Dedicated to Bob Marley

It's so rare for a generation to experience a being that is inspirational and heavenly in essence. Whenever one of these beings come along, we should consider ourselves honored to experience the presence they left on the world. Mister Marley, this is for you!

Ground Zero Mosque Outrage

While cruising the usual news websites, I stumbled upon this story about a recent stabbing. Two things caught me about this incident; the location (literally two blocks south of my residence) and the motive.

From NY1

A city cab driver is in the hospital after being stabbed by a passenger who allegedly asked if he was Muslim, police tell NY1.

Investigators with the New York City Police Department say it all began Monday night when a 21-year-old man hailed a cab at 24th Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan.

Police say the passenger asked the driver, "Are you Muslim?" When the driver said yes the passenger pulled a knife and slashed him in the throat, arm and lip.

There is nothing that can convince me that this incident doesn't have anything to do with the recent Ground Zero controversy. As a 9/11 survivor, I absolutely understand the feelings around the issue. Having said that, there are just a few things that are just fact:

One; we cannot as Americans allow for Muslims to be collectively guilted because of the actions of a fringe minority of Muslims. 9/11 was a horrible tragedy, but it's time we move on from that and learn to forgive the followers of Islam (which by the way doesn't mean forgiving the terrorists who committed these acts).

Two; regardless of your feelings towards the mosque, this kind of hate crime cannot, under any circumstances be allowed, condoned nor excused.

I hope this story gets wider coverage, so people can truly understand the power of hate and bigotry in what is nothing more than a land use issue. I'll end with the quote from a previous post:

Somewhere right now, evil people are planning evil things. All of us will do everything meaningful, everything we can do to prevent it, but each horrible act can’t become an ax for opportunists to cleave the very Bill of Rights that binds us

-Charlton Heston

Beware of the flash

From Over The Line Smokey

From the New York Times:

One afternoon, Duane P. Kerzic was arrested by the Amtrak police while taking pictures of a train pulling into Pennsylvania Station. At first, the police asked him to delete the images from his camera, but he refused. He ended up handcuffed to the wall of a holding cell while an officer wrote a ticket for trespassing.

Mr. Kerzic, a semiprofessional photographer, proceeded to describe his detention on his Web site and included images of the summons. He also hired a lawyer to sue...More here.

As a photographer; I'm always careful of my surroundings, and I always try to be aware of who's around me. Not only for safety and comfort reasons (one doesn't want to stop short to take a picture while someone's walking directly behind you), but also for law enforcement officials. Ever since 9/11, fears of terrorism has been the textbook excuse for cops to stop, question and in some cases illegally detain photographers.

It's interesting to note that on Amtrak's website, it states "The taking of photographs and/or videos is permitted within public access areas on Amtrak property and as otherwise stated in Section III." The only transit system that openly bans photography is the PATH system in New York and New Jersey.

I've been wanting to do this for a while, but this seems like the most appropriate time to post the most important links anyone armed with a camera can be given:

The Photographer’s Rights
Legal Rights of photographers
Photojojo: Photography and the law

Also note:
-If you plan on taking transit photos, be sure to check the agencies policy on photography (again, most transit systems are considered public property, so this shouldn't be too big of an issue. Still be careful).

In case you didn't notice...

I'm officially back. And it feels so good!

Connect with me:
On flickr
On DeviantArt (as LiquidKaos)
Via twitter
via Artylizer
and on tumblr

Leeia to release debut album

URBAN ALTERNATIVE STAR, “LEEIA” TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM “UPS & DOWNS” ON JULY 26, 2010
ALBUM RELEASE PARTY TO BE HELD AT CRASH MANSION (NYC), HOSTED BY AMANDA DIVA

July 12, 2010 –New York, NY

New York‐based urban alternative artist Leeia is set to release her debut album, “Ups & Downs”, on July 26, 2010. A rhythmic fusion of pop, R&B, and reggae, Leeia’s music brings a whole new sound to the world’s capital; while her live show provides an energetic funk that will soon light up arenas worldwide.

Born and raised in the Big Apple, Leeia’s first big break came when she won two contests (“Reggae’s Rising Star” and “Talent Jam”, respectively) on New York’s 93.5. “The reggae community is more supportive in New York than a lot of other genres, and they showed a lot of love,” she recalls. With her momentum mounting, a few radio spins further added to Leeia’s movement, and before long, she was performing alongside such seminal artists as Beenie Man, Sean Paul, and reggae legend Freddie McGregor.

Originally completed in January, "Ups & Downs" is a culmination of a lifelong flirtation with music, and the title reflects all of the obstacles and blessings involved in the making of the album. A computer crash forced Leeia to re‐record her entire album.

Undeterred, Leeia completed the process with an open heart and mind –so when an unforeseen mis‐cue over a track with a major reggae artist didn’t go according to plan, Leeia’s album didn’t suffer. Instead, in a testament to Leeia’s patience and persistence, the album came back stronger than ever.

Leeia says of the album’s concept: “Since I have so many genres, I created a storyline to keep it all together. This is a great stepping‐stone –I’m at a point now, where I get it. This is how life is supposed to go, and it’s reflected in the storyline.”

In accordance with promotion of the album, Leeia will bring her jam‐packed live show in for an intimate showcase held on July 26, 2010 at New York City’s famed Crash Mansion. Hosted by Amanda Diva, the album release party will feature a dynamic performance by Leeia, who says of the show: “I’ve got a 2‐piece acoustic, and a 4‐piece; I’m a fan of live instrumentation. I’m going to give you a live, energetic performance. And my dancers will make you sweat!”

The hometown show marks the first in a mini‐tour dedicated to promoting "Ups & Downs". Leeia’s packed summer includes shows in Boston, Nevada, and Antigua (at the inaugural Ocean Breeze Music Festival).

Leeia’s excitement is insurmountable: “Singing live, in person, is sooo much better than singing in the studio! I want to learn instruments – keys, guitar – I want to play it all by myself. I want to stretch my vocal range, I want to improve my business relationships.”

Having already made a small appearance in a Jay‐Z video “ I Know”, VH1 “The Salt n Pepa Show”, and an upcoming film “Beware the Gonzo”, Leeia’ frenetic pace is a sight to behold. Rarely do you have such a versatile artist, mash up so many different genres, while also maintaining an air of individuality. In an ode to entertainers past, Leeia is dance-hall, pop, and R&B –in one.

For more information on Leeia, please visit http://www.myspace.com/leeiamusic

For more information on the album release party, please contact: Chris Singleton (347) 489-3544

For media or to RSVP your celebrity clients, please email LeeiaMusic@yahoo.com

To RSVP for the event, visit http://leeiamusic.eventbrite.com/