Need Plans For The Summer?

Okay, summer is right around the corner, the season we all anticipate. But what to do? I have a couple suggestions.

• How about a summer job? 
• How about helping out around your community?
• College bound? Internships are great!

Now, I know alot of you are wondering why a summer job? Of course you just want to have fun, but that's the wonderful thing about summer jobs. If you like being around people and want to earn a bit of extra cash this summer, a job would be a great way to go. You can work and have fun all at the same time. You can work at an amusement park, a day camp, or even a zoo. All jobs you can enjoy as well as meeting loads of new people.


 Volunteering is always a fantastic way to go. Whether it is helping out at the local Salvation Army, lending a hand at a church soup kitchen or creating your own project. Give back to your community! Let's make a change. Not only are you changing the lives of others, your changing YOUR life as well, and there's no better feeling.

Are you getting ready for college in the fall? Check your community bulletin board. Now is the best time to do so. Internships are a great introduction to your career path. Whether it is business, fashion, nursing or film, this would be a great time to determine if that career is meant for you.  Get ahead! Challenge yourself!  Internships are always impressive on a resume and you will be getting a leg up on others in your career path. You can have fun and educate yourself at the same time.


So what are you doing this summer?



Lavonnah

Spring Cleaning!

Hey!

I'm getting ready for some upcoming events and projects, but in order to do that I need to get organized. It's amazing how things can build up. This year I am really getting things out that I absolutely don't need. I've started the year out on a good note by donating electronics to e-waste events, thrift stores and clothing swaps. I get more done when I have a space that's clean and clear. I am not a professional organization expert, but here are some ways I plan to clear out the clutter and add some new life to my work area:

*Donate my broken ipod to Tekserve. It is a retail store in Manhattan that specializes in Apple products. You can receive 10% off a new ipod when you donate your old one.

*Donate books to libraries, bookstores, friends and family.

*Buy inexpensive furniture and containers to put things away after I use them.

*Once spring finally comes, I will add my winter clothes to storage. (Spring, when will you be here?)

*Shred! I will shred old bank statements and other personal papers with my name, so I can prevent identity theft. I don't want anyone walking around pretending to be me.

*Paint! Paint! Paint! I will add new color to the white walls and furniture to give them some new "flava."

I hope you enjoyed these tips! Please share any that you may have.

Jen:)

Speak Up for Yourself

Here at the Double Dutch Blog, I like to cover fun things, but I have real talk times, too and today is one of those times. I've had a few discussions this week about this topic and wanted to address this topic.

Whether you are 4 or 14, it's important for you to assert yourself and protect your space and you body. The teen years are a time when your hormones are going wild, but only you can establish boundaries and let people know what it and what is not okay.

Even at a young age, you teach people how to treat you. When someone hits you or pushes you on the playground in elementary school and you don't speak up for yourself, they know that they can try it again. It doesn't stop when you go to middle or high school. This applies to liking boys, too. A boy may try to convince you to let him kiss you, touch you or send sexy pics of yourself, even if you feel uncomfortable. This proves to him that you like him and he in return, will "choose" you as his girl. You have the right to say, "no." If he has a problem respecting your space and body, then he is not worthy of your time.

I know it's a confusing time in navigating teenhood, discovering who you are and trying to fit in, too. I've seen girls who have let guys touch them and soon after they are labeled as, "hoes." There is a double-standard for girls and once you are labeled with a bad reputation, it's hard to redeem yourself. It may be hard now to be the only one in your crew to have different standards, but you will thank yourself later.

Words have power, so use your words to demonstrate your power!

Peace,

Jen

New Song by Laws for L.L.H.H. (Ladies Lovin' Hip-Hop)

Hey,

Here's a song from J.U.S.T.I.C.E League artist, Laws. It's dedicated to ladies who love hip-hop. (Yes, we can love it, too.) I like this video because it's simple and has real girls. It's so nice to see everyday girls and not scantily-clad girls shaking their goods in the background at a club scene. I'm so over that type of video. It would be nice to have some originality in hip-hop and not the same recycled ideas.

I give a fist bump to Laws for having the courage to step out the hip-hop box and create a song and video that that uplifts and celebrates the ladies. Maybe Laws will be an example for other artists to develop more creative videos. Looking forward to seeing more from this up-and-coming artist.

So check out Law's Lady Hip Hop Video

For more info on Laws, visit his twitter and myspace pages.

Have a great night!

Jen:)

Do "It" Today!! AND More Teen Programs!

Happy Monday!

Yes, you can be happy on a Monday. It's the start of the week, so you have four more days to plan, organize and be in the grind towards your goal. Life is fun, but being is productive and "getting things done" can help relieve stress, especially if you plan ahead. I think we are all guilty of waiting to the last possible minute. So, if you have a project due later this week or if you've been talking about applying to a college, "Do it today!" You will be amazed at how proud of yourself you will be by getting things early instead of completing projects late.

Signed,

A Recovering Procrastinator

Here are some great programs for high school students:

Cultivating Aspiring Leaders (CAL Foundation)
This program helps students to develop leadership skills that they can use in college, career and beyond. Speakers from local New York City non-profits, law firms and colleges will discuss a range of topics that include social media image, dealing with bullying, giving back to one's community and entrepreneurship.
Open to: High school seniors, graduating in 2012; minority students, students with leadership abilities
Application Process: Online application, students must be nominated to attend
Program Schedule: Saturday, July 9-July 30th
Deadline: May 1, 2011 at 5 p.m.
Click here for the application.

GNEP (Gye Nyame Empowerment Program) 15 Stories Mentorship Program
This program will match high school students with mentors that will aid them to achieve their goals by overcoming challenges and obstacles. The organization will commit to helping girls during a two-year period by matching them with a mentor that they will be in touch with by phone and in-person on a monthly basis.
Open to: Female high school sophomores
Application Process: Application, interview
Program Schedule: June 2011-July 2013
Deadline: Monday, April 4, 2011
For application, please email: s2s15stories@gmail.com

Need Help with Your College Application Package?

Happy Friday, Luv!

Some of you out there may be the first person in your fam to apply to college. If you need some help getting ready, The Brooklyn Pubic Library can help!

They are holding two workshops next week to help you prepare your college application package. On Friday, April 1, 2011, they are presenting, "How to Write Your Personal Statement for College." The next morning, on Saturday, April 2, 2011, the workshop will be a "SAT Practice Test." So hustle over to the Brooklyn Public Library's Central Branch to get the help you need and soon you'll have your college acceptance letters.

The Brooklyn Public Library

Central Branch

10 Grand Army Plaza

Brooklyn, NY 11238

Second Floor, Meeting Room

Friday, April 1st: 3:00-4:30 PM, Presented by Mark Sanders, Coordinator of Partnership Programs, SUNY Empire State College

Saturday, April 2nd: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, RSVP to attend, visit the Kaplan Test website or Call 1.800.KAP.TEST (1.800.527.8378) give event code: SKBY1012

Both events are FREE

Good Luck!

Jen

Help Out Your City-Volunteer

Hi,

Many NYC teens want to help out their city by volunteering just because or to gain volunteer credits for graduation. I found this resource that can help you volunteer, click here: teen community service


You never know how much light you can add to someone's (or yours) life by giving to others!

Have a great day,

Jen

Drumming Workshop Today!

Want to channel your inner drummer? You can have your chance by attending a "Drumming Workshop" at the Brooklyn Public Library's Marcy branch today, Wednesday, March 23rd from 3:30-4:30 PM.

Here's the address:

617 Dekalb Ave. @ Nostrand Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11216
718.935.0032

New Music Releases from Chris Brown & Jennifer Hudson!

Hey,

Add some new music to your life! There are some great album releases today.

Check them out by clicking on the artists' name and you'll be linked to their Twitter pages:

Chris Brown, "F.A.M.E."

Jennifer Hudson, "I Remember Me"

source: startribune.com


Enjoy,

Jen

Happy Spring!

Hi There,

Spring is here! Let's hope the snow is officially gone for now.

If you're in New York City or another major city, you can welcome the season by visiting your local botanic gardens. In New York City, there is a botanic garden for each one of the five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island). The New York Botanical Gardens, located in the "Boogie Down" Bronx is the largest one in NYC. Many of them have free days or hours. In fact, the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens is free every Tuesday, so grab your girls or your boo and take time to enjoy the flowers.

Jen:)

Look at Me Now!

Hey,

Today was a gorgeous day in New York City! I'm looking forward to spring. It was a craaazy winter season and we all deserve some warm weather, right? Spring is also a season for great music.

I'm really diggin' the beat of "Look at Me Now" by Chris Brown, which also features Lil' Wayne and Busta Rhymes. With over 20 years in the hip-hop game, Busta Rhymes flow is still ridiculous!! Anyway, it's a great dance song. I looked up some videos on YouTube. There were lots of videos and this is my absolute fave. Check out this video with some of the best dance moves: Empire Kidz Dance crew video for song, Look at Me Now 


Have a great weekend!

Peace,

Jen

Staying Healthy: Bouncing Back from Getting Sick

Hey Out There!

Spring is around the corner, but that doesn't mean that the cold/virus season has ended. Yesterday, I was in the bed, most of the day, unable to move. I woke up feeling dizzy and knew I needed to get some rest.  I had been very busy lately and had not been getting enough sleep. I think my body was saying, "Slow down, girl. You're doing too much." So, I spent most of the day resting and was able to feel better by using some of the items below.

Here are some things you should have at home if a cold or illness sneaks up on you:

• Orange juice
• Gingerale
• Tea (green or add lemon and/or honey to your favorite black tea)
• Vitamins*
• Chicken noodle soup
• Cold or flu medicine*

*Speak with your parents, local pharmacists or doctors to determine which ones work best for you.

Most importantly, you can stay healthy by getting enough sleep, exercising and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Have a great day,

Jen:)

Remembering Nate Dogg. . .RIP

Nate Dogg thrived and survived his years at Suge Knight's Death Row Records, but was unable to survive the strokes and other recent recent medical problems that he had. Nathaniel "Nate Dogg" Hale died yesterday at age 41.

If you've listened to songs by Warren G., Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Ludacris, Tha Dogg Pound or Dr. Dre, you've heard Nate Dogg sing the hooks on their songs. He was one of the first in hip-hop to be known for singing hooks, which gave the 1990s West Coast rap its unique G-Funk sound. His voice represented the grit of the LA streets and the old-school R&B he listened to as a child in the LBC (Long Beach, CA). He left his imprint on this style of singing and it is still being duplicated in hip-hop today.

For more info on Nate Dogg's career, read this article: MTV News article


The family and friends of the Nate Dogg are in our thoughts. You will be missed. . .

Jen

Two Week Anniversary of Double Dutch Blog!

I know it's only been a few weeks, but I hope you've enjoyed the blog so far. . .

Two weeks ago on the first day of Women's History Month (March 1st), I started this blog to keep girls informed about teen events, music, fashion etc.  I see this blog as a remix of the past (history facts) as well as, people "doin' it big" right now, to help inspire you to live out your dreams. These stories will help give you the motivation to push ahead knowing that people in the past have had to overcome issues with gender, race, poverty or education and were still able to win. In a positive way, not the Charlie Sheen version. One example of this is Zora Neale Hurston. She decided as a young girl she was going to be a writer. Not only did she become a writer of short stories and the novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, but she became a playwright, an anthropologist, a teacher and world traveler. Zora was a free spirit, who was not afraid to try new experiences and fulfill her curiosity. She was educated at Howard University and was one of the first Black graduates of Barnard College.

Learn more about Zora Neale Hurston, here: Zora Neale Hurston timeline.

Peace,

Jen

Save 30% off at Gap, Banana Republic or Old Navy!

Happy Monday,

Hope you had a great weekend! We've found a way for you to give yourself and others gifts--at the same time.

If you shop in-store or online at the Gap, Banana Republic or Old Navy for its "Give & Get" promo, you'll save 30% off what you buy AND 5% of your purchase benefits the following organizations (you can choose one):

• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• World Wildlife Federation (WWF)
• Feeding America
• Teach for America
• Habitat for Humanity
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)

Online promo code: TXVX7NC3KWJV

Click on Give & Get to link to the in-store coupon. Update your spring wardrobe and give to a worthy cause! 

Unless, you have been in hiding, you've heard about the earthquake and tsunami that struck in Japan. So, you may ask yourself, what can I do to help? Contact your local Red Cross to see how you can volunteer your time to help prepare packages, make phone calls or other ways you can help in their offices. You may also send text donation for $10 each with a cell phone, but check with Moms or another adult first. Here is the text donation and website links info as listed on the huffingtonpost.com:

Red Cross
Text "Red Cross" to 90999

Salvation Army
Text "Japan" or "Quake" to 80888

No need to wait for the November and December holiday seasons to give, you can give to the world now.

Jen:)

iPad 2 is Here! Check out More e-readers!

I was at Target today and people were in line waiting for the iPad 2 (smh). Apple definitely has many early adopters for iPads, iPods, Macbooks, etc. These are people who must buy new Apple products the first day they are released. The iPad has some cool features. I have to admit the images are beau-ti-ful. I'm just want to fork over $500 to purchase one. Don't get me wrong, I love Apple. I'm typing on a MacBook now, but I'd rather spend money on other things (food, shelter, you know, the basics). I have been eyeballing some e-readers that are just as good. They give you a lot of storage space and you can have money left over to add some e-books to it.

Here are some great e-book you can get on the cheap:

Kindle
I gotta start with the e-reader that began the e-book craze before other bookstores or computer companies. The online bookseller, Amazon.com, first introduced the Kindle in 2007 and it quickly sold out. This e-reader vet may not have fancy color images, but it's features still outshine others on the market. It can hold over 3,500 books, twice the storage of other readers. The Kindle makes it easy to read in the sun and there's a dictionary to look-up words you don't know. Plus, there's a read-to-me option where a voice can read a book to you. When you turn off the Kindle, the battery can stay charged for more than one month. All these functions for $139.

Nook
This e-reader was created by the bookstore, Barnes & Noble. There is black-and-white version starting at $149 and a color version, Nook Color, which retails for $249. There is also a pre-owned version priced at $119. The Nook can store 1,500 books and the battery can lasts for 10 days without charging it. The iPad 2 has a battery that only lasts 10 hours. Plus, The Nook includes free e-books and you can surf the web for free using B&N's Wi-Fi at any Barnes & Noble store.

Sony Reader
This is the lightest of all the e-readers. This also comes in a cool pink color, which is a contrast to the charcoal gray colored readers out there. The Sony Reader also has a quick page turning format that make you feel like you're flipping through the pages of a book. It can be used with Macs or PCs and you can take notes, too. Plus, if you're on your way to college, you can save 10% at the campus store. These devices are priced at $179.99.

These are just a few of my picks. You can find some readers above priced cheaper on walmart.com. There are many others to choose from with prices under $100, too. An e-reader can be great for those long bus or train rides. They can also be used for school work, too. It's much better than carrying a ton of books around. And who knows, maybe you can do an e-version of the Oprah Book Club with your girls at school. Just an idea.

Have a great weekend,

Jen

P.S. Did you know your local library may have FREE e-books for you to download on on an e-reader? Check out the Brooklyn Public Library's e-book collection: http://digitalbooks.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/0C683956-F911-4FB5-B53A-6871BF8FF51F/10/340/en/Default.htm

Zeta Phi Beta Stompfest & GNEP Sista 2 Sista Youth Summit events in Brooklyn This Weekend!

The weather is finally starting to heat up, so this is a great time to go to events in your 'hood.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. presents Stompfest 2011
The Ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Kappa Zeta Chapter (Brooklyn, NY) have joined forces with its teen group, The Archonette Club, to give high school teams a chance to showcase their best step moves at Stompfest 2011. The Archonette Club is a group for teen girls to participate in community service projects, prepare for college and demonstrate sisterhood.

Event Date: Saturday, March 12, 2011

Step Show Time: Doors open at 2:30 PM, event starts at 3:00 PM

After Party Time: 6:00-9:00 PM

Location: Brooklyn Community Arts & Media School, 300 Willoughby Ave.

Admission: $8 (step show only); $12 (stepshow and after party) No tickets for the after party will sold at the door

Age for after party: Teens 18 years and younger

To purchase tickets, email Archonette chair or co-chair, Keisha Alleyne or Letitia Smith sigmakappazeta@onebox.com

Voicemail: 866.841.9139 ext.1674

Visit their website to see pics of Archonette activities: www.zphibskz.org

GNEP (Gye Nyame Empowerment Program) Sista 2 Sista Youth Summit
This is a great way to spend a Saturday. You'll leave feeling like President Obama during his presidential campaign, "Fired up and ready to go!" You'll also meet lots of teens, who love to have fun, but are serious about their hustle for college, careers or starting a business. There may be celebrity sightings, too. Past celebs include D. Woods (formerly of Danity Kane) and Malik Yoba (Why Did I Get Married, Too?) Over 125 girls gather each year to discuss health, self-esteem, careers and portrayal of women in the media. I've been a speaker in past workshops and it demonstrates there are many confident girls out there making their way in the world.

Visit their site, there may be a few spots left. You must register to attend. Click here to register: www.empowermegnep.org/2011s2sRegistration.aspx


Date: Saturday, March 12, 2011

Location: St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street

Time: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM

Admission: Free (you must register to be admitted to the event)

For more info about GNEP and its Sista 2 Sista Youth Summit visit: www.empowermegnep.org

 Talk 2 u later,

Jen

Biggie!

I cannot let today pass without giving homage to hip-hop legend, Christopher Wallace a.k.a. Biggie. Unfortunately for all his fans, he died 14 years ago after being shot by a still unknown assailant. His songs made people in the 'hood and the 'burbs unite in lyrics and beats, whether you did or didn't have the experiences he rapped about in his songs. He was one of the greatest lyricists in hip-hop history.

Nicknames: Biggie, Big Poppa, Biggie Smalls, Frank White

Some of my fav lyrics:

"Lyrically, I'm supposed to represent. I'm not only a client, I'm the player president."
-One More Chance

"Remember Rappin' Duke duh-ha duh-ha. You never thought that hip-hop would take us this far."
-Juicy

"Timbs for my hooligans in Brooklyn. . .Poppa been smooth since the days of Underroos."
-Hyponotize

Click on this word: Juicy to view his first video. It was my first intro to Biggie. You are definitely missed in the hip-hop game. RIP.

Peace,

Jen

CFES-College for Every Student Video Contest

CFES (College for Every Student) helps encourage middle and high school students to attend college. They provide programs like college visits, mentoring programs, as well as inviting professionals to speak to students. I had the opportunity to speak to students at Paul Robeson High School in Brooklyn, NY a few months ago about my college experiences at Ohio University and New York University and how college was helpful to my magazine career. It was sooo much fun and I will definitely do it again.

Now CFES is giving students a chance to showcase their video skillz by teaming up with MTV and Getschooled.com with the "Scholars Inspiring Scholars" video contest. So check out the videos on this Facebook link, CFES Facebook Page and "like" the video you love.

High School semi-finalists:

• Franklin County High School (FL)
• A. Philip Randolph (NYC)
• Willsboro Central School (NY)

K-8 School semi-finalists:

• Cedaredge Middle School (CO)
• Wilson Middle School (PA)
• Blanche Pope Elementary School (HI)

Voting Ends March 21st!

NEW Jill Scott Album in 2011 & Target First Saturday at Brooklyn Museum

Jill Scott, photo courtesy Warner Bros. Records

New Jill Scott Album Coming in 2011
Jill Scott has sold over 4 million records and fans (myself included) are anticipating her fourth studio album, The Light of the Sun, which will be released later this year on Warner Bros. Records.  Jill Scott's music is not just for "grown folks," but for anyone looking for positive and powerful messages in music.
Hear the album trailer for Light of the Sun, click here.


"I've always looked to empower my fans through my message of love, independence and strength, comments Jill, "This album is very revealing, and I can't wait for everyone to hear it." 


Since releasing her first album, Who Is Jill Scott? Words & Sounds, Vol. 1, Jill Scott has not limited herself to music. She has was the lead character on the HBO/BBC mini series, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency and Lifetime Movie Network's Sins of the Mother, which was the second most-watched premiere in the network's history. She also played the character Sheila, alongside Janet Jackson, in Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married and Why Did I Get Married Too? In addition, Jill has published books of poetry, developed an intimates line for Ashley Stewart and founded Blues Babe, a non-profit for minority college students.


Her success among different entertainment industries makes the partnership with Warner Bros. a great match.


Todd Moscowitz, CEO of Warner Bros. Records explains, "Jill Scott is a masterful performer with a proven artistry across film, TV and music. We are thrilled at the prospects with this partnership."


Jill Scott has been successful in music, film, and TV. We can't wait to see what she'll do next! Don't worry, if you missed her during her sold-out tour with Maxwell, you can see her as she headlines the Essence Music Festival this July with Kanye West and Mary J. Blige.


Visit Jill's website for up-to-date with upcoming projects.




Target First Saturdays!! 
Now you know how we like "free" at Double Dutch Magazine! There's an event that happens the first Saturday every month, "Target First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum." This is a great event for everyone in your fam and you don't need to pay anything. It includes movies, performances and activities. 


My family and I went last Saturday and the theme was Native American culture. It was great!! We saw a performance by the Thunderbird Native American Dancers and went inside a tipi and saw an exhibit of artifacts from the 1800s and costumes from recent tribal events. It's a great way to learn more about a dynamic culture that was way ahead of time, regarding the environment and treatment of animals. So put on your favorite turquoise piece and go to the museum. You'll be surprised at what you may learn.


Check the site to see next month's theme.


Where? Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway


When? First Saturday of every month


Time? 5-10 PM

New Boyz

The New Boyz are doing it big again! They're back with a new electronic sound with the song, "Backseat," which will premiere on MTV on Monday. They've grown since their days of the skinny jeanz  and the jerkin movement. Now 18, they don't way to stay stagnant. They continue to push themselves and their music in new directions. 


“We still support the movement, but we wanted to show our creativity without being tied to jerkin’,” Legacy said. “Too Cool to Care is about how we’ve always gotten criticism from those who want to hate on our fashion or our style. But we’ve always done our thing. The album has crazy pop tracks, rock songs, and electronic songs. We’re testing our boundaries.”


Their second album, to be released on May 10, 2011 by Shotty/Asylum/Warner Bros. Records, includes songs from different music styles like electro, alternative rock and R&B and a DJ Khalil produced track, "Tough Kids." Plus, I just heard a sneak peak of the title song for their album, "Too Cool to Care," and it's a cool, rock joint for inner headbanger in you. The New Boyz burst onto the music scene at age 16 with their own style and will continue to create music style on their own terms. Reminder: This is the same duo the racked up 60 million views on YouTube. Nuff said.


Learn the words to the song, "Backseat" from the official lyric video so you can sing along with the MTV premiere on Monday.


Want more New Boyz? See the Double Dutch magazine interview with the New Boyz.

Hot Teen Programs for the Summer!

Looking for scholarships, jobs and summer programs? There are a bunch of teen programs out there and Double Dutch will continue to bring you up-to-date info on great programs. Some programs can be hard to find, but we've made it easy for you. Check out these hot programs!

Beyond the Boroughs Scholarship Awards
Potential scholarship amount $5,000-$20,000.
What you need to apply: College acceptance letter.
Open to: high school seniors or current college students.
Website:  Beyond the Boroughs Website
Deadline: March 15, 2011


Brooklyn Summer H.E.A.T. (Help Employ Ambitious Teens) program
This programs helps teens find summer jobs by encouraging Brooklyn businesses to invest in youth in the community.
Age: Must be 16-18 by July 5, 2011 to be eligible.
Open to: teens that live or got to school in Brooklyn, NY.
What you need to apply: application and resume.
Website: Brooklyn Summer HEAT Website
Deadline: March 15, 2011

Grammy Camp
The Grammy Foundation (yes, the same one that produces the Grammy Awards) is providing a week-ling program for high school students to learn about various areas in the music industry.
Program Dates: Grammy Camp L.A. (July 9-18), Grammy Camp N.Y. (Aug. 2-8)
What you need to apply: online application and video essay.

Financial aid is available (70% of participants who've applied for aid have received financial assistance.)

Website: Grammy in the Schools Website
Deadline: March 31, 2011


Have a good one and see u tomorrow!

Jen

Jumpstart

Hey!

Today is our Jumpstart post. We highlight a talent that someone has worked on over several years to achieve a goal. For example, Oprah Winfrey's "jumpstart" or gift was public speaking, which later led her to radio broadcasting, beauty pageants, a TV talk show and her own media company and broadcast network.

Here's our post. . .

You may not have heard of Esperanza Spalding, but you'll continue to hear her name. If you caught the last year's BET Awards, she was the sister rockin' the 'fro while playing bass; she performed her version of Prince's "If I Was Your Girlfriend" during his tribute.

Esperanza Spalding is a dynamic singer and bass player that hails from Portland, Oregon. She first picked up a violin at age four and later fell in love with the bass instrument. She's been "on her grind" refining her vocals and string skills and has accomplished a lot at the young age of 25. She is the first jazz artist in Grammy History to win "Best New Artist," but she's had many achievements before the Grammy. She excelled in music programs at Portland State University and Berklee College of Music, where she later became the youngest faculty member in its history at age 20. She's also been a guest for various TV programs like The View, The Tavis Smiley Show, Jimmie Kimmel Live and has performed at the White House two times.

Esperanza's Jumpstart?
Passion for music. Embracing that as an artist, she had a different way of learning, which helped her create her own path.

Learn more about this talented musician:
Esperanza Spalding's Website

Hope you enjoyed the post!

Jen

Our First Blog!

Hey it's Jen, publisher of Double Dutch Magazine!

We have launched our first blog. It's important for us to be all the places where teens are so look for us to have more presence on the web (social media, blogs, etc). We will have a blog posting everyday (open for biz Monday-Friday), unless there are some juicy news or celeb stories that absolutely cannot wait until Monday. We're new to this, so we'll see how it works as we go along.

The thought of blogging that many times a week will be a HUGE task. I'm holding myself to a different standard in 2011--facing my fears--by doing something that is such a big change that it feels uncomfortable. I recently cut my hair, the shortest it's ever been, so I can remind myself of the that I need to make this year. See before and after pics, here . . .

And, so you can hear other voices, we will also have contributors to our blog, so stay tuned for that announcement.

Mmmm, so what will be in this blog and why should I care?
Well, it will include all the things that teens girls love: fashion, music and topics that teens want to discuss (boys, friends, celebs, tv, etc). It's going to be crazy fun. It will also include stories to inspire girls to live out their dreams by learning from other girls and women or making their own path.

And speaking of women, today marks the first day of women's history month, so learn from Madam C.J. Walker, who became a wealthy female entrepreneur during a time when it seemed nearly impossible. Check out this profile of Madam C.J. in Double Dutch Magazine.

Peace,

Jen:)