Susan G. Reyes Vasquez

The Gospel of Hip Hop: The First Instrument

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 01:00:00 +0000

Just as jazz is a uniquely American phenomenon whose sentiment and message resonate with people the world round, so is hip-hop. Hip-hop began as a means by which to illustrate the experiences of people living their daily lives in the ‘hoods of New York. Although the originators of hip-hop, such as the Sugar Hill Gang were instrumental in shedding light on teen pregnancy, drug addiction, and violence it wasn’t until the era of KRS-One that hip-hop evolved to the status of Cultural Revolution. KRS-One, best known as Teacha, brought hip-hop to the mainstream. Although in his early days his work with Boogie Down Productions (BDP) was more violent in nature, after the tragic loss of his BDP partner, DJ Scott LaRock, his work evolved into a peaceable lyrical style that called the masses to confront social ills head on. With his politically savvy, multicultural take on what he was witnessing in his environs he touched upon that longing within us all to be free. Hip-hop is, at its core, about freedom.

Yet, freedom is not free and it is the struggle that is highlighted in The Gospel of Hip Hop. True to its name, the Gospel of hip-hop provides the reader with a good word about the value garnered only by overcoming obstacles. Hip-hop, although invented in America, has become an internationally appreciated musical form because it is more than just music. In this tome KRS-One provides the reader with plenty of teaching on peace and love which breaks down barriers, removes prejudice, and reconciles injustice.

For example, in the opening section, of this book the Teacha states: "But as for us, as for our group commonly known in the World as 'Hip Hop,' this gospel acknowledges and celebrates the Love that has saved OUR people from self destruction. It is time to repent and grow up! Rapping about crime and murder may sound good amongst those who have never committed such acts, but for those of us who are REAL IN THE FIELD, we send this message to our young people—YOU DON’T REALLY WANT IT!"

And on the following page: "For with this first instrument we remember GOD and how we were rescued by unseen forces more powerful than any government on Earth. For when all seemed hopeless and oppression seemed permanent; a caring, protective, nurturing creative force independent of all the World’s political, business, educational and religious institutions, swept through our hearts and homes and we were rescued from sickness, hatred, ignorance and poverty with a behavior that we eventually began to call 'Hip Hop.' And we must NEVER forget this.”

Hip-hop is life, hip-hop is freedom, hip-hop is revolution. KRS-One has brought to light the cure for what ails us all: heart sickness, the residual effect of the subjugation of one group of people by another group of people. Whether those groups are divided by gender, race, religion, socio-economic status, age, or educational attainment they are all expressions of hatred and ignorance. The only solution for which is love. As Al Green so eloquently stated “Love is the message and the message is love”.

Written by: Susan G. Reyes Vasquez, January 20th 2010

Lessons of a Lipstick Queen: Finding and Developing the Great Idea That Can Change Your Life

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:16:00 +0000

By Poppy King

Atria Books

Hello! This book is a call to your inner lipstick queen! Truthfully, I’m not much of a makeup person. At most my cosmetics collection includes lip balm for daytime and mascara for a night on the town. Yet, there was something about the provocative title that compelled me to read this book. Do we all have a lipstick queen deep inside us, just as we have inner children? If so, our inner lipstick queen deserves to come out and play on occasion.

Enter stage left: Poppy King's Lessons of a Lipstick Queen. King’s book is a delightful and animated guide on how to recognize and pursue your passions. The book itself brings the reader through King’s own amazing experiences as she follows the trail created while searching for the perfect shade of lipstick.

At seventeen, King was quite young when she first set out on her quest, but she was bold enough not to second guess herself (as I might have done at forty). While she notes it is important to release your inhibitions, King doesn’t over-emphasize the fact that she has a fearless spirit and highlights the importance of restraint. She points out the value to be had from times of trouble and loss, mostly sharing those moments as temporary experiences she learned from.

King shares the lessons she learned during the life cycles of her entrepreneurial pursuits in a user friendly way that inspires the reader to ponder the possibilities their own lives may hold. For example, Lesson two: Take very seriously any sentence starting with “I wish.” Sage advice, and I concur. Wishing isn’t only for Polly Anna or Dorothy. Wishing is good for your health, so to speak.

King reminds us to consider the possibilities that lie outside of our comfort zones and to recognize that everyone experiences pain and loss, but we also have the option to get back up. While she writes of her passion, she also notes the vital support of her family and friends. Even more importantly, she reminds us that it is only through one’s planning, preparation, and hard work that goals are ultimately accomplished.

Unlike many other how to guides this book does not offer a simple solution (like if you do A, B, and C, you will be a millionaire). On the contrary, King provides the reader with fifty-eight distinct yet interrelated lessons on how to pursue one’s passion, brave rough waters, and keep one’s chin up. Sounds like a tall order? Indeed, but if you’re game, this is the book to help guide you through the process.

Written by: Susan G. Reyes Vasquez, September 13th 2009

Migration Earrings

admin — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:19:00 +0000

By Bohème Jewelry

Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near? Just like me, they long to be close to you. —Karen Carpenter

This is the song that first came to mind when I admired the Migration Earrings handcrafted by Sheryl Pang of Bohème Jewelry. I suppose that is largely because of the way these delicately crafted earrings inspire thoughts of peaceful afternoons laying in the grass watching the clouds float by.

Designed to reflect a perfectly poised flock of golden birds gliding through a Swarovski crystal sky, these earrings are the ideal compliment to any outfit. I put them on as soon as they arrived, and the Migration Earrings fast became my favorite pair of earrings: my "go to" pair. You know, the ones that can travel with you everywhere. Whether to my kids' soccer games, a class, a meeting, or dinner with dear friends, these earrings have come with me to an array of events, garnering compliments every time. When my best girlfriend asked where I got them, it provided a nice opportunity to highlight Bohème—and Elevate Difference!

Although it’s always nice to receive positive feedback from friends, the fact of the matter is that one of the highest compliments I received came from my nine-year-old daughter, who is much more likely to recognize and let me know what is wrong about my appearance than what is right. She told me the earrings were "so beautiful" and she wondered if I could “please please please” let her borrow them when she grows up. What could I say? "Yes dear, of course."

The Migration Earrings prompt you to look on the bright side of life, and help you to remember how beautiful you truly are. Beyond this amazing accessory, Bohème also offers a full line of delightful jewelry that has a classic sensibility which is at once elegant and spirited. Completely feminine and entirely tasteful, the Migration Earrings are sure to inspire you to soar to new heights.

Written by: Susan G. Reyes Vasquez, September 10th 2009

A Cup of Comfort, Women of the Bible Devotional: Daily Reflections Inspired by Scripture's Most Beloved Heroines

admin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:09:00 +0000

Edited by James Steward Bell, Susan B. Townsend

Adams Media

Let’s face it, regardless of our daily routines or obligations we can all use a bit of comfort from time to time. As such, I would strongly recommend A Cup of Comfort Women of the Bible Devotional, which I found to be less of a daily devotional and more of a mystical adventure. It seemed that each day’s message had been distinctly crafted just for me. There was always something valuable in the words that were shared—whether via the narratives or the quotes that lingered with me as I tended to the myriad of responsibilities that clamor for my attention each day.

This is actually one book that you can judge by its cover. True to its name, this daily devotional provides comfort and inspiration to a world weary soul, supplying the ideal amount of biblical wisdom to get your day started on the right foot. What I found particularly endearing about this devotional is the fact that it is the heroines of the Bible whose wisdom and experience is highlighted and presented. Prior to becoming a Christian I explored nearly every other mystical path out there: Sufi mysticism, New Age philosophies, Kabbala, Wicca, Buddhism, Taoism, and (she states somewhat shamefully) Hedonism.

What I enjoyed most about exploring these other paths was the central theme that allowed for focus on devotion to the balance of life, the essential connection between yin and yang, light and dark. Until I began reading this devotional I wasn’t able to see that Christianity also offers the balance of opposing forces. With each passage I was able to recognize the value of the feminine aspect of Christianity, which was something that had not been apparent to me via the most widely available Christian materials.

The reflections on life provided by the various contributors helped me to appreciate the wisdom that can be gleaned from the trials and tribulations that we all face. It is in difficult times that we often learn our most valuable lessons. If there was no dark, how could we recognize the light? It is the chiaroscuro of life’s travails that gives us our depth. Just as with a work of art, it is the light, the dark, and the myriad of shades in between that give feeling to the experience and texture to our vision.

Although I can’t say that it happens often, there have been times in my life that are akin to a fresh glass of lemonade on a hot summer’s afternoon: those moments of peace, when there are no proverbial fires to put out, no one screaming mommy, and no deadlines to meet. This is exactly where this particular devotional brings me: to a warm summer’s afternoon, with a fresh glass of lemonade in hand, a day’s work complete and time to reflect upon and marinate with all that has unfolded.

Written by: Susan G. Reyes Vasquez, September 8th 2009

The Last Prince of the Mexican Empire

admin — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 09:01:00 +0000

By C. M. Mayo

Unbridled Books

The Last Prince of the Mexican Empire is the type of book that serves as a virtual passport allowing the reader to travel from one reality into another. The story is set in Washington, D.C. and Mexico City at a time when America was in the throes of civil war and Mexico was struggling to find its own place in the world under the reign of Archduke Maximilian von Habsburg. It is at this critical place in time that we meet the main character, Alice (later known as Alicia). She is a wistful, optimistic, and adventurous young lady who unwittingly finds herself falling in love with the much older son of a dignitary, Angel, who is known as Angelo. From there, the story becomes more complicated, with twists and turns and philosophies and Mexicanismos and Americanisms.

Mayo’s ability to make language malleable and without borders gives the reader a sense of what it meant to be 'important' in those days when slavery, sexism, racism, and generalized oppression were sanctioned by both church and state. Furthermore, the novel helps us to recognize how much we, as a people, have yet to accomplish concerning these issues.

Mayo’s novel evokes feelings of sadness and concern for the present day reality that has unfolded between the nations of Mexico and America—a sadness, for the loss of generations of writers whose voices were silenced and a concern that the echo of their lives is yet to be discovered. Mayo stands tall, a leader in the world of literature. My hope is that, through her writing, she is providing the spark that will propel new voices to be recognized and applauded. The Last Prince of the Mexican Empire is a verdant, thoughtful, and intellectual while also being savage, carnal, and raw. The thoughtful reader who appreciates a well written tome will enjoy this book again and again.

Written by: Susan G. Reyes Vasquez, June 6th 2009

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

admin — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:03:00 +0000

Directed by Shawn Levy

20th Century Fox

A summer blockbuster with a feminist edge? Yes, that is indeed what we find with the Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. The film opens with Ben Stiller’s character, Larry Daly, finding himself longing to return to the New York Museum of Natural History in spite of his entrepreneurial successes. He returns just in time to save his museum pals from deep storage in Washington, DC. The story unfolds from there with Stiller searching to save his friends in a (Freudian) attempt to recover a part of himself.

Reprising the characters from the first film,Night at the Museum, Robin Williams as Teddy Roosevelt, Ricky Gervais as the quixotic museum manager, and Mizuo Peck as Sacajawea can all be counted on to provide solid belly laughs. Owen Wilson as Jedediah Smith alongside Steve Coogan as Octavius make an inimitable duo whose humor is witty and clever. This sequel also introduces the audience to new characters—notably Bill Hader’s General George Armstrong Custer (or Pawhuska for you Black Elk fans), who is brought to life in a way that is both historically accurate and hysterical.

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian was developed in close conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution in order to be as true-to-history as possible. Amy Adams brings Amelia Earhart to life in the most genuine and charming way possible by highlighting her brilliant aeronautic pioneering and the way her passion for life inspired the best in those around her. In addition to screening the IMAX version of the film at both the National Air and Space Museum and the Natural History Museum, the Smithsonian will be hosting Night at the Museum sleep-overs for kids this summer. Little did James Smithson know when he left his bequest for the "increase and diffusion of knowledge" that his desire would grow to its current state of 139 million objects displayed at nineteen museums, nor was he aware that his gift would be featured in such a way on the big screen.

Whether you visit Washington, DC on the big screen, or make a summer holiday of it, you will not be disappointed. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian is a smart, funny, and absolutely enjoyable film.

Written by: Susan G. Reyes Vasquez, May 22nd 2009

From the Heart

admin — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:42:00 +0000

By Frank Sinatra

Legacy Recordings

Think back to a time when the art of "wooing" someone was appreciated, a skill that was improved and mastered over time. This was a time when walking hand-in-hand with your beloved was considered a milestone in a relationship. In this era—mid-twentieth century America—From the Heart was born, traveling through time, space, and dimension to sweep us off our feet.

This is the loveliest assemblage of Sinatra's early work. With a focus on magnificent orchestrations best exemplified in the opening track "Blue Skies,” this compilation inspires the listener to be a little more graceful and formal in their daily life. That bygone era, for all of its negative connotations and realities (from World War II to institutionalized racism and sexism), gave the world a new vision and, in the end, placed a silver lining on the clouds that loomed large on the horizon. Such silver linings are much needed, maybe even more so today.

The fourth track, "Dream (When You’re Feeling Blue)" prompts the listener to lift her proverbial chin, and recognize that hope reigns eternal. The classic "I've Got a Crush on You" is the last track on the album, and it reminds one of the deliciousness of "crushing" on someone; that giddiness that you get in just thinking about your prospective love.

This collection of music is delightful in its simplicity and heartwarming in its orchestration. There is something very special about new beginnings, and this collection of songs brings us back to the early stages of Sinatra's career. I highly recommend From the Heart for those moments of nostalgia that are even better when shared with those you love and who love you back.

Written by: Susan G. Reyes Vasquez, March 15th 2009

Pompeii and the Roman Villa: Art and Culture Around the Bay of Naples (10/19/2008 - 3/22/2009)

admin — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:21:00 +0000

National Gallery of Art

Washington, DC, USA

Pompeii and the Roman Villa: Art and Culture Around the Bay of Naples provides one with the sense of being transported to the area of Naples in the first century AD. The gateway to the exhibit is graced with a reproduction of a tile mosaic stating “cave canum” (beware of dog)—complete with a reproduction of a ferocious canine showing his teeth. The exhibit then moves forward to provide a glimpse of the lives of the people in this part of the world, rather than the images that we have become accustomed to seeing, which tend to focus on the infamous destruction that occurred at the hands of Vesuvius. This exhibit highlights the importance of Greek philosophy, art, and culture in harmony with all things Roman.

As evidenced by the more than 150 objects displayed, the inhabitants around the Bay of Naples were fond of the arts and beauty. Even the working class who lived within the city of Pompeii had courtyards, sculpture, and frescoes in their homes, and the elite also had homes that reflected their passion for all things luxurious. While Naples was a Greek colony for several hundred years, it was under Roman rule that the infrastructure of the city of Pompeii was established. As part of the Roman Empire, the city of Pompeii grew beyond its merchant roots and into a playground for the rich and famous of the time.

Yet the most important aspect of this lush and extensive exhibit is the awareness that women in the first century around the Bay of Naples were valued and valuable. In and of themselves, women were people of power and prestige. The female figure is presented as having a distinct and important place within the culture. This is evidenced by the number of ways that the feminine spirit is immortalized in this exhibit. Most notable is the depiction of Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, who stands ready for whatever she may face. There is also an endearing depiction of the empress Livia and her son Tiberius, which is crafted to convey the power of a mother’s influence.

Even more impressive than the art itself depicting the value of all things female as pure, strong, and essential is the fact that this exhibit represents the collaborative efforts of the National Gallery of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Direzione Regionale per i Beni Culturali e Paesaggistici della Campania, and the Soprintendenza Speciale per i Beni Archeologici di Napoli e Pompei. Pompeii and the Roman Villa: Art and Culture Around the Bay of Naples is a delight for the spirit and the senses.

Written by: Susan G. Reyes Vasquez, January 24th 2009