Looking Forward Magazine Spring 2011

LOOKING FOR A r

ART MUSIC FASHION HUMANITY

Spring Issue 2011

HEART space

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COLOFON PUBLISHER

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Francesca Schueler EDITOR

Gabriela Riedi Jason van Oijen Anna Fedorovna Maggie Murphy Mascha van Wely Jon Tarifa Michele Ferron-Leckie

Alexander Schroeder Jalane Aparicio

Journalists Stories Promotion

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CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE

Ron Logher James Bartlett Anthony Gay Tim Haman Mildred Cairo Mimi Nizan Rob Durand

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Spring 2011

EDITORS NOTE It is done. Another three months of excitement, hard work, dedication, countless emails and phone calls, encounters with the cream of the crop, and the joy of working with people that complete me. May I welcome you to the first issue in 2011 of LFM! A new, upgraded visual identity that finally reflects what we were trying to communicate. I am grateful to have been introduced to our graphic designers Nikki van Onna and Johannes Verwoerd, and their ability to translate our needs!

We have set the origin, and we are fuelled to go full circle!

In this issue we are looking for Values, Heart, Stars, and Space in Music, Art, Fashion, and Humanity. An intriguing, refreshing, upbeat, and informing mix of articles, interviews, and showcase of creative people!

Let me sum up what has been on my mind in the last three months: Music somehow often depicts what I want to say. I will quote Nina Simone in her song “Feeling Good”: ‘Rivers running free, you know how I feel.

Blossoms in the tree, you know how I feel…sleep in peace when the day is done…the old world is a new world….and I am feeling good’. I know what she means, I can feel it everyday, and it continues ravishing me. Like a spark that makes me

want to flex the positive. Something that energizes to find truth. Not just any, but my own. Eddie Griffin once said that not one man knows that one truth, and I entirely concur. It almost offends me when people run around “believing” in a book that says it’s the truth and nothing else is. People, and however smart they might have been, wrote these books; but they are still people. There is a basic thread of truth running through all of humanity, everything else is our perception, the way we were raised, and the people around us. It is not hard to see. The entity called God, Jehovah, Allah, or any other name people stick on IT is usually referred to as the total truth donator.

Whoever IT is, apparently IT added in our “creation”, and IT gave us that one thing that distinguished us from animals by far.

That thing is “choice”. When we have a choice, we have the ability to find our own truth, because we “know” we can verify. When we do that, then we are free. I am free to choose, and I am free to flex my knowledge even further. I wish that the latter part were true for everyone. As it took over 400 years to establish somewhat of equality in Europe, and because I find great truth in learning from history, we are well underway to become one equally established people. Volle Kraft vorraus!

Much Love, Francesca Schueler

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CONTENTS LOOKING FOR A r Spring Issue 2011

HEART a star

space

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Spring 2011

Foreplay Playlist Deluxe J.Ivy Shifting Societal Values Fashion Against Aids The Black Market VS. the Free Market Ntjam Rosie Mimi in Fashionland I got heart for you About the heart shape Celebrating the Silent Agents of Change Blaxtar Ambassadors of Morocco Mascha van Wely Harmen Piekema Da Rap Story Looking For Space

14 19 22 26 30 32 38 42 48 56 58 64 68 72 78 88 90

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HAVING A FOREPLAY Enviu “Innovators in Sustainability” Far from big multinational companies’ –more or less real, committed, effective, efficient– Corporate Social Responsibility programs (CSR), there is Enviu.

The organization’s full name is Enviu – innovators in sustainability.

Since 2004, Enviu develops and helps bring environment-friendly and social-friendly innovations to the market. This is achieved via a series of projects, idea incubators and brainstorm sessions. Everyone can and does participate: volunteers, students, young entrepreneurs, senior executives, corporate partners and schools.

Unlike most CSR initiatives, Enviu is not a communication stunt; but thanks to Enviu, CSR can be effective as the projects they carry out result in something tangible, like the Hybrid Tuk-tuk (now produced for the Indian market), the Sustainable Dance Club (now an independent company with the Dutch BV status) or the Open Source House and EcoMind.

For more information and WOW! projects, visit www.enviu.org. You will surely be inspired and probably will want to contribute one way or the other.

Cover Lovin!

One on one with Ron What is your working philosophy?

Creative minds working together with passion for the best result is the ultimate team effort. On a set I’m open for anything that may happen, with the things we create, as long as it fits or strengthens the image or concept that I have in mind.

Why have you chosen to go into photography?

It makes me feel good; it makes me express myself in ways that works for me.

What makes a good picture?

A good picture is a picture that moves you in some sort of way.

Whether it makes you just stare a little bit longer or makes you want to see more. Technique is mostly an overrated concept. An image can be perfect in a technical way, but that doesn’t make it a good picture. Many of my favorite images are technical imperfect, but they touch me.

What is your favorite movie?

Pulp Fiction and Inglorious

Bastards. I'm actually a huge fan of Tarantino.

Who is your favorite photographer?

Steven Klein, without a doubt.

What is your favorite publication?

Razor Red Hong-Kong.

Family or career?

Both. My family is supporting me in every way to work on my career. My career makes me a better person, which benefits my family.

What are you looking for in life?

Happiness and recognition.

What makes you happy?

A good result after a day of hard work.

Forward or backward?

Forward. I look back at things in the past only to learn from them and thus improve myself. Actually this is an ongoing process, a personal loophole. I'm always looking for improvement. ronlogher.com

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Spring 2011

Blog Lovin!

Jeneen Nicole Fashion can be a quite intimidating sport. Spotting someone that has the ability to pull different color combinations, and a texture together is a true talent! Apart from that, a real fashion expert knows where to shop for accessories that add detail, tell a story, or guide through an entire outfit. Art, design, and fashion, in all their facets have many things in common. Therefore LFM is always thrilled when crossing paths with people that stand their grounds, dare to be just a little different, without scare. Early this year we had the pleasure to meet Jeneen Nicole from New York City, and already then we

saw: “This girl got style!” Luckily she is sharing that with all at the Blog: Jeneennicole.com.

She says about herself: “I’m a brown girl with lots of frequent flyer miles!

I love pretty pictures, cats, vintage, culture, friends & new folks. I’m walking the path that god created for me, one millisecond at a time!”

We made up our minds: We will follow JeneenNicole.com!

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Spring 2011

Revolution In the very beginning the word “revolution” was used by astronomer Copernicus in 1543, when he described the movements of planets around the sun in his paper “de revolutionibus orbium coelestium” (On the revolution of celestial bodies), which was that paper that renounced the Earth being the center of our solar system! Only in 1688, as recorded, was the word used for a change in social order, when William III replaced James II in the United Kingdom.

The noun revolution comes from the Latin word “revolutio”, which means, “to turn around”. In essence that is exactly what mass mobilizations during a revolution want to achieve: A turn around in the established power system, either revolting for a complete new constitutional system, or political and social modifications.

Revolution can be violent, but can also be accomplished peacefully.

Historians always stress the importance to learn from previous mistakes made, but regardless, history keeps repeating itself. Why? The answer to that probably lies in the psychology of the human mind.

As revolution is upraising in the Arab world, let us have a look at some major other revolutions our world has seen.

The most renowned European revolution is the French Revolution (1789-99), which is said to have influenced other shifts of powers in the western hemispheres. Within three years the absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed, as the pressure of liberal political groups mobilized masses on the streets. The French revolution had an extremely violent phase referred to as the “Reign of Terror”, which lasted from 1793 until 1794

and left 16.000 and 40.000 people dead. Enlightenment principles of citizenship and inalienable rights removed royal hierarchies and old traditions.

The world saw another major revolution the second half of the 18th century, known as the American Revolution. The American Revolution refers to the time when 13 North American colonies upraised against the overseas rule of the British Empire. Britain’s rule ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783 and left George Washington as its successful leader.

We cannot write about Revolution without mentioning Russia! On October 25th 1917 (after the old styled Julian Calendar, but November 7th after the Gregorian Calendar) the Bolshevik Revolution took place. Many also refer to it as the Red October, or the October Revolution.

Due to its “quickness” it is also called a coup, and part of the general Russian Revolution of 1917, which ultimately lead to the Russian Civil war and the creation of the Soviet Union in 1922.

Of course all of these “famous” Revolutions are that famous, because they influenced their neighboring countries, changed the lives of all people involved, and were all very violent. There are also a few peaceful revolutions that changed political and social systems: The Velvet Revolution of Czechoslovakia in 1989 was a non-violent revolution that helped collapse the communist regime. In the same year the Berlin wall also “fell” and collapsed the iron curtain dividing Europe, and reuniting Germany as one sole country.

And today? During the French Revolution the people demanded rights, they demanded to not be

suppressed by arrogant nobility reining them as they pleased. Once a group of people suppresses others and uses their power and influence for their own good only, installs fear and reigns in terror, then revolution is necessary. Whatever label we give the system that is revolted against, sometimes it feels like governments are just a modern form of old monarchy and arrogant aristocracy.

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Photo by Jason van Oijen

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Spring 2011

PLAYLIST DELUXE

By Jalane Aparicio 10- "KRAZY" FROM THE ALBUM MAKAVELI BY TUPAC FT BAD AZZ.

It is a song, in which Tupac clearly states his ups and downs throughout the game, society and what it means to be born black and poor in this world.

Tupac also talks about pride of his achievements and about the bad situation in the streets of the USA. As usual the artist political views about today's politic game is present.

9- "13TH FLOOR/GROWING OLD" FROM THE ALBUM ATLIENS BY OUTAKAST.

A typical 90's Hip Hop record, by the notorious rap group Outkast, where wise words are spoken before the beat drops. It is a track, where equality is identified as the missing link of all humanity. The past, present, and future are the focus of the lyrics.

Prosperity is begged and recognition for good deeds is glorified!

8- "ALLES WAT IK WIL" FROM THE ALBUM WINNIE ZONDER STRIJD BY WINNIE FT GMB.

In this song the Dutch rapper recognizes the importance and value of women in this world. He praises them, like only real men can and do.

Gratitude is expressed for everything taken and learned from women.

There is a will to return the favor, RESPECT!

7- "I RELY ON ME" FROM THE ALBUM ACROSS BY PERQUISITE FT RENSKE TAMINIAU.

Pure, simple, joyful, and daring are the words to describe the lyrics of this song. Renske's smooth and soothing voice is one of the most remarkable parts of the track. Perquisite’s notorious skills are evident and make it a wonderful song to any ear at any time of the day.

6- "SO FAR TO GO" FROM THE ALBUM SHINNING BY J DILLA FT COMMON & D'ANGELO.

Great beat made by J Dilla. Simple and effective drums, soft and incredible vocals by D'Angelo, and poetic raps

by Common make this track a fine piece of Art. 5- "WON'T DO" FROM THE ALBUM SHINNING BY J DILLA.

Once again on this list, because it is such a great song. Insane beat and sample, nice flow and lyrics. Made by a genius. A truly amazing production.

4- "A SONG FOR ASSATA" FROM THE ALBUM LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE BY COMMON.

In this song Common shares his views about the history of abuse that until today happen in the USA. It is about black vs. white, government’s shady ways, the black panthers, and the endless human fight for freedom.

All that in a rare poetic way.

3- "CONTROLLED COINCEDENCE" FROM THE ALBUM FISH OUTTA WATER BY CHALI 2NA FT KANETIC SOURCE.

Chali 2na happens to have one of the most admired voices in hip hop.

He shows us once again how to rock a beat, how to pick a topic, and how to strip it from the bottom up.

Kanetic Source complements it, by contributing with his lyrical cuts and interactive skills. A “must listen” song.

2- "GOD OF MERCY" FROM THE ALBUM VICTIM OF TRUTH BY NNEKA.

Oh god, what a song, what a lyric and what a performance by this Afro/ European Queen.

Nneka is known for being a good performer and LFM had the chance to interview her in the last issue! She is a good person by heart and through her music we can see it. Beautiful singing and flawless raps.

1- "REDEMPTION SONG" FROM THE ALBUM THE LEGEND BY BOB MARLEY.

It is perhaps one of the most difficult things to decide about Bob Marley: Which one is his best song? Which one is my favorite song?

I picked this one, because in it he sang along a guitar, while already facing a terminal illness. Regardless his singing sounds flawless in this brilliant song, about people, life, equality, and most importantly, freedom!

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IN MUSIC FASHION HUMANITY

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From Chicago and beyond…

What do you do?

First and foremost “What’s up?

And thanks for having me on here. I go by the name J. Ivy. My profession includes: poet, writer, performer, voice-over talent, model, photographer, event host, songwriter, actor, workshop instructor, motivational speaker, and owner of Ivyous Entertainment, LLC. Where are you located?

I’m exactly where I’d thought I be.

From Chicago and beyond…

What were some major milestones in your career? Where are you today?

Most people know my work from appearing on 3 seasons of Russell Simmons’ HBO Def Poetry, as well as guest appearing on Kanye West’s “Never Let Me Down.” I’ve done national print campaigns with LRG Clothing. I’ve done voice-over work for HBO’s Boxing, Sunday Night Football on NBC, and others. And I’m currently having a lot of fun on

the road performing new music from my album “HERE I AM.” Along with that, I have a photography/poetry book that I wrote and snapped called “Drive-By Shooting.” I’ll be putting that out with LRG this year. I’m doing a series of shows called “Voice of the City” with RedBull. I’m working on new music with the legendary Ski Beatz. As well as a documentary based around my poem “Dear Father”.

What is your ultimate goal?

My ultimate goal is to be remembered once I’m gone. I want my words and my music to change lives, save lives, make a difference. It’s much bigger than me. I just want to continue to be a positive vessel for those that may need the right words at the right time.

What is your life philosophy?

Dreams don’t come true, they are true…Create!

True Love, Myth or Truth?

There’s definitely truth in true love, whether it be for an inner passion, for a cause, or for a particular individual.

If you believe in it, work for it, care for it, it must be true.

Living in the States, which in the world is seen as the leader on material values, how do you see it? Is prestige a moving factor in society?

Unfortunately, it is very driven by materialism. It’s what you see on T.V. and in the magazines. It’s what you hear on the radio. It’s what’s pushed to you from birth. But at the same time that isn’t the full scope of the States. The U.S. is filled with culture, which is the true pulse of the people.

Yeah, we want to look fly on the outside, but the integrity, passion, and creativity that dwells in the spirit of the people is what truly defines us.

We all know that you have recorded a song with Kanye West's first Album “Never let me down” and Jay-Z, do you want to walk us throughout the whole process and how it came about in your opinion?

I was out in New York at the time and

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having a great time kicking it with a Chicago crew that pretty much invaded the East Coast. One day, while Kanye was out in L.A. working on “The College Dropout,” he calls up one of our close mutual friends Coodie, who is a director, and tells him he needs him to come out and document what was going on. Coodie flies out the next day.

Over the next couple days Coodie called me up a couple of times giving me updates on the Hollywood adventures and I was motivated to take my own career to the next level. Saturday rolled around, I was in Brooklyn broke, so I decided to chill and write. Around 11pm I get a call from Coodie saying “J, you need to get to L.A. right now. Kanye got a joint with him and Jay-Z on it, he wants to put a poet on it, and I told him he needs to put J. Ivy on it.” I didn’t believe him until he played

Looking Forward

the record for me over the phone. He told me some of the lyrics, then told me one last time, “J, get out here, you ain’t got much time.” I told him I was going to find a way, and then hung up.

My 1st thought was “J, you need to write something right now.” I wrote one line, than I got stuck, so I started banging on the page screaming, “God, I need a piece right now! Give me one right now!” I put my hand back to the page and my hand started moving and writing line after line. I wrote a full page, read over the piece, and was like “damn, this shit hot!” I read over a few more time, and then I called Coodie. When he picked up, I said, “Dog, listen to this”. I spit the piece for him. When I finished he was going crazy and told me to hold on.

He headed to the other room, which was loud at the moment, but then the music went down, the people stopped talking, and Coodie said “J,

I put you on speaker phone. Spit that piece again.” And I did just that. I spit that piece like I had done it a million times. When I finished the room erupted with applause and screams.

I’m alone in Brooklyn thinking what’s going on, somebody tell me something, when I hear Kanye voice.

He said, “J, spit it again.” So I did, but when I finished he said, “Spit again.”

So I did, then he said, “Spit it again.”

I did the joint for about a half hour and the piece is only a minute long.

Finally Coodie got back on the phone and was like “J, guess what?” I said “What?” He said “Kanye flying you out here tomorrow.” And all I could think was “Man, thank God, I found my way.”

After that, I headed to Los Angeles, recorded my verse at Record Plant Studio in Hollywood and the rest is history.

Some people say that Hip Hop

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is not what it used to be, people say that is has changed and for bad instead of good, what's your opinion about it?

Over the years, I feel that Hip-Hop has taken leaps and bounds. Like every genre of music it has grown and expanded, being expressed in so many different ways, formats, and styles. Now where I feel things have drastically changed is in the media.

Back in the day, you would hear a little bit of everything. Everyone knew about every artist. Now, you hear the same style of music. You see the same

Spring 2011

artist and the same videos on the T.V. and radio. As a result of media limited play-list, the versatility has been lost.

But like any other times in music, the quality will find it’s way to the light.

The blogs are gaining speed and the Internet is buzzing with incredible new artist. The masses are hungry for good music. We all are. And because of that Hip-Hop will continue to grow. After all, it is the greatest music to ever be created.

When can we expect J. Ivy in Europe? What is in store from you in the coming five years?

I’m looking forward to getting to Europe very, very soon! My team is working on dates and tours now, so I’ll definitely be keeping you posted on my site. As far as the next 5 years, you’ll be hearing a lot of new music from me. I’ll be dropping some more books, and seeking out acting roles.

It’s an exciting time and I’m just getting started. “Isn’t It Ivyous”! j-Ivy.com twitter.com/J_Ivy myspace.com/jivyspace

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Author Anthony Gay

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anthony about himself: I’m a husband, a father, a grandfather, a life-long learner, and a teacher. I have taught in England, Egypt, Australia and, for almost three decades, here in The Netherlands. I write songs, have written several school musicals, and guided hundreds of students through their IB History examinations. One of the, seemingly, obvious things I’ve learned is that people benefit from social justice and a sense of community, in a context of trust, where free expression flourishes, cloaked in mutual respect and the fulfillment of human potential. This sure sounds idealistic, but more worthwhile than unbridled cynicism.

A quintessential question needs to inform our political dialogue, and that is “under what conditions is it possible, and worthwhile for people as a whole to live.” It is a question recently posed by Tony Judt in his inspirational book “Ill Fares The Land”, as he expresses deep concern about an apparent shift in our societal values that are less inclusive than thirty years ago – I share that concern.

Many generations have survived the often turbulent, destructive, traumatic, and chaotic unfolding of events. The procession of history however, reveals both problems and promises, as each generation seeks to define itself in choosing new directions, hoping to avoid flawed paths previously taken. To build a better world for our children, and ourselves is a ubiquitous orientation, and one that assumed majestic proportions after both total wars of the last century. Distinctively, the aftermath of World War Two was pivotal in embracing new

values of collective responsibility.

Governments across Europe and Scandinavia desired to provide welfare states and a burgeoning public sector that would inaugurate a more fertile age of care and concern for everybody. Such values were noble, relevant, and humane, and they propelled us forward for a few decades, but in the 1980’s, the Thatcher/Reagan marriage of pragmatism and monetarism restored the primacy of the private sector.

In the light of the recent economic crisis, the dismantling of the public sector has entrapped us and, although retrenchment is necessary, the debilitating choices

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our leaders are making could haunt us. Spending cuts themselves do not ameliorate the questionable actions of bankers, traders, and brokers, the true beneficiaries of unregulated market economics. Coincidentally, I read today, February 4, 2011, on the BBC news site, that Hedge Fund managers at the top of their game can earn four billion dollars a year. I am sure these managers contribute, sometimes riskily, to the health of economies, but their remuneration is clearly absurd. For comparison, “The entire economic output of Montenegro, a Balkan state, with a population of 650,000, is the same as one Hedge Fund manager earned

Spring 2011

in 2009”. According to the BBC, you could buy a fleet of 2,352 Bugatti Veyrons, the world’s most expensive street-legal car, and still have change to purchase 160 Ford Fiestas. The concept of inequality has undergone a metamorphosis.

To denigrate our essential public services, at a time when strident inequality seethes, and grows, and embeds itself in our economic consciousness, is not designed to encourage the younger generation to participate in the democratic institutions that enshrine our “civilized” communities. We are indeed witnessing a shift in societal values that may belittle our sense of community and cripple our connectedness and empathy. Tony Judt maintains “ _ _ privatization reverses a century long process whereby the state took on things that individuals could not, or would not do”. The historical forces that precipitated greater governmental intervention in society – unregulated capitalism, rapid technological change, uncertainty, and inequality - to name just a few, are continuing issues in many people’s lives.

In the twenty first century, the paradigm has shifted, and the vanguard of collective responsibility, the provision of public services, and social democracy could be eclipsed by a belief in the private sector to work for the “common good” – the fabrication of “The big society”, in

David Cameron’s words. He targeted Liverpool as a pioneering focus for the initiative, but the Liverpool City Council has withdrawn from the project because government spending cuts are threatening the future of many local volunteer groups. When Cameron launched his “big society” last July he said community groups “should be able to run post offices, libraries, transport services, and shape housing projects”. He felt the concept “would be a big advance for people power”.

Well, “people power” dates back to Berlin in November 1989, when the wall came tumbling down. We have seen the resurrection of “people power” most recently on the streets of Tunisia, Egypt, and Yemen, and Jordan is trembling. I’m sure the British Prime Minister does not envisage that style of insurrection, but his coalition government could fall victim to frustration and fury if social cohesion is destroyed.

I do not believe Cameron, but I do believe Tony Judt, and I fervently believe his analysis should guide our choices and reach a larger audience.

Judt wrote in “Ill Fares The Land”, and I totally concur, “Something is profoundly wrong with the way we live today. For thirty years we have made a virtue out of the pursuit of material self-interest. Indeed, this very pursuit now constitutes whatever remains of our sense of collective purpose. _ _ _We cannot

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go on living like this. The little crash of 2008 was a reminder that unregulated capitalism is its own worst enemy: sooner or later it must fall prey to its own excesses and turn again to the state for rescue”. I applaud this reasoning, and do not fully comprehend the basic premise from which our faith in the private sector emanates, especially when dealing with essential services.

With refined empathic skills, Judt continues, “We have entered an age of insecurity. Insecurity breeds fear – fear of change, of decline, fear of strangers and an unfamiliar world. It corrodes the trust and interdependence on which civil societies rest. The specter of terrorism, and climate change will further cast stable democracies into turmoil.” We know only too well how economic uncertainty and fear can exacerbate ethnic tensions and provoke prejudice, discrimination, and dehumanization. Indeed, the world economic crisis of the early 1930’s elicited great electoral support for Hitler. In volatile economic circumstances, we need social cohesion.

Along with uncertainty, we now observe growing inequality permeating, or mutating, advanced societies. Even before the proposed dismantling of the public sector across Europe, Tony Judt observed that, “The UK is now more unequal – in incomes, wealth, education, and

Looking Forward

life chances than at any time since the 1920’s. There are more poor children in the UK than in any other country in the European Union”. I do not think the average British voter is aware of that.

Considering the spectrum of “happiness” criteria – the Gross Happiness Quotient/Product, if you like, however it may be defined across cultures, Tony Judt mentions specifically Sweden and Finland as exemplars of how we could proceed along the road to societal wellness.

He states that they are “ _ _ two of the wealthiest countries by per capita income or GDP, and have a very narrow gap separating their richest from their poorest citizens, and they consistently lead the world in indices of measurable wellbeing”.

I’m sure the inhabitants of Bhutan, in the high Himalayas, have their own criteria, but the question posed at the beginning of this brief critique remains.

We are, indisputably, confronted by deep economic problems, but to provoke greater uncertainty, to intensify growing inequality, and to dismantle, with all the concomitant risks, a once valued public sector, is to wander wantonly down a path we may not wish to traverse.

As with every era, we face challenges, and our choices will draw battle lines in the sand, or cooperation and compromise. But on another level, a very personal level, you breathe in,

you breathe out, and you merge your creative influences with what you find – and you may want to provoke, or shock, or enlighten, or oppose, or inform, and your breathing brings art, and music, and style, fashion, and design to life. The choices are ours, and they will engender social cohesion in this rich and verdant tapestry, or not.

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‘…UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS IS IT POSSIBLE, AND WORTHWHILE FOR PEOPLE AS A WHOLE TO LIVE?’‘…, THE DISMANTLING OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR HAS ENTRAPPED US AND, ALTHOUGH RETRENCH-MENT IS NECESSARY, THE DEBILITATING CHOICES OUR Spring 2011

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Looking Forward

H&M Fashion against AIDS raises awareness with unisex style

Sweater - Men 24,95 Overall - Women 39,95

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Spring 2011

Wastecoat - WomenMen 129,–

Purse 7,95

Overall - Women-Men 39,95

‘Fashion Against aids (faa) is an extremely important initiative for H&M and this year the collection comes with a new twist. Faa is a campaign designed to raise both funds and awareness, which has so far donated over 41 million Swedish Krona for Designers Against aids (daa) and various other international hiv/aids projects. Because the hiv/aids message is as important for young women as much as it is for young men, the sporty unisex collection is for everyone to wear in their own way. The collection is available in H&M’s Divided department from 26th April and 25% of sales will be donated to youth hiv/aids projects around the world.’ (H&M press release Feb.2011)

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Author Tim Haman

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Spring 2011

‘Naturally, this concentrates purchasing power into the hands of those who know how to dilute it out of the pockets of others. Those that benefit from such activity want strong kings, and fascism is ascendant.’

‘If you want to change the world towards freedom and prosperity, you have to change the physics. You need MONEY, not its substitute, in circulation. Money is fungible. Identity and money do not mix, it has to be bearer, hence anonymous and private.’

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tim Haman, a Swedish serial entrepreneur started his first companies in the early IT industry and is now providing software platforms to the financial markets.

He sets his interest in to the global economy, turning global problems into personal “for-everyone” solutions.

It is very good to understand the different forms of money that exist today. That is why last time I wrote about gold and silver and how these values translate into money. Imagine you have gold and silver coins in your pocket and you want to purchase something. Where to go?

The answer is “the market”. It is that strange thing out there everyone talks about, no one has seen, felt, or touched it. What is it exactly? It is said that the market controls prices.

Prices of all goods in the grocery store, stock market prices, prices of gold and silver, cars, stereos, and everything else you can imagine.

Every other day we hear

politicians speak about the free market, free competition between the EU countries, and how prices depend on the market. Yet there are so many rules and licenses, it makes it practically impossible to start a company and just go for it. You need heavy funding and all the lobbyists on your side to write a straight success story.

The rules read: Companies have to be profitable in order to exist and be able to employ people. Salary payments require high margins. In order to be profitable, there are large payments made on the gross income, such as taxes, licenses, custom fees, and other expenses. This is what some calls capitalism, and some phrase it like it's bad. A non-fair system. As if companies purely run on greed.

However, these greedy companies employ the majority of people in the private and public sector. The majority of others, work for the government in some sort. Why aren’t the governmental departments operated in a corporate manner, generating profit? Or even countries?

Is that all bad?

If the free market really existed, companies would have less greed, and could maybe employ a lot more people? So, what’s wrong with our so-called free market of today? Do we even have one?

One thing to remember: There are too many people, who want something, for nothing. I would call them parasites. Now what, if regulators were parasites?

That results in a competition between companies, and that is a good thing, because prices go down (at least in the most cases), leaving the discussion about quality. But if the lowered prices were increased again, due to extra protectionist taxes, it is contra productive and companies might go out of business.

Consequently resulting in more unemployment. Are we on the border of contra productivity then?

First of all, a truly free market, would allow the seller and the buyer to make any deal they seem fit for the business in the common good of all parties involved. For that to happen one has to distinguish between what is lawful and what is legal. What is a healthy regulation and what is an

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‘In a related note, we do not have news, we have propaganda. This is because we do not have a market for news – we have a market for advertising.

News merely turns into filler in-between the paid advertising spots. Naturally, parasites arise to replace news with propaganda.’

over-regulation.

Another thing to remember: REGARDELSS of what system we have, there will always be people and companies that violate the given rules. Trying to regulate everything too much, how much of a free market does still exist?

‘If you want something you have to fight for it. You don't need the government to take care of you, you just need to stand up for yourself.’(Anonymous Quote) As Ayn Rand put it: ‘Individual rights are not subject to a public vote; a majority has no right to vote away the rights of a minority; the political function of rights is precisely to protect minorities from oppression by majorities (and the smallest minority on earth is the individual).’

Shouldn't that apply to markets as well? Small companies need the ability to compete, not to be crushed by over regulating governments, trying to defend a tax system that will die or dramatically change anyway. One example of how the EU works is to look at what happens to the cross border transactions right at the edge of the EU. Norway for example, where garlic and sugar are the demanded goods for smuggling these days. Why? High EU import tariffs (to protect inside EU farmers).

Result? They smuggle 20 million

Euros worth of garlic per year. That is the black market.

When the EU was created, in many countries people voted to join in. In the Nordic countries, there were a lot of discussions about the high yearly fees, especially the French subsidy for their farmers. They would like to keep them in production, even if they run at a loss. Instead of keeping simple business physics in place, they created black markets. Why not solve the problem instead of creating more problems for the future? One answer to that can very well be: There are other politicians in charge later, so it is not a problem of now, i.e. mine.

Where lies the responsibility?

The masses chants for more regulation, because they are told that will solve the problem. What is the problem really?

Why is more control needed in the markets, between companies? What are we trying to prevent exactly?

When you start to look for these black markets, you will find them everywhere, and everything is offered there. It seems more of a free market than the regulated market we have today. Will black markets take over then?

If you own your own brain, you should be able to decide for yourself.

Knowledge is key.

Those are the underlying

thoughts for a free market, at least for me. How does your free market look like?

SOURCES: http://www.thelocal. se/27518/20100630/

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/ authors/a/ayn_rand_2.html http://www.global-settlement.org/ archive/Finality-of-settlement-part-I. pdf

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IN MUSIC FASHION HUMANITY

Spring 2011

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HEART + SOUL= NTJAM ROSIE Singer & Composer

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PROCESS OF MAKING MUSIC

BEGINNINGS

For some reason I always sang.

When I heard a song on the radio or wherever I accidentally did the voice on top of it or underneath it. I just harmonized all the time because it’s how I learned, what I was taught in Cameroon, where I was born. When I was 9, I moved with my mother here to Holland.

Music was always there for me and it was always something magical. I was a part of music and I always considered myself to be music because I was a part of it. But I never realized that I had a voice people would like to hear solo. When I was about 14 or 15 I discovered that my voice could step up from backgrounds to solo and that’s when it all started; the singing lessons and later the conservatory.

MILESTONES

I studied at the Conservatory in Rotterdam and graduated with the title Bachelor of Music. My major was Latin singing and my minor was teaching. After graduation I was a little scared by the thought to live

from music, so I decided to continue studying for a Master in Amsterdam.

They were very welcoming there and I had nice teachers, but somehow it didn’t feel quite ok. Something in me said, ‘yeah, you’re ready’. I was not scared anymore and suddenly won these prizes that gave me a real good chance to finally do the independent thing that I have actually always been dreaming about. One of the prizes was the Music Matters Award 2009 that made me Music Ambassador of Rotterdam throughout all of 2010.

Music Matters is an organization that connects Rotterdam musically with each other: young people, older people and certain communities.

They are the link. Music is the link between the people in Rotterdam.

They use music as a tool to bring people together, and also young people from other neighborhoods and all that stuff. I think it’s a very positive thing. I like teaching and I like people so giving workshops for this good cause was a great thing for me to be part of.

I’m a singer/songwriter, but I do not only write lyrics and melodies.

I actually compose, as in the whole 360-degree cycle of composing, and I really love doing it. For the songs I compose and write I use my guitar and the piano. But I am not a real guitar or piano player. In the latest album Elle, which was released in the fall of 2010, I worked with musician Nathan Allen – who also worked with Amy Winehouse. When my producers and I started thinking about who we want to do this album with we thought of Nathan Allen on drums and Alex Bonfanti on bass; because they are a team, they click very well and are just a very good rhythm section.

They came to Rotterdam a few times and I had met them once before, so I kind of knew them already. It’s a small world you know. After we met up again and talked to each other, it just so happened that we recorded the album. It was just a matter of sending them the music and then hoping they would like it and, well, they did!

PHILOSOPHY

I have a few life philosophies. One of them is to enjoy the moment and to really try to be conscious about the now. If it’s pain that you’re feeling now, deal with it! Don’t drink it away, or fake it away, or whatever, deal with

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it now! All that stuff that we do that is human. And I’m just an artist who watches people. I enjoy doing things like this interview for your magazine for instance (smirks) but on the other hand I actually like to just watch and observe. It’s a journey you know.

When you watch each other, you can also learn from each other. When you do that, you see that we have much more in common than you would think and that helps. Then you realize ‘I’m not alone’; and at the end of the day we want to have our most basic need met, which is just to be loved.

CHARITY

I support charity by donating money monthly, but I am not an ambassador for another help organization; not yet! But whenever I get the chance to participate in a benefit concert I always do what I can to be with it of course.

DESIGNER LOOK

It’s all natural baby! Already as a kid I have always been a bit different. I was the ‘art girl’. In a way I always wanted to stand out I guess. In that sense, the artist in me was always there and I do believe in standing out, but only by being yourself. You already stand out, but really being true to yourself that’s not easy. That’s why I make the music that I make, to bring a little bit more.

But fashion is art to me. I love art. I am

art, and fashion is art. I could not NOT love it. My hair is art, my shoes, my nails, and my make-up. I mean you can change so much just by cutting your hair, by having extensions, by wearing whatever; it changes your whole face. It does mean something.

It’s not just a layer to look pretty or something. Not to me! I think fashion should be a mirror of who you are. If you look at me, you can see that my nails are blue and I wear high heels and that is a standard kind of thing, but that’s today. Tomorrow I might

have my Nikes on and just have fun that way, you know.

MESSAGE TO THE WORLD

Love! We are love, we are loved. I believe that we are all created in love.

God is love. He created us to love and to love each other and to live in love. I think that’s the most powerful message you can give to one another. ntjamrosie.com

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in Fashionland Location

Amsterdam

Photo by Alizia Valdor

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fabulous, strange or silly situation I find myself in. By the way, the times after my first carpet experience the paparazzi actually took pictures of me! Just saying.

Photo by Nick Looy

Artist Name, if you have one?

I was born as Miriange Amelia Jeanine Nizan. My parents instantly started calling me Mimi, because Miriange is such a long and serious name for such a tiny little girl. So my name is simply Mimi. I don’t have an artist name, but I do have an alter ego. No different name...just another attitude. You’ve got the shy and sweet Mimi and then the extravagant & sexy Mimi.

What is your occupation?

I’m a blogger, a stylist & a fashion illustrator. I write about fashion mainly because it’s my obsession. I also like to write columns about just random thoughts that pop up in my head. At first I was a little insecure about my columns. Fashion news & articles are easy, they are just facts wrapped in a shiny customized paper, but columns are pieces of myself.

They are my thoughts & experiences, sort of like a diary. I seriously spend six hours writing my first column and hesitated about an hour before posting it on my blog. After getting lots of great feedback I felt more confident.

People told me that it was refreshing to read about someone, who doesn’t take herself too seriously and isn’t

afraid to show her flaws. I’m not some rich socialite; I actually have to work hard to buy myself nice stuff.

I try to be as creative as possible and constantly reinvent new outfits with my wardrobe. I tell my friends now that I want to become huge and famous. I’m not ashamed to admit that life would have great perks for me, if I were to break trough and become a celeb.

This one time I wrote a story about my first experience on the red carpet. I’d just visited this huge event with all the rich & famous from the Netherlands. I was wearing a smashing outfit thinking that I was going to be photographed on the red carpet. Little did I know that nobody had ever heard of Mimi Nizan the blogger. I mean seriously I was a rookie who’d just started her blog the month before, what was I thinking?

I was so disappointed that nobody acknowledged me, but I could laugh about it at the same time. I ended up writing about the whole thing and making fun of the whole situation.

My readers loved it and enjoyed the story of a normal girl trying to make it in the scene. That’s what made me decide to always keep telling the truth about myself, whatever

Is there something on your mind right now you would like to share with our readers?

I just came back from a five-day trip in Paris with my lovely sister Alizia.

I got some brand new inspiration for the spring. I was just thinking that I’m sad that I could only stay for a few days, because I got lots of appointments here in Amsterdam, but at the same time I’m always glad to see my friends again. So it’s bitter sweet. France has always felt like my second home, because I’m originally French. My mom is from St. Tropez and my dad is from a tropical island called Martinique. I was born and raised in Amsterdam though.

This summer I’m going to throw a fabulous party to celebrate the one year anniversary of Mimi in Fashionland and I’m going to travel & report from lots of different places, which you will all see on my blog this year.

Of course we had a look at your blog, and love it! How did you start doing this, how did you get the idea?

I started the blog, because all my life I’ve know that fashion is my destiny (I know it sound cheesy) but for some reason I always chose studies and jobs with financial security. After graduating as a Media Manager in the summer of 2010, I decided that I would never work at a company that doesn’t give me the creative satisfaction that I need. It may sound dramatic, but every time I do a job that is all business and no creativity I feel like a part of me dies inside. If I were to keep doing such a zombiejob in the long run I wouldn’t even recognize myself in the mirror. Don’t get me wrong when I love my job I work my butt off, even the parts that aren’t fun I really pull trough.

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Photo by Gideon Bosnie

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myself. Do I sound cocky when I say I think I can reach all those goals?

No! Absolutely not!

@ AIFW 2011

So, a couple of days after my graduation I started Mimi in Fashionland, my world that I can share with others. The goal was to inspire others, give some fashion advice and keep them posted about what’s new & hot. But I wanted to do this in a mellow atmosphere; I’m their digital fashion girlfriend. It was received very well; I have some great fans that follow me as well on my blog as on facebook. I always have such respect for my readers; their little comments and e-mails can make my day and my positive energy.

You also draw amazing artwork yourself, did you go to school for this?

I’ve been drawing & painting my whole life. I didn’t go to an art school.

I don’t believe that you can learn to be a good artist. It’s a gift. Sure, you can learn some interesting techniques to develop your skills, but I don’t think it is always necessary to do a study.

When I draw nothing exists. It’s just my imagination & me trying to tell a story. I can draw for 20 hours in a row without eating or sleeping. Once I get in the ‘zone’ there’s no going back.

I create fashion illustrations with acrylic paint. Digitally, I’ve designed some illustrations on my laptop, its nice but painting is so much more fun. Little imperfections make it

real; the structure of the paint, colors blending in to one another and just the feeling that I drew it with my own hand and not with a mouse pad.

I love that I can place my illustrations on Mimi in Fashionland. That’s the great thing about a blog; you can share whatever you feel like. I’m not just a blogger I actually have some other great qualities.

In the winter of 2010 I had my first little exhibition with the paintings during Amsterdam International Fashion Week. It was a very dark & surrealistic theme. I’d painted fashion illustrations that reflected my feelings from that period. This was such a great experience. It’s always weird reading reviews about our own work. I was very proud of myself.

What is your ultimate goal in what you are doing now, and what do you do to reach it?

My first goal is to do the things I love (write, style & paint) and make a living of it. The ultimate goal is to concur the Netherlands and after that Europe: make Mimi in Fashionland even bigger, write articles for fashion magazines and have my own TV show (that last one is another dream of mine that must & will come true).

I want to be known for my great style, passion & hard work. I want to inspire others and keep challenging

How do you handle your success?

My success comes in pieces. It’s not like I just won American Idols and I have appearances, performances & signings every day. So it’s not an overwhelming kind of success; I grow a little every time. I do notice that people start recognizing me, that’s a good feeling. They come up to me and tell me they love reading my blog.

I’ve been asked to do interviews and I participated in a show for MTV. I have good relationships with the big PR companies, so I have access to lots of fashion & lifestyle events. That’s the best part, meeting interesting people from the industries, extend my network, get the heads up on new collections before others ...and get free stuff in a goodie bag!

I’m definitely hungry for more success, I don’t know anybody around me who’s that eager to succeed professionally!

I’m constantly looking for opportunities to promote the blog as well as myself.

I know that this year great things are going to happen for me, I just need others to believe it.

What makes a great garment in your opinion?

It depends on how you are feeling that day. I always use fashion to express the way I feel. But you should definitely choose items that fit your body. Never follow every trend; it’s okay to skip one. For starters it cost’s loads of money (the trends change so quickly these days it’s hard to keep up). Look at your own character and how you’d like to project yourself.

Are you fun & bubbly? Bold colors, a Tee with cartoon print or funny text and a waist belt with oversized buckle may work for you. The, confident & sexy power lady wears red or black skirt suits with unbelievable high heels and a single accessory as an eye catcher. I think that I have mixtures

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of lots of different styles. Just like my character (it’s all over the place) my style changes every day. I’m kind of like a chameleon.

The perfect garment that works for me is a waist short (ripped jeans or wool), a rock-ish kind of Tee or a transparent blouse tucked in it, high wedge heels (you get the height but not the sore feet) and a (pale pink) leather jacket or a parka. I don’t wear lots of necklaces or earrings, but I’m absolutely a fan of hair accessories (bows, turbans, hair necklaces), oversized and eye-catching rings (a bumblebee or a skull).

Some days I like to go over the top.

I wear a black mask that covers my eyes to the club or a body stocking on top of a legging with animal print. I love combining things that shouldn’t necessarily be worn together. Makes the outfit more interesting. This means mixing different prints or maybe the opposite one color from head to tow (hot pink or mint green).

I like standing out and looking different. Of course, then some days I don’t feel like it and just wear simple jeans, tank top and cardigan.

I also like to make my own hair accessories. I recently made a hair ribbon with flowers of different colors & sizes. This activist group from Ukraine called FEMEN inspired me. I saw a couple of articles on these strong & sexy women and they were always wearing hair ribbons with flowers. Immediately I started making one myself, I wore it to the Fashion Week. Everybody can be creative, just look at things that inspire you and start making something beautiful.

Photo by Alizia Valdor

Who in the fashion world sets trends in your opinion?

I think lots of pop stars set the trends. Of course the designers are the creators of trends, but once a pop star wears it, the ‘regular’ people start copying. I personally think Lady Gaga is setting trends, like a huge wave over the whole world. She’s a walking piece of art.

The pop culture from the eighties

is important to me; I would die for a MJ jacket from thriller or a purple jumpsuit with sequins in Prince’s style. I can even watch a show like “Full house” (love that show) and get some styling ideas from watching little Stefanie (now a days the Olsen twins have kicked her bud in fashion, but back then actress Jodie Sweetin was rocking bold tights and bleached

jean-skirts).

I also take inspiration from former editor in chief Carine Roitfeld & her daughter Julia, both such stylish women. The French always seem to have that effortless je ne sais quoi, like they just happened to throw something on in the morning and look absolutely splendid.

Last but not least my own mom used

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Photo by Alizia Valdor

to be such a stylish woman (she still is). I remember she used to run around in the house in knee high boots or neon pants with her white bleached hair in a ponytail.

What is the last thing you do, before you go to bed?

Before I go to bed I make a cup of jasmine tea, cuddle with my boyfriend, cuddle with my cat, analyze the day I just had and obsess about the future. I read my Vogue in bed and watch DVD’s of SATC, Gossip Girl or Scrubs. I shut down my laptop and try to sleep, then I go crazy from all the thoughts and ideas that are haunting my brain, so finally I end up opening my Mac book again to write something that I’ll post the day after. That’s more than one thing I guess...

Do you believe in true love?

I do believe in true love. I don’t believe in being in love with somebody every

single week, day, hour or second of the day. When you’re passed the three ‘butterfly in your stomach every second of the day’ years, your love becomes a more balanced love. The sort of love where you know you can count on someone no matter what, while sometimes taking each other for granted, you couldn’t live without each other. Being separated feels like you’re missing an arm or a leg. You can’t get over the fact that it’s not there anymore.

I believe that when you have found someone that makes you feel like you’re a princess and you deserve the world, someone who makes you feel special...you should hold on to that person. When things are rough in the relationship, human beings tend to go find something outside that relationship. I’ve seen people leave a perfectly great guy, simply because ‘the sparkle’ wasn’t there anymore.

Hello...! Wake up! You have to work to keep the sparkle alive. Put on

some gorgeous lingerie & bake him a cake. Don’t go looking for someone else, who will give you that sparkle without effort for eternity. I’ve got news for you, it’s not a movie...love is work. But then what do I know; I’m only 25.... mimifashionland.com

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I GOT HEART FOR YOU CREDITS

Photographer Rob Durand Models Jason van Oijen and Anna Fedorovna Make Up & Hair Gabriela Riedi Creative Direction Francesca Schueler for LFM Clothes Anna Mascha van Wely Clothes Jason Boston Trader bostontrader.nl Location Paleis Hotel, The Hague paleishotel.com

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ANNA

Lady Block Blouse and Black Legs JASON

All Bostontrader.nl

Spring 2011

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Lady Block Blouse

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ANNA

Black Top and Snake Legs JASON

All bostontrader.nl

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Black Top and Snake Legs JASON

All bostontrader.nl

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Ms Blue Suit and Skin-'er Blouse JASON

All bostontrader.nl

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ANNA

She-Red Top JASON

Shirt Models Own, Pants bostontrader.nl

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‘…to flex our “god” like deeds, in order for the soul to be free!’

ABOUT THE > SHAPE It is said that Aristotle (384BC322BC) thought the heart to be the root of thought, reason, and emotion, often rejecting the true value of the human brain. Thank you Plato for teaching him well, and forgive Alexander the Great for not always remembering that great line. Modern commercial use of the heart shape, as a symbol makes us forget what it really represents. Let us have a closer look: As a shape itself it symbolizes the emotional, moral, and spiritual core of the human being. As if that is not heavy enough, let us take it a bit deeper. Emotion, moral, spirit, reason, and intellect are all words spelling “mind” (that one thing that differentiates us from animals) which translates into “soul”. The school of philosophy called Stoics taught thousands of years ago that the heart

is the seat of our soul. If the soul sits on a seat in our heart, or if it radiates from our skin, it means that we have a one! Rejoice!

In history the heart is described to have divine characteristics, symbolizing the truth of our deeds.

Especially Egyptian mythology tells a story where the heart plays a vital role in the final tribunal, before the soul is being released from this earth (death). Ma’at the goddess and the personification of truth and justice carries a feather in her hair, and that feather represents truth, in the judgment of dead in the Egyptian Book of dead. In ancient images a scale is depicted. On one side of the scale Ma’at laid down her feather and on the other side the heart portion of the soul. They were weighted against each other, but it does not explain if the heart had to be lighter than the

feather to be able for the “owner” to be invited to paradise. Either way, this is a nice anecdote to flex our “god” like deeds, in order for the soul to be free!

Nowadays the main idea people have about the heart shape is best described by: “Love”. Love encapsulates all, if it’s true, so we all share the same connotation.

Last, but not least, as a proof that the heart shape is tangible, and does not get confused with the shape of a female body: It actually has several mathematical descriptions. Here our favorite one, the Implicit Heart Curve: (x2+y2-1)3-x2y3=0.

Another thing we share then: looking for heart, and having a heart, it is proven!

$ 1000 A football event in a township $ 500 - Coaches’ training $ 100 - 6 Pairs of sneakers $ 15 - A set of 2 T shirts

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CELEBRATING THE SILENT AGENTS OF CHANGE Author Maggie Murphy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Currently Program Manager for the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) in The Hague having joined in 2008. She coordinates UNPO’s UN advocacy strategies, represents the organization and members in international conferences and forums, conducts human rights and advocacy trainings and has undertaken field missions in Rwanda, Nigeria and the Ukraine. UNPO is a membership organization composed of minorities, indigenous people, and occupied or unrecognized territories, who seek greater representation in international platforms to voice their concerns and find nonviolent solutions to conflicts that affect them. She has a BA from Oxford University and an MSC from the London School of Economics and has worked for several years in the field, in the French West Indies, Tanzania, Senegal and Rwanda.

It’s not all about the big guys. Behind the scenes migrants from all walks of life are working hard to contribute to the development of their home countries.

“It’s like I’ve got one leg here and the other leg is back home” says Fabian, a highly skilled Rwandese university lecturer living in the UK. His daughters, he says, are growing up as “British-RwandanGlobal Citizens”. They were brought up speaking English and chatter away in local Scottish dialect, as tinged with teenage slang as that of their friends and peers. Fabian speaks to them in English, but they understand the Kinyarwanda of their childhood.

They go to a Scottish school but when asked about their connection to their homeland, he replies simply “they are just as likely to end up in New York or London as they are Rwanda”.

Every month since he arrived on British shores, Fabian has wired money home, cutting back on his own luxuries in order to pay for the school fees and uniforms for nieces and nephews. Relatively speaking, Fabian is a migrant success story.

A good job, steady wage, educated daughters - but he is not alone in making selfless sacrifices to help others back home. Right across Europe, millions of migrants – no matter how they ended up here – are silent agents of change, contributing to the development of their home country by supporting businesses, schools and hospitals.

Silently working away, for passion, patriotism, a sense of duty, or simply the vision and understanding that petty cash earned here can go a long way there. Even impoverished refugees, many of whom know they can never return home for threat of persecution, say that every euro they send home, from their hand to that of their parent or friend is warmly received.

Just a few months ago, twenty of the world’s poorest countries heard the news that they would no longer receive any aid from The Netherlands as part of government cutbacks. At around the same time, the UK halved the number of countries who receive their donor assistance. Italy had already cut their aid budget by an

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‘BEHIND THE SCENES MIGRANTS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE ARE WORKING HARD TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR HOME COUNTRIES.’

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‘JUST A FEW MONTHS AGO, TWENTY OF THE WORLD’S POOREST COUNTRIES HEARD THE NEWS THAT THEY WOULD NO LONGER RECEIVE ANY AID FROM THE NETHERLANDS AS PART OF GOVERNMENT CUTBACKS.’ astounding 56% in 2008 and many others have followed suit.

The cuts have been both saluted and slammed. Aid agencies and nonprofits argue that progress made in recent years on education; HIV and infant mortality will slow or even reverse. On the other hand, many politicians with an eye on their local constituents support the cuts, arguing that it’s time to look inwards until the rocky economic storm subsides.

The protesting voices of those who stand to lose out most are much quieter when shouting from several thousand kilometers away. They will not be knocking on the door of any local Dutch politician any time soon.

However, migrant communities

in the Netherlands and elsewhere will soon hear of their pain, as their friends and families back in their hometowns start to report how local school facilities or health clinics are struggling to survive.

But for all the debate about government assistance to poor countries, it is not well known that every single day, sacrifices are made by normal people so they can send money home, or contribute time or their skills to reduce poverty in their home countries.

Indeed, remittances - money sent home by migrants to family and friends - actually amount to much more than is pledged by rich governments as official development assistance. In 2007, remittances sent

by around 190 million migrants totaled around $350 billion, three quarters of which goes directly into the hands of people in developing countries. In contrast, the total amount of aid that rich countries sent as aid was just over $100 billion.

Diasporas are often the targets of government schemes that play on this sense of responsibility to the home country, incentivizing the return of highly skilled individuals and encouraging productive transnational trade links. The Mexican government set up a widely applauded scheme called the 3-4-1 program which pledges that for every dollar remitted by a migrant outside the country to a development project back in Mexico, the government will

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contribute three. The key to this is to ensure that family members are not the only recipients, but those local communities, and those not as fortunate to have a family member earning money out of the country can also benefit. Because of this program, paved roads, schools, hospitals and even local football stadiums have been constructed as well as good feelings been generated between expatriates and their home communities.

Such positive action often starts very local. One migrant currently working as a builder in the north of England would regularly buy second-hand mobile phones, and send them by post to family members who could sell them on and keep the

profit. Others create more formal “Hometown Associations� who collect money in a more structured, communal effort, and especially in time of need, such as after an earthquake or during a famine.

Some with an eye for business take a more professional stance, setting up Diaspora trade links for coffee, tea or other commercial products.

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A STAR IN MUSIC FASHION

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BLAX TAR

Entrepreneur

What do you do?

Artistic entrepreneur. At least, that’s what I would call it. About 5 years ago I was challenged by the Universe to launch my own album. I accepted. What followed was a string of events, which lead me to become more and more serious about music.

At this point my company, RAEN Music (pronounced as reign music) promotes and manages 5 artists, with two waiting in the wing.

The common denominator between these artists is that they all have a story to tell that would still appeal if one were to take away the music.

We prove this to ourselves every now and then by hosting an event called SPOKEN. This is an interactive poetry concert, which I hope to be able to produce abroad as well. It’s very popular with artists as well as audiences, because it uncovers the true nature of an artist. Modern music does not always allow for the artist to show that part of him or herself.

So those are two of our activities with RAEN Music. Then, in addition, we do lots of educational projects, charities music projects and what not. In the end, it all starts and ends with music.

In addition I do freelance for other companies every now and then. This keeps me nice and objective towards my own company, and happens to be the best way to learn how to learn and stay sharp. Or get sharp.

How long have you been in the music business?

That would depend on where you start counting. If we take my first shows as the marker, then we’d get to about 16 years. If we take the day that I myself realized I was knee-deep in music industry, then I’d say I’m starting over every day. It’s hard to distinguish working in music from working in the music industry, but one does not automatically include the other to me. I think my first album launch, in 2006, may be a valid start of a music industrial career. Objectively speaking that is. I don’t feel like I’m working in music industry as of yet.

Maybe that will come when I grow up. Peter Pan syndrome in the flesh.

Is there something you would like to shout to our readers?

Hmm, can I use capitals, that makes for so much better shouting. Here it goes; GET REAL! That’s all. Thank you.

No, that’s not all, but that’s all I have

to shout. I notice that so many of us are getting sidetracked by shit that, in essence, doesn’t matter. Can I say ‘shit’ by the way? I see it in everything from relations (all kinds) to other significant life choices, such as work and politics. If you have as much as a vibe about something or somebody, why not take that more serious, than someone else’s experience with that someone or somebody. We have overrated cognitive information for as long as we stopped to be like children. What a blessing it would be to have the instinct of a child combined with the knowledge of a mature human being, wouldn’t it?

In other unrelated news; RAEN Music celebrates her fifth anniversary. Party over at my house! Everybody is welcome as long as you bring your own milk (no alcohol allowed). This year, we proudly present new work

by MutiaraTEC, a Dutch hip-hop quartet. Also expect to hear from my friend and brother from another mother MANU. There are couples of more releases that you won’t catch directly, because they are all Dutch spoken. However, I am working on an international release that’s going to blow your socks up your

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groin. I haven’t told anyone yet, but the project is called I AM (not very original, I know), and will feature more than 50 songs within the same concept. More about that later. No! I said later, stop pouting.

You make music in Dutch and in English. Do you have a preference?

Yes, I do have a preference. I prefer good music. I would usually put the f word in between good and music, but I’m not sure your readers would appreciate that.

Dutch and English hip-hop are such entirely different disciplines that they shouldn’t even be compared to each other. Whereas Dutch hip-hop is just starting to develop into some kind of well-worth business, English hiphop has become a powerful market worldwide. Dutch music is very limited, exploitation wise, due to the fact that there are only four countries in the world that use the language.

Two of these countries don’t really work with official intellectual property laws (de facto) , i.e. Surinam and the Dutch Antilles.

So, I don’t favor one over the other. I do however, at this point in time, feel a strong urge to do a killer project with English lyrics, because it’s long overdue. My first album was supposed to be an English album, but an artistically adulterous producer cancelled that project. So, carrying out that idea after seven years and

South Africa for a while now. Last time I was there was in the summer of last year, during the World Championships. We were there in support of a campaign called Skop Gat, which is Afrikaans for ‘kick ass’.

Its aim was to build a talent factory in townships like Philippi and Soweto for local youth to develop their skills in. I got a chance to work with some really cool people, amongst which was a marvelous singer by the name of Zonke Dikana. I think she just launched her new album, too. It was a tremendous experience and I can’t wait to get back there.

In general, what do you think about the music industry: Hard pavement, or easy breezy?

I don’t know. I guess any industry is hard to get into, but I experience my path to be quite naturally smooth…

So perhaps hard, but smooth. Like my head when I shaved it.

What were some major milestones in your music career up till now?

I was asked to be the opening act for Jay Z during his Black Album world tour. That was great. Learned a lot from that whole episode. That was the first time I negotiated a ‘deal’ with a major concert programmer and it left us with over 800 Euros sales of merchandise at the end of the night, since we were the only support act.

Another milestone was the release of my third album. We took one of the most historic theatres in Amsterdam, the Tuschinski Theatre, and redecorated the lobby into some futuristic concert hall. We provided the entire audience with headphones and gave a live silent-disco concert. It was wonderful to be able to whisper directly into so many ears at the same time. Really intimate, crisp sound, great interaction. That was definitely one of the greatest ideas – reality arches - that I have ever experienced.

The whole project took about 18 months to set up and we built it from scratch. I am, to this day, still very proud of what we achieved that day.

What is so important about music?

Nothing. It’s completely irrelevant.

three Dutch albums, is the sweetest thought I can master currently.

What do you think about the Dutch hip-hop scene?

Infantile if anything else, that is, if we take ‘scene’ to mean ‘business’.

On an artistic level I think Dutch hip-hop is buzzing with talent right now. However, since it’s such a lowthreshold area of music industry, everybody and his momma can release an album and be promoted on all twenty-something websites and four radio shows. This sounds a bit condescending, but that’s not my intent. In reality, there is not a single national media platform for hip-hop in Holland. Not one. All channels that did anything with Dutch hiphop were cancelled one by one in less than 4 years. Every now and then one of the public stations will test-launch a new show, but that hardly seems to be anything they are really interested in doing. Either that, or they just don’t know how to do it. It’s a pity really. The result of this is that even the biggest hip-hop artists in Holland find themselves with their noses up against a glass ceiling rather quickly.

So if you ask me whether hip-hop in Holland is alive I’d say yes. It’s alive in an incubator waiting for better times.

We heard you just came back from South Africa, what brought you there, and how did it go?

You heard wrong, I haven’t been in

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‘If you have as much as a vibe about something or somebody, why not take that more serious, than someone else’s experience with that someone or somebody. We have overrated cognitive information for as long as we stopped to be like children.’

One could easily do without for years and hardly miss it. Next generations won’t even have a concept of music.

One generation after that it would have to be re-discovered. We would have to regenerate the definition of rhythms to get to understand the concept of beats. We would have to go from tone to harmony all over again.

There would have to be a new sort of Beethoven, with digital absolute hearing. We would then have to wait for another Beatles, another Michael Jackson and a new Stevie Wonder.

At that point, perhaps, we ‘d start to understand the value of music again.

Unfortunately, it could never get to that point, since there wouldn’t be a Marvin Gaye and no Barry White.

Without these reproductive catalysts there wouldn’t be any babies born.

Hence, we ‘d die without music.

Where do you find your inspiration for new songs, lyrically and musically?

I find inspiration in any and everything I encounter. Obviously one writes the most intrinsically heartfelt songs in episodes of emotional disasters, so I’d say that is a big generator for great lyrics. But also non-romanticized human entities, spirituality, politics, traffic, fashion, they all play a part in the reciprocity between the receptive mind and the ‘solid’ reality. So, in short, there’s nothing that doesn’t inspire me, provided that I’m aware of it.

What is your life philosophy?

I got two. If you create you own reality, what’s regret doing there?

And: There’s no such thing as coincidence. That’s a word we invented for situation in which we sense connections that we can’t or don’t want to identify.

True love? Myth or Truth?

Definitely as ‘truth’ as truth can be, considering that there is no one truth. There is no one truth since everything is subject to our interpretation. Words make, but meager ways of communication, so we will never be able to express certain concepts accurately, love being one of them. For example, if I hit you in the head, that will hurt. You will find out how insufficient words are once you try to explain exactly how much and what kind of pain you felt. The closest we could get to share that sensation would be for you to hit someone else in the head with the exact same force, in the exact same angle with the same object. Now we have reason to believe you endured the same pain, but we still can’t know for sure, since you can’t communicate what you felt. Substitute pain with the word love and it becomes clear that we are merely being vaguely descriptive with a word like love. But yes, in essence, there is true love. I believe that. It’s that kind of love that does not require anything and does not require possessiveness. I have spoken.

And we are glad you did! blaxtar.com

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THE AMBASSADORS OF MOROCCO Location London

NAME ALL BAND MEMBERS

Benito Priolo Lead Vocal + Rhythm Guitar + Cello Ben Phillips Lead Guitar + Backing Vocals Sven Mundorf Drums + Backing Vocals Craig Hayes Bass Guitar + Backing Vocals

Reading about you guys online we came across one line: “a sound that reminds us of better, more creative times and a live set that is tighter than lady Gaga’s ass.” In your opinion what has changed from then to now?

Beni: “Someone else wrote that about us, maybe the writer knows more about Lady Gaga’s ass?! But it surely means that live, we always try to pull of the most energetic show. Every show is just the next best thing for us. We really love playing live. It is not just a gig for us; it has to be a real show.

If we had to distinguish between being a studio or a live artist, we are definitely more live artists. Live you get something unexpected.

Nowadays a lot of things in the commercial music industry are purely about the money, instead of the craft of making music. You will have a really great producer, but just because they are commercial and sound like everyone else really. So if there is anyone out there that can make us sound like Rhianna, get in touch!

In general, a lot of artists that are in

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the top 40 have a generic sound, because the same person has produced them. Commercially there is not enough variety, you really have to look hard to find the “real” music artists.”

A band made up of four people, how did you guys meet, and how did you know it would work?

Ben + Beni: Ben met Craig at Music College. Beni met Ben at University.

We formed a band, and brought Craig into it. We just hang out a lot, drank together, and our grades were suffering as much as our livers. Then

we found Sven alone by himself in a Sushi restaurant. He was sitting there playing with the chopsticks, and it turns out he is a great drummer. We work extremely well together…took some time in the beginning, but it works. The rest is history.

We read you guys are earning a lot of success in Africa, and were featured at BBC Radio Africa (world service)! Is that due to your unusual name? Seeing you guys now none of you really look like you are from Morocco!

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Sven: There was someone from the BBC (world service) radio at one of our shows. So they asked us if we were interested to attend one of their Radio Shows, also because they broadcast in Morocco. Of course we were up for it.

Beni: It’s quite funny that people always think we are connected to Morocco in some way. How we came up with the name? Well, Morocco is a type of leather in old Victorian slang.

Really it stands for “Shoemaker”. We used to practice in an abandoned shoe factory, and that is why we call

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‘Really Wikipedia was a Beyonce song, we just changed the music and the lyrics!’ ourselves Ambassadors of Morocco.

Funny enough though, one time we were playing a gig at Carnaby Street in London, and actually met the son of the Moroccan Ambassador! He saw big posters with our name and stopped his car to see us perform. He also organized a festival and wanted us to perform there, just because of our name at first.”

Is there something you would like to shout to our readers?

Craig: I am pregnant at the moment (in a very dull voice)!

Ben: In the next couple of months we are going to release another free single, maybe also in hardcopy, but surely on iTunes and Amazon. We also want to perform outside of the United Kingdom! Invite us to NL and we will try our best to come!

What were some major milestones

in your bands progress up till now?

All: Eventually getting the first single out there, and finding the right vinyl.

It has been a long journey. We have been through several drummers before Sven. Working with our producer Andrew Hunt, and Dave Bascombe who had also done work on Tears for fears, Bon Jovi and others has been great, as they've really added to how we sound. The journey is great and we can’t wait to put out another single!

What is so important about music?

Craig: The music is just a cover for our beer drinking! No, no, it is an amazing feeling to be on stage and to be performing. It is also very social to be part of a band. Music is a great way of getting a message across, and brings people together. Music has the ability to keep, create, and bring

memories back.

Where do you guys find your inspiration for new songs, lyrically and musically?

Beni: Drinking! {laughing) Really Wikipedia was a Beyonce song, we just changed the music and the lyrics!

No, really it is a group effort. We meet up and start jamming together, and then we will find something that works. We catch the feeling and write lyrics for it. We all have our own styles, and when we mix those together we see what we create, if we like it, we keep it. If we don’t get goose bumps we simply move on. If we do get them we just look at each other and work it out (Sven also mentioned “Jesus”).

What is your life philosophy?

Ben: Never talk to strangers!

Craig: Never wear leather pants in

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‘We make sure to protect each other, and along the way make as many people laugh and smile as we can.’

public.

Beni: Avoid dying!

Sven: Never go to Bavaria in the summer, because there are a lot of leather pants there!

All: World Peace (serious)!

Do you guys support any humanitarian efforts, and do you believe in those?

All: We played a number of charity gigs for OXFAM. At a Fundraiser for OXFAM called OXJam. It is great to be helping organizations with our music. We feel that we always want to be available to help charities like this. We also played at a charity event for Amnesty International, right after releasing the music video to Wikipedia.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

Sven: I do not really wake up in the

morning. So better, when I wake up in the afternoon, the first questions is: Where am I? Beni: I have adopted a lama. Right now, I am checking on him when I wake up in the morning.

Craig: And I have adopted the lamas sister. They are really two happy lamas!

Ben: I check if my arms are still there, they are really valuable when you are a musician. (all laughing) How do you react when prejudice hits you in the face?

Craig: That is a tuff question. It is not one of those things you can tackle on your own. It is easy to stand by and watch. It takes something special to step in. Let’s hope that it is just verbal and not aggressive physically. We have stepped in, and have watched.

Sometimes you can just not do

anything. We make sure to protect each other, and along the way make as many people laugh and smile as we can.

True love? Myth or Truth?

Beni: Love is true! Everything is wrong until it arrives, until you find the right person. Most importantly do something with your life that you love! Then you have love with you all the time!

Sven: I go by the lyric line “music was my first love.

Beni: We are all gushy romantics really! Can you put that in a way it sounds more rugged and manly?!

Nah…Sex, Drugs, and Rock&Roll!!! myspace.com/ ambassadorsofmorocco

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INTRODUCING

MASCHA VAN WELY Fashion Designer

Photo by Ron Logher

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PROVENANCE & RESIDENCE?

‘My father is a pirate, my mother is a liberal.’

Hmm, where should I start? My father is a pirate, my mother is a liberal.

With them and my three brothers we have conquered the world. Already when I was a baby we traveled through the deserts of Morocco and when turning into a teenager I walked bear footed in the sand of Caribbean countries such as Curacao, Sint Maarten and Venezuela. On my 16th birthday I came to the Netherlands by myself and henceforth spread my own wings. By now I already live in the Netherlands for 15 years. Oh and I almost forgot, I also lived in Gothenburg/Sweden for five years in between but that was too Nordic for me eventually, that’s why I am back in Down Town Holland.

Can you tell us about the Maastricht based ‘young designer’ initiative called ‘fashion clash’ you are involved with?

In the early beginning intentions were good. After graduation in 2006 a couple of us participated in Modista Mudanca, which is an initiative from Stohalm. What they do is trying to set up a fashion line in the Favelas of Brazil in collaboration with the locals of those impoverished neighborhoods, e.g. the models and seamstresses. That was great and resulted in two fashion shows.

Subsequently, some of us have followed through on that in the Netherlands with a fashion show and an exposition and I moved to Sweden in the meantime. Nawie and Branko eventually went together all the way and that is how Fashion

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Clash came to life. From then till now Fashion Clash has evolved into a new platform with various disciplines, for which they organize a big fashion show and exposition annually. It is a great success. Rumor has it that this event could turn into a sort of second Amsterdam International Fashion Week. They also have their own store in which you can find my label amongst others.

How did you get where you are today?

After I returned from Brazil I moved to Gothenburg, because I was ‘all in love’. Before I went, I hadn’t realized how nationalistic Sweden was, so it wasn’t all that easy for me to blend in. Nevertheless, I stuck around and tried to sell some pieces of my little collection to a few stores. I have also participated in fashion shows here and there and sold my stuff, while I was at it. Eventually, I was chosen to join the Fresh Fish 2010 out of 30 designers. The Fresh Fish is an annual fashion event where young designers are given the chance to display their collections. Plenty of press covers, the event and obviously that is always good for start ups.

One of the connections I made there was with a Chinese Wholesales man through whom I was made responsible for an entire Ski Wear Line. I committed myself to that project up to the point where I was fed with them never paying me for it (grunts). During my five-year stay in Sweden I also became mother to a prince, which sort of influenced my whole scheme. I had to divide my attention and soon realized that I was not the Superwoman that I thought I could be. Now we live in the Netherlands again. The more I resented living in the Netherlands, the more I realized how much I miss it. I picked up my life here and started making connections all over again.

Often, I am busy till late and start early in the morning so I am busier than ever.

What are your goals & dreams?

To be Head Art Director of Vogue

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Photo by Ron Logher

Magazine or Head Designer of Margiela or Acne? But actually nothing is better than having my own label, my own soul. When I am in my atelier I feel as strong as a lion in his lair. The key to success for me is to do what you are good in and to truly believe in yourself.

How do you deal with your success?

I handle it like I never did before.

Projects literally just gushed in and my life is complete again. I take each day as it comes and see where it leads me (hesitates). Ok well, that sounded maybe nicely, but actually isn’t all that true. I look into the future too much. I am a striver who never gives up, so no taking it easy attitude and “manana manana”, until I am at the top!

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‘Rumor has it that this event (Fashion Clash) could turn into a sort of second Amsterdam International Fashion Week.’

Photo by Kim Buckard

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‘I am a striver who never gives up, so no taking it easy attitude and “manana manana”, until I am at the top!’

What makes a great garment?

When you look at my work you will find chic garment with a breeze of Anarchy and Punk. For example, a conservative pencil skirt, where the lining hangs out a little. As far as I remember that is how it began according to my sketchbook: ‘I feel oppressed. Trying to escape the abundance. Abundance of captivity.

Captivity of Anarchism’. That was a significant phase of my life. Maybe in a few years it’s going to be different again, but it gives you an idea of how I manifest my feelings into concepts and spheres.

Where do you find inspiration?

I get all my inspiration from the streets. That is why cities are so important to me. Europe is tremendously inspiring to me at this moment. The little Scandinavian touch I have in my heart now, I keep with me as well. I gained a lot of inspiration from there and go back regularly. Nostalgic versus stylish culture in which old fashioned and technology go well together.

What is your life philosophy?

I think my life philosophy is more of a spiritual kind. I am convinced that things will work out your way if you put your mind to them; you are open to them and are not giving up on them too easy. Things must be the way they must be. That way I can accept decided things easier.

Who would you like to collaborate with in the industry?

Secretly with people at the top.

Actually I am absolutely incapable of collaborating.

What is the last thing you do before you go to bed?

Photo by Kim Buckard

Kiss my son!

Do you believe in true love?

As a true Scorpio with all its passion and extremes, I really want to believe in true love! But because the Scorpio is incapable of superficiality and mediocrity, it is altogether difficult to be with one. The subject love remains

to be a tough game for Scorpios. Be that as it may, I am actually truly in love and really happy and lucky at the moment, but I know at the same time that we all are and remain individuals. maschavanwely.blogspot.com

If you’re looking to indulge your every fashion impulse, you’ve come to the right place.

At Welikefashion. com, we know you like fashion too. After all, we get our inspiration from the same places you do: from the High Street to the streets, from the runway to the red carpet.

Fashion’s fast-paced.

That’s why our expert stylists keep their keen eyes constantly peeled to make sure Welikefashion.com stays ever on trend. We refresh our collection by adding new items on a weekly basis. So besides that timeless piece that no wardrobe should have to go without, you’ll also find the latest must-have right here.

Welikefashion.com has brands like ICHI and Club Manhattan, but also French Connection and Gestuz.

Our tri-weekly newsletter brings you the freshest fashion news and the latest trend reports. Follow our blog to stay upto-date. Because above all, Welikefashion.com makes it so easy for you to shop the look. And we’ll deliver it right to your doorstep to boot.

At the end of March we will launche our new website, stay tuned.

To win a voucher of 100 euro shopping money just answer the the following question: How many colors do we have of the waterbobble? a: 4 b: 6 c: 8 Send an email to info@looking-forward -magazine.com, including your name and shipping address. Winners will be randomly selected from the correct entries recieved. The editors decision is final. Ends May 31st 2011.

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HARMEN PIEKEMA Photographer

Currently student of Neuropsychology at University Groningen

Tell us something about your beginnings as a photographer.

I guess the making of my career as a photographer goes back to when I found my dad’s analogue reflex camera seven or eight years ago.

In that analogue age I started out with nature photography. Not too long after that the digital era of photography began. Due to that I could review my photographs on the computer and so learned how to do it better next time. After a while I bought my own digital SLR and started on model photography.

Along the way I met people, who helped me in developing my style.

One of them was my girlfriend Joke Schaper, whom I have done a lot of shootings with. She was the one I often used as a model to practice on! Soon, the necessity of a makeup artist became inevitable for my shoots. Joke stepped in for that too (smiles). She is very talented, so her make-up always looks stunning!

Over the past years I got inspirited by a lot of people, among them of course Joke who by the way also started as

a photographer. Now we have a big studio where we do a lot of shoots.

The place is really cool, we enjoy it a lot, especially the big trampoline in it (smirks).

What are your ultimate goals and dreams?

My main goal is to finish my study, which I think should be around May this year. After that I have to see what I will do. I’m going to focus on our new business in building and customizing wake skates. Also, I want to start shooting again, because for a while I didn’t have the inspiration or the motivation to do so. But, this year I already had a couple of shoots and I must say that it was a lot of fun again, so beware (smirks).

What makes the perfect picture?

That’s hard! I think a picture can only be perfect in the eye of the beholder, that is, within the context of the viewer. For me, a picture is perfect when it moves you! My goal is to make inspiring pictures that one will remember. Also, I think it is important that you have fun during a photo shoot, because that will make a

picture even better!

Where do you find inspiration?

I love looking at other pictures on the Internet or in magazines. I really love fashion photography so I find my inspiration in fashion magazines like Vogue, Mirrage, V-magazine etc.

What is your life philosophy?

Red Bull gives you wings and ADHD is cool (laughs).

Whom would you love to work with in the industry?

Female: Doutzen. Male: Arie Boomsma, and a lot of other models, stylists and designers!

Do you believe in true love?

I do believe in true love, but I don’t believe in the one love! If you cannot find your ‘one love’ that is quite disappointing, because he or she might live beyond your reach in a cave in Afghanistan for example, but because this person is your one love, you don’t get in anywhere else (smirks). foto-shoot.com fartmagazine.nl

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PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON VAN OIJEN

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DA RAP STORY Author Jon Tarifa aka Mic Nif GIFT

I'm a musician, therefore in the position to speak to people like you and share my deepest vision my voice is my power tool, and it's powerful it feels wonderful and if I were you I would do something that you rather love something to be proud of that came from up above I used to dream of such an opportunity communicate through music and touch my community we need unity, and we all know it but we don't show it, so let's start with you and me and the rest will follow in my mind I'm smiling at yesterday, staring at tomorrow music is sacred, a gift, I take it provide food for thought when I strip the truth naked some take it less seriously and bullshit their way around in this industry MY PASSION RUNS DEEP

and I chose to commit to music, I wouldn't forfeit it if I was forced to quit put my soul in it, and let it come out of your speakers some think it's hard to achieve this but no matter how hard it gets I know that I've been blessed with this gift I posses it brings happiness to my life, nonetheless it helps me get stress off my chest see I love it when I get inside the mind of the public competition is low, so I stand above it and that's how I draw the crowd's attention on paper late night, loud music disturbing my neighbors we have a gift though it's mostly hidden hard to find but keep believing in your dermas lift your chin, let the quest begin you can't afford to loose, so you got to win

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space IN ART A sun burnt country, a land of sweeping plains […] MUSIC Of droughts and flooding rains” HUMANITY Dorothea Mackellar (1904) Author Julien Vidal

There is probably not one Australian who has not learned this poem at school. Us Europeans tend to see Australia only as a warm and dry country, where Christmas is celebrated on the beach. However the state of Queensland (Northeastern Australia) saw a series of floods from December 2010 through January 2011.

Floods in Eastern Australia are all but exceptional. Though not yearly, such great-scale phenomena occurred in 1893, 1974, 1989-90, 1991, 1998 and now 2010-2011.

Despite this background, local authorities and residents seem to have been taken by surprise, which resulted in an even greater disaster.

Perhaps that is why it triggered so many reactions all over the world.

Queen of Australia Elizabeth II

expressed her concern and sympathy for the victims. Other Political figures like Hillary Clinton and David Cameron offered their condolences.

US President Obama offered his help and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key declared: “[the floods are] something that New Zealanders feel very deeply, and we just want […] to offer them support across the range of services that we have here in New Zealand.”

Meanwhile, down under… …huge efforts and logistics were being implemented: in addition to the regular interventions by the Australian army and funds allocated by the government, New Zealand sent civil defense teams, engineers of the Defense Force, firefighters and a Red Cross team. The ‘Rally for Relief’ fundraiser was held just before

the 2011 Australian Open (tennis) began and some major players were present, among which Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Lleyton Hewitt (himself Australian). Australia’s Nine Network broadcast the Flood Relief Appeal: Australia Unites telethon and raised Aus. $750 000.

Former players of the Rugby League organized a charity match and gathered a total of Aus. $380 587.

35 people died in what is now known as the 2010-2011 Queensland Floods; soon followed by the Victorian Floods (Victoria is the Southeasternmost state of mainland Australia) and ongoing floods in Southern Africa (killing 141 so far). Let’s just hope the help will be as quick, massive and proficient there too.

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in the Wake of the Quake On 12th January 2010 Haiti was struck by a magnitude 7.0 Mw earthquake, followed by no less than fifty-two aftershocks and claiming at least between 92000 and 220000 lives. One year and a month later, has the help and support stayed or left, as the media attention progressively faded? How do Haiti and Haitians cope?

Some national governments, the UN, NGO’s and non-profit organizations donated $2.5 Billion and pledged an additional $1.3 Billion. Others sent rescue and relief workers or supplies and equipment directly to the damaged zones.

Interestingly, the organization of the 2010 Australian open held a charity event prior to the start of the tournament (and in 2011, this time to support the victims of the Queensland Floods); Federer, Nadal and Hewitt were present as well as Serena Williams and Kim Clijters.

In total, about 150 governments, 120 NGO’s and 128 non-profit organizations took part in this outpouring generosity… Despite of these impressive numbers, the effects of the disaster are still very visible today.

With huge fundraisers and onground help, you may wonder how that is possible. Well, for starters the Haitian government designated the protection of people against the hurricane season (midway through 2010) as its top priority and declared at the time that they could not also handle the clean up of debris and reconstruction immediately. That is when both on-ground help and money would have come in handy.

Actually only one tenth of the funds pledged by governments were received. Humanitarian aid is brought by men, maintained by money and is a long-term endeavor –especially in Haiti with 20 million cubic meters

of rubble. In fact, cameras leave fast –before any work is done– and odds are most checkbooks went back to their pockets at that point.

Yet work has been done and helpers say they are, where they expected to be a year after the earthquake, given the extent and complexity of the situation.

What matters now is the present and future of Haitians. While they were commemorating the first anniversary of the catastrophe, some took refuge in Faith. Nevertheless, many perceive the government’s response and attitude as inadequate for the situation at hand and rumors of electoral fraud have not helped restore trust here. Today, apart from the –increasingly criticized– aid efforts on the field, the prospects for durable improvement are rather thin.

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“O jeunesse, jeunesse […] tu es l’ouvrière future.”

Emile Zola (1897) Last December, a group of Gazan students issued a manifesto in which they express their anger, fear and frustration towards all the organizations that maintain the Gaza strip and its population under constant threat and pressure. The Hamas, who currently rule the strip since 2006, the Fatah, who govern the Palestinian Authorities, the UN, the USA and Israel.

The Gazan Youth has had it with the political games played by all these actors while their future is all but safe and certain, while attending cultural events or enjoying a night out is close to impossible and –more importantly– while simply talking to a friend and walking down the streets means putting your life and that of

your relatives at risk. In other words, "Politics is nonsense; it is messing our lives up".

In 1897, French writer Emile Zola addressed the Youth of the 20th Century to come, calling it “the architect of the future” (our title). Yet in such hostile environment, how can the Gazan Youth be the “engine of change in this society”? Is there less hope today than there was in 1897?

Maybe not; if the manifesto did not reach every person on the planet, it sure touched the human beings on it. The text generated support from Human Rights activists, who said they are ready to help. On Facebook, the group is called Gazan Youth Breaks Out (or GYBO) and everyone can bring their support; should it be

only verbal, a voice heard is one more step towards what could be a turning point for that strip of land trapped by and forgotten of all.

The Gazan Youth and basic common sense ask for freedom, “a normal life and peace”.

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Social Integration through Sport Many believe that the practice of sports facilitates social integration and sharing between communities, especially among children, when they are going through their first life experiences outside of the familial cocoon. In that sense sports are a great addition to school. In fact, sports classes and programs in school are a tremendous vector to achieve social integration.

Unfortunately, governments nowadays are keener on shortterm and short-sighted industrial profit than the true benefit of proper education on the long-run (which might also explain the false promises made when it came to helping Haiti by the way); hence the cost cuttings in education budgets for about as long as I can remember (Culture suffers from that too).

Luckily and once again, volunteering comes to the rescue with diverse initiatives via several associations. If we were to be utterly critical, we would say that they basically aim at picking up the slack but it turns out they do much more.

I took a closer look at two of

them: Sol-Ci-Sport (Solidarity Citizenship Sport, France) and SASI “Barka” (Sport Association for Social Integration, Poland).

SASI fights social exclusion and offers personal growth and development (to the young and less young). Street soccer is the vector here. And what is interesting is that street soccer does not require much in terms of facilities or equipment.

People from different communities and backgrounds gather around the Polish Street Soccer League; they get to know one another. School and local authorities have been supporting the association in Poland.

Conscious of the challenges faced

by Central and Eastern Europeans in the UK, SASI “Barka” now runs a program there too.

In France, Sol-Ci-Sport first focused on teaching solidarity and citizenship to teenagers through the practice of team sports. They now develop diverse workshops and programs based on culture and journalism for example. Their past success recently drew the attention of local investors that will now help

finance new projects for even more kids.

Relying on subsidies is less and less a realistic option for such associations, given governments’ growing disinterest in the youth’s future. Yet the will to make a difference seems to have created a new trend by seeking private funding.

As human beings, belonging is one of our primary needs, and as human beings we are obliged to help those who are on the verge of social isolation. The ultimate benefit is wider perspectives and better future for the today’s youth, because after all they are the adults of tomorrow, “the architects of the future.”

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Vigorous and Sweet Beth Hart!

One lifetime brings a palette of experiences in sight and sound.

They create a feeling, and if good we cherish it. Being an interviewer opens your eyes, because you research, ask, and listen. Ideally you should try and put yourself in the shoes of your “subject”. Having sat with Beth Hart makes me smile and shows how strong, understanding, passionate, and kind we can be.

The 20 minutes we sat together were a true blast. She is entirely in touch with herself and the people around her, which adds to her warm aura. Her eyes sparkle when telling about performing live and touring internationally. She voices gratefulness and appreciation for all the support and love for her music.

She does not hide the true love and admiration she has for her husband, her best friend. We talk about music, love, life and she points a solution for all human kind to live peacefully.

LFM has love for Beth Hart! A real all around musical talent that you can even hang out with and have a joyful, laughter filled time. The entire interview can be found on our website looking-forward-magazine. com under “Extras”.

Thank you Beth and continue caring for and living your dream! bethhart.com

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AWARD WINNERS Girls and football SA Girls & Football SA is incredibly honored to have won “Best Documentary” for “Can I Kick It?” at the Festival du TV et Cinema for the Beirut Film Festival, Lebanon.

The participants in the category each presented fantastic works and it was a privilege for GIrls & Football SA to work in such close proximity with these film makers. A significant amount of Arab countries were present at the award ceremony; including Iran and Syria, in addition to contributors from outside the region such as Ukraine and Morocco, and of course, GIrls & Football SA representing South Africa and Nations United representing Canada. The award ceremony celebrates the 2nd largest film festival in the Middle East region.

The “Best Documentary” award has not been granted to a female director (Jos Dirkx) since the start of the festival and the awards in 1939.

The message of the documentary emphasizing equality for women and men in sport and the fact that the prize has been awarded for the first time to a foreign and female led organization is a monumental achievement.

Girls & Football SA is tremendously grateful of all its supporters, found in partners such as Nations United, L4 and Looking Forward Magazine, in the project and in the documentary.

This of course includes the wonderful and talented creators who helped produce “Can I Kick It?” in addition to the spectacular female athletes that shared their stories.

By shedding light on the inequalities women face, especially in a region where these topics are sensitive, is a true achievement and without the support offered by their friends and partners they would not be able to share this message. girlsandfootballsa.com

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