King Swagger Jackson

You may think this is repetitive, but I truly loved MJ. This video is a unique audiograph memorial.

Peace & Progress

"This Is It" Video is a Spike Lee Joint- RIP MJ

The Perfect Trip Kit

Ever forget to pack something when you go on vacation regardless of how many times you double check? I always do. And while forgetting things that I intended to pack I also learn of new things I need to buy and pack for my next trip. In an attempt to save some of you from the trial and error stage that I went through check out the list of must haves for traveling. These are rules I live by because otherwise some part of my trip is uncomfortable.

For the airport and plane ride to your destination:

You need a comfortable pair of flats to make going through security comfortable and fast. You don't want to be messing with your shoes/laces/zippers too much. Make sure you layer, layer, layer...if you're like me and usually traveling to a warmer climate (I live in Boston there really isn't anywhere else to go but South lol) you will want to do this since it may be 20 degrees when you get on the plane and 85 degrees when you touchdown. For some God awful reason planes blast the A/C for the entire flight and since no one wants to use the skeevy blankets your stewardess might offer you make sure your top layer is a thick sweater/jacket and bring a nice scarf- it makes for a cute accessory and makeshift blanket.

During long flights I either read, watch a movie on my laptop or listen to some music on my iPod. I can't stress that good noise canceling headphones (Bose Quiet Comfort 3 Acoustic headphones got good reviews)  make all the difference-it blocks out the babies crying, and the sound of  the airplane. If you don't want to carry bulky books on board then it's time that you purchase a Kindle that can wirelessly uploads books. I pack my own snacks on flights now because pretzels and 3 ounces of soda aren't going to cut it. Lastly, if you sit in coach like I do then you know how uncomfortable the seats are, travel pillows are a blessing to have and fit nicely in a reasonably sized carry-on.

In general regardless of destination:

You should have an obnoxiously colored and light weight suitcase so that it is easy to spot in baggage claim and not difficult to maneuver. Tumi and Samsonite sell pretty good ones and if you have any luck you may be able to find them reasonably priced at Marshall's. Bring plenty of hand sanitizer and wipes: I use Wet Ones Antibacterial Travel Pack wipes, they fit easily into any purse or fanny pack and they're safe to use on your face. I don't know if its the germaphobe in me but I will not stay in any hotel without my hypoallergenic pillow covers that also protect against bed bugs and dust mites: you never know who has slept on those pillows before you or what kind of fluids are lurking in or on them so it cant hurt to use them.

Lastly, I don't know about you guys but while I'm on vacation I like to kick back drink, listen to music, especially if I'm on and tropical island. When you're on the beach and in the ocean you have to protect your feet from getting cut or bitten, don't brave the elements without a pair of swim shoes-they are cheap at about $15 and you can purchase them on amazon.com.On the beach note, there is nothing better than taking your tunes to the beach and you can't do that without portable iPod speakers. The iHome model iH29 are the best because they are easy to carry and come in their own protective case.

A Few Things I'm In Love With Right Now

Foley + Corinna Hobo

Nine West Linnie Boot

Ranger Shearling Boot

Schott Bomber Jackets

http://www.kickasscupcakes.com/

Best Movie of 2009

J. Crew glittens

My Top Album Picks of 2009

The mixtape Drake released on February 13, 2009 was his break through album, if I have ever seen one. This was the work of a hungry artist. This kid has not stopped since its release and this album was by far the most frequently played on my iPod this year. I hope his much anticipated album can live up to the mixtape.

Jay-Z did it again with BP3, although something tells me this is the last time he is going to be able to  get away with an album like this. He needs to start talking about different things, at times he can seem repetitive in his lyrics. There were plenty of featured artists and producers-Jay has the means and network to do it big and he did. We'll see how he is live when I go see him at the Verizon Center in DC in March. Until then...we on to the next one.

Although in my opinion The Vault Vol I was a better album, Eric is one of the most slept on artists I know-and this is tragic because the man is so talented. He's definitely not starving but he doesn't get the recognition he deserves. I saw him live at the Black Cat in DC and he is an amazing entertainer, he writes his own lyrics and he can SAAAANNNGG. Check out his blog at http://blueerrosoul.blogspot.com/ and buy his album: you will not be disappointed. Below is a video of Eric performing live at the performance I attended at the Black Cat in DC.

I will say that myself and many people I know have been waiting a long time for Mos Def to bring it back like he finally did in his The Ecstatic album. Mos spit a track entirely in Spanish, teamed up with Talib Kweli again (on a track produced by J. Dilla himself), and simply gave us what we needed. He utilized Madlib as his producer for many of the cuts-which always makes me happy because I'm such a fan of Madlib. My favorite songs off the album hands down are; "Auditorium" ft. Slick Rick (YES!), "No Hay Nada Mas", and "History" ft. Talib Kweli. http://bit.ly/61Kc4A

This album had been in the works for at least 4 years, and finally Raekwon of the infamous Wu Tang Clan released Pt. II of his Only Built for Cuban Linx series. As expected Raekwon has featured much of the Wu Tang Clan crew on many of the songs and has brought star quality credits to the production department of the album with the likes of J. Dilla, RZA, Eric Sermon, Dr. Dre, and Pete Rock. My favorite track on the album is "New Wu"- since I'm partial to Method Man. Beware if you decide to purchase this album and you aren't already a fan of the Wu this is REAL rap music with lots of gutter words being used.

Why It's So Important to be Hooked on Phonics

Now, I can understand there are some people that are "home" schooled because they reach stardom at an early age and are unable to attend a brick and mortar school on a regular basis, let's take Chris Brown for example. But based on the videos above, you'd have no choice but to question these people's literacy-especially that of C.B. "like wow". All of these people are multi-millionaires, and what's most frightening is that two of them were elected officials. Neither of the two elected officials are well read, bright, or articulate. Yet, one held the highest office in the land, while the other is a conservative's second coming of Christ. I'm left wondering why these people don't read more often...literally? And how the hell does this happen (we all know how Bush was elected to a 2nd term, so no need to rehash that)?

Is our society that busy that we cannot teach our children the importance of reading? Have we succumbed to the TV, XBOX 360, iPod touch, PS3, Wii, PSP and internet raising our children? And why isn't being well read as important or respected as it used to be (keeping in mind I wasn't a child too long ago)? What has changed? I was fortunate enough to have a mother who taught me how to read at an early age and as a result I developed an affinity for reading that has stayed with me through adulthood. I was fortunate enough to have parents who put me into private schools that forced me to read 3 books per summer vacation and write an essay on at least one. These weren't the babysitter club books either (although I did read almost the whole series at 7 & 8 years old); I'm talking about Clockwork Orange, The Odyssey, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Black Like Me and all in middle school.

Why can't we bring it all back? Let's teach our children how important an education is instead of what's on MTV and BET. Instead of teaching them how to "pop & lock it" they should be participating in a productive extracurricular activity. Or else they are going to grow up to sound like C.B., George Bush, and Sarah Palin...and honestly, who wants that?

Peace & Progress

YFE's Most Influential People of 2009- The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

1. Mr. & Mrs. Barack Obama

For the most obvious reasons these two are my top pick. For all the work that our President has done and for all the much needed changes he has had the intestinal fortitude to try and implement. Although the outcomes have been not all been successful: he rocks! All the while with his fierce wife by his side, "living on the edge" with her sleeveless dresses *insert sarcasm here*, keeping her girls grounded, doing so much for the community not only in and around the District but the entire country. Hats off to you Mr. & Mrs. President.

2. Sarah Palin 

I have seen all too much of this woman this past year. The media became obsessed with Ms. Palin this year for better or for worse. She loves the press,  (this includes the evil liberal media) so much so she had to quit her job as Governor of the state of Alaska to go on a bus tour and promote "her" book that does not contain many facts and most of which she did not write herself. Only in America. God bless the "rogue" that decided the easiest way to make a quick buck was to exploit her family, and coin phrases like "death panels".

3. Evan Williams & Biz Stone

These guys started the phenomenon otherwise known as Twitter. The first of any of the social networks to attract the like of huge moguls such as Oprah, Ashton Kutcher and Diddy. Making the previously unaccessible celebrities one twit away from the average Joe. Not only can you follow Martha Stewart but Twitter also allows news to spread like wild fire. 

4. David Plouffe

"The man who made Obama". Since YFE wasn't around in 2008 I had to give it up to him this time around. He was offered a job in the White House after Obama won the election but politely declined and opted for a life outside of the limelight until Obama hits the campaign trail again (bet your money on it -he'll be on his team again). Plouffe took campaigning somewhere it had never been before-the internet. 

5. Justice Sonia Sotomayor

As the first Hispanic and only the third woman confirmed to the  Supreme Court, Justice Sonia Sotomayor has broken barriers and put a chasm in the glass ceiling that alludes so many of us. Her confirmation process was proof positive that some men of the Republican persuasion continue to be distracted with things that are and will always be irrelevant to the position of Supreme Court Justice.We are so proud of her here at YFE, for more information see our previous post here http://bit.ly/6qXu9Z.

6. Soledad O'Brien

I had the opportunity to watch Latino in America and Black in America on CNN this year and I was awe struck by the quality, depth, and empathy of Soledad's reporting. The pieces were masterfully put together and I was surprised at how involved the episodes dove into the real lives of so many people: it is so apparent that we have come so far and this is reason to celebrate but much remains to be accomplished. For more information click here http://bit.ly/8vnrFh.

7. Rihanna

Lots of women cut their hair this year because of this young lady and now want to bring leather back, lots of dark funky outfits, and chunky accessories. You may be questioning my reasoning for putting said chica on the Most Influential People list but if you aren't a fashion snob working in high fashion or blogging about how stylish you are based on goodies you found at a flea market...then what do you have?The answer is Rihanna, next time you're at the mall and you see a "fashionable" woman think of Rihanna and I'm sure they're trying to immitate her style in some way, shape, or form. I haven't seen copy cats like this since that horrible Jennifer Aniston hair cut. 

8. Steve Jobs

Despite taking a six month hiatus to continue fighting the hardest battle of his life- Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2004 (one the most lethal types) and also underwent a liver transplant this year. He continues to amaze us with one Apple product after another and only for $1 per year salary. Jobs also works at Pixar animation studios (as if he doesn't have enough to do) and as the CEO of Apple he is always one step ahead of his competitors.

9. The United States Armed Forces

To the young men and women that risk their lives year after year and tour after tour, sometimes giving the ultimate sacrifice to our country we here at YFE thank you!

10. Ben Bernanke

I'd be surprised if this guy got one good night sleep the entire year. With the economy in shambles, the head of the Federal Reserve has had a bit of a stressful year trying to help devise a plan to restructure and rebuild America's struggling economy.

Why I will always love my President..

Enough said.

Jay Electronica-Exhibit A & C Masterpieces

(Jay & I at the Rock the Bells Tour Summer 2008)

Exhibit A (produced by Just Blaze)

Exhibit C (Produced by Just Blaze)


 Exhibit A was released back in November 2008 & Exhibit C- EP December 2009. To purchase Exhibit C- EP click here.


Peace & Progress

Does Sade Still Have the Goods? You Decide...

I'm joining the rest of the blogosphere world and introducing all YFE followers to Sade's first single in a decade. Her album and this single are both called "Soldier of Love"-for more details please see previous post. Please leave your thoughts about this single, I'm interested in hearing from YOU!

Peace & Progress

Gov. Patrick's Annual Holiday Gala-BIG WIG STUFF

Governor Deval Patrick and First Lady Diane Patrick invite you to join us to celebrate the holidays and the acheivements of the Patrick-Murray Administration. As we launch our new campaign, we continue to look to the people of the Commonwealth for your energy, your ideas, and your support.

When: Thursday, December 17, 2009 
Where: Westin Copley Place, 10 Huntington Avenue, Boston

In the charitable spirit of the holiday season, please bring a donation of new children's winter coats or shoes for Cradles to Crayons.

• RSVP by December 14th by purchasing tickets below or by contacting AJ Williams at 617 267-2244 or at aj@creativeeventsinc.com
• Festive formal attire

Program

6:00 - 8:00 pm A Culinary Affair Reception tickets $500

A Reception featuring the state’s renowned Celebrity Chefs including Jayson DeMarco, Jody Adams, Barbara Lynch, Patricia Yeo, Gordon Hamersley and many more. Performances by Berklee College of Music’s Women of the World and City Music All Stars

7:00 pm - Dessert Reception tickets $100

Featuring small bites, pastry chefs, and dancing. Program with Mistress of ceremonies Keisha Whitaker and a performance by Darcel Wilson. Surprise appearances

Please note: if you have already contributed the maximum allowable amount to the Deval Patrick Campaign in the 2009 calendar year, you can purchase tickets for this event by contributing to the Massachusetts Democratic Party - State Account by visiting the following page:www.actblue.com/page/devalpatrick-holiday09-mdp. Please contact the Deval Patrick Campaign at 617-367-2010 with any questions and a member of the finance staff will be pleased to assist you.


*If you decide to go be sure to mail us some pictures at milyna@youngflyeducated.com*

Moving Into A New Apartment?

I have seen plenty of people fall victim to the schemes of cheap landlords. And the way the rents are here in Boston, NYC, and DC I know for sure that all of you renters out there should at least be getting your money's worth and most of you aren't. So here are some tips, do's and don'ts to moving into a "new" apartment and what you should expect and/or demand from your new landlord.

1. Never, ever move into a dirty apartment, it should be spotless when you move in.
2. The apartment should be free of any maintenance issues (you do not want to be held responsible for things that were broken upon move-in when you move-out).
3. There is no such thing as a key deposit or pet deposit in MA. It is illegal, period.
4. Ask your landlord if he/she changed the locks (they are supposed to, but the sneaky ones never do), you do not want anyone walking into your apartment at 3am, uninvited, or come home to find you've been cleaned out!
5. The apartment should be in what the industry considers "move-in condition", click on this link  and go through this checklist when you move in to make sure everything is in order and that you don't forget anything. 
6. Check the cabinets, if there are someone else's belongings in them ask your landlord to throw them away before moving in: you don't want any recourse from the previous tenant about something they "forgot".
7. All rent increases must be in writing and you must be given a 30 day advance notice before implementation. 
8. If something breaks and it wasn't your fault don't take it upon yourself to fix it, call your landlord. 
9. Massachusetts law prohibits landlords from collecting any money in advance of a new tenancy other than the first and last month's rent, a security deposit in an amount equal to or less than one month's rent, and the cost of installing a new lock. (Massachusetts General Laws, c. 186, s. 15B).
10. Your security deposit should be held in an interest bearing account, therefore, you should receive an interest check annually, albeit a small one. 
11. Heat should be available to all renters on September 15th of each calendar year, it's Massachusetts law. 

How do I know all this you ask? Well, I'm the landlord of 300 apartments for a living. The landlords who usually break these rules are the ones who are renting out their condo or single family home. The majority of apartment buildings , local housing authorities obey rules and regulations. It's the small timers, the people who aren't heavily regulated that you have to watch out for. Hopefully this post will save you some heartache. 

Peace & Progress


 This post is purely for informational purposes only. 

VIBE'S December Cover(s)

Yes, they went there.

And for your viewing pleasure check out #16 of Drake's fill in the blanks.

Courtesy of XXL Magazine.

Bringing It Back: Lopez Tonight

So there I was vacationing in Puerto Rico last week, with the television on, not entirely sober or cognizant of what exactly I wanted to watch and suddenly at around midnight P.R. time George Lopez comes on (11pm EST). Intrigued by only the lead in music I decided it was worth a 5 minute taste test. An hour later, I was delighted by the entire meal. Not only is the leader of the Lopez tonight band (Michael Bearden) Michael Jackson's musical director (yes, you read that right) but George is hilarious to the degree that he is bleeped out on several occasions each night. His guests have an obvious affinity towards him and vary enough in industry and back round to keep you entertained. His studio audience is either larger or simply just more amped then Leno and Letterman's combined. He appears unapologetically energetic and passionate about what he's doing (as he should, his show is new), but what struck me the most about this hour of "late night" is that there is an underlying message. The first night I watched it he went to a black hair salon to talk about the new African-American Barbie and her "Afrocentric" features, ummm yeah-then designed his own version of what a Hispanic Barbie would look like. Amusing stuff but what he was trying to say rang true, those "new and improved" dolls look ridiculous and missed the mark entirely. He also performs DNA tests on his willing guests to find out their ancestry. Lopez has introduced something new to late night and all the while appearing to do it unintentionally. Not only does he swear but he also throws some Spanglish in here and there too. Needless to say, Lopez has a new fan, and after that first night of watching him in P.R. I watched him the remaining nights of my stay. He is the new sabor of late night!