Rihanna is Looking for a Rude Boy
Peep Rihanna’s “Rude Boy” - The woman is making some of the hottest music videos out there right now, with no let up in sight. Do your thing Rihanna!
Will You be Our Soldier of Love?
This Valentine’s, almost everything can go wrong but if you have geniuses like Sade, Marvin Gaye or Barry White on heavy rotation, the universe will realign itself and love will conquer all. “Soldier of Love” is Sade’s first album since “Lover’s Rock” in 2000, and you better cop this before Valentine’s Day if you know what’s good for you.
Canon T2i Hits the Sweetspot
The just announced Canon T2i is on paper, the perfect “goldilocks” camera, borrowing the cutting edge technology from its much more expensive siblings the Canon 7D and Canon 5D Mark II in a ultra affordable package for aspiring photographers and filmmakers. How affordable? How about half the price of a 7D and a third of the price of a 5D Mark II?
What can this puppy do you ask? Try 1080 24/25/30P, 18 megapixels, 50 and 60 fps in 720P mode, +5/-5 in HDR (high dynamic range), HDMI out and SDXC memory card compatibility? Imagine getting a 7D for $799 body only, ignore a few high-end features they’ve stripped away like the 7D’s weather sealing, and you can appreciate what a gift from the Canon gods this announcement is for shutterbugs and even aspiring filmmakers. Not surprisingly, much of the buzz has been from 7D owners wondering why Canon gave away the farm. If you’ve been waiting on the sidelines for the perfect “sweet spot” DSLR that shoots fantastic photos and film-like video, wait no longer.
Jane’s Closet Moves into Williamsburg
Online retailer Jane’s Closet is going offline and picking Williamsburg’s fashion district (the North 6th Street corridor between Bedford & Kent) to make their debut. Their boutique will be located at 60 North 6th Street near the Music Hall of Williamsburg and Kent Ave.
“We’ve been eyeing Williamsburg for some time,” said founder Jane Rim. “It is a unique neighborhood filled with a great blend of people and shops. I’m confident a Jane’s Closet customer will feel right at home here. We saw that the location at 5in1 Studios was available and knew we found our first home. The storefront is small, intimate, and within the shopping district of Williamsburg. 5in1 Studios has a history similar to ours in displaying up-and-coming designers.”
If you don’t feel like schlepping, they’ll still be happy to take your orders online.
Bushwick Inlet Park Victory Clears Way for Williamsburg Riviera
Bushwick Inlet Park’s victory against TransGas sets the stage for a dramatic and much welcomed transformation on the changing Williamsburg waterfront.
The news that TransGas Energy has exhausted their appeals to build a powerplant on the Williamsburg waterfront is being high-fived by neighborhood boosters like Borough President Marty Markowitz, Williamsburg residents like Jane Pool, Assemblymember Joseph Lentol and Christine Holowacz of the Greenpoint Waterfront Association. While expected after previous rulings against TransGas, it nonetheless puts the final piece of the new Williamsburg “Riviera” into stark relief. From tentative approval of Rose Plaza near Kent and Division to the relatively positive response of the $1.5 billion dollar Domino Sugar complex, Williamsburg’s waterfront is transforming itself rapidly into something unrecognizable just a few years ago.
Critics are calling it the Miami-fication of the once sleepy industrial North Brooklyn waterfront during very uncertain economic times, but at least this Bloomberg-era transformation includes plenty of consideration for community and outdoor space. It wasn’t just neighborhood activists fighting TransGas, but many city officials as well, and in a few years a dirty, possibly toxic creek (that we’ve hopped the Kent Ave fence and fished in) will turn into something of a jewel for the neighborhood. We couldn’t be more excited, and thankful.
Thank you, Dr. King
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is our hero. Filmmaker Lee Daniels, who’s upcoming “Selma” is intended as a respectful biopic of the Civil Rights leader, apparently feels the same way. As to be expected, there’s some controversy about what Mr. Daniels will, should or won’t depict in terms of the moral weaknesses of Dr. King, and we’re pleased that the producer behind “Monster’s Ball” is erring on the side of respect. Thank you Dr. King, thank you President Lyndon Johnson, and thank you Jesse Jackson and countless others behind the cause.
Below: Dr. King’s last, prophetic speech “I may not make it with you to the mountain top..”
Wyclef Responds to Haiti Fundraising Accusations
Wyclef Jean, former member of the Fugees and a Haitian refugee himself, has raised millions for his home country over the years, and through his Yele project, is on the forefront of the current relief effort. Instead of being hailed as a hero, he is currently being accused of shortchanging the charity by diverting some of the funds to non-Haitian relief expenses.
The charges seem ambiguous at best – accusing Wyclef of diverting some of the donations to “rent, Wyclef Jean’s appearance at a benefit concert and production services”. Nevertheless media memes have a way of spreading like wildfire before the accused have a chance to fully respond, damaging not only his fundraising efforts but also the man’s personal character. That’s why we think it was a good idea he took the time this weekend to respond in a very personal way.
Lady Gaga on Oprah
Lady Gaga knows more about media than any of us poor souls but we can’t help but wonder, with her recent appearance on Oprah, a new position as creative director of Polaroid, unrepentant product placement in her videos and generous collabos with just about anybody, is she (gasp) blowing up too fast? After all, when stay at home moms, who are Oprah’s bread and butter demographic, start oohing and ahhing for you like they do for Dr. Oz, doesn’t that mean that your edgy styles are headed to Target soon? Let’s hope not. The woman has talent, but not hearing ‘Bad Romance’ at Duane Reade is the best way to keep us longing for more.
Video Candy: Photography of Tone
We’re feeling photographer and filmmaker Tone, who’s sumptuous work seem as natural and effortless as the amazing talent he chooses to collab with. Here’s a sample of that unique style. We’re guessing lovely model Alexandra Estevez is in front of the Canon 5D Mark II?
Artist Profile: Mikal Hameed
Mikal Hameed is a dynamic mix media artist and a good friend of ours. Based in Brooklyn, he’s earned his acclaim through hard work and visually stunning set pieces for the likes of Kanye along with a who’s who of music and Hollywood. He’s also been doing his own thing, most recently stepping into the spotlight as M11X, his sound sculpting alias.
We’re digging this promo piece done for him in anticipation of his recent gallery show in San Francisco. This is the Mikal Hameed we know – passionate, innovative, and putting in work while others are sleeping.
Mikal Hameed for Medicine Agency directed by Sean Desmond.
