Soda to be Banned?? | Why it’s Not the End of the World

Nothing will get people talking and riled up more than a proposed ban on soda in NYC.  Mayor Bloomberg (Independent) announced this week that he is proposing to ban the drinking of soda, sizes 16oz. and more.

New York City is known for its hip and trendy nightlife and for the people who don’t take nothing from nobody.  So obviously when news surfaced about Bloomberg’s plan, fury enraged the people of the city, and continues to boil.  However, not everyone is ready to fight back against this ban.  Several commentators and locals have praised Bloomberg for his soda-ban initiative and see this as a good and much needed change.

Myself, being a two-year-and-some-change New Yorker, have flourished in this city as a Liberal who is willing to always look at both sides of an issue.  However, once I saw the beginning stages of news coverage for this ban, I did not feel upset, but relieved; finally, some help.  I am a full believer in the First Amendment, (which those who oppose this ban are retaliating with), but the First Amendment does not protect against government bans on soda, cigarettes, use of seat belts, etc.  It merely allows freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press and the right to assemble and petition the government.  I love all of these freedoms and am blessed to be in a country that protects them, but there comes a point when we as a people need to work together to solve our issues on health, without hiding behind the First Amendment.

I understand the argument that people will just buy two 16oz. sodas instead of one 32 oz. soda to fulfill their desires, but I disagree with that argument.  If the price of soda rises (such as did cigarettes), and the quantity in each soda decreases (no more than 16oz.), then less people will be willing to buy the sugary drink in large quantities.  The majority of the time, one can buy a two-liter bottle of soda for the same price as a 20oz. bottle of soda, therefore, they opt for the larger container.  This rationing practice reminds me of the blindfold diet, in which study results showed that when participants were blindfolded while eating, they ate significantly less food then when they were not blindfolded.  Conclusion: when blindfolded, people do not use their eyes but their stomachs to determine their full.  Same goes in the case of soda intake: if a person only has a small 12oz or 16oz soda, that is all they will drink.  In time, their urge and dependency on soda will decrease, thus reducing their sugary substance intake altogether, and with diet and exercise, elongating their life and health.

With over one-third of U.S. adults suffering from obesity and 48.2 million people are smokers, something needs to be done in order to keep Americans and those all around the world, healthy.  No one likes to have their rights banned or rationed or rules to be in place after a long time of doing it their way, but we have to remember that change and laws are what we sometimes need in this society.  There were protests and riots when the seatbelt law came about and when smoking was banned in restaurants and establishments.  This is just another law we need to help and protect us.

http://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/blogs/why-the-nyc-big-soda-ban-makes-sense

http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html

http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/01/opinion/morrissey-bloomberg-soda/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

“Suicide while handcuffed in a Police Car”…Possible? I think Not | The story of Chavis Carter

It has been almost a month since I have published a post, due to summer happenings – running around, watching Olympics, vacationing, etc.  But the more time that passes between posts, the more news I’m missing and leaving behind.  In all honesty, it is hard to write this piece because of the anger that I have for something so wrong to happen to America’s youth.

Take the story of Chavis Carter, a 21-year old black man from Mississippi, who on July 29^th was pulled over in his car, along with two of his friends, for “suspicious driving.”  Upon approach, the cops of the Jonesboro Police Department decided they needed backup, for reasons unknown.  They searched Carter and found a $10 bag of marijuana.  Meanwhile, they let the two friends, both white, leave the scene.  

During the search of the car, they find a scale and a bag of a white substance, later identified in a report as sugar.  The police also reported that Carter had a warrant and previously had given them a false name.

Was this enough to arrest Carter?  Sure, it was.  Marijuana is illegal, although a $10 sack would not normally put you behind bars.  But Carter did have a warrant in another state, so yes, in my opinion that was enough cause for an arrest.  Following police procedures, they searched Carter, not once, but twice and placed him in the back of a squad car, HANDCUFFED.

What happened next is a horrendous act by the Jonesboro Police Department.  The officers say once they headed back to their cars, they saw Carter slumped in the backseat with a gunshot wound to the right side of his head.  Not only do they claim that he somehow committed suicide while being placed in a small backseat of a squad car AND handcuffed, but somehow Carter had got a hold of a gun after being searched not once, but twice.

According to Carter’s mother, Chavis had called his girlfriend and told her that he had been arrested and asked her to come to the jail to bail him out.  Also, the gunshot wound was in the right side of his head, and his mother claims he was left-handed.

As the FBI investigates this crime, I cannot sit here and say that this was not racially motivated and planned.  My questions to the Jonesboro Police Department are:

1. Where is the gun that Carter supposedly had?
2. Why is there no dashcam surveillance from the squad car, or was that part of the plan as well?   - It is said that there is no camera surveillance because coincidentally, the two squad cars parked trunk to trunk; when does that ever happen on a traffic stop?
3. In regards to the question of how could someone break out of handcuffs and commit suicide in the back of a squad car, Jonesboro Chief of Police, Michael Yates, said on CNN: “Well, fact of it is, it’s very possible.  It’s quite easy.”  - I would like him to elaborate on how it is so easy to break out of handcuffs while in a squad car, find a gun, and pull the trigger – all while using your non-dominant hand.
4. How did the police officers not hear the gunshot? – The police officers at the scene, not even a car distance away, according to reports, claim they never heard a gunshot, but rather found Carter’s body slumped over later.  How is this possible when other reports say you can hear a gunshot up to five miles away, not just a few feet?
5. As for the search and frisk that the police officers say they performed on Carter, how did they seem to find a $10 bag of marijuana but miss a deadly weapon, not after one, but two searches? – Let’s be honest, there was NO weapon.

These police officers should be arrested and charges brought against them for the crime they committed.  This case should receive the same attention as Trayvon Martin because there was no right to kill.  Having officers of the law shoot a 21-year old man and then lying and claiming it’s suicide is despicable and I hope they are punished for it, as it seems Chavis was punished for being black.

Nas is Back, and “Life is Good”

What dropped today was not another album by a commercial rapper with generic lines and catchy ad libs (no diss to 2 Chainz), but a masterpiece by a master of the rap game: Nas.  His influence over the music industry and other artists does not go unnoticed, and either do the tracks on his new album, “Life is Good.”

With features that don’t overshadow his own talent, Nas brings in the deep-voiced, slow-paced rappers such as Rick Ross and Large Professor to balance out his quick, lyrical style.  He also grabs the soulful Mary J. Blige for the hit track, “Reach Out,” which is one of my personal favorites on the album.  For the jazz fans and even those who are not, one cannot help but appreciate and groove to “Cherry Wine,” featuring the lovely Amy Winehouse.

Not all songs have features, which is very important when judging an artist and their work.  Very often, music artists suffer to release a track that is independent and free from featured artists.  Many cannot stand alone on a track and for this reason, among others, Nas is a musical genius.  Not only can he work with others such as Mary J. Blige and Rick Ross, while still shining and creating a lyrically astounding hit, he can step to the mic and give a philosophical, mature and often times inspirational flow that requires nothing else but his talent.

Not only are the songs meaningful and lyrically established, the album cover with him holding Kelis’ green wedding dress is not done by mistake.  This somber picture with him methodically gazing into the distance prepares the listener for what they are about to hear.  Don’t get me wrong, this is not a bitter divorce album but in retrospect, he is going to say what is on his mind, and if it is about his past relationship with Kelis, so be it.

I’m sure everyone is happy he decided to do another album and with his recent divorce and other personal troubles, there is no better time to put the pen to the pad and share with the world your reflection.  In this album, you can see right through Nas and feel the person that he is; through all of his ups and downs, he can still say, “Life is Good.”

Vacay to Cayman Islands | Nikki’s Wedding and More

If you are one of my friends, I’m sure you know that me and my boyfriend are going to a wedding…in what better spot – the Cayman Islands!!  My close friend Nikki and her soon-to-be husband, Isaac, are getting married on the beach J.  We are staying at an all-inclusive hotel, in which I think we all have heard horror stories about the cheap alcohol and subpar food, but I am optimistic that it will be amazing!!  Our flight is tomorrow morning and I hope to get all the packing and very-needed facial out of the way before then.  I am one of the bridesmaids so that means I HAVE to have my nails looking right!  Last night, I tried a new look and love the results (see below).

On another note, a look at the weather channel shows it will rain the entire time we are there, which is good luck for the bride and groom, but not so much my hair L.  We will see how it goes, but pics are on the horizon and hopefully some great snorkeling experiences. See you soon NYC :)

Repeat after Me…ORANGE | The many ways to wear Orange this season

by: Ashley Stewart

As Spring unfolds, orange reveals itself as the hottest spring color, in ohhhh so many ways. From blood orange jeans made by J Brand, to the washed orange t-shirt from ASOS, different variations of orange are sprouting up everywhere.  Sephora recently announced their Color of the Year, and to no one’s surprise, the most sought after color this season, Tangerine Tango.

With the exception of last year, orange has not been hot since the 90’s, and even then, it looked awful (well everything looked awful in the 90’s).  So when it became the new color, it begs to ask the question, why?  The answer is simple.  Orange is just fun.  Not too much, not too little; and the most popular reason: everyone is tired of red as the, dare to be bold color.  

An extra plus, it looks great on every skin tone and can be paired to match just about any color; just find the perfect variation of orange that suits you.  One will notice that a majority of the orange clothing on boutique shelves are not created with a drastic, dramatic, life-changing effect in mind; rather a classic jean with an orange dye, or a deep-orange blouse that accents the tan glow, we all love in the summer.  Simple designs are what designate orange as the right color for the season.

When it comes to makeup, go orange or go home.  That doesn’t mean step out of the house with orange eyeshadow, orange blush, and orange lipstain.  Pick one and ride it out.  

Less is more, and you don’t want to look like you have waited your whole life for orange to become popular, just subtly wear it and it will make a BIG statement.  

If you’re wearing a lipstain but don’t want it to be as orange, try a nude lip liner as a base…not only will it tone down the boldness, it will give it more of a matte look which is totally hot this season.

Exactly how do you wear this hot new color without looking like an orange popsicle?  A great look is the full-on monotonous outfit but if you do this, hold off on applying any orange makeup.  If you don’t quite have the edge, or you’re simply not in the mood to turn heads with a bright, bold ensemble, then I suggest a neutral-colored outfit, paired with orange heels and tangerine lipstain.  Not only will you feel comfortable, you will look HOT.  So, before hitting the beach this summer, or an after work Happy Hour, remember to give yourself a quick, at-home makeover, with Orange!

What’s Metallic, Pastel and Floral all over? You! | BEST Summer Accessories

by Ashley Stewart

The best summer accessories have shown themselves, and they are looking good!  From the many varieties and types to choose from, you will have no trouble staying in-trend this season.  With so many summer-ins, I have narrowed down my top ten faves that will have you moving from side to side in style.

Try Tribal-esque – Going native is never a bad thing, and this summer is no different.  Get down to the basics with classic tribal designs that display earthy tones and bold colors.  These designs look best on necklaces and headbands – even belts and purses!

So sleek with White Leather – Leather is the way to go when looking for accessories such as shoes and clutches.  White leather is in and when I say in, I mean IN!  So ditch the fur shearlings and black leather bombers and update your wardrobe with white leather that is sleek for summer.

Turn me on, Turban – When you think of turbans this summer, think of bright, floral patterns that are looser on your head but still tight around your hairline.  There are great designers springing up very fashion forward hair turbans, so turn up the heat and try one for yourself!  This is definitely one of my favorite looks this summer.

Going out to sea, or at least looking like it – Bring the beach to the sidewalk this summer with fancy, sea-inspired designs.  Looking like a mermaid never looked so good and you can catch this look by choosing accessories such as sea-shell earrings, starfish bangles and deep blue, fish necklaces.

Hold up, you may need your 3D glasses – Turn on the illusions with 3D designs that will have all eyes popping.  Dress up your floral print dress or blouse with a dramatic, 3D flower necklace that is as overstated as the Kardashian brand.  Try a 3D hairband on a lazy hair day and you will get an “A” for Amazing!

Matte-tastic! – Satin matte is what you need this summer, whether it is in the form of cute blazer or an edgy clutch for evening.  You can find metallic accessories just about anywhere this summer, so make sure you have all the essentials: cuffs, earrings, necklaces, belts!

Dramatic Paisley – This summer is all about drama, and the drama

doesn’t stop with paisley prints!  Instead of the small, organized prints designers created last summer – this season, the top-notch fashion players brought out the paisley print, but in a looser, more dramatic pattern.  Check out all of the new designs displayed on dangling earrings, shoes and cuffs.

Go, Go, Gadget Go! – Bring out the robot in you with geometric shapes that are both flattering and at the top of the summer list.  From triangles, to octagons, you can find just about any accessory that will give you that robot-feel; just remember geometric accessories look so good in neons and brights!

You’re such a Softy, Pastel – Bring in the pinks, the purples, and the blues…pastel version, of course.  Every accessory looks good in pastel and this summer is no different.  Not only does pastel serve up something fresh for the season, it also makes you look classy and put-together, without even trying.  So get soft and get it together with pastel clutches, headbands, shoes and belts!

Take care of Mother Earth – This season you can save the earth while saving your dress code.  Turn the style up with organic cuffs and bangles made from recycled materials.  Not only do you get the earthy look, you get the reputation as a “green machine.”

http://hot-new-fashion-trends.blogspot.com/2012/03/spring-summer-accessories-2012.html

http://www.elle.com/Accessories/Accessories-Spotlight/Editors-Picks-Accessories-of-the-Day2#mode=base;slide=5;

http://www.elle.com/Accessories/Accessories-Spotlight/Haute-Decor#mode=base;slide=0;

Look Your Best, You Beauty | Swimsuit looks that will keep you HOT

by: Ashley Stewart

Strut your stuff this summer with a swimsuit that not only makes you look hot, but feel hot as well!  From string bikinis to cutout one-pieces, this summer is sure to add beauty to all body shapes and sizes.  I searched hundreds of sites and used my own personal fashion-eye, to find the best looking swimsuits for your body type.  Look below to see where your body fits!

Are you pear-shaped?Look for a great one-piece that has a v-neck to take distraction off of your bottom half and make your figure come alive.

 Any suit with stripes, polka dots and patterns looks great, as do the one-shoulder suits that reveal elegance and a little skin.  Avoid boy shorts as they add a box-shape and cause an illusion of a bigger bottom half.








Do you want to enhance your chest?

Bring out the bold colors, ruffles and frills!  Anything embellished on top or full of fluff is great for the women who want a little more action on their upper half.  Try string bikinis, bandeau tops and cutout one-pieces to bring it all together…up there.



Got junk in the trunk?
We all would love to have a booty like Kim K., but for those who want to hide it just a tad, go for a suit with a plunging neckline to add emphasis to your friends upstairs.  If you want to stay away from the one-pieces this summer, go with a fold-over style bottom with adjustable side strings.  This takes away from the attention of your booty and still has that sex appeal we all crave.  A handy tip is to try a suit with rings on the sides instead of strings.  This is a great look and also prevents your bottoms from slipping up and showing more of your bottom.  A suit with a skirt bottom or a strapless one-piece and full bottom coverage is great as well.  My recommendation, try them all and select which style works for you!



Got a pin-up body with a lot of curves?
One-pieces and tankinis will be your best friend this summer and will not only mask what you don’t want revealed, but your curves will be accentuated marvelously.  Stick with bright solids and not too many patterns or stripes.  Bold colors are all the rage this season so get your favorite color and feel great at that upcoming pool party.  I love the classy look of tankinis and skirts because they hide the problem areas but make the legs and arms look great.  Whatever your choice, choose a suit that hugs your body and even go for rouching on the sides which will accent those curves in the best way!




Are you Miss Ab-less?

No worries this summer!  Go with a suit that has a high-cut leg which will take the distraction off of your tummy and put the attraction into those long legs of yours!  One-piece, solid color suits are great looks along with tankinis, which hide those “love handles” that we hate.  If you are going for the one piece, opt for a sexy number with a plunging neckline, belts, or ruffles – or all of those!  Loose, draping necks look great and give some attention to the girls upstairs.  Another way to hide that belly is to camouflage; try color blocking with black and white and you will notice a dramatic change!

Are DD – elicious?

Having big tatas is what every girl wants, but if you are over your natural bust of beauty than don’t hide your friends, support them!  Try a v-neck suit that shows cleavage (not too much), and elongates your figure.  Halter top suits are great because they add support and if you can find one with thick straps, even better!  For extra support, find a suit with an underwire that will give you an energetic, perky look.
For whatever your body type, this summer is bringing you beach-sexy looks without all of the baggage.  If you’re shopping in-store, bring a friend who will tell you how they really feel and spend time picking out that perfect suit!

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/beauty/fashion/swimwear/best-swimsuits-for-pear-shapes/?page=3
http://www.cosmopolitan.com/hairstyles-beauty/tiptool/swimwear-for-body-shape#/category1