Ase Today

Brandy and Aaliyah: Two Shining Stars

by Tanesha King

My favorite singers are Brandy and Aaliyah. They are my favorite singers because they inspire me. Aaliyah stared out to be my favorite singer because, when I first heard her, I realized that she could really sing. Sadly, she died in a plain crash, which brought a suddent end to her career. She was beautiful and she inspired young people to grow up and get an education. By getting an education they can grow up to be what ever they want to be.

Brandy is my favorite singer because she inspired my interest in the singing business. Brandy is another person who can really sing. Brandy started her career on a show called Moesha, which is basically about how a teenager’s life is or how she acts. Brandy always believed that people could be what they wanted to be in life. Brandy started her singing career at the age of seven and has continued singing ever since.

Sitting Down With Sylvia

by Jasmine Noble

During Ase's trip to Harlem, New York, Mr. Brian asked for students to interview a store owner or employee so we could see what it was like to work every day in Harlem. I was lucky to be able to interview Ms Sylvia Wood, owner of the famous Sylvias Soul Food Restaurant.

Ms. Woods started out as a waitress for 7 and a half years, then was helped by her mother to start the business in 1969. She loves her job. She says that "you must not like the people, you must love them." She feels that she's been very blessed and is grateful for all she has accomplished.

"I see Harlem is going through a great transition and losing businesses, but for me, business is going well," Ms. Woods said. "You can never give up in life."

The Low Down on Low Riders

by Karlos Houston

I can’t describe them, but they are really cool...low riders, that is. Hydraulics are put on certain types of cars, making them move up and down while moving. Low riders can be old or new cars. You can put hydraulics on a Hummer, Benz, an Impala, or an Escalade. Typically people do paint flames on the side of their low riders: red, candy-apple red, yellow, blue, tan, orange, and green flames. Purple and pink flames are done too. People often drive low riders and compete in races. They can bounce up and down and front to back.

In California, people compete in low riders. They compete for money or for cars. If two people compete in two cars, the person who wins, gets the other car. When they compete, they "low ride": they make the car bounce with the switches, pumps, springs, and eight car batteries. The drivers move the cars through a remote control, and the driver that goes the highest, wins. Your name will "ring bells" in California if you are the best low rider!

You can find out more about low riders online:
Layitlow .com
Prohopper.com
Showtime.com