Gossip Girl está com alguns episódios atrasados e enquanto isso Leighton Meester aproveita para investir na carreira de cantora né? Boba naaaada! Ela tá de visu novo ou é um penteado que deixa ela com franja? Foi assim que ela se apresentou ao lado da banda Cobra Starship.

Apostando em uma perfomance sexy, em figurino fashion com pernocas à mostra ou roupa colada, maquiagem com olhão e bocão (no show do programa da Alexa Chung), as músicas de Leighton estão fazendo sucesso por lá, eu aqui ainda não simpatizei muito com as canções não e vocês, já estão cantando o refrão?

Esses dedinhos à la Gi-Gi me irrita. A ankle boots de tachas é mara.

Assista o show com a banda Cobra Starship em NYC

E no programa It’s on with Alexa Chung

Good girls go bad.

Por Tati Carvalho

The South Asian Lesbian & Gay Association of New York City (SALGA) serves to promote awareness, tolerance, acceptance, empowerment and safe spaces for sexual minorities and people of all gender identities, who trace their heritage to South Asia or who identify as South Asian.

Our mission is to enable community members to establish cultural visibility and take a stand against oppression and discrimination in all its forms. We pledge to encourage leadership development, provide multi-generational support, work towards immigration advocacy, address health issues such as HIV / AIDS, and foster political involvement in the interest of creating a more tolerant society.

More here – http://www.salganyc.org

Please know you have profoundly helped me grow to who I am today (I hope that’s not a bad thing!). I apologize off the bat for the bad grammar. This is a very stream of consciousness letter. I am thankful for so many people this is going to sound like an acceptance speech. If only I had an award to go with it!For some reason, I feel more thankful than ever. Going through a transformation of sorts puts everything in perspective. When I lost my job this past June, I would have never guessed I would have felt more alive and have met some of the most amazing people. I never dreamed I would be on television/radio and also have a blog, which has had to date over 15,000 hits. I am grateful for EVERYONE who visits day after day!

Thank you for following the journey.

If I could tell you one thing –change the world. Go out and make a difference. Stand up for what you believe in. Change someone’s life. We all have amazing stories to tell. Share them.

My blog wouldn’t have gotten off the ground without a few people. My publicist, George, whose idea it was to really go forward and create the blog. He always has a way of staying positive. A special thanks to ALL the people I have interviewed thus far: the wonderful Marti C., single-licious Melissa B, exceptional Jerry Mitchell, incredible forced to be reckoned with Frenchie Davis, life changing activities Ryan Janek Wolowski and Randy Wicker, and uber talents Richard and Dana. Elisa, Will, Angelo and Renee thank you for one point or another for being my camera bitch! There are many more people, so I apologize if I have forgotten you.

Liz S, you are an amazing woman who constantly gives me the chance to do what I love! You always astound me by the types of events you have me cover. Thank you for taking a chance with me!
Julie H. you have such an amazing heart. I never thought in a million years I would be on the Pat Field website! You have really made my year. You see things in me that I have overlooked. I can’t thank you enough for the dream come true it has been and will keep continuing!
Meagan H. – WE WILL GET KATHY!! You are such a joy to know and you never make my crazy idea is well…crazy! You are a great visionary at what you do!

My family has always been my rock. A special shout out to my relatives in PA, who are not only amazing, but I am so blessed to have reconnected with them on Facebook. Though sometimes we seem miles apart, BENNINGTONS know we are NEVER that far. Thanks guys for all the kick ass support!

My other “family” -my friends who have seen my light and my dark, I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to see each of you grow and become individuals who make me proud in the way you contribute and choices you make. Each of you has such a special gift. I truly love you all and you have been a place to look for advice, support and unconditional love. You have no clue how much I value all of you (though sometimes my sarcasm may make it seem otherwise)

My Old Tappan friends, it’s been a while but let me know when you’re around the NYC/NJ area. For me to see us all grown up seems a little freaky! It was only yesterday we were singing to Mr. Boscia’s music, seeing Mr. Rossi throw a desk, cutting class, going to the prom. Now some of you have your own families. Keep me in your heart, as I do with you.

Wagner College gave me amazing inspiration to find myself and meet professors and life-long friends who inspire me daily. There are many ways you can gain an education as I learned in my years at Wager!

Thanks to all the RENT friends I have made. Measure in love. We can always be grateful for Jonathan Larson’s lasting treasure. Thanks for all the RENT road trips!

Thank you, all the new friends I have made. I look forward to knowing you more and more (that DOES sound kind of creepy)

THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU OUT THERE WHO INSPIRE!

This year, remember those who are not as blessed and keep them in your thoughts and prayers. It’s important for us –as teachers, friends, parents, lovers, brothers, sisters,-you name it, to go out there and make a difference. Anything small can help. We can be the change.

Please have a safe, healthy and happy Thanksgiving this year.

The best is yet to come,

Neal B
www.nealbinnyc.wordpress.com

Graffiti.

22。
SOHO跟經典的DKNY牆説再見以後, 除了可能一段時間都不會改變的Hollister廣告（因為它們闊氣的把整棟買了下來）之外, 還多了這個卡文克萊先生的大型廣告看板。

雖然說對於擅長以聳動令人充滿遐想的訊息作為廣告題材的卡文克萊來說, 這樣的看板廣告並不令人意外。因為之前也出現過三人行這種令人爭議的題材。老實說之前經過都沒太注意, 一直到看到Daily News的文章才想到, 對喔, 常常經過的這大廣告怎麼都沒發現（還是根本把它當成街景的一部份）。仔細想想, 這種廣告看板在亞洲應該比較不可能出現（應該也不需要到亞洲, 我想光是在德州就不可能了）。

這種廣告還是留給時尚雜誌就好, 不然在紐約當父母真的很忙。

換個角度來說, 這應該也是為什麼紐約有趣的地方。

_____

3 Exposure HDR. Click image for full size.

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On Broadway

Here’s some information on the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from the New York Daily News……

Best thing about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? The balloon inflation event held the day before on the side streets off Central Park West, next to the American Museum of Natural History. Here are a few shots I took this afternoon of tomorrow’s (latex?) guests of honor.

Folks are working hard to energize this bunny.

Shrek is back for a third time.

Rubik's Cubes? Or what?

Life source.

Just cute.

BEAUTIES!! How are you! I am so thrilled to be posting again that I can’t type fast enough! My poor keyboard is getting a brutal workout. Speaking of, thank you so much for the workout/non-workout recommendations! I think I’ll worry about enjoying the city and people more than I will my workouts. Also, I’m paying $3.99 for two hours of wi-fi again because you have to be a green card Starbeezies member in order to get free wi-fi. I don’t even know what that means!

But let’s get to the fun stuff, such as sex and the city! I mean, SnackFace and the city.

Tuesday I made sure to get up super early. I showered, put on my face and was so antsy to get downtown that I left at 7:30am. With coffee in hand and these snacks in my purse, I was ready for the day:

Ate the Clif for breakfast (phenomenal), naner for an afternoon snack.

I like to play a game on the train into the city. It’s called “What Did He Look Like 30 Years Ago?” Non-creepily, I stare at the middle-aged, business-suited men as they make their daily commute. In my mind, grim faces are painted with a smile, thin lips suddenly become fuller, wrinkles erase, receding hairlines are magically hairy and grayed temples return to their intended chestnut brown. This is why I cannot bring reading materials for the train ride. Too much analyzing to do.

My morning at work was filled with organizing, labeling, mailing and learning. It’s nothing like the editorial side, as I’ve said before, but it’s solid experience with incredible people. At 1pm, Caroline and I went to this fabulous place that assembles your salad and chops and dresses it for you. There have to be a million of them in the city, but I was still fascinated. Look at this beast:

Approximated 37 pounds of fresh veggies. Of course I ate all of it.

In the system cleanser: mixed greens, corn, chickpeas, black olives, cucumber, tomato, roasted red peppers and a sweet lime dressing. Worth the $9.95. (But I don’t want to spend that much again!)

While walking to and from the office in the afternoon, I couldn’t help but take pictures of the city:

You'll notice something about my city pictures...

They all look the same:

And I'm not stopping the torture anytime soon.

The office was quiet in the afternoon, and after throwing media kits together, I was released 15 minutes early. I took advantage by roaming to my dinner destination early.

While nearing Union Square (and thus popping my Union-Square cherry), I saw my dinner destination was conveniently located next to Forever 21. Seriously, that is both heaven and hell. Placing Whole Foods and the only store in which I shop for clothing next to each other is sensory overload. Somehow, I kept my composure (and my wallet in my purse) and didn’t buy any of the three dresses I wanted.

After a half hour in Forever and an hour in Whole Foods, I found another gem around the corner. How has no one told me about Strand Bookstore? It sucked me in and I almost forgot about dinner.

Actually that’s a straight-up lie. I had been thinking about dinner for days. Wouldn’t you be excited about the dinner conglomeration of Hungry Homegirl Snack Diaries in Manhattan at Whole Foods? Yes, we did. We all met up and gossiped like nobody’s business (about, what else, blogs and food). By the time we parted ways, this had definitely digested:

Orange as Paris after a mystic tan, sorry!

That looks like vom, but I swear it was amazing. It had sweet potatoes, butternut squash, wheatberry+apple+pecan salad, channa masala, brussels and other things that have slipped my memory.

We laughed and talked for hours! Our neighbors even took to calling us Charlie’s Angels. That was until Brooke shot her garbage at them. According to Brookebaby, it was an accident. Sure.

Elise and Lauryn had to bounce early, but Brooke, Sarah and I had to keep the chat-fest going. To 16 Handles we went. Lovepies, I couldn’t resist the siren call of fro-yo. I had a cup of white chocolate and peanut butter and topped it with other non-vegan stuff. Naturally, I was too busy eating and talking to take a picture of the food. However, Sarah forced a stranger to take a picture of the trio:

They are gorgeous. Love.

Sarah was picked up by her pops, and Brooke and I walked together for a while afterward. It felt so good to talk to my little homie again! Missed her so much! When we parted ways, I was in a state of bliss and had to take another city picture:

Looks just like the others, but dark. My skills amaze me.

Wednesday morning’s wake-up call was…whenever I wanted it to be because I didn’t have to work. Apparently my bod was not having sleeping in, as nature called at 10am (see above salads). Alright, so maybe 10am is sleeping in.

After watching trashy tube for a bit, I poured some cereal for breakfast:

Kashi Go Lean with almond milk and 2/3 a very ripe banana.

I’m pretty sure it’s not vegan, but whatever–I’d forgotten how much I love Kashi Go Lean! So cardboardy but yummy.

Insert more trashy television for a while. Suddenly, snack time! This is all I want when it’s near:

Let's call it lunch.

Eventually ambition struck, and I did 30 minutes of what I’m calling AAA: abs, arms and ass. Did a ton of ab work, some lame attempts at different kinds of push-ups and 70-ish squats for the tush. You should see this jelly.

After that, I was exhausted again. I think going from exam week to New York immediately and never stopping caught up with me. Did not mind the lounging one bit.

At 4pm I was finally showered, straightened and makeuped, so I spent more money (gahhh) for groceries. I had a snack plate as soon as I returned home:

Snackdiddly. Honeycrisp+carrots+peanut butter.

This was good, but I bought something else because it was on sale and couldn’t get it off my mind. It was something I’d not yet tried. FoodShouldTasteGood, why you gotta be holding out on THE SnackFace and not introducing me to your AMAZING chips? So. Freaking. Good:

Can't get over these!

Like Stacy’s, however, FSTG has one major flaw. Those silly people do not get the serving sizes right! The bag says there are six servings. I’ve tested this and there are only two, at most. I definitely enjoyed five of the six servings. I’m not even adding an “oops” after that. It’s not my fault, it’s theirs.

This leads up to now. I’m sitting in an oversize chair, spending too much money on wireless. This also is not my fault. It’s YOURS. I kid. I have an addiction that cannot be helped. It’s called love And I am thankful for each and every one of you reading.

Thanksgiving is going to be bossy and bloggy, so stay tuned!

Ciao for now,

Kailey

QUESTION: With whom are you spending Thanksgiving? AND What food do you want the most on the so-called Turkey Day? AND Do you eat way more servings of delicious foods than suggested?

Well, this article is for the most part structurally well-written. The lead captures all that the article describes. It is unfortunate that the reporter allowed the city and other officials who all believed the same thing to have a clear voice in this article. Where are the voices of teachers? Where are the voices of parents? Where are the voices of students? This article never lets the opposing sides fully voice dissent. Or maybe some teacher agree with the mayor’s opinion that student academic performance should be used in tenure decisions. The most obvious opinion missing is one saying that teachers aren’t the single factor determining student’s performance. There are numerous societal issues that influence students’ performance in school.

Djs Spanish Fly and ARQ (ME) are bringing JUST GOT PAID (205 club) to Savalas for a one-off this Saturday (Nov. 28)

For all of you who aren’t skipping town for the holidays, come celebrate with us!

We’ve got nothing but classics all night–perfect for dancing away the Turkey leftovers, Cranberry Sauce, Pies, and Stuffing.

Much love and we hope to see you there!

I call the area around Port Authority, Boulevard Of Broken Dreams. Actually the boulevard literally starts at 30th and 8th ends around 52th, but around the bus terminal is especially seedy and gross. It looks like the shuttle from the Island of Dr. Moreau just let out passengers. I swear, people from all of over America board Greyhound buses with champagne wishes and caviar dreams and get off at 42nd street and all of their hopes dissipate. Some people don’t even leave the area. Runaways, dopefiends and prostitutes, oh my.  It’s sad in an I’m-glad-I-was-born-here kind of way, because this city WILL eat you up and not spit you out.

Subject: Fw:  World AIDS Day Observances in  Manhattan –  2009 – Universal Access & Human Rights – Updated

December 1st is a major observance of World AIDS Day when we remember those who have died from AIDS. It is an opportunity for individuals and group from across the world to come together to remember,and demonstrate worldwide support to, people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. It is the one day in the year where issues surrounding HIV and AIDS can take center stage.

The Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA) strongly encourages faith-based communities to make the most of World AIDS Day 2009 by engaging in some form of workshop, event, or advocacy focused on HIV and AIDS.

The global theme for 2009 and 2010 World AIDS Day is “Universal Access and Human rights” chosen by the World AIDS Campaign, a network of civil society groups active in the response to HIV and AIDS, including EAA.

The theme encourages us to deepen understanding, develop partnerships and challenge discriminatory laws, and practices that stand in the way of access for all to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. When human rights are not respected, people living with HIV and AIDS are vulnerable to stigma and discrimination, illness, economic insecurity, and reduced access to treatment.

Over the past years there have been some encouraging advances in the global response to HIV and AIDS We have seen increased commitment around the world to respond to HIV and AIDS in national and local initiatives, in churches and religious organizations and in civil society.


Below is a listing of World AIDS Day Observances throughout NYC. I encourage you to join with the community in leadership and solidarity and help promote universal access, human dignity and respect and protect the human rights of people living with or affected by HIV

Let’s remember our brothers and sisters throughout the world who are affected by HIV and AIDS. Please contact the programs directly, if you have any questions about the events. The list will be updated and distributed weekly. Have a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving!

WORLD AIDS DAY OBSERVANCES 2009

Manhattan

Saturday, November 28th

“National Action Network’s Commemoration of World AIDS Day 2009” at House of Justice Auditorium, 106 W. 145th Street. Saturday, November 28th, 9:00 am – 11 am. Join N.A.N. Members, public officials, faith-based and community based organizations, and advocates from the HIV/AIDS community. . Tune in live on WLIB 1190 AM
or the internet @ www.nationalactionnetwork.net. For more information contact Joe Sellman at 646-302-8959

Sunday, November 29th

• “Remembrance Advent 2009 and Pre-World AIDS Days 2009 Service”, Sunday, November 29th, 12 Noon – 2:00 p.m., Riverside Church in the City of New York,
  490 Riverside Drive, New York.  Sponsored by AIDS Service Center New York City, For more information contact Oliver Martin at 212-561-1787. ##
  

Monday, November 30th

• “Here I Am” – A portrait of one East Harlem resident living with AIDS: Short documentary screening and discussion at Mount Sinai School of Medicine,
  Annenberg 12th floor, Auditorium 12-01, 1468 Madison Ave at E. 100th Street. Monday, November 30th, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.,
  For more information contact Jessica Acuna @Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu <mailto:Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu> ##
  
  Tuesday, December 1st
  
  “Iris House’s World AIDS Day Celebration”, at Iris House, 2348 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. Between 137th & 138th Street. Tuesday, December 1st
  10 a.m. – 3:00 pm. Come in for a short memorial program, learn more about the theme and get tested. For more information, call 646-548-0100
  “Do You Know What Today Is?”IF NOT .. Find Out at These Locations. At multiple locations:  1) 125th Street in front of the State Office Building
  on Adam Clayton Powell Blvd., 2)  116th Street and 3rd Avenue; 3) 42nd Street – 7th Avenue at Times Square; 4) 14th Street at Union Square Park, and
  5) City Hall Park.  Tuesday, December 1st, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. It’s Time to Remember Sponsored by over 50 different agencies.
  For more information call 212-828-6141 ##
  “Take The Lead….Stop AIDS – Keep The Promise”, WAD MEMORIAL at The New York Public Library – Harlem Branch, 9 West 124th Street between 5th and Lenox Avenues, Tuesday, December 1st, 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. For more information call 212-749-3656 ext 3106 ##
  “Candlelight Vigil”, at The New York Restoration Project Community Garden, 103rd Street and Park Avenue. Tuesday, December 1st, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., , Sponsored by Mount Sinai Center for Multicultural and Community Affairs For more information please contact Jessica Acuna (Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu <mailto:Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu> ) ##
  World AIDS Day 2009 Bienestar Center Event, Union Settlement Association, 237 E 104th Street between 2nd and 3rd Ave. Tuesday, Dec 1st , 5 p.m.-9 p.m,. For more information contact Rebecca Torres, 212-828-6151    ##
  “Interfaith service in commemoration of World AIDS Day (in Spanish)” at United Methodist Church of the Village, 7th Ave, corner of 13th Street in Manhattan, Tuesday, December 1st 5:30 pm. Sponsored by Latino Commission on AIDS. Para información llame al 212-675-3288
  Servicio Memorial Latino Del SIDA: Comunidades de Fe Latinas Responden. La Iglesia del Village, Una Iglesia Metodista Unida Progresista,
  201 W de la Calle 13 (Esquina con la 7a Ave.) 1 de Diciembre 5:30 PM Vigilia, 6:00 PM Servicio Interreligioso.
  Tren 1,2,3 hasta la estación 14th Street. Linea informativa sobre el SIDA en el Estado de Nueva York 1-800-233-7432 ##
  “Viva el Barrio!” Community Party. At Julia de Burgos Cultural Center, Lexington Avenue and 106th Street, Tuesday, December 1st, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. A night of live music, speakers, and free food. For more information please contact Jessica Acuna (Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu <mailto:Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu> ) ##
  “Out of the Darkness”, Candlelight Vigil, at Trinity Lutheran Church of Manhattan, 164 West 100th Street (at Amsterdam Avenue, Tuesday, December 1st , 6 p.m., Candlelight Vigil  begins, followed by procession to Broadway UCC Church 2504 Broadway at 93rd Street; 6:30 pm reading of the names; 7:00 pm WAD Gathering. For more information call 212-367-1016 or e-mail krishnas@gmhc.org <mailto:krishnas@gmhc.org> ##
  

• Memorial Services & Celebration of Life, at Rivers of Living Waters Family Worship Center, 1854 Amsterdam Ave (Corner of 152nd  Street – St. Luke A.M.E. Church). Tuesday, December 1st, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Refreshments will be served from 6-7 and Service begins at 7 p.m. For more information contact Margaret Reneau at 212-961-4283 ##
  

• “Stand With Us – Walk With Us -World AIDS Day 2009”, Episcopal Response to AIDS at Christ & Saint Stephen’s Church, 120 West 69th Street, Tuesday,  December 1st, 6:30 p.m. . Special Holy Eucharist and reception. ERA’s grants for 2010 will be announced.  Everyone is invited to submit the names of those they would especially like us to pray for at the website: www.erany.org <http://www.erany.org> ##
  

Wedensday, December 2nd

• “Cafecito Discussion with Leaders in HIV/AIDS Advocacy Education, and Care in NYC” at East Harlem Café on Lexington Avenue and 104th Street. Wednesday, December 2nd, 6:00 p.m., For more information please contact Jessica Acuna (Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu <mailto:Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu> ) ##
  

Thursday, December 3rd

• “HIV and the City, the Current Challenges of Practice, Prevention and Policy in NYC”, A panel discussion for students at Mount Sinai School of Medicine Annenberg Building,, 1468 Madison Avenue at E.100th St. Thursday, December 3rd 7:00 p.m. For more information please contact Jessica Acuna (Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu <mailto:Jessica.acuna@mssm.edu> ) ##
  

Friday, December 4th

• “Universal Access and Human Rights: Focus on Adolescents and Their Access to HIV Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support as a Critical Part of Human Rights – World AIDS Day event”, at Jacob Javits Federal Building, 26 Federal Plaza, 6th Floor Conference Center, Friday, December 4th, 9:00 a.m. – 1 p.m., Sponsored by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region II. RSVP by Friday, November 27th.  For more information or to RSVP  call 212-264-2560 ##
  “A Celebration of Life” – A special Tribute to Honor All our Client on World AIDS Day, at Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, 281 Park Avenue South, Manhattan, Between 22nd and 21st Street, Friday, December 4th, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. #6 Train to 23rd Street. For more details call Michelle 347-203-3476 or Steve 718-751-5878 ##
  “Unfinished Business” Grand Street Settlement, 80 Pitt Street, New York, NY, Friday, December 4th, $3 entry fee, 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.. For more information call 212-674-1740 ##
  
  “When My Reality Conflicts with My Theology!, A Continuing Open Discussion”, at Second Providence Baptist Church, 11-16 West 116th Street, (Community Health and Awareness Ministry). Saturday, December 5th, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm.  HIV, AIDS, Domestic Violence, Men, Women, Stigma, Fault, Blame, Race, He Loves Me!, Those People! For more information contact Rev. Londro B. Wilson at 718-434-9350 or Rev. Lidia Leudo at 917 553-8686. ##
  

Saturday, December 5th

Wednesday, December 9th

• “World AIDS Day 2009 Festivities – Removing Barriers, Addressing Stigma”, at the historic National Black Theatre, 2031-33 Fifth Ave between 125th and 126th. Wednesday, December 9th, 5:00 pm – 9 pm. Featuring special musical performances by ARC Choir and Rapper Doug E. Fresh. For more information or to RSVP (by November 27th) contact Mr. Escott Solomon at 212-423-2741 or via e-mail at Escott.Solomon@ngsc.org <mailto:Escott.Solomon@ngsc.org> ##
  

• ## = not previously listed

November 23, 2009— An international campaign to spotlight World AIDS Day, December 1, has been organized by a partnership among amfAR, UNAIDS, the World AIDS Campaign, and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The Light for Rights campaign urges all of us to “keep the light on HIV and human rights,” and involves the dimming of public lights, followed by their return to full brightness.

In New York City’s Washington Square Park, dignitaries and speakers including UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, actress and UNAIDS goodwill ambassador Naomi Watts, and other special guests will watch as the floodlights illuminating the Washington Square Arch are extinguished and then restored. As part of the event, the marquee lights of major Broadway theaters will also be dimmed.

amfAR and its partner organizations have created a special World AIDS Day website (www.lightforrights.org) that provides facts about HIV/AIDS, descriptions of Light for Rights activities can be organized in other locations, social networking ideas, and templates for op-eds and letters to the editor.

Since HIV/AIDS was first reported almost three decades ago, the virus has decimated populations around the globe and results in approximately 2 million deaths each year.

In 2008, the last year for which figures are available, 2.7 million people were newly infected with HIV, 40 percent of whom were young people between the ages of 15 and 24. The number of new infections continues to outpace the number of people receiving treatment.

Here we have SoleBlind here with a new track “I’m On”. He goes in over Uptown instrumental. You can catch more of SoleBlind on The Goose Experiment along with some upcoming projects by ITO.

DOWNLOAD: SoleBlind – I’m On

And also declares war on discussing policy with the UFT.

“As it turns out our lawyers now tell us after a very close reading of New York’s law, the current law does not actually stop us from using student data to evaluate teachers who are up for tenure this particular school year, because the way it was written it covers only teachers hired after July 1^st of 2008, and those are not up this year.”

“So today, I’ve directed our schools Chancellor, Joel Klein, to ensure that principals actually use student achievement data to help evaluate teachers who are up for tenure this year. It is an aggressive policy…”

From TheWashingtonPost.com:

One year ago, I stood with city leaders on a hill in Northeast as we broke ground for affordable housing in the District. When the St. Martin’s Apartments are completed, nearly 200 low-income families and individuals will get a fresh start on life in a wonderful example of the type of effective public-private partnerships the residents of our nation’s capital need.

St. Martin’s is being developed by Catholic Charities, on land owned by the Catholic Church and with funding sources that include the District of Columbia.

Catholic Charities and the Archdiocese of Washington are committed to continuing to serve the people of the District as we have for many decades. That includes partnerships such as St. Martin’s. Unfortunately, the D.C. Council is considering legislation that could end these kinds of partnerships.

It doesn’t need to be that way. While we do not agree with the council on redefining marriage, we recognize that it is firmly committed to opening marriage to homosexual couples. We are asking that new language be developed that more fairly balances different interests — those of the city to redefine marriage and those of faith groups so that they can continue to provide services without compromising their deeply held religious teachings and beliefs. The archdiocese has not been alone in requesting broader language. Other groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington and nationally recognized legal scholars all called for stronger protections for religious freedom in their testimony on the original bill.

For the archdiocese and Catholic Charities, two core tenets of our faith are at the heart of our concerns: our understanding of the nature of marriage and our commitment to expressing Christ’s love through service to others. Under the legislative language before the D.C. Council, the archdiocese would be forced to choose between these two principles. The archdiocese has long made clear that all people have equal dignity, regardless of sexual orientation. But marriage is reserved for husband and wife because of its essential connection with the creation of children.

The proposed legislation offers little protection for religious beliefs, including no protections for individuals, as is required under the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Under the bill, religious organizations would be exempt from participating in ceremonies or from teaching about same-sex marriage in religion classes and retreats in accordance with their faith beliefs, but they would be required to recognize and promote same-sex marriage everywhere else, including in employment policies, and adoption and foster-care policies, against their beliefs.

The proposed legislation offers little protection for religious beliefs, including no protections for individuals, as is required under the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Under the bill, religious organizations would be exempt from participating in ceremonies or from teaching about same-sex marriage in religion classes and retreats in accordance with their faith beliefs, but they would be required to recognize and promote same-sex marriage everywhere else, including in employment policies, and adoption and foster-care policies, against their beliefs.

So what does this mean?

The archdiocese and Catholic Charities are committed to continuing to provide services in the District. Despite the headlines, there has been no threat or ultimatum to end services, just a simple recognition that the new requirements by the city for religious organizations to recognize same-sex marriages in their policies could restrict our ability to provide the same level of services as we do now. This is so because the District requires Catholic Charities to certify its compliance with city laws when applying for contracts and grants. This includes contracts for homeless services, mental health services, foster care and more. Since Catholic Charities cannot comply with city mandates to recognize and promote same-sex marriages, the city would withhold contracts and licenses.

Each year, 68,000 people in the District rely on Catholic Charities for shelter, nutrition, medical and legal care, job training, immigration assistance and more. This assistance is offered to whoever needs it, regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality or sexual orientation. Many of the programs are offered in partnership with the city, which turns to Catholic Charities and other ministries when it cannot provide social services on its own. Catholic Charities has a proven track record of high-quality service, supported through caring, qualified staff, thousands of dedicated volunteers and millions of dollars in financial support from parishioners all over the region. This legislation won’t end Catholic Charities’ services, but it would reduce unnecessarily the resources available for outreach.

We recognize that the council is likely to legalize same-sex marriage. It is the hope of the archdiocese and Catholic Charities that council members will work with us to find a way to better balance interests so religious organizations that have served this city well for many decades may continue to provide services without compromising the tenets of their faith.

The writer is archbishop of Washington.

Yay, its finally here. Mick Boogie & Terry Urban drop their De La Soul tribute tape, Le Da Soul (20 Years of De La Soul). The tape includes 20 remakes of De La’s classic by great artists like Camp Lo, Talib Kweli, Phife Dawg, Senor Kaos, Tanya Morgan, 6th Sense, The Kid Daytona, U-N-I & more. Production is provided by SMKA, 6th Sense, Apple Juice Kid, DJ Rasta Root, J. Rawls & more.

DOWNLOAD: Mick Boogie & Terry Urban: Le Da Soul (20 Years of De La Soul)

NYC

151 Rivington Street

(between Clinton and Suffolk)

The other night I checked out Sushi Uo, a new sushi spot in the LES.   It was lovely.  Discreetly located just above Bar 151 on Rivington Street, Sushi Uo is a small cozy sushi bar worth checking out in a neighborhood where sushi is scarce.  Former Morimoto sushi chef, David Bouhadana, serves up tasty appetizers, similar to choices from places like Nobu and Bond Street.   Our favorite was the spicy sweet and sour rock shrimp.

The sushi itself was all super fresh.  The rolls were interesting as well… Creations like Salmon Tempura Asparagus and creamy mustard sauce and Lightly Broiled Whitefish with asparagus and enoki went over very well at our table.  Also, it’s nice to leave the East Village once in a while and have a crabmeat roll made with real crabmeat.

After reading a few reviews online I have to admit that I was expecting a bigger, “trendier” space… However, I was not at all disappointed with Sushi Uo.  Walking into what looks like an apartment building, Sushi Uo is a small, tranquil space.  While Sushi Uo is not my favorite restaurant in this area; the food was nice and fresh, the servers were knowledgeable and spoke perfect English, which is hard to come by when we’re talking good, affordable sushi.  And, the atmosphere was just right for three girls to catch up on a Sunday night.  I think Sushi Uo would be a great date spot any other night, and its convenient location on Rivington and Clinton is perfect for after dinner drinking binges.

The prices are fair also, for about $40 each; three of us split two appetizers, three rolls, and had two drinks each.

BY: LAUREN BROWN

In case you haven’t noticed yet, I’m a fan of planning events far in advance. There is always so much going on in NYC, specially around the holidays that I like to have everything on a calendar so I can visualize my schedule.

Along with the usual holiday market in Union Square (which starts today!) and Grand Central Holiday Fair, and Brooklyn Flea’s “Gifted” marketplace, next weekend not one but two huge holiday craft fairs will be taking place.

The Martha Stewart Holiday Craft Sale is closed to the public on December 4th, but the 5th it’s open for all of your shopping enjoyment!

The sale takes place Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.
Starrett-Lehigh Building
601 West 26th Street (between Eleventh and Twelfth avenues)
9th Floor
New York, NY 10001
For any questions, call 212-389-4026
Most sellers are CASH ONLY.

Taking place the day after in Chelsea: The BUST Craftacular!

For more info on the craftacular (also taking place in London and Los Angeles!), check out my previous post on the event or the Craftacular’s official site. See a list of the vendors here.

HAPPY HOLIDAY SHOPPING!

queensboro bridge, nyc.