you're doing it under a watchful eye. It’s not just about Snowden. It’s about the ideals that he was trying to work towards and push others to care about.”

Well, it does seem that this topic does need some serious and wide discussion. At least so that the American public can be informed of the truth, and can make informed decisions as to where they stand on this issue. Section 215 of the Patriot Act which has helped drive the so-called “snooping and surveillance” by NSA, expires June 1, 2015. Before or if it gets renewed again, there has to be a through review of the real benefits of the NSA’s surveillance activities, and maybe define some legitimate boundaries around what’s right, and what’s not. After all as John Oliver said, US may not give a shit about anything else, but public definitely cares about ability to freely and privately share their junk!

In the mean time, if you missed the episode of Snowden’s interview with John Oliver, enjoy it here https://youtu.be/XEVlyP4_11M

There are very few government checks on what America's sweeping surveillance programs are capable of doing. John Oliver sits down with Edward Snowden to discuss the NSA, the balance between privacy and security, and dick-pics. Connect with Last Week Tonight online...

Come, Lets's Celebrate 150th Anniversary of W.B. Yeats’ Birth!

"Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that but simply growth, We are happy when we are growing."—William Butler Yeats (W.B. Yeats)

It's W.B. Yeats' 150th birthday. Come to his party. Like many people in this world, you often quote the immortal poet,  despite the fact that he was born in 1865 and made the transition back to the cosmos in 1939.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, April 12th from 1–4:30pm. The musical and storytelling event will also include a delicious buffet Lunch ( 1:00 - 2:00pm) with performances beginning at 2:00 - 3:30pm followed by Cocktails from 3:30 - 4:30pm.

The gala event is also part of ‘Yeats 2015’—which will be a year of festivities that is being organized in Ireland and around the world.

W.B. Yeats has the luck of the Irish. He is immortal. His words ring true then, now and I suspect, they always will.

The pride of the Irish should be “up" when talking about the work of Yeats. His life was remarkable and he was more than a poet. He was also a scholar, statesman, and Nobel Prize winner; exploring his conflicted attachment to County Sligo, a striking landscape rich in history, folklore, and Irish mythology that he described as the “Land of Heart’s Desire.”

Yeats advised (to), “tread softly, because you tread on my dreams,” and to that end his homeland of Ireland is celebrating the poet’s 150th birthday with an afternoon of storytelling and song. 

Oh Yeats’ what would he say about this event honoring his body of work, I think he would add:  "I think Hope and Memory have one daughter and her name is Art, and she has built her dwelling far from the desperate field where men hang out their garments upon forked boughs to be banners of battle.” 

An event raffle will support Concern Worldwide, a non-governmental humanitarian organization founded in Ireland and now operating globally to eradicate extreme poverty.  Ireland is called the 'Emerald Isle’ and is so green, the astronauts made notice of the lushness high above the skies canopy.

To explore the richness and legacy that is Ireland is at the core of Yeats’ Heart’s Desire. Innovation being on the top of the list, the buzz surrounding the new app Cultural Roadmapp: Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way fits neatly into the program.

Cultural Roadmapp: Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is the first hands-free cultural travel app for motorists on Ireland’s spectacular 1500-mile driving route.

The downloadable GPS-enabled app will comprise four audio tours drawing on the music, folklore, poetry, and history of Ireland’s culture-laden west coast. Proceeds from ticket sales and contributions will support development of the pilot audio tour in the series. 

It’s only $35.00 for an afternoon of great food and performance which includes internationally acclaimed flutist from leading Irish band Lúnasa, Vocalist-Lyricist Alisa Rose---who will compose a song just for the occasion---Kevin Crawford, Dr. James Pethica, Williams College Senior Lecturer in English and Theater, Actor Neil Bradley, known for his work portraying Yeats, Dr. Luke Gibbons, Visiting Professor of English, New York University, Deputy Editor of Irish America Magazine, Adam Farley and Popular Sligo-style fiddler Tony DeMarco.

Tickets: $35. Buy tickets online at http://www.culturalroadmapp.com. 

Where? At the Irish Arts Center—located at 553 W. 51st St. (at 11th Ave.) If you are driving, no issue. There is a convenient garage at  W. 51st St. (10th–11thAves.), outdoor lot on W. 51st St. (11th–12th Aves.). True blue New Yorker, take the (SUBWAY) A, C to W. 50th St.; R to W. 49th St. 

The Irish Arts Center is generously providing the venue but is not affiliated with cultural roadmap.

There are a few, interesting things about the new GPS technology, Cultural Roadmapp that make it rather unique. Although multimedia travel apps have been available for a number of years, and audio tours for museums and walks are now commonplace, not until very recently—and only in a handful of cases—have audio tours been developed for motorists, and with mixed success.

But now, with the recent advent of “geo-fencing” GPS technology, Cultural Roadmapp will be 100% hands free, allowing drivers and passengers to keep their eyes on the scenery (and road), and not on their smart phones. With cultural tourists as the fast-growing demographic in tourism and the early success of the Wild Atlantic Way (which opened to much fanfare in early 2014), this app should have major market share. 

A video featuring The Chieftains’ Matt Molloy is available at http://www.culturalroadmapp.com.

Take a moment to roam around the website, click the image below.

Celebrity hairstyle: Lights, Camera, Action and...CUT!

The latest Fashion Weeks have revealed the most popular haircuts for the upcoming springtime. The most important trait, whether the hair is short or long, is that your head of hair has to be wavy and flow voluminously to frame the face. Whether it is about minimal cuts or layered hair styles, it has to look natural.

Those who feel more connected to Rapunzel must absolutely let their hair down, in curls, possibly the long bob version, rather than the inverted. So even those who have spaghetti-like straight hair will have to commit to vaporizing them, to enhance the volume and shape. Pony tails are still in vogue, best if low ones with a few rebellious locks on the sides of the face.

Wob style wavy is best for those who have a medium length hair, that can have a curly bob variation on the tips of the hair. The crimped effect will be extremely popular during the summer, to give that savage-chic allure.

Now let us focus on the pixie hair cut! British hairdresser Vidal Sassoon was the one who endorsed the female short coiffeur-style, cutting Mia Farrow’s hair, in Rosemary’s Baby, back in 1968, a year of great change not just in hair design! In 2015 the pixie cut is punk. The nape is completely shaved. You may also opt for the “à la garçon” hair-cut, i.e. the tomboyish style Audrey Hepburn has in Roman Holidays.

Last but not least what about bangs? Well it seems like the trend of the summer 2015 will be the Berlin fringe, which usually covers the forehead up to the eyebrows. Even the arched version and the asymmetrical zig-zagged fringe are still trendy. But if you truly want to feel like a rock star, go for the really short Katy Perry bangs...those never go out of style.

FTL Moda brings disabled models on the catwalk

FTL Moda, headed by Antonio Urzí, made history when it participated for the first time to the New York Fashion Week, featuring the first ever male amputee – Jack Eyers, a British personal trainer – to catwalk for the runway.

Antonio Urzí, who worked for Armani, Versace and has designed costumes for Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Rihanna and Britney Spears gathers differently abled models from all over the world to represent the new collections of topnotch fashion designers.

Models in wheelchairs and crutches truly revolutionize the fashion world which has inflicted on all of us unattainable beauty references, that even conventional abled people have difficulty attaining. The Italian expression “The world is beautiful because it is diversified” seems to be the essence of FTL Moda, who brings on the catwalk a variety of human beings, each one equipped with a unique beauty. 

The show that was presented in the Big Apple was in collaboration with Fondazione Vertical – an Italian foundation, that supports research to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The collection, titled “FTL Moda Loving You” featured leather and metal materials with a heavy use of gold and silver body paint.

The Italian show producer Ilaria Niccolini explains how it has been fulfilling for her , both professionally and on a human level, to completely embrace diversity: “It is a very significant moment in my fashion career. This opportunity finally opens the most recognized runways in the world to these beautiful talents, ready to show that disability is very often just a mental state by performing on the runway next  to some of the best models on the scene.”

This epitomizes how beauty is all about feeling comfortable within our bodies. It’s a mental state we project on others. If we feel gorgeous, those surrounding us will perceive us as such, despite our limbs and shapes may be different from the ones of the masses.

The Longuette is Back New York!

The “longuette” is the French term that refers to those pencil skirts that are usually slim-fitting, straight, narrow cut and rigorously fall below the knee. It is a common creed that  only very tall women can afford to wear them, nevertheless the last worldwide Fashion Weeks have sentenced that they will be adamantly back in fashion for spring 2015. 

Spring, indeed is knocking on our doors, and with it are colorful, floral patterns, on dresses and skirts, and needless to say on longuettes! At the New York Fashion Week Michael Kors presented Pre-Raphaelites-inspired pencil skirts that seemed to be contaminated by the flared structure that was so popular in the 50s. Dolce&Gabbana’s design also falls under the spell of the Bebop-Peggy Lee era, through a cascade of gigantic polka dots; that are also adopted by Valentino’s multicolored creations.

Pencil skirts nowadays can be fun even when they have a more casual style, such as the ones made by APC and Miu Miu, or the plissé version by Burberry. But if you want to opt for a luscious sensual longuette, better stick to the sheer effect proposed by Alice Olivia through the use of black tulle. 

Just like Mary Quant’s mini skirt revolutionized fashion during the swinging sixties, the pencil skirt represented a true innovation when Christian Dior first introduced it in his Autumn-Winter collection in 1954. Longuettes became popular very quickly, especially for office wear, to overcome the austere economic climate given by the Cold War. Shorter strides were forcefully imposed on ladies, because of the way the skirt envelops the female curves. This triggers women to move with major grace. These nifty evergreen wardrobe must haves, represent a timeless classic that differentiate a girl from a woman. No wonder Aretha Franklin was wearing a longuette when she sung “A Natural Woman.”

JOHN MAKES ME LAUGH, HE CAN MAKE YOU LAUGH TOO!

This weekend in comedy you must take a look at John Witherspoon. 

You might know click with the name but Once you see this funny face you will start to remember every time you've seen him on screen and all the times that you have actually laughed.

John Witherspoon is funny and the comic that makes’ other comics laugh.

For years he was one of the stars of the sitcom the Wayans Bros.—and arguably the funniest character in the film Friday—and in an old Eddie Murphy flick his bit about “being coordinated”has become a classic in comedy circles.

John’s style is full comedy barrels with a rat-a-tat cadence that streahws across all types of audiences.

In short, a ticket at Gotham Comedy Club to see John Witherspoon is a guarantee good buy because your paying to laugh and he will deliver on that promise.

  • Who: John Witherspoon
  • Where: Gotham Comedy Club  22:30 $26, VIP $115
  • When: 

FRI 20th FEB - Gotham Comedy Club 20:00 $26, VIP $115

SAT 21st FEB - Gotham Comedy Club  20:00 $26, VIP $115 John  Witherspoon

Gotham Comedy Club  22:00 $26, VIP $115 John  Witherspoon 

 SUN 22nd FEB - Gotham Comedy Club  20:00 $26, VIP $115John  Witherspoon

  • Venue name: Gotham Comedy Club
  • Address: 208 W 23rd St 
  • Cross street: Between Seventh and Eighth AvesTransport: Subway: C, E, 1 to 23rd St
  • Website: gothamcomedyclub.com

A Burst Of Color: How The Fashion Industry Is Now Seeing That Black IS Beautiful

With an industry that has previously been dominated by white designers and white models, Lagos puts a foot down and says no more. In the wake of Black History Month, there is no better time to spotlight the amazing efforts of up and coming designers coming straight out of Nigeria. Lagos is proving why the city of over 21 million should be added to the list of fashion capitals of the world alongside Rome, Paris, New York, and London. With the beauty of the prints and traditional culture kept within the clothes, Nigerian designers display their pride of Nigeria, which has caught the eyes of many fashion editors and designers alike around the world. Launching in just 2011, Lagos Fashion Week, also known as Lagos Fashion and Design Week has grown immensely since. Just this past fall, the event featured dozens of Nigerian designers of both tender and established experience. The Lagos Fashion and Design Week aims to encourage creativity within their Nigerian designers. Because of their exposure in Nigeria, designers like Folake Folarin-Coker (Brand: Tiffany Amber), have had the opportunity to display their clothing during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

But the bold and striking tribal designs influenced by African culture are not the only things catching fashion's eye; it's the models. With Lagos slowly gaining their credibility as a fashion capital, people are noticing the plethora of black models being showcased in the shows. This is not something common in the fashion industry, where many of these models of color are not given a fair chance. Because of the opportunities given to them by LFDW, they are now being able to build stable careers as models elsewhere. It is a sign of the times, and the strides we have made not only in the industry, but in society, accepting the beauty of black. The power and positivity of these changes only preview what's to come. The barriers that Nigeria has broken in the industry, supporting these black models is overflowing into fashion's realm.

A Burst Of Color: How The Fashion Industry Is Now Seeing That Black IS Beautiful

With an industry that has previously been dominated by white designers and white models, Lagos puts a foot down and says no more. In the wake of Black History Month, there is no better time to spotlight the amazing efforts of up and coming designers coming straight out of Nigeria. Lagos is proving why the city of over 21 million should be added to the list of fashion capitals of the world alongside Rome, Paris, New York, and London. With the beauty of the prints and traditional culture kept within the clothes, Nigerian designers display their pride of Nigeria, which has caught the eyes of many fashion editors and designers alike around the world. Launching in just 2011, Lagos Fashion Week, also known as Lagos Fashion and Design Week has grown immensely since. Just this past fall, the event featured dozens of Nigerian designers of both tender and established experience. The Lagos Fashion and Design Week aims to encourage creativity within their Nigerian designers. Because of their exposure in Nigeria, designers like Folake Folarin-Coker (Brand: Tiffany Amber), have had the opportunity to display their clothing during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

But the bold and striking tribal designs influenced by African culture are not the only things catching fashion's eye; it's the models. With Lagos slowly gaining their credibility as a fashion capital, people are noticing the plethora of black models being showcased in the shows. This is not something common in the fashion industry, where many of these models of color are not given a fair chance. Because of the opportunities given to them by LFDW, they are now being able to build stable careers as models elsewhere. It is a sign of the times, and the strides we have made not only in the industry, but in society, accepting the beauty of black. The power and positivity of these changes only preview what's to come. The barriers that Nigeria has broken in the industry, supporting these black models is overflowing into fashion's realm.

New Years’ Eve Suggestion # 5

Kadampa Meditation Center

Kadampa Meditation Center

Zen me baby into 2015!

Who knew that Zen could be found in pricey, trendy Chelsea?

Check it out with a New Year’s Eve Meditation on 12/31/

The peaceful event is given by the Kadampa Meditation Center (in Chelsea) and offers a serene alternative the other “NYC” of New Year's Eve. 

You begin the zen evening with hors d'oeuvres, then sit and ponder with resident teacher Kadam Morten who will be leading the Buddha of Compassion practice (prayers, mantras, meditation). 

You'll finish the night setting intentions for the coming year and toasting 2014 with a booze-free beverage. 

Om - sounds great!  

Fine Details:

New Year's Eve Meditation

Location: Chelsea

Wed Dec 31 -

Thu Jan 1 2015

Place: Kadampa Meditation Center

Address: 127 W 24th St

Cross Street: between Sixth and Seventh Aves

Venue phone: 212-924-6706 

Venue website: meditationinnewyork.org

Transport: Subway: C, E, F, M, N, R, 1, 6 to 23rd St

Event phone: 212-924-6706

Event website: meditationinnewyork.org

New Years’ Eve Suggestion #4

Hey, it’s free and it’s family friendly and it’s free!

Free with live music and beverages inside Grand Army Plaza. 

The best vantage points for the 15-minute display at midnight are at Grand Army Plaza, inside the park on West Drive, and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street. Enter at Flatbush Ave and Prospect Park West, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.

Fine Details Are Below:

Prospect Park

Address: Prospect Park West to Flatbush Ave

Prospect Park

Brooklyn

Cross Street: Between Prospect Park Southwest and Ocean Ave

Venue phone: 718-965-8951

Venue website: prospectpark.org

Transport: Subway: B, Q, Franklin Ave S to Prospect Park; F, G to 15th St–Prospect Park; 2, 3 to Grand Army Plaza

Event phone: 718-965-8951

Event website: prospectpark.org

New Years’ Eve Suggestion # 3

Fancy a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and into 2015?  Need a Guide?

myNewYorkeye—knows what’s in it for you. Take a tour with guides that are trained by a historian and tour leader.  I think you can trust him.  His name is Dr Phil (not that one) and he organizes  multiple groups to take in the New Year from the iconic landmark. 

After interesting tidbits about the bridge are shared, all the tours stop to enjoy the skyline for midnight fireworks.  

Now, you can walk alone for free. However—in the spirit of getting to know new people book a ticket.  

Call 888-377-4455 or visit nycwalks.com. If you are with the group, you meet in front of the McDonald’s @160 Broadway between Cortlandt and Liberty Sts. 

They “get to walking” around  10:15–11:15pm.

RECOMMENDED: More New Year's Eve fireworks displays in NYC 2012

INFORMATION IN BRIEF: 

Event phone: 888-377-4455

Event website: nycwalks.com

Wed Dec 31 9:45pm $75 online, $100 cash (in person); children 8–18 $50 online, $60 cash (in person), under 8 free

Again — the bridge is free, so, if you want to walk - it sounds like a fun night!

New Years' Eve Suggestion # 2

If you want to ring in 2015 with a big, black heavy ball — allow me to suggest going to Brooklyn, Williamsburg to be exact and pick up a nice, fat bowling ball and try and get a strike!

12/31 Open 6pm $20

Place: Brooklyn Bown

Address: 61 Wythe Ave Williamsburg Brooklyn 11211

Cross Street: @ North 11th Street

Number: 718-963-3369

Website: brooklynbowl.com 

Mon–Fri 6pm–2am; Sat, Sun noon–2am

Subway: L to Bedford Ave

Price: Half-hour of play for up to eight people: Sat $20; Sun $20; shoe rental $5.

Double check the New Years’ Eve Price but we are pretty sure it’s only $20 bucks!

 

Dear New York, a new year is just days away. Hello “2015” and I, for one, and excited to welcome new friends, opportunities and to enjoy more of the city that I love.

No pressure!  The whole world (or so it seems) looks toward Times Square from 12/31 to about 12:05 on January 1st and then it’s off to the real parties!

 No pressure! 

Our team has decided to share some ideas that we are floating around—no pressure!

We will start with the most obvious and the Most Crowded!

If you haven’t done this once (and I’ve done this several times), I suggest that you try it. Try it.  It’s going to be a warm(ish) day and night.

Get there early.  Don’t drink too much. Arrive by 3pm (earlier if the weather is nice) to stake out a spot in the Broadway–Seventh Avenue bowtie, and be prepared to stay put: There are no public restrooms or food vendors, and leaving means giving up your spot. Seriously!  No bathrooms!

History lesson: In 1907, a sparkly sphere has been lowered in Times Square, and a New York tradition is born!

Endurance is required but it comes with entertainment — held across two stages, beginning at 6pm.

Then comes a round of pyrotechnics from One Times Square, every hour on the hour through 11pm, should whet the appetite for the ball drop at a minute to midnight. 

Waterford is above your head.  Actually about 11,875 pounds of it, stretching across 12 feet across.  As I shared, it's covered with 2,688 Waterford crystal triangles and 32, 256 LEDs. 

As it makes it’s way down 70 feet, a  60-second fireworks display with more than 3,000 colorful effects and confetti is released into the city sky.

Then you find someone to hug or kiss (or kiss and hug yourself) because it’s a new year — 2015 — and your going to enjoy (or try) what life has in store for ya!

Right?

Now — scatter throughout the city, we rock until mid-day!