Published Friday, April 30th, 2015

Oh what a night week! -The Four Seasons

#5: Flash Tats

Not going to lie, I really want one. Not anything big, maybe just a small, delicate pattern around my wrist...They're pretty cute, look:

Artsy as hell

Anyway they're everywhere right now, especially because of the warm weather and the beginning of "Music Festival Season" (okay, why is that an actual category of clothing on the websites of major clothing retailers?), so I figured they ought to be on your radar. 

And let me be the first to acknowledge that in 5 years or less, you will be crying over those horrifying photos of you with a multitude of flash tats and weird random body jewelry. Just like how I cringe every time I see photos of myself from before 2008. Make that 2010. Okay, make that early 2015. This is just yet another passing trend, just like permanently-attached feathers in the hair (gag me with a spoon), and Heelys.

So now that you've read my dire warning, here's the link to order them: http://www.flashtat.com/

#SomeRagrets #YOLO

#4: Bruce Jenner Reveals He Is Transitioning to a Woman

Most people are aware of my love-hate relationship with the Kardashians (and the Jenners too, I guess...), but the Kardashinas have always been linked with relatively frivolous things, such as disproportionately large behinds and somewhat intelligent jargon used in completely ridiculous and random situations. Now though, one of the (kinda)Kardashians is doing something of actual relevance, and even though it's a lot to take in... go Bruce. He (yes, he still wants to go by male pronouns) is finally going to become the person he wants to be an hey, more power to him. I just hope he remains calm, level headed, and the voice of reason in that family, just like he used to be. I also hope that the footage of this journey he is embarking on stays somewhat genuine and un-filtered. Bruce has the power to raise awareness and enlighten people, and if he can do that, he could make a real change about the way identity is perceived in this country and all over the world.

#3: Around 300 Nigerian Women and Girls Rescued from Boko Haram in North Eastern Nigeria

Boko Haram is a Muslim-Extremist organization primarily in Northern Nigerian terrorizing the area in hopes of creating an Islamic State, according to news reports. The Girls were found in the Sambisa Forest in Northeastern Nigeria a few days ago. Let it be known that these are not the Chibok schoolgirls who are the subject of the ongoing #BringBackOurGirls campaign, however I'm just glad that the Nigerian army has finally taken some successful action against the terrorist group. Keep the Chibok girls in your minds and hearts though; we are still waiting for the return of our kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls.

#2: Freddie Gray... and the Baltimore Riots

#RIPFREDDIEGRAY. Another life. Another life gone for reasons that just aren't transparent enough, simply aren't good enough. Let me attempt to be objective though...

Question:

Why was Freddie Gray taken into police custody alive and "emerged" from police custody deceased, due to complications from spinal cord injuries? 

This happened. This is fact.

Why is another black man a victim of police brutality? If you prefer a more general question,

Why is another human being dead?

Maybe this is the question those rioting in Baltimore are thinking about. Maybe they're just mad at the system, mad at the world. Maybe there are a couple randoms in there raising hell just for the "fun" of it.

But you need to know that these riots aren't the full story. Baltimore is blazing, but not simply with fire, but with activism as well. Have you heard about the peaceful demonstrations surrounding the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore, and across the U.S.? Have you watched the remarks from various community members articulating the real emotions behind some of the destruction?

Yes, there is destruction, but do not allow the riots or the media circus to mar your perception of the issue at the heart of this matter;

Freddie Gray is Dead.

So many people are dead.

They aren't coming back,

and they didn't have to die.

Just to call out the media real quick; I get a couple readers from outside the U.S, so let me just mention that the riots are the main things all over news stations in the U.S. 24/7.

I suppose this is "better" than round-the-clock coverage of Ebola...

But we definitely get an "Americanized" version of current events.

Wowww #tbt Ebola though; the mainstream media can be so fickle; they literally go from zero to one hundred on every story and I think it's messing with the way this country interprets information...

#1: Earthquake in Nepal

So Baltimore may be all over your feed, but let us not forget the tragedy that occurred in Nepal recently. The South Asian country was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on Saturday, leaving thousands dead and millions affected across the nation. The death toll is steadily climbing as more and more bodies are pulled from the wreckage, and the country is in serious need of assistance, especially items such as tents, clothing, and other non-food items.

Donate to Red Cross efforts here.

Well, that's this week's Top 5. Heavy stuff, right? 

If you don't know, now you know.

Check back next Friday for another Top 5.

References and other links you should check out:

BBC is the bomb, btw

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-32541245

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32543518

http://time.com/3836242/nepal-earthquake-donations-disaster-relief/

Season 6 Episode 1 of "A Different World" covering the 1992 LA Riots (Netflix)
Yonce "Bey-ing Good": http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6553158/beyonce-baltimore-instagram