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Times are tough and we have all encountered panhandlers and homeless individuals on freeway entrances, outside of grocery stores, and around the beach. Sometimes we are feeling a little generous and other times we simply look the other way. But after learning that some panhandlers can earn up to twenty dollars an hour, I began to wonder two things… a) if I was in the wrong business and b) how I could decipher the scam artists from those really in need.

The fact of the matter is that looks can be deceiving and unless you stalk them throughout the day, there is no way to know if the money you give out isn’t being spent on drugs and alcohol. Does this mean we should put our wallets away and turn the blind eye to those in need? I think not.

Here are some ways you can help out without dishing out the dough…

• Swag Bag - A nice way to help out is to fill a goodie bag with food and hygiene products.

• Donate Time - Time is money people! Find a local charitable organization that helps the homeless and those in need and donate an hour of your time. Whether it is working at a soup kitchen or helping out at a local shelter your time is sure to help.

• Do You - Put your professional skills to good use. I recently came across a great collaborative campaign called “Artists Against Hunger” that is being sponsored by a local design firm and the San Diego Food Bank to raise money and food. The campaign calls for local designers to create posters that will be featured and sold for charity. Want to contribute? Find out more and submit your work at: http://www.parkerwhite.com/social-awareness/

There are many ways you can be generous and help others in need without giving away your money. So go on wit’ yo bad self and be creative when make a difference. A little good karma never hurt anyone and you never know when you might need a helping hand.
Written by: Rob Corea

Turns out singer Marc Anthony got quite the birthday serenade Wednesday evening and it wasn’t by his lovely wife Jennifer Lopez or those twins, which I am sure can probably sing and dance by now even though they are like 19-months old or so.

It was President Obama with a bunch of senators and congressmen who did a “Happy Birthday’ rendition for Anthony who turned 41. The thought of all their voices singing must be a Simon Cowell nightmare but at the very least very funny.

Personally I would have really loved it they substituted ‘Happy Birthday’ for its Spanish translation ‘Feliz Cumpleaños’ �“ now that would have been good stuff.

The couple was in our nations capital to meet with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to discuss the new Marc Anthony Scholarship Fund. I’m told it’s to help Latino students pursue higher education. What exactly that all mean’s and how it works, I’m not sure. But it makes me think I should start some sort of fund too.

On another note, next time you are in D.C., check out W hotel's P.O.V. lounge where the pair did some late night celebration where guess what? They played music by Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez.


Written by: Michael Cohen

Every decade has its defining moments. For the 1960’s, Woodstock was revolutionary! Forty years later, we’re still talking about it, recreating it, and featuring it on the big screen like in Ang Lee’s latest flick, “Taking Woodstock.”

Woodstock defined an era. Thirty-two acts (many extinct) performed outdoors in front of a half million happy, often, tripping hippies. It was billed as “An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace and Music.” From what I hear, it was that and so much more, especially, if you factor in the drugs, which were as integral to the festival as the music, itself. For those of us who missed it, and for generations to follow, we have powerful images that captured the wonders of Woodstock. And there, on that dairy farm in the town of Bethel, New York, on August 15, 1969 was one of the world’s most talented photographers, Baron Wolman. (pictured below)



Flash forward forty years and a few days. It’s mid August, 2009. I’m en route via Southwest Airlines to New Mexico for a set visit. If you know anything about me at all, you know I’m TERRIFIED of flying. So, let’s just say, on this specific day, I’m about two dirty martini’s in, next to a window seat, fingers crossed, and ready for take off. Phew, once we’re in the air and I’m able to catch my breath again, I look over two seats (aisle seat) and am greeted by a very friendly face, which immediately puts me at ease. It’s Baron Wolman. Maybe he could smell my fear and wanted to distract me with conversation or was it that he hoped to tune out the wacky stewardess?? Either way, the first question out of Baron’s mouth was, “Are you into rock and roll??” My first thought?? “Ding, ding, ding!!!” See, another thing most people know about me is that I’m absolutely obsessed with the music and culture of the sixties and early seventies! I answered with, “Yeah, I love the old stuff.” Then, the unthinkable happened!! He handed me a little book of postcards with Jimi Hendrix on the cover, rocking out with his guitar in a legendary, semi-erotic “Jimi” pose. I flipped through the book only to find that one page was better than the next. Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, The Grateful Dead…and the list goes on. I thought, “Have I died and gone to heaven!?!?!” Then I hear Baron say, “Those are all my pictures.” At that point, I regressed back to being a 14 year old girl at her first Hanson concert. Let’s just say I was in total awe! I began firing questions…What was Janis like? And Grace Slick ??(seen below) How were “The Doors” in concert? Did you ever see Jerry on drugs? Who was the best? Who was a diva…blah blah blah.



As we continued talking and looking through the pictures, it dawned on me that I actually recognized most of the images. Turns out, this guy ain’t no small fry. I also learned that Baron was the very first Chief Photographer of Rolling Stone Magazine in the late sixties when music was at its peak. In 1970, Baron, left the Stone to start his own magazine, Rags, the "Rolling Stone of fashion” which was said to be a journalistic success.

(Image of Santana at Woodstock)


Needless to say, the flight landed safely, I made a new friend and felt more inspired than ever. Baron gave me his email address and as it rarely happens, I actually used it. I figured what better way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Woodstock and the release of the movie then by paying tribute with some of Baron’s famous photos taken at the festival. Funny enough, a man who has such talent behind the camera also has a real knack with his words. I think Baron’s website explains his motto best: “Mixing business with pleasure since 1965.” And many more years to come.

(The glorious Jerry Garcia--not taken at Woodstock but one of my favorites!)



If you’re interested in Baron’s photos or want to learn more about the man behind the camera, feel free to email him at www.baronwolman.com

**Check out my website at www.adriannacosta.com
Become a friend on facebook or follow me on Twitter at Adrianna Costa

As of yesterday pictures of hip-hop music mogul Jay-Z and media mogul Oprah Winfrey surfaced the internet. The two were photographed throughout the Bedford-Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn, New York and the Marcy project of which Jay-Z grew up. Since the sighting of the two, there’s been buzz that Jay-Z will be appearing on an upcoming episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” With the highly anticipated release of his next album “The Blueprint 3” set to drop September 11, 2009, timing is critical. Hopefully this interview is a go; it will forever go down in history as a turning point in hip-hop! Written by: Janae' Westbrook

In a world where celebrities can run for office and win, it's not a huge surprise to see a naked cowboy trying to do it, too. The "Naked Cowboy" is a famous icon in New York City's Times Square, but now he's doing more than just playing the guitar and taking pictures with tourists. Last week he officially announced that he's entering the race for the office of mayor of New York City. His campaign slogan says, "Because nobody has done more with less," which is certainly true considering the Naked Cowboy sports a cowboy hat, briefs and cowboy boots. Written by: Charlsy Panzino

Obama presented his 12$ billion plan to benefit community colleges with an “American Graduation Initiative.” This plan has a lofty goal of striving for 5 million new community college graduates by 2020. Hoping to create individuals that will be qualified for the jobs of tomorrow. The projected jobs of tomorrow, and the ones that will grow the fastest are expected to require at least an Associates degree. This is a historical step towards the benefit of Community Colleges, and educating Americans. Education is not only a necessity for most to get a job that can provided enough to live day to day, but we need for education to be a prioiety so we can make advancements in society as a whole.

Unfortunately and ironically right as president Obama is presenting this plan, California Community Colleges are not only cutting classes as enrollment is rising, but the cost per unit is going to be increased. This isn’t the best start for Obama's plan or for those who really want to see and believe that Obama can and will create a positive change. The American Graduation Initiative is a long term plan, and the 12$ billion is to be spent over the next decade, so change will be gradual, but hopefully the goal of 5 million new community college graduates by 2020 will be met.
Written by: Kristina Catton

According to the mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles residents and tax payers are going to be held responsible for Michael Jackson’s estimated $1.4 million tab for his funeral held at the Staples Center and through out the Los Angeles area. In late May, the Los Angles Unified School District announced that due to budget concerns, meaning they are broke, they decided to cancel a bulk of summer school classes and jobs. These summer school programs are being cut from elementary schools and high schools all the way up to Community Colleges.

So now that we have cut these programs, the repercussions that will come about are struggling parents trying to find affordable child care programs to put their children in while they work during the summer. As well as students in higher education programs not being able to complete there class schedules, bringing about results that may increase drop out levels. With less people finishing up high school and college, the workforce in Los Angeles is going to be become quite incompetent. As a result of this less competent workforce the Los Angeles economy is going to continue to spiral downward with more people becoming uneducated, and not being able to earn or afford the necessary living costs. However, for some odd reason the Los Angeles mayor believes that during this tough budget crisis, Los Angeles residents should sacrifice and help pay for a funeral costing roughly $1.4 million. All I can say is that we need to change up the system and get politicians to care for the common person rather than worship the celebrities that have the money to afford these costs.
Written by: Jimmy Bearse

Kim Kardashian is doing it. Kristen Stewart rocks 'em around set. Kate Beckinsale buys them by the dozen. Seems every teen hearthrob, accomplished actress and tabloid gossip queen is wearing these babies around town ...

It is the Chaser Tee, and Hollywood just can't seem to get enough.

Offering an arsenal of casual Tees - both vintage and new - Chaser Tees exploit the politically conscious, funny, absurd and just downright cool for a line that defines our generation. Chaser has become popular for eternalizing some of the most legendary musical gods onto loose-fitted and casual Tees, for both the celebutante and socialite to rock about town.

Whether you're a Prince fan, Grateful Dead hippie or let-your-hair-down Blondie fan, Chaser's got the hipster covered for any day of the week. Weekend at the beach? Check. Casual Friday? Check. Underneath a menswear blazer with skinny jeans and kitten heels? Priceless.

Get yours now. Everybody's doing it.

www.chasermerch.com





Written by: Carly Harrill

Nowadays everything is going designer. You can’t walk down the street without seeing a poodle in a Burberry collar or a housewife with a Juicy Couture iPhone case. In an exhibit that ironizes American society’s dependence on labels, artist Peter Gronquist displayed weapons and objects of destruction that blatantly parade well-known designer insignia. A blinged out gold Louis Vuitton chainsaw? A Prada rifle? Gronquist intends to parade the country’s glorification of the material right in front of our faces. Yet the real irony is that his inoperative artwork is for sale…someone explain that one to me. I must insist, however: just because it’s designer doesn’t mean I necessarily want to encounter a D&G machine gun in public. Written by: Stephanie Buck

The San Francisco comedy troupe, Kasper Houser, performs live and has written for Comedy Central and HBO. New to their portfolio are a couple collections of spoofs in book form. First, Obama’s Blackberry is “a glimpse into the President’s PDA, with top-secret emails and text messages uncovered by the private dicks of comedy, Kasper Hauser.” A sample text message from Michelle reads:

FirstLady2U: u looked cute on CNN! :)
BarackO: really! :)
FirstLady2U: can you get away for 15 min.’s?! :)
BarackO: YES I CAN! :)
FirstLady2U: good, cuz Bo barfed in west wing. needs to be cleaned up. :(

Secondly, Kasper Houser parodies the New York Times wedding announcements in their book entitled Weddings of the Times. Along with cheesy quips and sarcasm, they promise sound ceremony advice and helpful illustrations that are bound to make any wedding a disaster. Proceed with caution.
Written by: Stephanie Buck

We never saw that before…French president’s wife, Carla Bruni Sarkozy, is a former model. Yesterday in the Grisebach Villa in Berlin, a naked picture of her, “Carla Bruni in Bed”, shot by Pamela Hanson in 1994 was sold in auction for 13 900 euros. Last year at Christie’s in New York, another naked picture of her, shot by Michel Comte in 1993, was sold $91 000. It seems like she has very wealthy fans all over the world! Written by: Eléonore Mosimann

No, not the rapper, but rather the narcissistic, egotistical, and big haired North Korean Dictator Kim Jong-Il, who has been on the news recently for testing nuclear bombs. Despite many warnings from the U.N and the U.S to stop, it seems that Kim Jong-il is daring Washington to a nuclear showdown.
More like a rock star wanna-be than a political leader, Kim Jong-Il is very well known for his awkward personality. He eats Caviar and drinks expensive Cognac while most of his constituents, or more like minions, starve to death.He is also known for the hard core propaganda he uses to brain wash an entire country, but do not be fooled, as crazy as he may be, he still is the Chief of one of the largest army's in the world, which makes him very dangerous when he gets grumpy.
Now that tensions are beginning to cool down between North Korea and the world, one must wonder if this 5 foot 3 man has something to proof, you know what they say, "little man, huge ego."
Written by: Leslie Garrido

Religion can be viewed as old, traditional and completely out of touch with the real world as it is today. But in an effort to change all that, some churches and churchgoers are turning to technology. Social communication has become the new gateway for spreading the word of the Lord. According to msnbc.com, religion is expanding its audience and presence through Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Flickr and other networking Web sites. Some churches have picked up on this new wave of popular technology and are using these sites to broadcast their ideals, lessons and stories. The Vatican has even recently launched its own Web portal entitled “Pope2you,” in addition to already having a YouTube channel and Facebook application. Basically it's all about survival in a world growing and changing, and keeping the faith alive starts with reaching new generations through new means. Written by: Sasha Malekooti

Dont get me wrong. I consider myself one of the most fashion-obsessed people I know, but hear me out a minute: do we really need to be informed of every single fashion decision that the first lady makes?

Seriously, even some of the most prestigious news publications are including side-notes about Michelles newest mind-blowing pencil skirt. Of course, they veil it as a proclamation that her diverse choice in ethnic and international designers is a declaration of political diplomacy. Even Time magazine has thrown in intellectual catchphrases to trick us into believing were reading a breaking news story instead of any other article you might find in Vogue: "the First Lady has been a one-woman stimulus package for the suffering fashion retail industry."

The newest Time issue tries to redeem itself, stating immediately that their interview with Michelle "manages to be extremely thorough and very interesting without once asking the First Lady about designer dresses or shoes." I realize that, thanks to the famous beaded cardigan, the 64% J.Crew web traffic increase has completely redeemed this failed economy (sarcasm intended), but cant we first award Mrs. Obama credit for her philanthropy rather than her choice of pearls? Written by: Stephanie Buck

Major League Baseball. The classic American sport. Accompanied with a hot dog, garnished with mustard, the smell of fresh cut grass, obnoxious yelling fans rooting on their favorite player, and a full day at the ballpark. Ahh, the memories I have. Being a nor-cal native, I find myself struggling to take on teams such as the Dodgers or Padres, being that I was in the Barry Bonds fan club growing up. I went to Giants games and had not a clue what I was doing or what I was yelling when I would chant along with the crowd.

Baseball has much changed since then. Home-run records have hit an all-time sky high and the pressure of performance has never been so demanding. Athletes are expected so much and with the economy and international affairs going on, it's really difficult to alleviate that kind of stress. Steroids have become a commonality within the sport and have much been a taboo topic. The MLB officials struggle with athletes' usage of the drug and have since the early 90's, but have attempted covering up the mishaps.

After hearing about Manny Ramirez coming public about his steroid usage, it kind of took the icing off the cake. For a player who has this great reputation for his heart in the game and the last standing straw for honesty, it sort of baffled me that he was using steroids. Part of me wants to condemn him and write him off, along with my Barry Bonds fan club pass I will never revert back to. But then again, it shows a little display of his character. He has already been publicly humiliated and now faces the repercussions of his bad judgement. As a public figure, he knew darn well the blasts he would receive for his actions. And although I don't necessarily empathize for him, however, I do applaud him for his honesty. As far as the sympathizing scale is concerned, I sit quite low on the caliber. Maybe this honesty is what the sport needed though. A fresh start, like that fresh cut grass. The player suffers a 50-game suspension and in the mean time, has a lot of apologizing and in-sighting to look forward to. The classic American sport can hope for a forward movement in backwards, classic style.


Written by: Krissy Huizar