Thursday, November 18, 2010
Interviewer gets Interviewed
Last year I did an interview for "In This Place" arts magazine. Recently, I was approached by the editor who told me she submitted the interview to a nonfiction book company, who wants to re-publish it. The book launch information is below:
Monday, November 1, 2010
Article in Radix
Students easy targets for Rexdale crime
LISA MACNEILL & SAMANTHA O’CONNOR
Rexdale has a reputation as one of the most dangerous areas in Toronto, but many students who come to Humber College and The University Of Guelph-Humber are not aware of the amount of crime that takes place here on a regular basis.
Rexdale resident and self-proclaimed retired hustler, Stones* said that students are naïve to the amount of crime in the area, and are considered easy targets for robberies and assault because of their lack of streets smarts.
“They [Street involved youth] see these kids, they see food – a bunch of rich kids that don’t know where the hell they are. They don’t know that they’re in the ghetto,” he said
Students face dangers on and off campus everyday, because of where the school is located. In 2005, Toronto’s City Council named the area as one of the GTA’s 13 priority neighbourhoods according to the Pathways Education Network.
“Down here, random stuff will happen, like, people think that bad stuff doesn’t happen to good people, but bad stuff happens to good people,” Stones said.
Many students, they say, have been victim to harassment, assault, and theft since they moved to Rexdale to attend school and over 10 student houses have been robbed in the last two months, according to recent accounts in the neighborhood.
Kristie Greco, a second year Kinesiology student lives in the subdivision across from the campus. Her house has been robbed twice since Thanksgiving.
The latest was around 7pm last Monday night, while Greco and her roommates were out of the house. Whoever broke in came through the bedroom window, and took three Mac laptops, two IPods, and a charging dock. The police were notified but took four hours to arrive at the scene. “Don’t take any suspicious activity too lightly,” said Greco.
Stones also says that the subdivision directly across from Humber doesn’t really count as Rexdale, that there are certain areas that the real thugs live.
“I need to tell you the honest truth, the real guys are seriously in Rexdale, in Martin Grove, Kipling and in Jamestown, they don’t leave those places, you know? They don’t
come to Humber College.” He says although everyone is a target.
Students need to understand that there are differences in lifestyle and mentality between Humber and Guelph-Humber students, and those who have grown up in the area. Stones says that there really isn’t any way to prevent being mugged, that some people rob people just for the sake of robbing, “If someone sees someone, and you have something that they want, it’s gonna get taken… that’s just it.”
For Rexdale residents, gang activity, shootings and robberies are a part of everyday life, according to published estimates. There are seven main Rexdale gangs, with the majority affiliated with the Crips. “Like, some people, everyday they put their books in their bags, some people around here strap a gun to their hip,” Stones said.
An officer from the 23rd Division who did not want to disclose his name says that students should “know the surroundings, and know whom you’re dealing with” to ensure their safety when leaving campus.
Norah Roberts, a third year Guelph-Humber student studying Public Relations says during her first year in 2008, she had a bad experience.
“I lived on residence, and a bunch of us girls were walking in the subdivision across the road, when two guys started following us. We got a bad feeling, so we started running. Then, they started chasing us. It got really scary, when a car with four more guys started slowly driving beside us, following us. They ended up leaving us alone, but not without scaring us first.”
Local rapper/producer Casper Tha Deadly Ghost was born and raised in the area, and said that if you “be cool, stick to yourself, and act respectful”, you will be less likely to have someone bother you.
Other safety precautions students can take include, walking in open, lit areas, and talking on the phone when they are alone, but this does not guarantee that nothing will happen.
“You can walk confident as much as you want, if someone sees someone, and you have something that they want, it’s gonna get taken,”…”There’s guys out here that take shit just to take shit…It’s different, it could be for anything still, could be for money. I know a guy that robs shit just to rob shit. He has two gat in his pocket just to rob you.”
According to Stones, adding more security guards on campus won’t make much of a difference in terms of student safety. He calls them Robo-Cops.
“What would they have? Batons? You could put more security guards, more cops, it wouldn’t help. People are hustlin’ for money to feed themselves. If they don’t hustle, they don’t eat.”
He says the only thing that will diminish the amount of crime, is an end to poverty, which he doesn’t see ever happening.
The police source agrees that poverty is not coming to an end, and it’s hard for people to avoid criminal acts.
“It’s very hard to live in those neighbourhoods, with a gang mentality and keep on the straight and narrow, despite your best efforts, because you have to worry about yourself the whole time.”
He also urges students to report any illegal activity they see and assures that tips will always be kept anonymous.
Some names have been changed to protect the identity of interviewees, some of whom were known personally by the reportorial team.
Photo Taken by Kayla Cameron-Redyk
Visit www.radixonline.ca
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Radix is Guelph-Humber's student newspaper.Pick up a copy at the school, or visit our website and Facebook page to stay updated with what's happening around campus.
http://www.radixonline.ca/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Guelph-Humber-Radix/108212865870324
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Making All The Right Steps with M.A.R.S
M.A.R.S - "Making All the Right Steps".M.A.R.S is a 'music management, distribution group, and marketing firm' catering to new artists, who need assistance in promoting themselves, and education in how to succeed in such a competitive field.
M.A.R.S will generate greater awareness of your products and services to clientele, and boost sales by working with you to meet your goals as an artist.
Each consultation session is $50.
For more information, visit http://marsmg.wordpress.com, or contact M.A.R.S Founder, Ceasar at 647 927 MARS or unitedempowerment@hotmail.com.
Make the right step and call M.A.R.S now!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Effetto Wear
New EFFETTO gear coming soon! Visit us at http://www.facebook.com/pages/EFFETTO-MCW/69510906937?ref=ts
or www.twitter.com/effettowear
Subscribe to Urbanology
Urbanology is Canada's #1 Urban Culture and Lifestyle magazine. Subscriptions are $15 for a year, or $20 for two years. Stay connected with what's hot and happening in Canada's urban community. Visit their website at www.urbanologymag.com
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Casper Tha Deadly Ghost
My boy Casper Tha Deadly Ghost is definately a triple threat. He's an MC, a producer, and a graphic artisit from Rexdale, Ontario. For some dirty beats, and all your production needs, connect with him at: http://www.myspace.com/caponeproductionz416 or email him directly at caponeproductionz@gmail.com . Hear him spit at http://www.youtube.com/user/casperoutos or download his new Code Blue Mixtape at http://www.mediafire.com/?kh3wb2g1jmtn1dm
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
tumblr account
I also have a Tumblr account where I post songs, photos, and things that inspire me
samoinwonderland.tumblr.com
samoinwonderland.tumblr.com
Black Sage- Microwave
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Shape Your Life
Shape Your Life (SYL) provides women and trans survivors of violence with an opportunity to participate in a recreational boxing program. Physical exercise, reducing social isolation, exploring healthy aggression and expressing anger in a safe place can help survivors heal from violence and regain control over their lives. Shape Your Life aims to empower survivors by building self esteem and community through the sport of boxing.
SYL is about feeling strong, having fun and trying something new! The SYL boxing classes are designed for beginners and are held at the Toronto Newsgirls Boxing Club once a week on Sundays at 2:30. Each class is two hours long, and is completely free. Equipment, TTC and free snacks are provided.
If you are interested in joining Shape Your Life please contact: Sonnja, SYL coordinator at shapeyourlife2010@gmail.com or visit www.shapeyourlifeboxing.com
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Effetto Wear
Effetto is a musical term that means, “the effect music has on its audience.”
EFFETTO (MCW) is a clothing line created in January 2009 by Glaze (Dennis Lewis) a Toronto rap artist and entrepreneur, and JD Keyz (Jayson Dasilva) a classically trained pianist, with the hopes of representing all musicians of every genre, artists, producers, dancers, sound engineers, and music enthusiasts through designer wear. EFFETTO (MCW) has been designated the “Gear Musicians Wear.” This strong brand identity was created for musicians, by musicians with the hopes of generating greater awareness of musical culture and to foster camaraderie among artists through the EFFETTO (MCW) brand, as not just a clothing line, but a way of life.
Music has been called, “the universal language”. It transcends generations, religions, age, sex, race, and brings unity to those of all walks of life. Everyone has some sort of attachment to music, as it is part of our everyday lives. The power of music is the power of EFFETTO (MCW). We hope to bring musicians and music enthusiasts together through music inspired designs.
Contact us at: effettowear@gmail.com
NEW GEAR COMING SOON!!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Documentary
This year, I was approached by a Humber Film crew who wanted to make a documentary about me, and my life as a homeless university student. I shared with them my family history, how i ended up in a shelter, what it's like living in such a place, and what keeps me motivated. Even though I found it difficult to share my story, I know it can make a difference The stigma of homeless youth based on ignorance needs to be broken! I hope you enjoy it, and get something from it! Special thanks to Matt Rajczewski!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Phoenix
As a child, I grew up where neglect, abuse, hate, fear, loneliness, poverty, mental illness and addiction were normal to me, and part of my everyday life. My parents, who should have protected me from the evils and dangers of the world, were the ones exposing me to them. I was scared and alone.
I was a talented little girl. I could sing, act, dance, and draw but I was wasting away under the tyranny of my parents. The ones, who were supposed to be supporting me, and helping me achieve my dreams, were the ones holding me back from every good thing I tried to create for myself. Their abuse and neglect had caged me in, and burned me alive. I sang out in a beautiful song as my ashes fell to the ground.
I was dead for two years. I had been swallowed alive by my pain, and all that remained were ruins of a painful life that used to be. My soul wandered the Earth, searching for truth, faith, love, life, and all the answer to why I had gone through all I had. I knew that I was special, and made for something great, my whole life, but my parents had been taking that hope and faith away from me each time they laid a hand on me. My death had given me a chance to heal, and my faith gave me wings. Once I had found out what truly matters, and healed from my past, I rose from the dead. I ascended from my ashes and flew away – free!
I am now a phoenix. I have a free spirit, and determination to succeed. I have feathers of every colour, and a tail of gold and scarlet. I now have a new unique perspective. I fly over the pain and drama of life. I can see what really matters and I grab on to those things.
Everything happens for a reason. I wouldn’t be the magnificent creature I am today, without the pain of the past, and the values it taught me. No matter how successful I feel, I will always be humbled by my past. It can’t hurt or touch me anymore, because I am not who I used to be. I have evolved past it. The first 20 years of my life were lessons; the next 20 years will be blessings.
My yesterdays were burned by Phoenix fire
Yet in the death’s ash, embers of hope remain
New dreams given birth in despair
Covered with ash, I mourn what was
To remember what will be no more
Then like the Phoenix I’ll rise
With renewed passion glowing red, yellow, orange
Ash will give way to flame
Like the Phoenix I’ll soar again
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Black Sage 4 Mayor
Joseph Brendon Alleyne, known as Black Sage, from Forensic Science Records, and Ave. Money Regime, is one of the most raw, real, and mature rappers to come out of Toronto.
The 30 year old artist, who resides in Rexdale, released his second mix-tape in mid-2009 titled, “The Official Leak”.
Sage cannot be compared to any other rapper in the game. He raps intensely on every track in his definitive mature, raspy voice.
Sage spits what’s real. He knows himself, and isn’t trying to prove anything to anyone, or be someone he’s not. He writes about his life, past mistakes and lessons he has learned. Lyrically, he is a storyteller. He paints a picture of his way of life through his words. Bonus tracks such as Lil Joe 1 and 2 are just two examples of tracks Sage has written from personal experience. It is an emotional and personal mix-tape, and by the end, it feels like you know who Black Sage really is.
Musically, Sage uses a variety of different types of beats, influenced by a range of different musical genres. Light It Up featuring Layda is reggae influenced, while What’s My Name has jazz inspired sounds. Tracks Human, and his single Hot Spot featuring Flexx are both R&B inspired. Hot Spot receives regular play on Much Music, Much Vibe, Rap City, and Flow 93.5.
Even though Sage’s tracks may vary musically, they fit together well as a mix-tape. The tracks are different in sound, but Sage raps equally hard over every beat.
Whether you’re cruising, chilling, dancing, or partying, Black Sage has tracks to fit your mood. Pick up the Official Leak mix-tape to support Toronto rap, and join the movement – Black Sage 4 Mayor.
The 30 year old artist, who resides in Rexdale, released his second mix-tape in mid-2009 titled, “The Official Leak”.
Sage cannot be compared to any other rapper in the game. He raps intensely on every track in his definitive mature, raspy voice.
Sage spits what’s real. He knows himself, and isn’t trying to prove anything to anyone, or be someone he’s not. He writes about his life, past mistakes and lessons he has learned. Lyrically, he is a storyteller. He paints a picture of his way of life through his words. Bonus tracks such as Lil Joe 1 and 2 are just two examples of tracks Sage has written from personal experience. It is an emotional and personal mix-tape, and by the end, it feels like you know who Black Sage really is.
Musically, Sage uses a variety of different types of beats, influenced by a range of different musical genres. Light It Up featuring Layda is reggae influenced, while What’s My Name has jazz inspired sounds. Tracks Human, and his single Hot Spot featuring Flexx are both R&B inspired. Hot Spot receives regular play on Much Music, Much Vibe, Rap City, and Flow 93.5.
Even though Sage’s tracks may vary musically, they fit together well as a mix-tape. The tracks are different in sound, but Sage raps equally hard over every beat.
Whether you’re cruising, chilling, dancing, or partying, Black Sage has tracks to fit your mood. Pick up the Official Leak mix-tape to support Toronto rap, and join the movement – Black Sage 4 Mayor.
Annual campaign day helps GHSA canidates get their name out
The Guelph-Humber Student Association held its first annual Campaigning Day in the atrium on March 16.
All candidates campaigning for an executive or program representative position on the GHSA were invited to meet students, share their platforms and advocate on their own behalves.
Students running for president, the four vice president spots and seven program representatives met with students all afternoon.
“It’s a one-stop shop for student voters,” says Liana Acri, GHSA’s Assistant Electoral Officer.
“With everyone out at the same time, it brings more attention to candidates,” says Sunny Dhillon, Chief Electoral Officer.
Tables were set up, filling the atrium, and colourful signs were posted. Volunteers handed out sweets such as lollipops and brownies to attract students.
“Campaigning Day is great because it puts faces to names,” says Vanessa Silaphet, a third year Business student running for Vice President of Finance.
In previous years, students campaigning had to find their own face-time with students and promote their platform on their own time.
“Many students don’t know how to book out a table in the atrium, or where to start when it comes to campaigning,” says Dhillon.
Article For UrbaNation Magazine
This is the article written about me for UrbaNation Magazine by Emary Johnston. It's called Young, Homeless, and Positive
Almost every person who has walked downtown Toronto has passed by and
glanced at the young, weathered body curled up on the edge of the side walk.
This is the stereotypical image that comes to mind when you think 'homeless'. Some will take a deeper look and see a vibrancy and innocence hidden under the dirt and hopeless expression on the face. Others will look no further than the rugged attire and assume laziness and rebellion has caused the teen to reside on the street.
For the ones that stick their nose up at homeless youth, it may come as a shock to see the actual faces that make up most of the young homeless population. Over seventy percent of them are products of abuse and were left no other choice but to flee their unsafe homes.
"Homelessness just happens," says Judy Leroux, the Development Manager of
Youths Without Shelter, a homeless shelter for young people located in Etobicoke.
"It can happen to anybody. Something terrible has happened in their life that has caused them to be in the situation that they are in. They come from all social, economic and cultural backgrounds."
Earlier this year, Samantha O’Connor sat at a table in a common area of Guelph Humber University creating a long to-do list that consisted of assignments required of her as a 3rd year Media Studies- Journalism student. The list included hand out resumes, study for midterms, and many other things a normal 20 year old student would do. She wore a clean, nicely put together outfit and her long hair was neatly pulled back. Strands of blonde curls hung down, framing a soft, pretty face.
Weeks earlier, O'Conner had to present a speech for one of her classes. Jaws dropped when she stood at the front of the room and said, "After class, most of you will head home to res or your parents house or your place with your roommates. But I'll be going to the YWCA for a bed and a warm meal." An upbringing in a dangerous environment with a bipolar and abusive mother has led O’Connor to where she is today.
"My mother used to have something she called 'the board of education' which was a 2x4 she used to beat me and my brothers with when we were bad," O'Connor says. Her mother is a rapid cycler, meaning her mood can change at any time. O'Connor kept herself busy with multiple jobs, school, and friends during the years she was forced to live at her mother's home in Ottawa. When she graduated from high school, she decided to move to Toronto to continue her education, in hopes of getting as far away from her parents as possible. During her first year of university she lived on campus. During the second, she resided with a boyfriend. When her and her boyfriend broke up, she moved out and she was forced to move back to Ottawa for the summer. Her plan was to stay at home and earn enough money so she was able to go back to Toronto and live on her own come September, but things didn't work out that way.
"I didn't last three weeks [there]," O'Connor says. Her mother had a bipolar attack and, without telling any friends or relatives, she packed up her things and spent the rest of the summer living in a small shelter with three other women. Her stay stretched into the fall and when she was ready to get back to school the shelter called around and was able to find her a bed at the YWCA in Toronto.
O'Connor's appearance, work ethic and high marks all go against the stereotypical description many people have of a homeless person. Her situation has caused her to be different than a lot of her peers as well. Most students can't wait for Friday afternoon to come, O'Connor can't say the same.
"I fiend the school," she says. "As much as I love seeing my friends and doing stuff on the weekends- I'm upset when the weekend comes. I am excited to be in school and doing the things I do because I feel like I'm succeeding."
Although O'Connor is constantly around people who have the advantage of a
supportive family, she does not feel envious of them.
"I'm lucky because I don't have to prove myself to any one but myself. I am my biggest motivation. I'm the one driving myself; I don't have anyone else on my back. I just do what I want to do. I'm free," she said.
Judy Leroux says that cases like O'Connor's are common.
"Many of the youths that stay in our shelter go to schools all over the city but they don't normally share this with their peers. What she [O'Connor] said in front of her class speaks very well to people who have this idea that homeless people always live out on the streets," she says.
According to Leroux, many people regard homeless youth as people who have been kicked out of their homes because of behavior. In reality, the majority of them are dealing with much bigger issues such as abuse, mental illness or neglect.
Art Tsang is the Planning and Evaluation Manager at Youth Without Shelter.
When he was 17, Tsang's abusive father relieved him from constant beatings by throwing him out of the house. Without hesitation he left and spent the next two years sleeping in abandoned cars and construction sights. He says one of the worst things was trying to survive the cold winter.
"You don't get much sleep, and you are never really warm," he says. "Your feet are in so much pain and you can barely walk sometimes. I remember the hardest part was trying to get the feeling back in my feet when I got up in the morning."
The entire time Tsang lived like this he attended high school and worked in a grocery store. He managed to salvage all of his belongings by storing them in five different lockers around his school and he would do his homework while riding back and forth on the subway. He kept his homelessness a secret from most of the people in his life. Eventually, a co-worker caught on when they noticed that Tsang seemed to have a never-ending cold. The co-worker brought him to Youth Without Shelter where he started down the path to getting his life back together.
Step by step, things got better for Tsang. He worked and saved up enough to
move out of the shelter and into his own apartment, and then eventually he was able to put himself through post secondary school. He graduated from the Social Service Worker program at Humber College and went on to obtain a degree in sociology at York University.
Despite some of the hardships he faced while being homeless, Tsang never regretted leaving his fathers house. He believed that living on the streets was easier than living with an abusive parent.
"You never knew what was going to happen when you walked in the door, and that constant fear was gone when I left home," says Tsang. "As tough as it was, living with the freedom was very appealing."
Tsang's unpleasant path brought him to his workplace which he feels very fortunate to be in. It has given him the opportunity to solve the issue of homeless youth on a macro scale. It's rewarding for him to see the individuals who do move forward as well. "What we do here is only a small part of a really huge issue. A lot of kids fall through the cracks and end up in jail, or dead," he says.
Leroux also believes that the issue is a significant one in our city. She says that in Canada an estimated 65,000 youth are currently homeless. This disregards the 'hidden homeless' who are the ones that surf from home to home or sleep unseen under bridges and other places.
"In one year there are an estimated 10,000 youth in Toronto who need a safe place to sleep. On any given night, there are 1,500 to 2,000 who need shelter," Leroux says.
Although the numbers speak loudly, the voices of the homeless are not always heard by the government and by the community. Leroux, O'Connor and Tsang all believe that the need for more resources for people without a home is high.
"I think people in general have the mentality: out of sight, out of mind. Just because you don't see homeless youth wandering the streets with signs doesn't mean the problem doesn't exist," says Tsang.
"I don't think throwing a lot of money at the issue will solve it. We need to isolate the specifics that have to be worked on, such as access to education achievement and resources for mental illnesses," he says.
O'Connor says resources for basic necessities such as shampoos, toothbrushes and towels, which all add up in cost, are lacking for people like her. She also says the issue of homelessness needs to be looked at more specifically.
"The word needs to spread about who these people are that live in shelters. They are just classified as 'homeless' but what types of people are they?" O'Connor says. "Homeless should be the last resort. There needs to be more resources for abused kids and immigrants and the different people who find their way to the shelters."
A number of misfortunes have led O'Connor to her shelter. However, she doesn't regret what has happened to her and where she is. "I have never been as motivated as I am right now. I've never worked so hard on school, ever, and my marks have never been so high."
O'Connor says she also has never done so much with her art, a passion and coping mechanism that stems from being locked in her room as a child for hours. She would have nothing to do but doodle- and eventually those doodles turned into great pieces of work. She also loves singing and dancing. She recently did a performance at Ryerson University in a talent show.
In the future, O'Connor wants to travel the world and experience every different culture. "I want to go experience what is out there, and find the real truths of the world for myself."
She feels that in the near future, her experiences of being homeless will be just a memory. For now, O'Connor plans on maintaining her positive attitude, exploring Toronto, and taking advantage of what is here.
"The city is my boyfriend," she says.
Almost every person who has walked downtown Toronto has passed by and
glanced at the young, weathered body curled up on the edge of the side walk.
This is the stereotypical image that comes to mind when you think 'homeless'. Some will take a deeper look and see a vibrancy and innocence hidden under the dirt and hopeless expression on the face. Others will look no further than the rugged attire and assume laziness and rebellion has caused the teen to reside on the street.
For the ones that stick their nose up at homeless youth, it may come as a shock to see the actual faces that make up most of the young homeless population. Over seventy percent of them are products of abuse and were left no other choice but to flee their unsafe homes.
"Homelessness just happens," says Judy Leroux, the Development Manager of
Youths Without Shelter, a homeless shelter for young people located in Etobicoke.
"It can happen to anybody. Something terrible has happened in their life that has caused them to be in the situation that they are in. They come from all social, economic and cultural backgrounds."
Earlier this year, Samantha O’Connor sat at a table in a common area of Guelph Humber University creating a long to-do list that consisted of assignments required of her as a 3rd year Media Studies- Journalism student. The list included hand out resumes, study for midterms, and many other things a normal 20 year old student would do. She wore a clean, nicely put together outfit and her long hair was neatly pulled back. Strands of blonde curls hung down, framing a soft, pretty face.
Weeks earlier, O'Conner had to present a speech for one of her classes. Jaws dropped when she stood at the front of the room and said, "After class, most of you will head home to res or your parents house or your place with your roommates. But I'll be going to the YWCA for a bed and a warm meal." An upbringing in a dangerous environment with a bipolar and abusive mother has led O’Connor to where she is today.
"My mother used to have something she called 'the board of education' which was a 2x4 she used to beat me and my brothers with when we were bad," O'Connor says. Her mother is a rapid cycler, meaning her mood can change at any time. O'Connor kept herself busy with multiple jobs, school, and friends during the years she was forced to live at her mother's home in Ottawa. When she graduated from high school, she decided to move to Toronto to continue her education, in hopes of getting as far away from her parents as possible. During her first year of university she lived on campus. During the second, she resided with a boyfriend. When her and her boyfriend broke up, she moved out and she was forced to move back to Ottawa for the summer. Her plan was to stay at home and earn enough money so she was able to go back to Toronto and live on her own come September, but things didn't work out that way.
"I didn't last three weeks [there]," O'Connor says. Her mother had a bipolar attack and, without telling any friends or relatives, she packed up her things and spent the rest of the summer living in a small shelter with three other women. Her stay stretched into the fall and when she was ready to get back to school the shelter called around and was able to find her a bed at the YWCA in Toronto.
O'Connor's appearance, work ethic and high marks all go against the stereotypical description many people have of a homeless person. Her situation has caused her to be different than a lot of her peers as well. Most students can't wait for Friday afternoon to come, O'Connor can't say the same.
"I fiend the school," she says. "As much as I love seeing my friends and doing stuff on the weekends- I'm upset when the weekend comes. I am excited to be in school and doing the things I do because I feel like I'm succeeding."
Although O'Connor is constantly around people who have the advantage of a
supportive family, she does not feel envious of them.
"I'm lucky because I don't have to prove myself to any one but myself. I am my biggest motivation. I'm the one driving myself; I don't have anyone else on my back. I just do what I want to do. I'm free," she said.
Judy Leroux says that cases like O'Connor's are common.
"Many of the youths that stay in our shelter go to schools all over the city but they don't normally share this with their peers. What she [O'Connor] said in front of her class speaks very well to people who have this idea that homeless people always live out on the streets," she says.
According to Leroux, many people regard homeless youth as people who have been kicked out of their homes because of behavior. In reality, the majority of them are dealing with much bigger issues such as abuse, mental illness or neglect.
Art Tsang is the Planning and Evaluation Manager at Youth Without Shelter.
When he was 17, Tsang's abusive father relieved him from constant beatings by throwing him out of the house. Without hesitation he left and spent the next two years sleeping in abandoned cars and construction sights. He says one of the worst things was trying to survive the cold winter.
"You don't get much sleep, and you are never really warm," he says. "Your feet are in so much pain and you can barely walk sometimes. I remember the hardest part was trying to get the feeling back in my feet when I got up in the morning."
The entire time Tsang lived like this he attended high school and worked in a grocery store. He managed to salvage all of his belongings by storing them in five different lockers around his school and he would do his homework while riding back and forth on the subway. He kept his homelessness a secret from most of the people in his life. Eventually, a co-worker caught on when they noticed that Tsang seemed to have a never-ending cold. The co-worker brought him to Youth Without Shelter where he started down the path to getting his life back together.
Step by step, things got better for Tsang. He worked and saved up enough to
move out of the shelter and into his own apartment, and then eventually he was able to put himself through post secondary school. He graduated from the Social Service Worker program at Humber College and went on to obtain a degree in sociology at York University.
Despite some of the hardships he faced while being homeless, Tsang never regretted leaving his fathers house. He believed that living on the streets was easier than living with an abusive parent.
"You never knew what was going to happen when you walked in the door, and that constant fear was gone when I left home," says Tsang. "As tough as it was, living with the freedom was very appealing."
Tsang's unpleasant path brought him to his workplace which he feels very fortunate to be in. It has given him the opportunity to solve the issue of homeless youth on a macro scale. It's rewarding for him to see the individuals who do move forward as well. "What we do here is only a small part of a really huge issue. A lot of kids fall through the cracks and end up in jail, or dead," he says.
Leroux also believes that the issue is a significant one in our city. She says that in Canada an estimated 65,000 youth are currently homeless. This disregards the 'hidden homeless' who are the ones that surf from home to home or sleep unseen under bridges and other places.
"In one year there are an estimated 10,000 youth in Toronto who need a safe place to sleep. On any given night, there are 1,500 to 2,000 who need shelter," Leroux says.
Although the numbers speak loudly, the voices of the homeless are not always heard by the government and by the community. Leroux, O'Connor and Tsang all believe that the need for more resources for people without a home is high.
"I think people in general have the mentality: out of sight, out of mind. Just because you don't see homeless youth wandering the streets with signs doesn't mean the problem doesn't exist," says Tsang.
"I don't think throwing a lot of money at the issue will solve it. We need to isolate the specifics that have to be worked on, such as access to education achievement and resources for mental illnesses," he says.
O'Connor says resources for basic necessities such as shampoos, toothbrushes and towels, which all add up in cost, are lacking for people like her. She also says the issue of homelessness needs to be looked at more specifically.
"The word needs to spread about who these people are that live in shelters. They are just classified as 'homeless' but what types of people are they?" O'Connor says. "Homeless should be the last resort. There needs to be more resources for abused kids and immigrants and the different people who find their way to the shelters."
A number of misfortunes have led O'Connor to her shelter. However, she doesn't regret what has happened to her and where she is. "I have never been as motivated as I am right now. I've never worked so hard on school, ever, and my marks have never been so high."
O'Connor says she also has never done so much with her art, a passion and coping mechanism that stems from being locked in her room as a child for hours. She would have nothing to do but doodle- and eventually those doodles turned into great pieces of work. She also loves singing and dancing. She recently did a performance at Ryerson University in a talent show.
In the future, O'Connor wants to travel the world and experience every different culture. "I want to go experience what is out there, and find the real truths of the world for myself."
She feels that in the near future, her experiences of being homeless will be just a memory. For now, O'Connor plans on maintaining her positive attitude, exploring Toronto, and taking advantage of what is here.
"The city is my boyfriend," she says.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Internet Addicts
Facebook, Twitter, Skype, Youtube, Wikepedia, or Google ... What's your drug of choice?
10 years ago, the only people who spent the majority of their time online were technology professionals, but today, surfing the web has become a past-time as social as going out and as informative as going to class. It is now embedded into our mainstream culture.
74.2% of North Americans use the Internet regularly, but man of which have begun to use it in an excessive compulsive manner. Millions of people all over the world are Internet addicts, a disorder recently acknowledged by mental health professionals. People are literally living online. They have become citizens of the worldwide web.
I see evidence of this on the regular: The students who can’t stay off the internet during class, even though they are paying good money to be there. The girls who are constantly taking pictures at parties just so they can post them to document their social life, and the people who use their Facebook status as a diary entry, updating us on every little thing they do. In severe cases, people neglect their most important priorities such as school, work, and relationships, because they can’t seem to log off.
Honestly, what’s the point? It’s as if their online identity is more important than their real one. But my profile page doesn’t show you my personality, and if you Google me, you won’t find my thoughts, feelings, beliefs, talents, and the things that make me who I am.
So, why spend so much time in front of a computer screen? There are much better things you could be doing with yourself. What is so entertaining, important, and addicting that people will spend hours a day absorbed in it? We are only given a short time on Earth, so spend it here, instead of lost in Cyberspace.
We are wasting so much time when we could be out there in the real world experiencing the beauty, gifts, raw emotions, and memories that life has waiting for you. There is so much to see, and so much to do. This life has so much to offer, we just need to get off your butts first.
The Disney/Pixar movie Wall-E paints a humorous picture of the future, portraying the human race in the constantly hooked up to computers, living their life online. I believe this could be possible. People have become increasingly more dependant and obsessed with the Web, it isn’t a far stretch to believe things will get worse as more technology is invented.
Can surfing the web, watching Youtube videos, or creeping Facebook even compare to the feeling of a good weekend, a tropical vacation, a road trip with friends, a family dinner, or rocking out at a concert? Can looking at photos of a sunset, coral reef, or a blooming flower have the same effect on your emotions and senses as seeing these things in person? I don’t think so. So, why look at pictures and watch videos of the things that interest you instead of going out and experiencing them firsthand?
Make life your addiction, and stop living online. Drop the mouse, step away from the keyboard, put yourself through some serious Internet detox, and go live your life.
10 years ago, the only people who spent the majority of their time online were technology professionals, but today, surfing the web has become a past-time as social as going out and as informative as going to class. It is now embedded into our mainstream culture.
74.2% of North Americans use the Internet regularly, but man of which have begun to use it in an excessive compulsive manner. Millions of people all over the world are Internet addicts, a disorder recently acknowledged by mental health professionals. People are literally living online. They have become citizens of the worldwide web.
I see evidence of this on the regular: The students who can’t stay off the internet during class, even though they are paying good money to be there. The girls who are constantly taking pictures at parties just so they can post them to document their social life, and the people who use their Facebook status as a diary entry, updating us on every little thing they do. In severe cases, people neglect their most important priorities such as school, work, and relationships, because they can’t seem to log off.
Honestly, what’s the point? It’s as if their online identity is more important than their real one. But my profile page doesn’t show you my personality, and if you Google me, you won’t find my thoughts, feelings, beliefs, talents, and the things that make me who I am.
So, why spend so much time in front of a computer screen? There are much better things you could be doing with yourself. What is so entertaining, important, and addicting that people will spend hours a day absorbed in it? We are only given a short time on Earth, so spend it here, instead of lost in Cyberspace.
We are wasting so much time when we could be out there in the real world experiencing the beauty, gifts, raw emotions, and memories that life has waiting for you. There is so much to see, and so much to do. This life has so much to offer, we just need to get off your butts first.
The Disney/Pixar movie Wall-E paints a humorous picture of the future, portraying the human race in the constantly hooked up to computers, living their life online. I believe this could be possible. People have become increasingly more dependant and obsessed with the Web, it isn’t a far stretch to believe things will get worse as more technology is invented.
Can surfing the web, watching Youtube videos, or creeping Facebook even compare to the feeling of a good weekend, a tropical vacation, a road trip with friends, a family dinner, or rocking out at a concert? Can looking at photos of a sunset, coral reef, or a blooming flower have the same effect on your emotions and senses as seeing these things in person? I don’t think so. So, why look at pictures and watch videos of the things that interest you instead of going out and experiencing them firsthand?
Make life your addiction, and stop living online. Drop the mouse, step away from the keyboard, put yourself through some serious Internet detox, and go live your life.
Breaking Stigmas
What words come to mind when I use the term “homeless”?
Bum?
Lazy?
Begger?
Scum?
This is a stigma. This is ignorant
There are over 150 thousand homeless people in Canada, and I, Samantha O’Connor, and one of them. You could never tell by looking at me, after all, I am a clean, healthy, attractive, intelligent University student,but everyday when class ends, and most students head back to their rez rooms, apartments or commute back home to mom and dad, I have to venture back to the YWCA shelter where I am staying for a hot meat, a warm shower, and a place to sleep.
What is a normal 20 year old university student doing living in a shelter, you maybe wondering? She doesn’t look like a crack-head, schizophrenic, or transvestite. Unfortunately, this was the hand I was dealt.
I am a survivor of child abuse. I grew up in Ottawa, in an unhealthy and unsafe environment, being raised by two mentally ill, abusive, addict parents. I was born into a situation beyond my control. No amount of abuse or neglect, however, could take away my passions, talent, and dreams. I used writing as a coping mechanism, and began journaling to cope with what I was going through. I decided I wanted to be a journalist and moved five and a half hours away to Toronto to begin my journey.
I have been living at the YWCA for almost four months. I have seen and heard things that I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy. I do live with some of Toronto’s finest crack-heads, and schizophrenics, but there are many women in the same position as me, who just needed a way out of the mess they were stuck in. The first few nights I cried myself to sleep, wallowing in my own self pity. It wasn’t until I turned my negative thinking to positive that things began to look up.
I started talking to many of the women I live with, and realized that there was much to learn from these people who have been through so much, yet are positive, and have faith in the good things to come.
Everyone has a story.
Everyone walks in different shoes.
No matter how bad we think we have it, there is always someone who has it worse. We must be grateful for what we do have. Everything we go through is for a reason, to learn the lessons we need to learn to become the person we are destined to be.
Living in a shelter has taught me many lessons, and has given me many gifts. I have healed from my abuse, gaining a unique perspective on life, inspiration to make a difference, and knowledge, and experience beyond my years.
We all have a story.
What’s yours?
Bum?
Lazy?
Begger?
Scum?
This is a stigma. This is ignorant
There are over 150 thousand homeless people in Canada, and I, Samantha O’Connor, and one of them. You could never tell by looking at me, after all, I am a clean, healthy, attractive, intelligent University student,but everyday when class ends, and most students head back to their rez rooms, apartments or commute back home to mom and dad, I have to venture back to the YWCA shelter where I am staying for a hot meat, a warm shower, and a place to sleep.
What is a normal 20 year old university student doing living in a shelter, you maybe wondering? She doesn’t look like a crack-head, schizophrenic, or transvestite. Unfortunately, this was the hand I was dealt.
I am a survivor of child abuse. I grew up in Ottawa, in an unhealthy and unsafe environment, being raised by two mentally ill, abusive, addict parents. I was born into a situation beyond my control. No amount of abuse or neglect, however, could take away my passions, talent, and dreams. I used writing as a coping mechanism, and began journaling to cope with what I was going through. I decided I wanted to be a journalist and moved five and a half hours away to Toronto to begin my journey.
I have been living at the YWCA for almost four months. I have seen and heard things that I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy. I do live with some of Toronto’s finest crack-heads, and schizophrenics, but there are many women in the same position as me, who just needed a way out of the mess they were stuck in. The first few nights I cried myself to sleep, wallowing in my own self pity. It wasn’t until I turned my negative thinking to positive that things began to look up.
I started talking to many of the women I live with, and realized that there was much to learn from these people who have been through so much, yet are positive, and have faith in the good things to come.
Everyone has a story.
Everyone walks in different shoes.
No matter how bad we think we have it, there is always someone who has it worse. We must be grateful for what we do have. Everything we go through is for a reason, to learn the lessons we need to learn to become the person we are destined to be.
Living in a shelter has taught me many lessons, and has given me many gifts. I have healed from my abuse, gaining a unique perspective on life, inspiration to make a difference, and knowledge, and experience beyond my years.
We all have a story.
What’s yours?
Friday, February 26, 2010
Breakthrough!
URBAN HIP HOP UNION PRESENTS ...
BREAKTHROUGH! **A URBAN TALENT SHOWCASE**
S A T U R D A Y, F E B R U A R Y 2 7 , 2 0 1 0
- $7 cover
- Ryerson Student Campus Center, Room 115
- Doors open at 6PM
Hip-Hop ain't just a LIFESTYLE... it's a CULTURE!
Come out to recognize and support the sprouts to the roots of this cultural phenomenon! Funds raised will be donated to support the Remix Project!
It will be a Night Jam-Packed with TALENT:
- rapping
- dancing
- beatboxing
- spoken word
- graffiti
- singing
- fashion
***HOSTED BY: UHHU'S own KING OGU... RANJ DHATT & STEPHANIE SAMS of Urbanology Magazine!!!
*** FEATURED GUESTS: BLAKE CARRINGTON and more!
Come out and hear the freshest sounds under one roof
For more information/tickets visit the Urban Hip-Hop Union in Ryerson's Student Center (SCC B25)
BREAKTHROUGH! **A URBAN TALENT SHOWCASE**
S A T U R D A Y, F E B R U A R Y 2 7 , 2 0 1 0
- $7 cover
- Ryerson Student Campus Center, Room 115
- Doors open at 6PM
Hip-Hop ain't just a LIFESTYLE... it's a CULTURE!
Come out to recognize and support the sprouts to the roots of this cultural phenomenon! Funds raised will be donated to support the Remix Project!
It will be a Night Jam-Packed with TALENT:
- rapping
- dancing
- beatboxing
- spoken word
- graffiti
- singing
- fashion
***HOSTED BY: UHHU'S own KING OGU... RANJ DHATT & STEPHANIE SAMS of Urbanology Magazine!!!
*** FEATURED GUESTS: BLAKE CARRINGTON and more!
Come out and hear the freshest sounds under one roof
For more information/tickets visit the Urban Hip-Hop Union in Ryerson's Student Center (SCC B25)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
GHSA Elections
Guelph-Humber Student Association's election period is officially here.
Students are encouraged to run for a spot in their student government for the 2010-2011 school year.
Positions are available as a program representative to one of the eight streams Guelph-Humber has to offer.
There are also six executive positions available. Students can run for president or vice-president of operations, finance, academics, activities, or communication.
The week long nomination period begins today, and runs until 4p.m this Friday, March 12.
To be eligible as a candidate for election, students must fill out a nomination package, provide a brief biography, and ask for student signatures.
To be elected as a program representative, students must obtain at least 20 signatures from full-time Guelph-Humber students, while candidates running for executive positions must collect at least 40 names.
The nomination package can be picked up at www.ghsaweb.com
“This year, to be more environmentally friendly, the package will be available through our website.” Said Sunny Dhillon, GHSA’s Chief Electoral Officer.
Immediately after the nomination period ends on Friday, there will be an All Candidates Meeting at 4p.m in GH101.
This meeting is mandatory for all candidates, as campaign procedures, dates, and expectations will all be announced and discussed.
Campaigning will commence the following week. From 12a.m on March 15 to 11:59p.m on March 19, candidates will be promoting themselves to win student votes.
Campaigners will contend for votes by plastering themselves around the school with the use of posters, slogans, t-shirts, social networking websites such as Facebook, and direct marketing techniques.
“I handed out lollipops.” Shared Krissy Carlton, current GHSA president. “Students love free stuff – especially food.”
There will also be a Campaigning Day in the atrium from 11:30-2:00p.m on Tuesday, March 16.
“This year, for the first time, we planned an atrium Campaigning Day. All candidates will be invited to set up a table and talk directly to students about their platforms.” Explained Dhillon.
Voting will run from March 22-26. Online polls will be open from 10a.m-4p.m the entire week.
“Last year, we introduced our electronic voting system with great success. Since it helped increase voter participation, we will continue with that method.” stated Dhillon.
Students will be contacted through their Guelph-Humber account with a link to cast their vote.
“We have made voting very easy. It takes under two minutes and can be done almost anywhere.” Dhillon shared.
There will also be a polling station set up in the Guelph-Humber atrium during voting week.
Results will be tallied immediately after voting closes, and the winners will be announced at 5p.m on March 26, in the GHSA office.
Students elected into the GHSA have a real chance to make a difference and bring positive change to the school.
“Student government is incredibly useful and instrumental in changes. The members of the GHSA sit on many academic bodies, including the Academic, Management and Program Committee, which is the highest decision making body on campus. These students will bring a voice and help formulate new policies and programs to govern the university.”
The GHSA is growing every year. With the opening of the GHSA office, and the website, the organization is able to bring more change, and do more for the students it represents.
“The GHSA has grown in the number of elected members and will continue to evolve in the near future. Next year will be pivotal, since the organization’s structure and collaborations are under review to create efficiencies and a stronger bond now that it is larger and more mature.” Said Dhillon.
Students are encouraged to run for a spot in their student government for the 2010-2011 school year.
Positions are available as a program representative to one of the eight streams Guelph-Humber has to offer.
There are also six executive positions available. Students can run for president or vice-president of operations, finance, academics, activities, or communication.
The week long nomination period begins today, and runs until 4p.m this Friday, March 12.
To be eligible as a candidate for election, students must fill out a nomination package, provide a brief biography, and ask for student signatures.
To be elected as a program representative, students must obtain at least 20 signatures from full-time Guelph-Humber students, while candidates running for executive positions must collect at least 40 names.
The nomination package can be picked up at www.ghsaweb.com
“This year, to be more environmentally friendly, the package will be available through our website.” Said Sunny Dhillon, GHSA’s Chief Electoral Officer.
Immediately after the nomination period ends on Friday, there will be an All Candidates Meeting at 4p.m in GH101.
This meeting is mandatory for all candidates, as campaign procedures, dates, and expectations will all be announced and discussed.
Campaigning will commence the following week. From 12a.m on March 15 to 11:59p.m on March 19, candidates will be promoting themselves to win student votes.
Campaigners will contend for votes by plastering themselves around the school with the use of posters, slogans, t-shirts, social networking websites such as Facebook, and direct marketing techniques.
“I handed out lollipops.” Shared Krissy Carlton, current GHSA president. “Students love free stuff – especially food.”
There will also be a Campaigning Day in the atrium from 11:30-2:00p.m on Tuesday, March 16.
“This year, for the first time, we planned an atrium Campaigning Day. All candidates will be invited to set up a table and talk directly to students about their platforms.” Explained Dhillon.
Voting will run from March 22-26. Online polls will be open from 10a.m-4p.m the entire week.
“Last year, we introduced our electronic voting system with great success. Since it helped increase voter participation, we will continue with that method.” stated Dhillon.
Students will be contacted through their Guelph-Humber account with a link to cast their vote.
“We have made voting very easy. It takes under two minutes and can be done almost anywhere.” Dhillon shared.
There will also be a polling station set up in the Guelph-Humber atrium during voting week.
Results will be tallied immediately after voting closes, and the winners will be announced at 5p.m on March 26, in the GHSA office.
Students elected into the GHSA have a real chance to make a difference and bring positive change to the school.
“Student government is incredibly useful and instrumental in changes. The members of the GHSA sit on many academic bodies, including the Academic, Management and Program Committee, which is the highest decision making body on campus. These students will bring a voice and help formulate new policies and programs to govern the university.”
The GHSA is growing every year. With the opening of the GHSA office, and the website, the organization is able to bring more change, and do more for the students it represents.
“The GHSA has grown in the number of elected members and will continue to evolve in the near future. Next year will be pivotal, since the organization’s structure and collaborations are under review to create efficiencies and a stronger bond now that it is larger and more mature.” Said Dhillon.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
A good song
A good song is:
timeless
authentic
classic
It doesn't matter who wrote it,
Who sings it,
When it was written,
Or what genre it is.
A good song is a good song.
A good song can make you move:
you can feel it in your bones
A good song is something you can relate to:
It speaks to your soul
A good song can take you back,
Make you look forward,
Or make you happy to be in the here and now.
A good song can change your life.
timeless
authentic
classic
It doesn't matter who wrote it,
Who sings it,
When it was written,
Or what genre it is.
A good song is a good song.
A good song can make you move:
you can feel it in your bones
A good song is something you can relate to:
It speaks to your soul
A good song can take you back,
Make you look forward,
Or make you happy to be in the here and now.
A good song can change your life.
Monday, February 22, 2010
K'naan at Humber
Keinan Abdi Warsame, known as K’naan, the 31-year old rapper/poet from Somalia visited Humber today to talk about Black History Month.
“I don’t really know what to talk about. People usually have their own ideas about what they want me to talk about.” He said. “I get bored talking about my self.”
He opened the platform up to students to ask questions. Conversation evolved from questions about Warsame’s personal background, to the Somalian war, to Black History Month, to future music he plans on making, and where he gets his inspiration.
The Somalian-born rapper escaped the Civil War, and moved to Toronto when he was 14. He grew up in Rexdale, and began trying to adapt to Canadian culture.
“My first mission was to learn English.” Warsame shared about when he first moved here. “My entire senses were different. This was the beginning of my art – the adaptation process as an immigrant.”
Warsame took his experiences, and used them as inspiration to make music. “The most courageous thing is to take your experiences, and do something with them.” He shared. “I wrote my pain into success.”
Somalia is a nation of poets. His aunt Magool, was one of Somalia’s most legendary singers, and his grandfather Haji Mohamed was also a famous poet. . “They operate their social and political discourses in poetry.” Warsame shared. “Part of my life there was beautiful, but some was dangerous.”
K’naan shared his story of fleeing his war torn country, and the repercussions it brought upon his life. He was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, and survivor guilt. “It tormented me” He said.
When asked about Black History Month, and what it means to be black, Warsame spoke in poetry.
“I didn’t know I was black, because everyone is black where I’m from. I only became black when I moved to North America. Before, I was just human.” Warsame spoke.
K’naan has exploded on to the hip hop scene. His song, “Waving Flag”, has just been picked up as the World Cup theme song. He has alredy toured with Jason Mraz, Wale, K-OS, Lenny Kravitz, and Damian Marley. Warsame was able to record his album in Bob Marley’s house in Jamaica. He was the first artist since Marley’s death to be given the keys of his house to record in.
He also spilled the secret that he just recorded new tracks with NAS, Jay-Z, and a song Canadian artists Drake, and Justin Beiber.
“Right now, musically, people are looking at Toronto.” He said.
Humber welcomed K’naan for taking the time to come share his story. This young artist is just beginning his success story, and has much more great things to come in the future.
“I don’t really know what to talk about. People usually have their own ideas about what they want me to talk about.” He said. “I get bored talking about my self.”
He opened the platform up to students to ask questions. Conversation evolved from questions about Warsame’s personal background, to the Somalian war, to Black History Month, to future music he plans on making, and where he gets his inspiration.
The Somalian-born rapper escaped the Civil War, and moved to Toronto when he was 14. He grew up in Rexdale, and began trying to adapt to Canadian culture.
“My first mission was to learn English.” Warsame shared about when he first moved here. “My entire senses were different. This was the beginning of my art – the adaptation process as an immigrant.”
Warsame took his experiences, and used them as inspiration to make music. “The most courageous thing is to take your experiences, and do something with them.” He shared. “I wrote my pain into success.”
Somalia is a nation of poets. His aunt Magool, was one of Somalia’s most legendary singers, and his grandfather Haji Mohamed was also a famous poet. . “They operate their social and political discourses in poetry.” Warsame shared. “Part of my life there was beautiful, but some was dangerous.”
K’naan shared his story of fleeing his war torn country, and the repercussions it brought upon his life. He was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, and survivor guilt. “It tormented me” He said.
When asked about Black History Month, and what it means to be black, Warsame spoke in poetry.
“I didn’t know I was black, because everyone is black where I’m from. I only became black when I moved to North America. Before, I was just human.” Warsame spoke.
K’naan has exploded on to the hip hop scene. His song, “Waving Flag”, has just been picked up as the World Cup theme song. He has alredy toured with Jason Mraz, Wale, K-OS, Lenny Kravitz, and Damian Marley. Warsame was able to record his album in Bob Marley’s house in Jamaica. He was the first artist since Marley’s death to be given the keys of his house to record in.
He also spilled the secret that he just recorded new tracks with NAS, Jay-Z, and a song Canadian artists Drake, and Justin Beiber.
“Right now, musically, people are looking at Toronto.” He said.
Humber welcomed K’naan for taking the time to come share his story. This young artist is just beginning his success story, and has much more great things to come in the future.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
We all have a fix
We are all addicts.
Everyone has a fix.
Alcoholics and stoners are judged by the world, but we all have an addiction - some sort of artificial happiness that gets us throught he day. Why do we all fein something? There are coffe addictions, sex addictions, shopping addictions, and work addictions. Addictions to video games, tv, facebook, food, porn, religion, sports, etc. We all have something.
It's as if we were all made with a little hole inside us needing to be filled. Maybe it's because we were never given a concrete reason as to why we're here on Earth, or what comes next. We have all grasped on to something as a coping mechanism to deal with life. No matter the reason though, we are all addicts. What's your fix?
Everyone has a fix.
Alcoholics and stoners are judged by the world, but we all have an addiction - some sort of artificial happiness that gets us throught he day. Why do we all fein something? There are coffe addictions, sex addictions, shopping addictions, and work addictions. Addictions to video games, tv, facebook, food, porn, religion, sports, etc. We all have something.
It's as if we were all made with a little hole inside us needing to be filled. Maybe it's because we were never given a concrete reason as to why we're here on Earth, or what comes next. We have all grasped on to something as a coping mechanism to deal with life. No matter the reason though, we are all addicts. What's your fix?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Princeless Princess
Just like every girl I’ve ever known, I grew up indulged in the fairytale classics. I would put on my dress-up gowns, and a tiara, believing I was a princess, rewinding my Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and Snow White VHS tapes until I knew them word for word.
Even at three years old, I believed I would have my own Prince Charming come sweep me off my feet to go live happily ever after.
As childhood turned to adolescence, my role models changed with me. Cinderella and Ariel were replaced by Brittany Spears, and Beyonce. Fairytales were replaced with t.v shows such as the O.C and One Tree Hill.
The values of love I was taught here were no less warped. Everyone my age believed that having a boyfriend made a girl cooler, happier, and therefore a better person. Everywhere I looked in popular culture, I was being taught that I need to find my other half, and our love would fill every hole that I had in my life. My search began.
At the age of 18, I found my Prince Charming, and if he was one thing, it was definitely a charmer. We fell madly in love, and soon moved in together, planning our future with only each other in mind. Is this the where I’m supposed to say we lived happily ever after?
Unfortunately, we never heard the real endings to our childhood fairytales. Cinderella divorced the prince, Ariel grew tired of life on land, leaving for the sea, and we all know what happened to Brittany and K-Fed.
Life doesn’t end in happily ever after. We will always have our trials, arguments, bills, tears, and raw emotion that cannot be scripted. If not, then we aren’t really living at all.
After two years of living with my own prince, things began to change. Our long talks turned to long arguments, promises to love forever, turned to threats to leave, and eventually we found ourselves living in a relationship without happiness. Our love had slipped out from under us, and we didn’t know where it went. How could a love that was once so strong burn out as easily as a candle?
After deciding to end our relationship, I sunk into a dark and dreary state. It felt like my whole life and future had been destroyed, and I didn’t know where to turn to next. I had lost contact with many friends and family, and found myself the loneliest I had ever been. It wasn’t until I held all the broken pieces of what I had called a life in my hands that I began to put them back together.
I was searching for love in all the wrong places. I was looking for the prince to fill every void in my life, thinking he would be my happiness. It was then I realized that we can never truly love someone until we love ourselves, and are complete individually. We are responsible for our own happiness, and the only person we should ever truly depend on is ourselves. If we cannot find what we are looking for in ourselves, than we cannot expect to find it in someone else.
Even recent teenage based films such as Twilight, and High School Musical, and musicians such as Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus aim their attention towards the opposite sex, highlighting the idea of being saved by them, and sending a false impression of living ‘happily ever after’. It is no wonder adults believe that young people don’t know anything about love, with media sources feeding this false representation of happiness, we are doomed to learn only by experience. In life, we go through pain for a reason – to learn.
If times were to change, and teenage girls focused on achieving personal success, and self-worth, they will find themselves gaining a sense of happiness that no man can give them.
Even at three years old, I believed I would have my own Prince Charming come sweep me off my feet to go live happily ever after.
As childhood turned to adolescence, my role models changed with me. Cinderella and Ariel were replaced by Brittany Spears, and Beyonce. Fairytales were replaced with t.v shows such as the O.C and One Tree Hill.
The values of love I was taught here were no less warped. Everyone my age believed that having a boyfriend made a girl cooler, happier, and therefore a better person. Everywhere I looked in popular culture, I was being taught that I need to find my other half, and our love would fill every hole that I had in my life. My search began.
At the age of 18, I found my Prince Charming, and if he was one thing, it was definitely a charmer. We fell madly in love, and soon moved in together, planning our future with only each other in mind. Is this the where I’m supposed to say we lived happily ever after?
Unfortunately, we never heard the real endings to our childhood fairytales. Cinderella divorced the prince, Ariel grew tired of life on land, leaving for the sea, and we all know what happened to Brittany and K-Fed.
Life doesn’t end in happily ever after. We will always have our trials, arguments, bills, tears, and raw emotion that cannot be scripted. If not, then we aren’t really living at all.
After two years of living with my own prince, things began to change. Our long talks turned to long arguments, promises to love forever, turned to threats to leave, and eventually we found ourselves living in a relationship without happiness. Our love had slipped out from under us, and we didn’t know where it went. How could a love that was once so strong burn out as easily as a candle?
After deciding to end our relationship, I sunk into a dark and dreary state. It felt like my whole life and future had been destroyed, and I didn’t know where to turn to next. I had lost contact with many friends and family, and found myself the loneliest I had ever been. It wasn’t until I held all the broken pieces of what I had called a life in my hands that I began to put them back together.
I was searching for love in all the wrong places. I was looking for the prince to fill every void in my life, thinking he would be my happiness. It was then I realized that we can never truly love someone until we love ourselves, and are complete individually. We are responsible for our own happiness, and the only person we should ever truly depend on is ourselves. If we cannot find what we are looking for in ourselves, than we cannot expect to find it in someone else.
Even recent teenage based films such as Twilight, and High School Musical, and musicians such as Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus aim their attention towards the opposite sex, highlighting the idea of being saved by them, and sending a false impression of living ‘happily ever after’. It is no wonder adults believe that young people don’t know anything about love, with media sources feeding this false representation of happiness, we are doomed to learn only by experience. In life, we go through pain for a reason – to learn.
If times were to change, and teenage girls focused on achieving personal success, and self-worth, they will find themselves gaining a sense of happiness that no man can give them.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Bohemian Rhapsody
Out of France, in the 1820s, came a united front of artists, musicians, and writers, whose ideals, work, clothing, beliefs, thoughts, and actions mocked and rebelled against the mainstream bourgeois culture.
When word circulated, in France, of the uprising of such a colourful group of people, rumour spread that they were gypsies, travelling from Bohemia, a state in Czech Republic. Bohemians however, can only be pin-pointed on an abstract map. They are artistic individuals, possessing anti-establishment political and social values, rejecting private property, and materialism by refraining from permanent residence. “We were afraid of nothing and thumbed our noses at public opinion, and openly revolted against all prejudices, I might say, against all laws. We lived as if entrenched in a fortress from which we made belligerent sallies ridiculing everything.” (Houssaye)
Bohemians lived in voluntary poverty, surviving off very little, living and working in cafes, streets, and libraries. Living such a way, they believed, brought them the true meanings of life, enlightenment, freedom, and an inspiration for their art.
They dressed in unique and colourful clothing, in which they mocked the boring sameness of the clothes worn by the bourgeois. Their unique example that clothing is a reflection of personal identity wasn’t appreciated at the time, but today has helped launch the fashion industry into a billion dollar enterprise. The fashion world eventually turned on Bohemianism, turning vibrant, draped, floral dresses into a Bohemian trend that has been shown on all major catwalks around the world. Bohemians do not categorize themselves. They are seen through their own eyes as a free-spirits.
Bohemians are very in-tune with their spirituality, and possess their own personal beliefs that celebrate their creativity, and the splendor of life and death. They believe that all human beings are significant, and that the human life force is unique for all individuals. Life is a gift, which we should celebrate. The afterlife, as bohemians believe, consists of the lasting impressions, moments, and memories we have made upon other human beings, and the world during our time on it. This gives bohemians inspiration to live everyday to the fullest, for we do not get a second chance. Bohemians were also sexually promiscuous, believing in ultimate freedom.
Henry Murger, who is named the original bohemian, was a French journalist. In 1820, he wrote the novel, “Scenes la Vie de Boheme” (Scenes of Bohemian Life), which influenced many early bohemians into the revolution of their own lives. He emphasized that living in Bohemia without the ambition to leave it would destroy a person.
In 1896, La Boheme Opera was written by Giacome Puccini, becoming a worldwide success, and familiarizing mainstream society with the idea of bohemianism for the first time. It was still considered one of the most important operas in musical history.
In the 1900s, bohemianism spread globally, each area responding differently to these creative groups, whose name, actions, and motives differed from country to country.
In London, they were known as Grub Streeters. These bohemians disregarded the original value of no discrimination. 19th century Grub Streeters excluded women in their society. The movement began when groups of young followers of Charles Dickenson and William Thackeray worked to create lives as authors. Few writers ever made it out of literary obscurity, and lived their lives in the shadows of Dickenson and Thackeray. Most were from lower, middle class families, without private income, or a university degree, leading them to live a bohemian lifestyle of poverty out of necessity as opposed to choice. As with all bohemians however, they enjoyed the freedom it brought. They could write what they wanted, when they wanted to.
Bohemians spread to North America in the 1950s, where the Beat culture exploded in New York City. “The subject matter is really the operation of the mind.”(Allen Ginsberg) Those in the Beat culture opposed mainstream American lifestyle, culture, and art. With the beginning of the 1960s, and the Vietnam War, the expressions of the Beat culture evolved into the revolution of the Hippie Movement.
“The hippies recall the bourgeois of the 1830s. The takers of LSD descend perhaps from the hashish-eaters of the 1840s. The modern student recalls the battle of Hernani, and the wilder excesses of the Jeunes France. Their behavior is similar, for their background is much the same.” (Houssaye)
Much like bohemians, hippies gave up comfortable lives for poverty, to rebel against authority, war, and hate. They were warriors of peace. Hippies also wore unique clothing to mock mainstream culture, while revolutionizing music, art, literature, and philosophy.
In the early 1900s, Jonathon Larson created the hit Broadway musical, Rent. Larson’s play was based on Henry Murger’s Scenes of Bohemian Life. Larson tackled many controversial issues such as AIDS, homosexuality, fidelity, drug abuse, and everyday life as a bohemian in New York’s East Village.
Shortly after, Laren Stover, a self-proclaimed bohemian, wrote the Bohemian Manifesto, classifying five distinct mindsets of the bohemians:
The Nouveau crowd was attracted to Bohemianism, yet only attempted to join when it became popularized in mainstream culture. Every subculture has a group of posers, and for the bohemians, it was the nouveau crowd. The Beat group was non-materialistic, and focused on their work, where freedom of expression was the main objective. Zen Bohemians are spiritual, and focus on reaching a higher plane, usually with the experimentation of drugs. They were continuously moving from reality to fantasy. The Dandy Bohemians don’t have money, but appear to, through their collection of rare and interesting items. Discarding strict moral values, alcohol, drug use, and sexual freedom was common among most bohemians. The pursuit of wealth was non-existent, replaced by the pursuit of passion, and happiness.
“Bohemianism doesn’t always steal the headlines. Bohemianism may be big and shocking, but it may also be personal and sub-terrain with quiet defiance. Bohemianism slops into our bedrooms and makes a personal appearance in our dreams, sits next to us in the car, and whispers detours. Bohemianism is the stranger pouring stars and galaxies into our morning beverage while we watch the cat lick its paws…an elixir of undisclosed ingredients, a strange, bootleg perfume. It’s the psychic, globally warmed truth serum the government wants to ban. It’s the holy water of the unconscious mind, and once anointed, the underground gold mind of ideas blossoms and bleeds into the open air, without judgment. (Bohemian Manifest P.1)
Today, Bohemians tend to gather in the most artistic cities in the world, such as Greenwich Villiage, the East Villiage, and Chelsea in New York City, as well as paris, Soho, Bedford Park, and London. The can be found all over the world. They are every age, race, sex, and religion.
Bohemian culture continues to appear when there is a rebellion against mainstream culture, or an artistic breakthrough by any means. Our society seems so meaningless compared to the individual power bohemians have over their own lives.
When word circulated, in France, of the uprising of such a colourful group of people, rumour spread that they were gypsies, travelling from Bohemia, a state in Czech Republic. Bohemians however, can only be pin-pointed on an abstract map. They are artistic individuals, possessing anti-establishment political and social values, rejecting private property, and materialism by refraining from permanent residence. “We were afraid of nothing and thumbed our noses at public opinion, and openly revolted against all prejudices, I might say, against all laws. We lived as if entrenched in a fortress from which we made belligerent sallies ridiculing everything.” (Houssaye)
Bohemians lived in voluntary poverty, surviving off very little, living and working in cafes, streets, and libraries. Living such a way, they believed, brought them the true meanings of life, enlightenment, freedom, and an inspiration for their art.
They dressed in unique and colourful clothing, in which they mocked the boring sameness of the clothes worn by the bourgeois. Their unique example that clothing is a reflection of personal identity wasn’t appreciated at the time, but today has helped launch the fashion industry into a billion dollar enterprise. The fashion world eventually turned on Bohemianism, turning vibrant, draped, floral dresses into a Bohemian trend that has been shown on all major catwalks around the world. Bohemians do not categorize themselves. They are seen through their own eyes as a free-spirits.
Bohemians are very in-tune with their spirituality, and possess their own personal beliefs that celebrate their creativity, and the splendor of life and death. They believe that all human beings are significant, and that the human life force is unique for all individuals. Life is a gift, which we should celebrate. The afterlife, as bohemians believe, consists of the lasting impressions, moments, and memories we have made upon other human beings, and the world during our time on it. This gives bohemians inspiration to live everyday to the fullest, for we do not get a second chance. Bohemians were also sexually promiscuous, believing in ultimate freedom.
Henry Murger, who is named the original bohemian, was a French journalist. In 1820, he wrote the novel, “Scenes la Vie de Boheme” (Scenes of Bohemian Life), which influenced many early bohemians into the revolution of their own lives. He emphasized that living in Bohemia without the ambition to leave it would destroy a person.
In 1896, La Boheme Opera was written by Giacome Puccini, becoming a worldwide success, and familiarizing mainstream society with the idea of bohemianism for the first time. It was still considered one of the most important operas in musical history.
In the 1900s, bohemianism spread globally, each area responding differently to these creative groups, whose name, actions, and motives differed from country to country.
In London, they were known as Grub Streeters. These bohemians disregarded the original value of no discrimination. 19th century Grub Streeters excluded women in their society. The movement began when groups of young followers of Charles Dickenson and William Thackeray worked to create lives as authors. Few writers ever made it out of literary obscurity, and lived their lives in the shadows of Dickenson and Thackeray. Most were from lower, middle class families, without private income, or a university degree, leading them to live a bohemian lifestyle of poverty out of necessity as opposed to choice. As with all bohemians however, they enjoyed the freedom it brought. They could write what they wanted, when they wanted to.
Bohemians spread to North America in the 1950s, where the Beat culture exploded in New York City. “The subject matter is really the operation of the mind.”(Allen Ginsberg) Those in the Beat culture opposed mainstream American lifestyle, culture, and art. With the beginning of the 1960s, and the Vietnam War, the expressions of the Beat culture evolved into the revolution of the Hippie Movement.
“The hippies recall the bourgeois of the 1830s. The takers of LSD descend perhaps from the hashish-eaters of the 1840s. The modern student recalls the battle of Hernani, and the wilder excesses of the Jeunes France. Their behavior is similar, for their background is much the same.” (Houssaye)
Much like bohemians, hippies gave up comfortable lives for poverty, to rebel against authority, war, and hate. They were warriors of peace. Hippies also wore unique clothing to mock mainstream culture, while revolutionizing music, art, literature, and philosophy.
In the early 1900s, Jonathon Larson created the hit Broadway musical, Rent. Larson’s play was based on Henry Murger’s Scenes of Bohemian Life. Larson tackled many controversial issues such as AIDS, homosexuality, fidelity, drug abuse, and everyday life as a bohemian in New York’s East Village.
Shortly after, Laren Stover, a self-proclaimed bohemian, wrote the Bohemian Manifesto, classifying five distinct mindsets of the bohemians:
The Nouveau crowd was attracted to Bohemianism, yet only attempted to join when it became popularized in mainstream culture. Every subculture has a group of posers, and for the bohemians, it was the nouveau crowd. The Beat group was non-materialistic, and focused on their work, where freedom of expression was the main objective. Zen Bohemians are spiritual, and focus on reaching a higher plane, usually with the experimentation of drugs. They were continuously moving from reality to fantasy. The Dandy Bohemians don’t have money, but appear to, through their collection of rare and interesting items. Discarding strict moral values, alcohol, drug use, and sexual freedom was common among most bohemians. The pursuit of wealth was non-existent, replaced by the pursuit of passion, and happiness.
“Bohemianism doesn’t always steal the headlines. Bohemianism may be big and shocking, but it may also be personal and sub-terrain with quiet defiance. Bohemianism slops into our bedrooms and makes a personal appearance in our dreams, sits next to us in the car, and whispers detours. Bohemianism is the stranger pouring stars and galaxies into our morning beverage while we watch the cat lick its paws…an elixir of undisclosed ingredients, a strange, bootleg perfume. It’s the psychic, globally warmed truth serum the government wants to ban. It’s the holy water of the unconscious mind, and once anointed, the underground gold mind of ideas blossoms and bleeds into the open air, without judgment. (Bohemian Manifest P.1)
Today, Bohemians tend to gather in the most artistic cities in the world, such as Greenwich Villiage, the East Villiage, and Chelsea in New York City, as well as paris, Soho, Bedford Park, and London. The can be found all over the world. They are every age, race, sex, and religion.
Bohemian culture continues to appear when there is a rebellion against mainstream culture, or an artistic breakthrough by any means. Our society seems so meaningless compared to the individual power bohemians have over their own lives.
HSF elections quickly approaching
The 2010-2011 Humber Student Federation election campaign begins Feb. 22.
Immediately following Reading Week, nominees will contend for students’ votes to be elected as Program representatives, Director and Vice-President of Administration or Campus Life for the upcoming school year.
To be eligible to run as a candidate for election, nominees must be full-time Humber or Guelph-Humber students in good academic standing, with a GPA of 65 per cent or above.
Applicants must also submit a nomination package before Feb. 12, with at least 100 different signatures from full-time Humber or Guelph-Humber students.
The nomination package can be picked up in the HSF offices.Voting will be held from March 8 to 12.
There will be polling stations available in the Athletic Centre, Concourse, Student Centre and Guelph-Humber’s Atrium from 9 a.m until 4 p.m for the entire week.
Students can also vote online. “The voters are contacted with a link, through email and the votes are tabulated using our Elections System supplied by Britannia Systems,” explains Krissy Carlton, president of the Guelph-Humber Student Association.
The votes will be tallied, and the winners will be announced immediately after the voting booths are closed.
More students are encouraged to get involved and vote in their student elections. Only 16.5 per cent of students voted last year.
“Students ought to take an interest in elections, because it affects their day to day experience.” Ercole Perrone, Executive Director of HSF says.
“Students can touch on all their experiences at school through HSF. I challenge all students to learn more about the elections, become a candidate, but most importantly – vote!”
GHSA’s election campaign will follow on March 15.
The latest election information can be found atwww.youvotehumber.wordpress.com.
Immediately following Reading Week, nominees will contend for students’ votes to be elected as Program representatives, Director and Vice-President of Administration or Campus Life for the upcoming school year.
To be eligible to run as a candidate for election, nominees must be full-time Humber or Guelph-Humber students in good academic standing, with a GPA of 65 per cent or above.
Applicants must also submit a nomination package before Feb. 12, with at least 100 different signatures from full-time Humber or Guelph-Humber students.
The nomination package can be picked up in the HSF offices.Voting will be held from March 8 to 12.
There will be polling stations available in the Athletic Centre, Concourse, Student Centre and Guelph-Humber’s Atrium from 9 a.m until 4 p.m for the entire week.
Students can also vote online. “The voters are contacted with a link, through email and the votes are tabulated using our Elections System supplied by Britannia Systems,” explains Krissy Carlton, president of the Guelph-Humber Student Association.
The votes will be tallied, and the winners will be announced immediately after the voting booths are closed.
More students are encouraged to get involved and vote in their student elections. Only 16.5 per cent of students voted last year.
“Students ought to take an interest in elections, because it affects their day to day experience.” Ercole Perrone, Executive Director of HSF says.
“Students can touch on all their experiences at school through HSF. I challenge all students to learn more about the elections, become a candidate, but most importantly – vote!”
GHSA’s election campaign will follow on March 15.
The latest election information can be found atwww.youvotehumber.wordpress.com.
Beat Lounge Bounces
The energy was electric and buzzing with opportunity at the Silver Dollar Room last Thursday, May 7th as Toronto’s most prominent hip-hop producers displayed their work at the Beat Lounge.
Fourteen producers from all over the GTA ranged in age, race, religion, and experience, yet they all had the same ability to make the room move as they shared their latest musical creations.
The Vinyl-killer featuring Nora Tones spun classic old school records as producers, rappers, fans, and friends met for drinks.
“Rappers and musicians get the acknowledgement in hip-hop, while producers are stuck in the basement.” Host Justis explained the business. “The Beat Lounge is a chance for them to get out and showcase themselves and what they’ve got.”
The Waterloo-born rapper/producer’s CD on sale at itunes, titled Just Is. http://www.justismusic.com/
Ali Deheshi, the Iranian-born Muslim producer/rapper let his beat rock first. His powerful life story is touching, and inspires the music he makes. “Music is my expression.” He shared.
Deheshi and his family fled the war torn Iran to Turkey, and spent four years in Greece before being sponsored by a Christian church to move to Canada for education.
He spent four years in Saskatchewan before coming to Toronto. “If it wasn’t for Toronto, I wouldn’t be where I am today musically.”
Thursday night was Deheshi’s last Beat Lounge before continuing his musical and life journey in Vancouver.
He announced the sale of his CD, “A Stereotypical World: a war story”, but by the end of the night he had handed almost everyone a free copy.
It can be purchased at http://www.deheshiempire.com/
All fourteen producers went through the line-up playing three beats each as the audience bobbed their heads in unison.
Producer Fraction has been coming to the Beat Lounge since it began a few years ago.
Fraction, whose real name is Shawn, began producing eleven years ago, and has since worked with artists such as Akon, Saukrates. “I come to the Beat Lounge for networking, and it’s a great chance to show myself, and get my music out there.”
Producers shook hands and met afterwards. Many have already collaborated.
For any upcoming producers interested in participating in an event visit www.unknownfunkhero.com or email beatlounge@unknownfunkhero.com
Fourteen producers from all over the GTA ranged in age, race, religion, and experience, yet they all had the same ability to make the room move as they shared their latest musical creations.
The Vinyl-killer featuring Nora Tones spun classic old school records as producers, rappers, fans, and friends met for drinks.
“Rappers and musicians get the acknowledgement in hip-hop, while producers are stuck in the basement.” Host Justis explained the business. “The Beat Lounge is a chance for them to get out and showcase themselves and what they’ve got.”
The Waterloo-born rapper/producer’s CD on sale at itunes, titled Just Is. http://www.justismusic.com/
Ali Deheshi, the Iranian-born Muslim producer/rapper let his beat rock first. His powerful life story is touching, and inspires the music he makes. “Music is my expression.” He shared.
Deheshi and his family fled the war torn Iran to Turkey, and spent four years in Greece before being sponsored by a Christian church to move to Canada for education.
He spent four years in Saskatchewan before coming to Toronto. “If it wasn’t for Toronto, I wouldn’t be where I am today musically.”
Thursday night was Deheshi’s last Beat Lounge before continuing his musical and life journey in Vancouver.
He announced the sale of his CD, “A Stereotypical World: a war story”, but by the end of the night he had handed almost everyone a free copy.
It can be purchased at http://www.deheshiempire.com/
All fourteen producers went through the line-up playing three beats each as the audience bobbed their heads in unison.
Producer Fraction has been coming to the Beat Lounge since it began a few years ago.
Fraction, whose real name is Shawn, began producing eleven years ago, and has since worked with artists such as Akon, Saukrates. “I come to the Beat Lounge for networking, and it’s a great chance to show myself, and get my music out there.”
Producers shook hands and met afterwards. Many have already collaborated.
For any upcoming producers interested in participating in an event visit www.unknownfunkhero.com or email beatlounge@unknownfunkhero.com
