The Art Sound and Movement Launch!

Last night I had the opportunity to attend Blake Harvey (founder of the public relations company The Lawrence Blake Group) event which launched the Art.Sound Movement Program.  In the mix of teacher lay-offs and programs within the arts loosing significance, Blake Harvey teamed up with various painters/artists to solidify an event that will graciously give all proceeds to public schools in order to resurrect programs within the arts.  This event was constructed creatively, models dressed in sexy yet settle black outfits, strutted and displayed sketches, paintings and three dimensional art.  Simultaneously when I took photos, on lookers relaxed on soft cream leather couches drinking cocktails, taking photos or simply taking note of the art they may purchase.  It was a great turn out and I enjoyed every bit of this moment! To find out more information on the artists and purchasing pieces please contact Blake Harvey @ bharvey@lawrenceblake.com or the following numbers 206-339-1854 / 646-306-9898. Below you can preview last nights events!!! To view the entire gallery click the "view entire gallery" link.
VIEW ENTIRE GALLERY

JUDGMENT...HOW CLEAN IS YOUR SLATE (RANDOM THOUGHTS)

If you believe in God then as you know it is him who tests us against the vicious ways of the world, the decisions we make to either overcome adversity or give in, to do the right thing or make the wrong moves for gratification. The devil remains busy, he brain washes people in believing they are God themselves!
I have witness the chronic drinker talk slander against the person that takes a sip, the player or playette that calls themselves testing the whore-hood of an individual when they themselves aren't to any avail in quality of having someone with quality their damn selves! The individual with hands up high praising the lord, nose turned up because you’re not sitting up in church when God is everywhere and you can talk to him at any time, any place. At 18yrs old I briefly joined an organization called "The Church of Christ" that basically wanted me to turn against my family even if it met leaving them, pass judgment on people as a hobby and to conform on their terms! They were extremely controlling and forceful with religion, being I didn't cooperate and decided to leave this organization these very people would see me on campus or on the streets and would pass by me like they never knew me, yet these were supposed to be people in tune with God!? ..besides the organization I have seen judgmental church going individuals that are the very ones committing adultery, in the strip clubs, whipping their spouse’s behinds but yet think church will save them, only genuine prayer and progress will prevail. I have seen people destroy their own friendships/family bonds over the most petty situations when in the past these very people crapped all over their relationships but their friend/family never left because they knew the art of forgiveness!   I have seen people stray away from their peers due to discovering that person live a different lifestyle out of what society views as the norm, I feel like this different strokes for different folks and if you’re not harming me then knock yourself out! Funny thing the very people that stray away have done some out the box, wild scandalous things in their life.  No sin is better than the other and people need to realize that! Judgment has been passed on me as I hear what is  wrong with me and how I should correct this that and the other, all I could do is smirk because in the back of my mind I am thinking you are not perfect yourself with your self-righteous behind. In reality none of are perfect and if someone says that they are it is just their EGO talking smack! People point the finger saying how Sandra, Nelson, Nicole should live their life!? SERIOUSLY WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR OWN LIFE IS YOUR SLATE POLISHED CLEAN?!? Judgment is not in our hands but Gods and in actuality most of what people judge is often incorrect and divides up into two subcategories misjudgment and/or assumption.
I am not addressing anything new and I'm not saying the whole world is right so that's why you shouldn't pass judgment I am saying don't pass it because it's God's job! The whole world is imperfect and we all have dirt underneath our nails, therefore we can't afford to have such nerve! As I said throughout this whole article that this is Gods business to handle.  I wrote this article to have you as the reader think...maybe I will change a few minds from romancing judgment, and there will always be the ones that will hold to their guns!  My suggestion is to take an intense gaze in the rear view of your own life and see how you can upgrade your own situations instead of living to criticize people.  Judgment, is your slate clean?

Go Green For Fashion (Article/Photo Recap)

On Friday March 11th 2011 The Lawrence Blake Group, Inocente Tequila,The Green Salsa Company, and a list of other sponsors came together to produce "Go Green for Fashion" held at Greenhouse NYC. This event showcased the talent of fashion designers whom specialize in the broad spectrum of Eco friendly/organic fashion. Wondering what organic fashion is exactly? It consist of cotton, bambo, wool, etc., which is free from chemicals. Designs that draped the runway included clothing designer Lauren Rae Levy, scarf designer Alexandra Taylor, and accessories designer Holly Slayton. The evening was kissed with performances by Shilpa Narayan, Nick Moran and The Elitists. Jason Christopher Peters the designer from Tyra Bank's "Stylista" even dropped by for the evening events! I attended this event as one of the press below you can find a preview of the pictures. Make sure you hit "Like" on our facebook page and spread the word!
VIEW ALL PHOTOS

Please Donate Towards Surviving Family of Bronx Woman/Child Murdered by Husband

In the wake of  Wednesday's tragedy of 30yr old Kety Sanchez being stabbed to death by her husband whom later set the family’s apartment on fire killing their baby girl in the process I would like to inform you that Ms. Sanchez also has a son.  The son survived this horrific tragedy; however he is traumatized this little boy lost his mother and his baby sister!   Please if you would like to donate The Family Life Academy Charter School is accepting checks made payable at the following address:

Hernandez Family Donations
C/O Family Life Academy Charter School
14 West 170th Street
Bronx, NY 10452

The school is collecting all of the money and cutting the family one check.

Domestic Violence and Emotional Abuse..Do you value your life or self worth?

Tonight I was viewing the news and to my devastation saw  that a 30yr old woman in the Tremont section of the bronx was stabbed to death by her husband.  Things went from fatal to a house of burning horror when this man proceeded to set the whole apartment on fire, this resulted in their baby girl only a few months old parishing in the flames!  The abuser have the audiacity to still be alive in critical condition, sorry to sound cold but it is what it is in my feelings..The issue of domestic violence has become redundant, an immunity , something overlooked by the victims associates, friends, neighbors, strangers even over looked by the victim themselves.  People as a whole don't care  long as it's not them!  Emotional abuse in my opinion is right up there with domestic violence. At times your so in love with that person that you allow them to play mind games with you, say harsh things, cheat. Allowing them to do that shows your self esteem hit an all time low.. Do your know your self worth?  I am writing this blog to  address both sides of abuse, how to run like the wind if you find yourself in a physical situation  or emotionally abusive situation and if your not in neither how you can help a person in need to the best of your extent.

No relationship is perfect and relationships take work, you really do have to put in that work for longevity! There is a difference between a relationship that bumps head maybe a lil' and an unhealthy relationship. I'm not going in any particular order with both issues but saying what's on my mind as it comes..I would never call myself a certified expert, but I'm not a person on the outside looking in and have no shame when I tell everyone that I was in a unhealthy relationship.  It consist of a lot of mind games, feeling unimportant, unloved, lies and despite I wasn't getting my ass whipped on a regular bases but I had my share of physical scars and a swelling on my inner cheek that made me talk with a lisp,  all I could do was be vocal about how I should be treated, how I need respect and physically defend myself. Once upon a time my esteem was at an all time low and as I reflect on the whole situation why did I put myself in unnecessary drama? why did I whale to this man to change, why did I take him back three different times when he attacked me.. he is who he is! Our relationship ended abruptly on his end, his cheating ways he found someone new, someone that actually befriended me to betray me.. ha! I look deeply into it and realized he did me a favor, but at the same time I was scared of how my blind mind worked, had the relationship con't could I have been that Bronx woman that died?! Fortunately I live and learned and know my self worth!

I view people in emotionally abusive relationships, some friends were smart enough to get out others esteem is so low that all they can say is "I have been with this person for X amount of years and  no one can possibly treat me better than him/her".. that very person that cause them so much anger, self doubt..pain! To all the women and men out there in these emotionally abusive relationships whereas your partner plays mind games to get what they want  or try to make you accept b.s, stomps on your esteem by snapping on your looks, cheats  anything that makes you far removed from your positive elements... then dammit it's time to leave! Remember it's rare that people change, however you can change the situation by encountering a new man or woman!  Note there is someone out there that can treat you better! In unhealthy relationships the bad is out weighing the good..anything negative in abundance can't possibly be a realistic mind set of thinking this individual is God sent to you, think about it!

In physical abuse signs are there and you should be alert and not overlook things. If your fortunate enough not to be a current victim of abuse or in this situation and need to wake up..be aware of the signs, even if  you see it as subtle emotional abuse it can develop into physical abuse:
a)when  a partner blows up your phone, arguing you down about your whereabouts every few mins or hour
b)isolate you from friends and family
c)grabbing your arm to control you
d) hiding belongings such as cell phones, phones, keys to the house anything that separates you from communication with others and keys to allow you to go out
e) literally snatching the phone right out your hand to monitor your calls
d) threatening to leave you..even worst threatening to kill you
And of course flat out physical abuse without subtle signs, that are loud as the brightest colors in the world. The abuser mindset derives from their insecurities or need for control..even both! The abuser wants their way and feel the only way they will get it is through the fist or weapons.  Sometimes abuse is not one sided sometime both partners are mutually doing a "Kill Bill" tango dance.  I heard of people seeking help to make physically abusive relationships work, but in my opinion it is best for the individuals to work on themselves and separate from each other period! God willing they will change about time they move on to the next person, because as you know people don't change most of the time!

I have watched the news over the years and seen people murdered by their exes or current bf's, gf's.  The best advice I can give is to choose your mate wisely and look out for subtle signs so you can nip it in the bud quick before a psycho catch crazy feelings and harm you!  I know it's even harder when when it's not nipped in the bud  whereas to the point your living with that person and feel you have no way out...talk to family members, friends, minister do what you have to do to leave!  You fear being homeless, maybe kids are in the equation it's hard but with God's will there is a way..you may temporarily fall on your behind or not at all but at least you will see another day and with determination you will rise to your feet after you have fallen.
Emotional hurt, physical hurt is not love in a relationship..leave!  If your not in this situation and see what's going on with a victim don't act blind help in any way you can! Here is a site that lists various abuse sites where you can make donations and get help:
http://www.datehookup.com/content-organizations-dedicated-to-fighting-abuse.htm

Reflection on Diane Ravitch's visit to I.S. 89 Parents Across America Forum

On February 7^th, 2011 I attended The Parents Across America Educational Forum in which the keynote speaker was Dr. Diane Ravitch.  In the past my knowledge of Ms. Ravitch was extremely limited I heard the name and knew this person is a force to be reckon with in the educational system, but it wasn’t until interacting with my own Professor that I gained further insight on Ms. Ravitch.  I had researched Ms. Ravitch extensively online and discovered that she is an education historian, was the secretary of education in the Bush and Clinton administration and was Adjunct Professor of History and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University.  Dr. Ravitch also has a number of books out, her latest “The Death of An American School: How testing and choice undermine education”. This woman has worn many hats within education, too bad she is not NYC’s School chancellor instead of our current nyc chancellor Cathie Black!

     I entered PS/IS 89 where the forum was held, after doing my research finding it easy to find so much information on the world wide web and several YouTube showcasing this woman’s view of education, I knew that I was entering an insightful forum.  Dr. Ravitch emphasized the problems with charter schools; though at one time she was for them down the line she viewed them as one of the educational reforms that ultimately is not working to improve children’s learning. The recent layoffs in schools within nick has cause controversy (Diane Ravitch feels this strategy isn’t sufficient at all) crowded classrooms make it overwhelming for teachers to teach and students to learn due to less attention within the classroom.  Ms. Ravitch suggested reasonable limits on classroom size so teachers are overwhelm so children get attention they deserve.   Once a supporter of charter schools Ms. Ravitch feels it’s a waste in money, the goal of charter schools from what Ravitch explains is to drive public school education out of existence. This is done my privatizing schools and allowing entrepreneurs with no educational background to create these charter schools (charter schools was once known to help students with special needs and have them return back to their public school, however that has changed).  In the creation of charter schools to uphold a reputation for high scored by NCLB standards they have the power to kick low performing students out of charter schools and put them into public schools.  Ravitch also breaks down that out of the U.S as a whole only 14% of charter schools perform better than public schools 46% there was no difference and 37 % produced worst results.  Along with her dislike for charter schools Dr. Ravitch feels students are only trained to take high stakes test instead of receiving a nourishing education. In my opinion from what I interpret she is saying it’s like a make or break to keep public schools standing, how teachers and students will suffer the consequences she feels this NCLB reform for schools to be “100%” by 2014 is unrealistic. I too agreed on that, I feel it’s unrealistic also due to children’s learning abilities and their environment etc. Ms. Ravitch goes into the issue on poverty; the students less than sunny side of their neighborhood, food and nutrition and how this can effects a students learning.   Dr. Ravitch explains how it’s challenging to excel in ones education with these barriers in the child’s way, how some do overcome and excel despite these barrier but most do not.  As I listened to Diane she made a lot of sense, we are in 2011 now so here in my hometown of NYC, all over the U.S.  education within public schools have to be cleaned up 100% in only 3yrs or consequences are suffered with possible public school shut downs is crazy!

     Dr. Ravitch emphases that parents are the sleeping giants in regards to the whole debate of NCLB, charter schools and etc.  In the world of modern technology Diane suggests parent’s facebook, twitter and blog about the problems faced in education in the US today, to not give up on their children as well as others the parents have the real power and some don’t realize it they must fight for their children’s rights. Diane made so many good points in her speech and I learned a lot, even from how she pointed out how NYC made test easier, lower the standard passing grade so children can pass NYS test due to this threatening NCLB theory (In turn the student is not only receiving an education that isn’t nourishing and trained to learn high stakes testing lessons but they are dumbing down students intelligence as well!)I suggest anyone that wants to learn more about the educational system, current educators or future use this woman as a reference to learn what is going on in today’s educational system.   I am glad that I was able to attend this forum.