The 27 Club

Amy Winehouse, 27, was found dead on Saturday July 23, 2011. 

The talented young star broke the music scene in 2003 with her debut album, Frank. In 2006, Amy introduced her second album, Back to Black. Back to Black was a huge success. The album led to six Grammy Award nominations, winning five. Five Grammys tied her for most won by any female artist.

Amy publicly struggled with drugs and alcohol. Her biggest hit “Rehab” expressed her troubles. Though her autopsy has yet to come in, many speculate that she lost her fight against addiction.

Amy joins an infamous list of extremely talented artist who tragically died at age 27. Club 27 is a name for influential rock musicians who all died at age 27. She follows big names such as Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix.  Is the club a tragic coincidence? Many would say yes. However, Kurt Cobain’s mother states otherwise. According to the Washington post, Wendy O’Connor, Cobain’s mother, famously said, “Now he’s gone and joined that stupid club” in 1994. “I told him not to join that stupid club.” There are rumors saying Kurt talked about how he wanted to join the 27 club.

In April, I turned 26. It’s disturbing knowing I am just a year behind them at their time of death. I would hate to see my family and friends go through it. Never would I express to family or friends about ending my life at an early age. It’s selfish.

Now, I do realize that other than Cobain’s death (allegedly), the deaths weren’t planned. It’s just unfortunate to see great talent go to waste. They became icons at 27; just think of what they could have been if they had a “lifetime” of achievements.

References:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/celebritology/post/amy-winehouse-jimi-hendrix-kurt-cobain-and-the-27-club/2011/07/23/gIQAiLAhVI_blog.html

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In Planking We Trust

To plank or not to plank, that is the question.

Planking has become a worldwide sensation. The fad dates back to 1997 and is claims to have been invented by Gary Clarkson and Christian Langdon in England. It wasn’t until 2011 when planking reached it’s worldwide status. The word “planking” was coined in Australia. Planking is defined as the art of lying facedown in unusual public spaces and capturing it on camera.

Like all rising sensations, not everyone is welcoming the craze. Many define it as “dumb”, “childish” and according to rapper Xzibit, “racist”. The rapper tweets, “Planking is the dumbest sh*t ever. Planking was a way to transport slaves on ships during the slave trade, it’s not funny. Educate yourselves." Despite the words of Xzibit, many artist love the trend. Artist such as Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Katy Perry and Flava Flav all have pictures online of them planking.

Photos below are of Chris Brown, Flava Flav and Justin Bieber planking:

Regardless of if you agree or disagree with the fad, we can all agree that it can be dangerous if done too extremely. The most recent fatal accident occurred on May 15^th 2011. An Australia man fall several stories while attempting a plank. Be sure to plank responsibly.

Planking has made its way to social media. On Facebook, planking has over 500,000 likes. The number continues to grow. My news feed is covered in those posting pictures of their attempt to plank.

Like all trends, no one knows how long the planking will be around. However, we do know plankers continue to increase in numbers. It doesn’t just stop at mid-aged adults. Babies, kids, pets and even the elder have joined in on the craze.

Do you plank? Feel free to post your pictures in the comments below.

To see plankers in action, few this news report:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRHnTFesv7c

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Music & Mothers

There are 2 things in this world that I love unconditionally- my mother and music. Being Mother’s Day and all, today is a chance to celebrate both.  Atlantic City brings Mother’s Day Music Festival to its beautiful Boardwalk Hall. The concert packs the house, for those in attendance come to watch and listen to some R&B legends. The line up consists of Charlie Wilson, Keith Sweat and The Whispers. The headliner was originally Teena Marie. However, it’s unfortunate that she suddenly passed away on December 26^th, 2010. Teena was only 54 years young. Despite the horrible news, the show must go on.

As the years past, the concert gains popularity. Last year alone, Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall had to turn away hundreds of fans due to a sold out show. The concert is a great place to take your loving mother on a girl’s night out or a wonderful chance for a gentleman to take his beautiful wife and mother of his children to show appreciation for all they do.

Shout out to all the mothers out there. Everyday should be Mother's Day. I know I couldn’t have done it without mine. In 1985, Sheila Hansen gave birth to a hell raising heavenly son. 1 woman 2 roles: Both, mother and father. She raised 2 boys, 1 girl and no chumps! She taught us respect, integrity, hard work, and to never give up. A kind hearted, loving attitude and passionate behavior make up the first woman I ever loved, my first teacher and my first coach. She never puts herself before her kids or anyone for that matter. For that, I am truly blessed and honored. As the years speed by, what she has done for us, she now does for 5 grand children. None, which are, mine, but 5 active beautiful babies nonetheless. Her wisdom will spread through many generations to come.

I thank you mom for all you have done. God blessed me!

I LOVE YOU!

For more on Atlantic City's Mother's Day Music Festival click here: http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/mediaonline/news_releases_detail.aspx?NewsID=413

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