Jay-z Challenges New Era at BET Awards

Jay-z put the smash down on the artist and fans of new booty hip hop. In a surprise performance at the BET Music Awards Jay-Z appears to challenge the new and next generation to step their content game up. An apparent nudge from a rap big brother. "Your jeans too tight, colors too bright, voice too light."

Enough is Enough-Peace is up to u-This could be you!

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We have to take a stand for peace and non-violence. The societies of the world have devolved over the past decades. WE are not truly a species of war that's why we find it so disturbing. Peace is our truthful nature. Are you evolved enough to love unconditionally? God has been pimped by corporations and this is what it results in, death to those who choose to be free and not earthly slaves. Stand up if you truly love and know the real God. The God that loves all its children.......

AFFIRMATION FOR PEACE IN IRAN AND ACROSS THE WORLD

There is but, one GOD, one life. A perfect being dressed in unconditional love. That life is my life and the life of all. I Figgaroa speak my word of peace to all nations. We are all divinely blessed that our children and their children will know and choose peace. WE are evolved enough to denounce war. There is more peace in the world than there is hate. I must do my part for love. I give thanks for my knowing this, even in times when it may not look, feel or seem like GOD is not present. I release and let go and let GOD. Knowing that it is done.

And so it is....

Oakland Does it Again!! Party in the Streets

Thanks to careful planning and incomparable talent of Oakland braised artists the "Town" hosted a Fine Art Festival sponsored by The Uptown and other local vendors and business owners along Telegraph Ave. The event was extremely successful despite being held in the middle of the street; in the middle of the week; in the middle of a so-called recession. Only Oakland can bring the array of cultures and creeds together to dance in the middle of the streets- From the Funk band and belly dancers to the Reggae on the corner of 18th. Oakland's own Kev Choice and the Kev Choice Ensemble closed the night out with a surprise appearance from one third of the super group and Oakland natives Zion I. Oakland club owners and developers are pleased with the event and have more ammunition when it goes to battle with the city council on issues of street fairs, extending club hours, liquor licenses, event permits and expanded the bar districts of downtown. If you were there please let me know what you thought of the event and send pictures to Figgaroa's Fotos - figgarao@figgaroa.biz

www.franklinfiggaroa.blogspot.com

Travel Edition--Vancouver the San Francisco of the North

I am in the beautiful city of Vancouver, BC, Canada. I can't say enough about this city. The trip started off rocky with a little trouble with the border patrol. This city of grand sights and street by street economical contradictions, has a quant charm. Many compare this city to San Francisco and it is well deserved. Not only is it a city y the Bay, Stanley Park is twin to SF's Golden Gate Park. With snow caped mountains in the background Vancouver is a city where forest meets, sea meets mountains. 

Much of the city is undergoing renovation. Condos and high rise apartments are sprouting up along the cities bay area. Setting the stage for high priced waterfront living. These new developments are setting the stage for a showdown between the cities huge homeless population and city officials. 

Other than the social tension Vancouver offers many parks, venues and elegant restaurants. A low priced transit system allows you to flow through the city via, bus, skytrian, or ferry on one low fare. Vancouver is a tourist friendly city once again drawing comparisons to San Fran.  The prices of food may surprise you in Canada. The slight higher value of the dollar won't do much for the price differences. So be prepared to spend a little more cash for meals. All in all it will make for a great place to get away. 

Here are a few places to look into:

Medina's Cafe

The Republic Night Club

The Shark Bar-sports bar

Waterfront Park

Vancouver Aquarium 

The Great Train Ride!

I am on my way to Vancouver and the trip could not be going any better. The scenery is great and I have a nice comfortable seat to myself. The stop in Eugene, OR allows me to bum some wifi from a local cafe. It's 12:42 and that means about 12 more hours until we hit Vancouver, BC. This is a real backpackers adventure. If you ever get the chance....DO IT–or something like it.