Mind + Body + Soul: Spiritual Health

"Whole Being"

Today, through the unraveling of the human genome, biology has shown that no man is 100% man and no woman is 100% woman. A man is 51% man and 49% woman. Likewise, a woman is 51% woman and 49% man, just a difference of 1%.

If you have taken birth from the Masculinity of your father and the Femininity of your mother – then, how can you be only male or only female? The qualities of both are bound to be there in you!

This is the basis behind the symbolic representation of the classic Hindu religious figure, Lord Shiva – who is represented as being half male and half female.

Whether we accept it or not, we are an embodiment of both male and female energies. We are whole, not divided.

In order to be complete, to be whole, it is essential that we are able to accept and express both the masculine and feminine aspects of our nature.

This is often made difficult, because from a very young age we are conditioned into our roles as either Male or Female. So in order to regain the wholeness of our being, we must not be afraid of what society will think of us if we express the energy opposite of that of our physical body.

What is the worst thing that can happen? People might call you “Gay”?! Who cares! This is Oklahoma; a guy is a queer if he speaks articulately and a girl is a lesbo is she gets a short haircut.

People are starving for ways to categorize and judge others in an effort to justify their own idea of what is masculine and feminine. Let them! Embrace your whole being, both the Masculine and the Feminine. Embracing these energies will help you develop your true psyche. You’re on your way to enlightenment!

All ridiculous questions. Web 2.0 is not a thing, or a point in time or something with a reasonably well understood structure or definition. It is a concept, an ideology and a methodology. It is one of those hot-button phrases that you could drop at a cocktail party and stir up a lively and philosophical discourse. However, this is not always the case. Starting up a conversation about Web 2.0 is not always easy. Not to worry, I will set you up with all the basic information you need to discuss Web 2.0 without coming off as a complete moron.

A few years ago I was in New York City with my family around the Holidays. It was near the time when I had first completely come to understand what Web 2.0 really meant, although still trying to refine my concept of its complete essence. We were at a super chill disco tech in SOHO, where I assumed that most people would have had a good understanding of what Web 2.0 was and be reasonably informed about the subject matter.

As the night progressed I became more emboldened to start up conversations with complete strangers. Not sure why, but I began subtly mixing Web 2.0 into the conversation to see if perhaps the person I was talking to had a better conceptualization of the Web 2.0 than I.

What ended up happening is people did not have a clue. Nor did they give a shit. Not surprisingly though - A fancy disco tech in a fancy neighborhood in Manhattan, what was I expecting? So if you are going to excersie your Web 2.0 conversation muscles, make sure there are plenty of people interested in technology and the internet or you might spread your conversational seeds on un-fertile ground.

Yet, the big question remaining is how do you start a conversation about Web 2.0 so that you don’t look like a web ignorant fool. No problem, remember Web 2.0 is a concept, so there are not really hard definitions or concrete structures or logic that will trip you up.

Web 2.0 is the ‘idea’ that the internet is moving from a one way exchange of information, ie user goes to website and downloads information, to a two way exchange of information - I go to a website, get information and then add some information myself. The essence of Web 2.0 is the free flowing of information between people. That is the philosophical angle.

Another major element of Web 2.0 is the design ideology surrounding the movement. Its hallmarks are simplified navigation, easy to use interfaces and shiny glossy branding. You will often hear web people make off hand references about something "looking Web 2.0" - they are just talking about aesthetics. The title graphic of this piece is typical of the designs Web 2.0 branding evokes.

There are other concepts and movements that fall under the Web 2.0 umbrella that you should be aware of, and I will list them out below. Use them as conversation starters at your own discretion and only if you have a vague understanding of what they are. Consequently, you are formally ‘on notice’ that using these phrases without understanding what they mean might make you look foolish in public. Furthermore, I take no responsibility for any awkwardness or embarrassment that you may endure by the inappropriate, or belligerently ignorant use of the following Web 2.0 related terms: The Open Source Movement, Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, Social Bookmarking, Social Networking, Application Programming Interface and Blogosphere.

I found a website online that recognizes the levels of BS surrounding Web 2.0. They have a handy tool that randomly mashes together Web 2.0 words to formulate cryptic, official sounding phrases. If you are adventurous and like to pull pranks you could use these phrase in a conversation. The beauty is, only an elite Web savvy person will be able to recognize that you are full of shit, so you will be able to blow peoples minds. Here are few: enable blogging APIs, engage long-tail blogospheres, design Cluetrain widgets, aggregate peer-to-peer feeds and engage semantic life-hacks.

Web 2.0 is a giant concept. We are just now starting to see it taking over the way we work, do business and interact online. So don’t be afraid to bring it up in conversation and see where it takes you. Look forward in the next few years expect to see a continued convergence of media and information online and of course. . . the emergence of Web 3.0.

SPEXTON, SPEXTON, SPEXTON

There is the most fabulous niche downtown on 2nd and Lansing, across from Tiny Lounge called Spexton Jewelry. If you are looking for high-end designs in stainless steel jewelry, check out this hip finery.

The two owners and operators, Nate McPherson and Greg Shelton, have a cosmic display of chic jewelry in their trendy studio downtown. Greg, the manufacturer, designs bracelets, rings and necklaces out of industrial and precious metals such as sterling silver, 22k gold, titanium, stainless steel and copper. Other elements that make these adornments fantastic are rubber and diamonds …lots and lots of diamonds.

McPherson, the sales and marketing guru, said, “What’s unique about our jewelry is that each piece is totally individually hand-carved and produced, whether the design is the same or not.” Shelton creates each item single-handedly with manual tools.

Spexton’s Jewelry was a hot item worn in February. 2007 New York Fashion Week in Designer Carmen Marc Valvo’s collection. After Fashion Week, the Spexton boys have received nothing but bigger news. McPherson has said to expect great things from Spexton. “Spexton is a big, giant ball of potential.”

Boutiques around the area such as Miss Jackson’s, Chrome, Dwelling Spaces and Silver Queen in Park City, Utah have carried the Spexton line.

Most attention for Spexton is currently generated by their website. Within the hour that I visited the chic studio, website hits from Tulsa, Virginia, Colorado, Georgia and Atlanta were coming in. However, their biggest clientele is primarily Oklahomans, followed aggressively by Cali, New York, then Texas. France is the biggest consumer outside of the U.S.

McPherson and Shelton attribute all of their success to their customers, which they describe as wonderfully unique. “We have a strong lesbian clientele,” said McPherson. “It’s super special.”

If you are interested in Tulsa’s finest, exclusive jewelry line, visit Spexton Jewelry studio or check out www.spexton.com. You must hurry, these commodities are hot… and I’m talking about the jewelry!

Good vibes and good times
- Brittany Barnes

A seemingly endless bridge of rhythm between people and the music: Sam and the Stylees emit vibrations of peace, love and oneness through a funky reggae ride. Their musical performances, often times experiments void of any consciousness of time, always provide a soulful experience.

The band’s diverse mix creates a unique sound that Sam Jones, guitar and vocals, sums up as “reegospedellic”. Although Sam and the Stylees are always looking for new ways to spread their message, they pride themselves on their longevity. The band was born in 2002, and came out with their first debut cd, “Serious Ting” in 2003. The second album, “Survival Mode,” came some time later in 2007, so they are trying to immediately put something new out there in order to make up for lost time. “We want to keep the old tunes coming, but we want to experiment with new sounds at the same time,” explains Lance Reynolds, guitar.

Sam and the Stylees share something unique when performing; each member seems to separate any inherent ego and let the music and energy flow outward into masses of crowds without reservation. The music speaks of love, acceptance and change.

The lyrics are progressive strings of freedom and harmony that break down barriers amongst crowds and pump energy into the souls of listeners.

Discusses the new wave of Presidential Diversity
- Cort Moffitt

Is our country ready for a woman to lead the ranks? Is our country ready for an African-American to fill the role of the presidency? I suspect if we have to answer questions regarding race and gender about our presidential candidates, then we are not ready for someone other than an upper-class, grey-haired white man to hold the high office.

Unfortunately, America has two candidates capable of taking the reins to this runaway wagon we call the United States, but we the voters continually want to discuss the one factor that should not be a factor. It’s a sad truth that many citizens of the U.S. are tainted by preconceived stereotypes of the human race.

Women have been proving their worth in the business, sports and political arenas for years. Women have been exhibiting the requisite shrewdness of the cruel capitalist, the grace of a world class athlete and the savvy of the most adept politician, so why must we consider gender when going to the polls? Acknowledging such a question is a regression in morality. Of course Senator Clinton is qualified to run our country or she would have never made it this far.

Enough people have shown faith in her to dispel any fear that she will be an incompetent pawn for lobbyist and special interest groups. Moreover, Senator Barak Obama is the first legitimate African-American candidate with a real chance of braving the trials and tribulations of a presidential race.

"America has needed a fresh perspective for far too long."

This man is as qualified to run our country as his opponents, and certainly as well as the cowboy we call president now. America has needed a fresh perspective for far too long, and Sen. Obama can provide just that. If we as a country discard this man because of his race and name then we are a country living in the past. Such a stereotype would never be outright spoken, but it is quite obvious that this man faces just that. It is time to let go of our grandparents’ biases and shed the albatross of ignorance that should have passed away with our ancestors.

"We must alter our damaged image to the world."

We cannot afford for the qualified to go unrewarded. I hope with all sincerity that America is ready for a change in the demographic of our leader, but I fear we are not. Ours is a country screaming for change but hesitant to take the next step. When race and gender cease being a factor in the presidential race, then perhaps we will be ready for a leader who is not the carbon copy of the capitalist puppet with whom we lay our trust. America needs a face-lift. We must alter our damaged image to the world, and electing a qualified leader is the initial and most crucial step.

What the two democratic candidates offer is a fresh perspective on how our great country should be led. Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama are running on very similar platforms differentiated only by subtle differences, but on the whole they are promising the same things. So what is the deciding factor for the democratic nominee? The answer may simply be an issue of security for the individual voter. Which one gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling? Hey, John Q. Voter, are you ready to elect a qualified candidate regardless of race or gender? The world is waiting.

Why Some Food is just plain better for you?
"Wheat Bread vs. White Bread"

Yes, we know - it is what your mom fed you growing up. Unfortunately, your mom was not making decisions that were in the best interests of your health. In order to get that soft, chewy, melt in your mouth texture, they strip or BLEACH out all of the good healthy, hearty grains and nutrients. Not only that, but white bread inhibits your digestion by acting kind of like a gum ball in your gut.

If you are going to eat white bread, you might as well wash it down with Kool Aid. Then you can be a Kool Aid drinker and a White Bread eater. Choose 100% Whole Grain WHEAT BREAD everytime, because white bread is for losers.

Not for hipsters alone
- Alyse Cox

I am not a hipster. I am an average, twenty-something college student with occasional fits of ‘cool’ moments. I do not have a degree in music theory. All I know is what makes me want to let loose and get down – and right now what makes me boogie is the Parisian electro house duo JUSTICE.

Most people don’t understand the subtleties of electronic music. When I tell my sorority sisters that I am going to see a DJ, I get the same scoffs. A response along the lines of, “Ha. like a rave?” “Are you going to take X and wave glow sticks all night?” . . . Uhh, no. Not exactly.

To the uninformed, casual listener, this assumption is very common. According to anyone unfamiliar with electronic music there is only ONE genre: TECHNO. Similarly, someone who has no clue about classic rock wouldn’t know the differ- ence between Led Zeppelin and The Who. For someone new to Hip-Hop, listening to Kanye West might sound exactly like Lil Wayne. Two very distinct sounds are easily confused when unexplored.

“JUSTICE performs their music using turntables and an assortment of other highly technical and extraordinarily computerized methods.”

Which brings us to JUSTICE. While they are definitively electronic and perform their music using turntables and an assortment of other highly technical and extraordinarily computerized methods, their musical appeal crosses all genres. Fans of Metal, Hip Hop, Jam and Country could all rock out and enjoy a JUSTICE concert.

Justice made their break with the 2003 debut of a remix of Simian’s “Never Be Alone.” I have been listening to JUSTICE for a few months, and I had never heard this famous remix un- til I was at the JUSTICE show in Dallas in early March. Besides their most popular and catchy single, “D.A.N.C.E.”, “Never Be Alone” was the hit of the night. The zealous crowds of danc- ing fans were belting out the lyrics as the duo would lower the music so it was an audience A Cappella version of the song. It was what I would imagine it would feel like to be at the hottest show of the year in the 80’s. I have a very enthusiastic affinity for the 80’s and the overindulgent lifestyle everyone lived.

The moment I was dancing to “ Never be Alone, ” listening to the crowd hit every note of the chorus, being absorbed by the overpowering rush of the pulsing white lights and feeling the shock waves of the wall of speakers behind JUSTICE, I knew it was the closest I will ever get to fulfilling my fantasy of living the uninhibited extravagance of the hay days of the 80’s.

The Hipsters of a JUSTICE concert

Do you remember when Kayne West first displayed his blazing short temper and outrageous arrogance at the 2006 MTV Europe Music awards?

He stormed the stage after not receiving the award for “Best Video.” Turns out, JUSTICE took home the coveted award that night. (They were not actually, physically there. Thank god.) Kanyeeee . . . . What are we going to do with you?

After JUSTICE melted our faces, the crowd started trickling into the after-party which continued just upstairs from where JUSTICE had been playing.

The progressiveness of JUSTICE attracted an equally progressive crowd to the Palladium Ballroom that night in Dallas. The venue was crawling with the true cool kids – fashion forward funky clothes and personal grooming styles you would see at loft parties and the dive bars in Soho. Consequently, I paid close attention to the social dynamic of this unique cultural subset as another way of showcasing all of the unique aspects of my experience with JUSTICE.

The after-party featured some of Dallas’ top DJ’s, one of which played vinyl records exclusively. This must be a huge “cool factor” in the electronic scene, because this was the hubbub going around the Dallas hipsters. Sure enough, he was playing fun music that made me want to dance, buuut . . . I distinctly remember still feeling the afterglow of the pulsing lights and overpowering groove of JUSTICE from earlier in the night.

As the party goers caught their second wind with the help of a few cocktails and other party favors, the dance floor started to get populated and pretty soon, I found myself on the outskirts of a circle witnessing what I assumed was an unofficial “dance battle.” I had seen these before, at high school dances where the participants were only attention-starved adolescents. This battle was different; these guys were actually in a dance crew, with an actual name, most notably The Funky Buttercups crew from Norman.

As I was standing there enjoying watching my own live version of You Got Served, I realized the battle, although casual, was serious. I watched a few guys who reminded me of those high school boys so eager for attention jump in and get schooled by the pros. Shortly after this, I saw my older brother hand over his camera and equipment to a girl and prepare to jump in. Immediately I cut through the dance floor and insist that he stay OUT of the circle. This was the first time I ever had to stop my brother from embarrassing himself and me, a favor he has done for me more times than I can count. It was fascinating to be in the middle of the hipsters of the electronic music scene – just a small benefit of the unique and fun people that JUSTICE attracts.

As I walked into my room happily exhausted from a long exciting night of dancing, I was greeted by my roommate who indulged me with her feigned interest in electronic music. “How was it?” she asked. As I was getting my enthusiasm up to tell her all the exciting moments and how mind-blowing the show was, she stopped me — “How was Genesis?” (Genesis is the opening track on their first album). I replied with confusion, “Uhhmm…. Yeah it was good. They played it…..why?” She proceeded to pull up a You Tube video. “It’s on the new Chevy commercial….”

Right then and there, she turned my excitement into discouragement. Although the commercial is actually a Cadillac commercial (they are all the same anyway), it made me realize that everything progressive, unique and ‘edgy’ loses its luster when the mass media gets word. It won’t be long until we are hearing JUSTICE tracks on several mainstream commercials. Let’s just hope that as JUSTICE reaches higher levels of commercial success they are still able to retain their underground hipster ‘edge’ along with their following of professional break dancing crews and chilling ‘nuke in your face’ live performances.