#backpack stylin'

[bennyboybenniest]

HotGuy and CatGuy on your rooftops

They stylin,

Very inspired by the cat backpack in the spiderman game :3c

[the-golden-comet]

✨Writeblr Interview✨

Thank you for tagging me @nczaversnick , @phynewrites , @mrbexwrites , and @foyle-writes-things ! Appreciate the heck out of y’all 💛✨

Short stories, novels, or poems?

Novels for sure, to read and to write! ✨

What genre do you prefer reading?

Same ones as I write—BL Romantasies, high fantasies, low fantasies, adult fiction, Slice of Life, Enemies to Lovers, Slow Burn, Hurt/Comfort, Angst/Fluff/Smut 💫✨

Are you a planner or a write as I go kind of person?

Little of column A, little of column B. I think a healthy balance between the two makes for some great planned (and unplanned) adventures! 💛✨

What music do you listen to while writing?

So funny thing….I don’t listen to music when I write. But, my favorite writing white noise is gameplay of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Dead by Daylight, or Friday the 13th without commentary, played at a very low volume. Something about a revving chainsaw sparks my motivation to write (or maybe it’s fear? 🤔)

Favorite books/movies?

Anything Disney +mutuals’s stories ✨

Any current WIPs?

So far finishing up YWIMC before I move on to something big….👀✨I have a lot of stories on the back-burner and am focusing on one at a time 💛

If someone were to make a cartoon out of you what would your standard outfit be?

Very comfortable gray-knit turtleneck or hoodie, comfy pants, stylin’ shoes, and my bag of holding (numerous things. Backpack I carry around that has all my daily necessities ✨)

Create a character description of yourself:

Okay picture Link from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Got it? Okay. Make him gay. Give him some cartilage piercings. Maybe a few eye bags due to the insomnia. There you go. ✨

Oh also make him chaotic good. Because the world needs more kindness, and I will give the world more kindness. The world does not have a choice in the matter. 🌏💫✨

Do you like incorporating actual people you know into your writing?

Considering what I write? Absolutely not.

Are you kill happy with your characters?

Depends on the character and the narrative. I like happy endings, but sometimes a character must die. 🤷‍♂️

Coffee or Tea while writing?

While I write? Water. While I wake up? Coffee. While I get ready for bed? Tea.

Slow or fast writer?

Fast writer, slow motivator. Once I get on a groove I can usually go on 5-6 hour writing binges at a time. I just have to get there first with all of my projects….🫠✨

Where/who/what do you draw inspiration from?

Myself mainly, and my friends and mutuals secondly. I’ve been writing for myself since I started making fanfictions as a teenager, so I’ll never NOT make stories for myself. Gaining a supportive community on writeblr has given me an extra boost of motivation, because now I feel like I’m writing for myself AND for my friends and mutuals ✨

If you were in a fantasy world, what would you be?

The person that somehow finds themself in harrowing situations only to stumble my way out of the problem through sheer coincidence and bullshit. Or a bard. Probably a bard. Maybe both of these things 🤔✨

Most fav book cliche:

Two dumb idiots (/positive) go on an epic quest and learn about each other in the meanwhile. (See: The Emperor’s New Groove)

Least favorite cliche:

One-trick pony characters that lack depth, or exist just to check off a box.

Favorite scene to write?

Anything involving the two main protags.

Reason for writing?

My own personal enjoyment, and to share my crazy mind with the world for entertainment and create joy and inspiration to a community of genius minds (You. I’m talking about you. Yeah, YOU. Keep writing, keep inspiring, and keep on keeping on) 💖✨

Thank you again! I’m going to tag (no pressure): @tragedycoded , @wyked-ao3 , @gioiaalbanoart , @sableglass , @words-after-midnight , @saturnine-saturneight , @marlowethelibrarian , @davycoquette , @lychhiker-writes , @glasshouses-and-stones , @aintgonnatakethis , @honeybewrites , @drchenquill , @theink-stainedfolk , @the-letterbox-archives , @ominous-feychild , @mysticstarlightduck , @finickyfelix , @autism-purgatory , @moltenwrites , @rivenantiqnerd , @thecomfywriter , @somethingclevermahogony , @authorcoledipalo , @houseplantblank , +open tag ✨

[swimfun-nz]

Waterproof Swimming Bags NZ: The Ultimate Solution for Swimmers

Swimming enthusiasts and water sport lovers in New Zealand understand the importance of keeping their belongings dry and secure. Whether you’re heading to the pool, beach, or lake, a waterproof swimming bag is an essential accessory. These bags are designed to protect your valuables from water damage while offering convenience and style. This article explores the benefits of waterproof swimming bags nz, features to look for, and some top choices available in New Zealand.

The Importance of Waterproof Swimming Bags

Waterproof swimming bags are crucial for anyone involved in water activities. Here are some reasons why:

Protection from Water Damage: The primary function of these bags is to protect your belongings from getting wet. This includes items like mobile phones, wallets, towels, clothes, and electronics. A good waterproof bag ensures that your items stay dry even if the bag is submerged in water.

Convenience: Waterproof bags offer a convenient way to carry all your swimming essentials in one place. They are typically spacious and come with multiple compartments, making it easy to organize your items.

Durability: These bags are made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand harsh conditions, including exposure to saltwater and chlorine. They are designed to last, providing long-term protection for your belongings.

Versatility: Waterproof swimming bags are not just for swimming. They are ideal for a range of water activities such as kayaking, sailing, surfing, and even for rainy day commutes.

Key Features to Look for in Waterproof Swimming Bags

When selecting a waterproof swimming bag, consider the following features:

Material: Look for bags made from durable, waterproof materials like PVC, TPU, or nylon. These materials are not only water-resistant but also sturdy enough to withstand regular use.

Seal Type: The sealing mechanism is crucial in ensuring water doesn’t get into the bag. Roll-top closures, zip locks, and waterproof zippers are common sealing types. Choose one that is easy to use and provides a secure seal.

Size and Capacity: Depending on your needs, choose a bag with an appropriate size and capacity. If you’re carrying a lot of gear, opt for a larger bag with multiple compartments.

Comfort: Ensure the bag has comfortable straps or handles. Padded shoulder straps are a plus, especially if you’re carrying the bag for extended periods.

Additional Features: Some bags come with extra features like mesh pockets, exterior pockets, and reflective strips for added functionality and safety.

Top Waterproof Swimming Bags in New Zealand

OverBoard Pro-Sports Waterproof Backpack: This backpack is ideal for swimming and other water sports. It features a roll-top closure, durable PVC construction, and multiple compartments, making it a reliable choice for keeping your gear dry.

Aqua Quest Stylin Waterproof Duffel: Known for its robust design and large capacity, this duffel bag is perfect for swimmers who need to carry a lot of equipment. It has a waterproof zipper and durable material that can withstand heavy use.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag: Available in various sizes, the Earth Pak dry bag is versatile and durable. It comes with a roll-top closure and an adjustable shoulder strap for easy carrying.

Swimsure Waterproof Tote Bag: This stylish tote bag is perfect for a day at the beach or pool. It features a waterproof lining, spacious interior, and comfortable handles, combining functionality with fashion.

Conclusion

Waterproof swimming bags are an essential accessory for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts in New Zealand. They offer protection from water damage, convenience, and durability, making them a worthwhile investment. When choosing a waterproof bag, consider the material, seal type, size, comfort, and additional features to ensure it meets your needs. With the right waterproof swimming bag, you can enjoy your water activities with peace of mind, knowing your belongings are safe and dry.

For more info click here:- prescription scuba mask

[stoatallypossum]

The kitten absolutely loves the carrier btw. I hope I can get her one of those backpacks for adventures because I think she'd like it more than the harness.

She did get a new harness btw.

She stylin'

[bughead-in-the-comics]

From Backpack Stylin', Betty #70 (1990).

[candyradium]

strong desire to draw crumb n ranboo in their current vidcon outfits rn

[wastelesscrafts]

I've been reading through your blog and you're doing an amazing job at sharing diy and fixing tutorials. I had a question on weather or not you had anything on thigh bags? Or removable pockets, generally storage spaces to that aren't a backpack or a cross bag

Bags, pockets, and alternative storage

You've got a few options if you don't like backpacks or cross bags. This post is not exhaustive, just a few ideas you could try.

Hip and thigh bags:

Your back or torso might be a convenient place to keep a bag, but it's not everyone's cup of tea. Another spot that's pretty handy is your hip or thigh.

Free hip bag pattern (Stylin' Stacy)

How to turn thrifted purse into hip/thigh bag (Instructables)

Purse to clip-on belt/hip bag (EPBOT)

Free belt bag pattern (Melly Sews)

How to turn clutch into belt bag (Brit+co)

Free zippered belt bag pattern (Sew4Home)

(Image source) [ID: a person wearing a brown leather bag that's been clipped onto the belt loops of the wearer's jeans. Text: "EPBOT".]

Fanny packs:

Fanny packs are also an option: you can wear them both around your waist or across your body.

Fanny pack tutorial (Gathered)

Easy fanny pack tutorial (Sewing Times)

Free fanny pack pattern (Spoonflower)

Fanny pack video tutorial (Madam Sew)

(Image source) [ID: a fanny pack made out of a dark green fabric with white leaves and yellow leopards lies on a green background. A pair of sunglasses and a hair clip lie next to it.]

Removable pockets:

Aside from adding pockets to your clothes or enlarging existing pockets, you can also use tie-on pockets. They were commonly used in the 17th-19th century, either hidden between petticoats or worn on top of a skirt. Worth a try if you wear a lot of wrap skirts or pants!

Make your own tie-on pocket (V&A Museum)

Tie-on pocket moodboard (Pinterest)

Tie-on pockets (Bernadette Banner)

(Image source) [ID: close-up on a large tie-on pocket made out of a white fabric with red details, worn over a red and white striped petticoat and faint purple stays.]

Cargo pants:

If bags aren't your thing, there's always cargo pants! They're a type of pants covered in pockets. If you can't find any cargo pants, you can always make your own by sewing external pockets onto a pair of trousers. Make sure to use fabric that's strong enough to handle the weight of whatever you plan on putting in there.

Draft your own cargo pants pattern (Shwin & Shwin)

Add cargo pockets to pants (Sew Guide)

Cargo pants self-draft pattern (Marlene Mukai)

Add cargo pockets to pants (Sewing Mamas)

(Image source) [ID: close-up of the legs of a person wearing denim cargo pants. An external pocket with a button closure has been sewn to the side of each leg.]

[toadstoolillustrations]

alright ill bite what colour ARE phoenixes eyes

oh and 25 which chara has the worst fashion taste

Sooooo glad you asked. Uhh context for you pheonix's eyes in-game were at first like. Pixelated idk they just looked black to me, maybe kinda brown. When they put the trilogy on switch the hd sprites are like greyish eyes and aa4 pheen has dark grey ones.

Then the official art oh god uhh they kept going between lovely brown in a few, the grey and then around dual destinies and spirit of justice (idk might have been before that too but that's when i notice it most) the like official pheonix art for soj was blue eyes aghhhhh. The anime gives him grey eyes n blue in phoenix wright vs professor layton. Basically no one fuvking knows.

[ID: three images of phoenix wright, first as a rookie lawyer with grey-brown eyes, second in his disbarment era hoodie with dark grey eyes and thirdly as a veteran attorney with blue eyes./end ID]

Popular fan versions give him grey and blue or brown and blue heterochromia (insert some joke abt pheen not at all being hetro) which is neat! But I do not. Like giving him blue eyes at all it feels eh ppl giving him the lighter options :/ I am right about everything however and I think he has one very dark black/brown eye and one lighter brown one :-) brown is such a pretty eye colour and he's my fave so uh. Pov u are phoenix wright woe brown eye heterochromia be upon ye

OH YEAH FOR 25 UHHHH APOLLO HES MY LITTLE GUY BUT ALSO DEAR GOD

[ID: two official art pieces of apollo justice with his normal attorney outfit and then his "Stylin' Street Clothes" DLC costume. He wears a red jacket over a white t-shirt with jeans and a backpack on his back./end ID]

There are. So many buttons polly pls i want to study that jacket. Also the hair I don't need to say anything

[floosies]

If The Avengers Were Teens Today:

Tony Stark

The smart ass that always talked back to the teachers. The amount of videos of him going off? He’s insta famous for it and being this mad scientist type of kid. The whole school will find out who told off that day before the school day even ends, know that.

Steve Rogers

That kid that should be an athlete but just does really well in Phys. Ed instead. He’s nice to everyone in that class, and bleachers? He owns that shit, it’s kinda annoying most of the time though. Lowkey he’s in AP Art??? It don’t add up but he’s cool.

Natasha Romanoff

The school baddie. The rumor is she has a boyfriend in juvie or a gang??? Only wears the most stylin outfits. It’s 7:30 and she looks straight off that instagram niche picture with bag to match. No one fucks with her, they’re all too in love with her or scared of her.

Wanda Maximoff

She’s that girl in your class who just kinda blends in with everyone else but in a chill way. Her brother is in the cross country team, so that’s probably how must people know her. She took all AP classes and passed the exams??? Always wears grunge inspired looks. 

Pietro Maximoff

Athlete fuckboy. You know the one with that cocky ass attitude but damn he is cute though. Every girl has been hit on by him at least once since freshman year. He has a new girlfriend every track season. The teachers love him because he always leads the school team to victory.

Clint Barton

He’s that one guy who is asleep in every other class. Will ask if you’re gonna eat that when he sees you have food. No one has any idea why he’s never been held back. He brought his dog to school one day, the dog followed him all the way to school because he had a pizza box in his backpack.

Bruce Banner

The guy who is always in the books. AP what??? He’s in all of them and somehow passing. He already has his dream school waiting for him to graduate. He was offered early graduation but he turned it down to get more prerequisites done. Tony Stark and him are actually really close, Bruce is super quiet so Stark calls out bullshit when his grades don’t add up or someone tries to give him shit about his style or whatever.

Bucky Barnes

The kid who is always in fights. He beat up a guy so bad but so funny that it ended up on WorldStar. He’s friends with Steve Rogers, the story is Steve got his ass beat bad once, Bucky saw and beat the shit out of the bully. They’ve been friends ever since. Oddly enough Bucky is also in AP Lit??? Again one of the guys that no one messes with, and all the teachers know because he has a temper. On the down low though he’s pretty chill and very nice.

Thor Odinson

The nicest guy ever but he’s big and scary looking. He’s a transfer kid, who exclusively only hangs out with his brother. Literally will help anyone with whatever. He stays for tutoring because he really needs to graduate.

Loki Odinson

E-boy bruh. Like the emotions, style, and face. He has a really popular tiktok and falls in love easily. He got trust issues though, did he mention RIP xxxtentacion. He’s only ever with his brother, because he doesn’t really like talking to anyone from school.

Scott Lang

That naive kid who is too nice to everyone. People feel bad because he gets roasted on too much. Lowkey most people got his back and hype him up. His girlfriend is the class president and he always hands out cookies on campaign season.

Hope Van Dyne

Grades over everything. She is in every fancy sounding club and organization in school. Attends every school district meeting. You can try to call her bitchy but she got the school better lunches that included real food. She really wants to be a world leader some day.

Sam Wilson

Athlete but everyone loves him. He’s the guy who reads the announcements with an funny voice and then requests the best songs at the dances. Always leading everyone in the school chant before the games, at the rallies, and randomly in the halls. He’s been single since forever, and most girls wanna get at him.

Part 2

[citialiin]

I have received what is colloquially known as a “packidge” from @blossomingbeelzebug​​.

shitty little dog for size reference.

within it is a backpack. a STYLIN backpack, might i add, one that i am going to put my laptop in RIGHT NOW JUST BECAUSE I LIKE STARS WOOO BABY U SEND ME ANYTHING WITH SPACE/STARS ON IT AND I GO INSANE

but inside the backpack was a SMALLER PURSE. CAN U FUCKIN BELIEVE?

and thus began the treasures. this whole bag smelled like cum by the way, like, the most floral delight gentle sweet waft of sweet, sweet cum.  VALEFOR STUFFED IT WITH PERFUME AND DRIED FLOWERS. IM SMELLIN LIKE SEX HERE

a bottle of treasures.  i am now invincible so dont try me.

Z-ZIGGY SCALEMATE???????????????????????? I AM SCREAMING?????????????? HE HAS HIS LIL FOREHEAD CIRCLE AND TWO COLORED EYES AND MY FAVORITE COLORS

im an #expensive floozy so im out here with my :ahem: CHANEL perfume which i will put on once i shower and i stop smelling like aforementioned tiny dog.  LOOK AT THOSE FUCKIN EARRINGS?? LIKE 10/10 

and as if to remind me i could be frolicking on the beach and kissing any beautiful bimbo my heart desires if not for covid19, valefor sent me some cool 60s sunglasses. now when u look at me you will see your own reflection and turn to stone

there were many other things .... many other wonderful tiny things that i need to resist the urge to eat ........... but index card with tiny scribbles of zippy and tamas on it make me feel insane.

YOU WISH U WERE ME. U FUCKIN WIWHS U WERE ME U WISH IU WISH U WIHS UWISH U ARE NOT BUT U WISH

[zephyrthejester]

Is this what parents feel like when they see how grown up their kids are? I think I’m feeling those feelings.

These two... Are taller than Amethyst, Peridot, Ruby, and Sapphire. Steven’s gonna stand side to side with Amethyst and it’s gonna be SO WEIRD LOOKING.

Oh, oh wow, Stevonnie! Stevonnie! They’re gonna look STYLIN’ in that coat! And I wonder if Stevonnie will be larger, too? Not gonna lie, it’d be rad if Stevonnie was, say... Pink Diamond sized. Then again, they’d stop passing as a regular human at that point, so who knows.

Anywho, it seems Connie is going off to Space Camp! Even after Steven’s pointing out the absurdity of that. She has, after all, been to space multiple times and essentially has access to a teleport that will take her to numerous planets across the cosmos.

I’m surprised the show hasn’t pulled this “Connie’s leaving for a while” plot until now. When she was first introduced, she said that her father, Doug, travels around often to serve as security to multiple locations. I figured she’d move away at some point. I suppose that’s moot, now. She can just say “Mom, Dad, my boyfriend is heir to an intergalactic empire” and do as she pleases.

Oh, oh wow, I think, I think the entire inside of the house got remodeled as well. Steven’s bedroom-loft thing looks so different... That sliding glass door leading up to a warp pad is definitely new.

Aight, so we got the GORGEOUS painting of Garnet and Steven hanging on the wall, and look! Above the bed, that’s the Moon Goddess statue from way back in Cheeseburger Backpack and The Test! Oh... And on the dresser... That’s the blue-framed picture of Greg and Rose from Laser Light Cannon and Maximum Capacity. Freaking. Beautiful. I suppose it’s fair to say that Steven’s feelings about his mother have improved, yeah?

[minijenn]

I need a drawing of baby boy :( s e t s t e p p e r f r e e the twunk needs to shine in all of his gay glory

Oh, ya mean this exceptionally stylin boy?

(he turned his hat backward and is hiding his lower arms inside of the backpack I can’t

[paradoxrealm]

They put the tank on. There wasn’t any reason to, they just thought it was fun. They hold the straps like a backpack and skip up to him “how do I look?” They had a goofy smile on their face

He gives a small smile in return (though its alittle hard to tell), and gives you a thumbs up. "Stylin'."

[iaaronscottposts]

Seasonal bags

Backpack bags are suitable for daily use, and everyone likes to have different types of bags that are perfect for business traveling, college students and outdoor activities in daily life. In other words they are also known as Great value gifts, for those who go to school, travel or work, ideal for service as bookbag, rucksack schoolbag, casual daypack for daily use at school, work, weekend getaway, occasional travel, overnight camping, hiking, and great gifts to everyone you love.  

Mostly, backpacks or bags are heavy for kids and boys are especially concerned for their back to school bags and the famous brand hype has eradicate the issue by offering lightweight and easy to wear boys’ school bags that includes free pencil case.

Doesn’t matter if you are looking for boys school bags, girls or kids’ school bags, there is an amazing collection of backpacks, clothing and accessories that can take any look from 0-100, plus they take up no room when packing your festival essentials i.e, phone, sunnies, beers. Here’s our edit on how to keep your dolla and tickets safe, so you can focus on perfecting those shapes.

Opting for a Bum Bag, look here; PASTEL GARDEN, product code: HWAA-071B

Brighten up any look with this pastel flower number. Team with some vintage Levi’s, a bevvy in hand and an over-sized tee for the ultimate Festival look.

#HYPEXJURASSIC PARK , product code: HYXJP-017 

Limited edition bum bag, WARNING: not just for the Jurassic super fans.

RED JH SPORTING, exclusive to ASOS The ultimate unisex bag can be worn three ways; traditional round the waist, over the shoulder and cross body. Want the bag? Grab it at ASOS.

NAVY SPACE, product code: SS18BAG-044 

See how our HYPE. WMNS babe @Flafavro is stylin’ our bum bag, head over to @hypewmns for more style tips.

Wanting a Cross over bag, look here;

The most essential and practical accessory to finish your outfit with the side bag. Also known as Roadman bags, they’ll leave you hands-free and ready to take on whatever the world throws at you. Not just for women, these double up as man bags.

Check us out on Instagram to find out how our bloggers are stylin’ their festival accessories.

[writemarcus]

Power, Grace, and Noise

Whether a poetry slam, a tennis court, or a Broadway stage, Reg E. Gaines always brings his best game

by SUSAN L. HORNIK

May 25, 2022

Few poets can command a stage like Reg E. Gaines. For the past 30 years, the charismatic artist has mesmerized crowds at virtually every venue he has performed in. The two-time Tony and Grammy Award nominee, for the Broadway hit Bring in ’Da Noise, Bring in ’Da Funk, was at the forefront of the hip-hop meets spoken-word movement of the 1990s, and countless poets have been inspired by his intense performances. “Reg E. Gaines was an original member of the Poetry Pantheon who bum-rushed the stage of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in the 90s,” Bob Holman, founder of the Bowery Poetry Club and a former Nuyorican Poetry Slam emcee, tells the Voice. “That crew—Maggie Estep, Tracie Morris, Paul Beatty, Willie Perdomo, Mike Tyler, Dael Orlandersmith, Dana Bryant, Edwin Torres, Ron Cephas Jones, among others—would bring an energized audience and national attention to the Poetry Slam, which I imported from Chicago’s Green Mill Tavern.”

Holman describes Gaines as a “sly, rangy, self-deprecating” athlete-turned-poet. “His moves onstage mirrored his grace and power on the tennis court. His classic ‘Please Don’t Take My Air Jordans’ poem were the last words of a just-mugged teen lying bleeding on the sidewalk. Take my cash, take my drugs, but don’t take my kicks!” The poem was published in the influential arts magazine BOMB, performed during a Ted Talk by poet Lemon Anderson, and memorized by writers across the country. “When the Nuyorican Poets went on tour, audiences would chant the words to ‘Air Jordans’ alongside Gaines’s performance,” Holman notes.

my air jordans cost a hundred with tax my suede starters jacket says ‘raiders’ on the back i’m stylin … smilin … lookin real mean cuz it ain’t about bein heard just bein seen my leather adidas baseball cap matches my fake gucci backpack there’s nobody out there looks good as me but the shit costs money it sure ain’t free and i gots no job no money at all but it’s easy ta steal the shit from the mall parents say i shouldn’t but i know i should gots ta do what i can to make sure i look good

. . .

come out a the station west 4th near the park brothers shootin hoops and someone remarks “HEY HOMES … WHERE’D YOU GET THOSE DEF NIKES?” as i said to myself … i likes em … i likes they were q-tip type white and blinded my eyes the red emblem of michael looked as if it could fly not one spot of dirt the airs were brand new i had my pistol knew just what to do —Excerpts from “Please Don’t Take My Air Jordans,” by Reg E. Gaines

Perdomo, the state poet of New York 2021 to 2023, says, “When I met Reg, he had already cataloged most of the iconic poems from the Nuyorican School of Poetry and the Black Arts Movement in his memory, verse by verse, stanza by stanza. He was a walking anthology. His discipline was inspiring and his love of poetry is real. He can ignite your political consciousness with any of his haiku, and the full-length triptych vanity mirror scene in Bring in ’Da Noise, Bring in ’Da Funk was one of the most powerful theater moments I ever witnessed. Reg E. Gaines brings in the smoke.”

Gaines has published three books of poetry, including The Original Buckwheat, and his work appears in anthologies such as Aloud: Voices From the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, The Outlaw Bible of American Poetry, and Bum Rush the Page. With John Coltrane, Miles Davis, James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, and Malcolm X as influences, Gaines has sought to connect music with his poetry, blending the two mediums whenever he performs. “My writing is rhythm, I am not concerned about contextually what’s happening,” he explains. “I’m trying to convey complicated emotions. I’m picking words for imagery and musicality. It’s not about word choice or wordplay or use of language, it’s about what words are musical. So my whole process is picking words that are musical enough for me to convey my emotion.”

Virtually all of Gaines’s poems have music behind them. His brother Calvin’s production company, Promiscuous Music, has worked with artists such as Destiny’s Child and Lady Gaga, often working with producer Mark Wilson. Another music producer brother, Phillip, known professionally as Michael Moog, collaborates with Reg and has worked with Tiffany and New Kids on the Block. “Being around these genius musicians, my family, they understand what I am trying to create. Just like Coltrane, they understand how to tell a story via their music. And I learned how to be a better writer listening to music,” Reg asserts. Calvin adds, “When we first saw Reg perform at the Nuyorican, we were shocked at how musical and nuanced his words were. That’s when we knew we wanted to collaborate in the studio. It’s been an incredible experience.”

Gaines gave poet-playwright Carl Hancock Rux his first opportunity to record. “It was on his album Sweeper Don’t Clean My Streets,” says Rux. “He had already had great success as a spoken word artist, was on his second album, and remained generous and connected to the community the entire time. That’s the model we all lived by at that time. Each one, teach one; each one, open the door for the other. Nuyorican Cafe cofounders Miguel Algarín and Lois Griffith and so many others taught us to nurture a community of poets and artists so we would contribute something to the world,” he continues. “No one was in it for themselves. I love Reg for that, and always will. He had remained the same person he was decades ago, building platforms for as many artists as he can.”

Gaines was crowned a Nuyorican “Grand Slam Champion” in 1991, an impressive achievement within the slam poetry community. Poet Katherine Arnoldi fondly recalls memories of losing to him. “At the Grand Slam, I made the mistake of throwing my big slam poem, ‘My Landlord,’ out early in the competition. The Nuyorican was packed that night and Reg was on fire, as he always is, making the words pop and swirl. He beat me with his ‘Air Jordan’ poem because he had the force and was using it for good! Nevertheless, 30 years later, to save a little face, I have to remind him he only won by a quarter of a point!”

National tours, a record deal with Mercury, and appearances on national TV shows such as The Arsenio Hall Show, The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, and MTV Unplugged soon followed. Says Holman, “Gaines was also an important dynamic in MTV’s decision to do ‘Spoken Word Unplugged,’ a precursor to Russell Simmons’s ‘HBO Def Poetry Jam’ of a few years later.” Black Flag’s Henry Rollins hosted the two MTV versions, which relied almost exclusively on the Nuyorican Poets Cafe poets. “Gaines’s ‘Air Jordans’ became a national dialogue,” says Holman. “With ‘Queen of the Scene’ Maggie Estep, he performed the first-ever televised poetry duet/duel, trading verses (and accusations) in ��You’re Just Using Me for Sex.’ It was a defining moment—the MTV spotlight had stopped for a moment on the Cafe poets. Poetry was now officially cool.”

A highlight of Gaines’s career was performing poetry onstage with musician Eric Roundtree and Gaines’s brother Gordon for 150,000 people at Woodstock, in 1994. The event turned out to be the last performance Gordon and Reg collaborated on; Gordon died a short time later. “Reg once told me about Black poetry, that they will love you till they understand what you are saying, then they’ll want to kill you,” says Roundtree. “He is fearless.” And while these days lots of people are trying to become celebrities, posting content on TikTok and Instagram, Gaines had little interest in his brief brush with fame. When he was nominated for a Tony, he says, he was almost relieved when Rent creator Jonathan Larson won that year. “Had Larson not passed away, I would have won the Tony that year,” acknowledges Gaines. “But fame is all bullshit; any disappointment I felt disappeared five minutes later. I was on to the next project.”

Gaines is now expanding to directing, working on varied projects, including Jerry Quickley’s Live From the Front, Regie Cabico’s Straight/Out, and Marcella Goheen’s BLAK. Since 2007, he has been the artistic director of the Downtown Urban Arts Festival, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary of presenting new works highlighting contemporary urban culture. “My passion for theater started as a young boy when my grandma took my brothers and sisters to see plays. It opened my eyes and I wanted to work more in this medium,” he recalls. “I so enjoy encouraging young artists who have something to say.” Over the past 20 years, DUAF has presented nearly 300 new plays by over 200 emerging and established playwrights, including Dominique Morisseau, Martyna Majok, Nelson Diaz-Marcano, Carl Hancock Rux, Jessica Care Moore, Craig MuMs Grant, and Ming Peiffer.

“Reg E. was the first person to hear my voice and make it feel worth it,” says Diaz-Marcano. “Saw my style and told me my voice mattered. And when my work needed just a bit of help, he offered me the space and counsel to grow. I worked with [the festival] in 2013 before I got burnt out and decided to quit writing. A few years later, I decided to give it a try again and I trusted the festival with what I believed was my last chance. I won Best Play that year. Today, I am an award-winning published playwright, and I believe entirely if it weren’t for the encouragement and challenges that Reg gave me, I wouldn’t be here today.”  ❖

The 2022 festival will present four full-length plays and 12 one-acts, as well as an extended engagement of James Earl Hardy’s B-Boy Blues The Play, the festival’s centerpiece, directed by Stanley Bennett Clay. Festival performances will run from June 1 to 25 at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street).

Wednesday, June 1 at 8 p.m. 20th Anniversary, by Marcus Harmon Set 20 years after the September 11 attacks, two firefighters meet to remember a friend, and reveal much about themselves and the world around them. The Hard Knock Lyfe, by Cris Eli Blak When a rapper is diagnosed with AIDS, he must reckon with masculinity, what it means to be a man of color, and repairing his relationship with his estranged daughter.

Thursday, June 2 at 8 p.m. Socky Tells All, by Rollin Jewett Andy is a young patient in a mental institution who has no intention of ever leaving. Nor does his best friend—a stuffed sock monkey. The Palmist, by Sheila Duane Fortune tellers predict the future, but are they really psychic? Can they sense a murderer with a single touch?

Wednesday, June 8 at 8 p.m. Phantasmagoria, by Alethea Harnish While in university-sanctioned quarantine, a young woman learns what it means to forsake her home, her family, and her religion to live in the devil’s playground: New York City.

Thursday, June 9 at 8 p.m. Forever and a Day, by Marcus Scott Triggered by viral videos of young Black people dying, a boy genius and his best pals embark on a journey to discover the Fountain of Youth, through which they believe they can circumvent and combat the rampant violence against young Black people. The Love Not Together, by Jennifer Cendana Armas L and K are absolutely in love with each other … and absolutely unable to get it together.

Wednesday, June 15 at 8 p.m. Soul Survivor, by Alano P. Baez A man imprisoned and sentenced to die contemplates the course of his life, the story of his beloved soul singer, Sam Cooke, and the history of Black oppression in America.

Thursday, June 16 at 8 p.m. Run, by Elle Rhythm and verse drive this contemporary opera about a woman who, after a rattling revelation, awakens from a deep sleep. Adulting, by Amira Mustapha Miriam is a 30-something Muslim woman who recently experienced a loss. While she is waiting for her mother to arrive, her friend Liz tries to help her cope. How will she navigate this loss? And more important, how the hell you put on a hijab?

Saturday, June 18 at 8 p.m. For Colored Boyz, by Bryan-Keyth Wilson For Colored Boyz on the verge of a nervous breakdown/When freedom ain’t enuff is an unabashed, unapologetic display of Blackness that speaks to the human heart from a Black man’s perspective.

Wednesday, June 22 at 8 p.m. Midnight Mirage, by Zoe Howard Two strangers encounter each other on a subway platform in the middle of the night. As time bends and warps, they discover what it means to connect. The Good Cop, by Christin Eve Cato Anita Jones, a journalist who dedicates her life to civil rights and justice, is about to help file a lawsuit that will change many Black and Brown lives forever. She needs another signature, and turns to an estranged friend, Jade Santiago, a police officer who abides by the blue wall of silence.

Thursday, June 23 at 8 p.m. A Shot Rang Out, by Michael Hagins A white police officer is trapped in a warehouse during an increasingly violent protest with a scared Black teen and a disgruntled schoolteacher. Stoop, by Isa Guzman Two people from different generations within a predominantly Latino community confront the difficulties of coming out as transgender. The play is a moment, a confrontation, between two characters who care for each other but don’t have the same understanding of the situation.

Saturday, June 25 at 8 p.m. The Pride, by Joy In the Baker home, God is first. And women are kings.

Tickets and information at duafnyc.com

Susan Lyn Hornik is an entertainment/lifestyle journalist who has written for the South China Morning Post, BBC.com, and the L.A. Times, among others. One of her poems appeared in Aloud: Voices From the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, where she curated the Poets Erotica reading series.

[dr-drckken]

Andrew Lipsky’s Back To School Look: First Day of High School (1997)

1. Oversized Blue Blazer:  Overall, I took a lot of inspo from the 90′s era, obviously. Because he was in high school during the end of the 90′s and the beginning of the 2000′s. BUT he was also 12 years old when he was a freshman. Hence the blazer. I think he would have wanted to appear older than he was in order to fit in among the crowd. Instead of helping him though, the blazer, and over articles of clothing, just made him stand out more lmao. Because he REALLY wanted to look grown up on his first day and his mother didn’t have a lot of money, she had to go find something. It didn’t fit him, but since baggy was in, he thought it would fine!! It was not!! 

2. Baggy Black Jeans:  He wanted some kinda pants that weren’t jeans but, again, no money and they blew it all on the blazer so he went with his nicest pair of jeans. And they were dark, so they fit the aesthetic he was going for, which was: I AM GROWN UP AND NOT 12 HELLO FELLOW TEENS. He thought they were cool, would make him look cool!! They were baggy and didn’t really fit right either which is why he hadn’t worn them a lot, but other than that he thought he was stylin’. 

3. Hair:  I just found this photo of bb Pedro Pascal on the internet and don’t know how old he is in it or what the time era was, but once I saw it I was like, yeah Drew would have looked like that. His mother probably went to town with a comb and water that morning to make it look nice and neat. Which worked against him since, looking back at how bitches wore their hair in the 90′s, they had more of the long hair messy look going on. So his conservative nerdy, swept look made him stick out among the masses. 

4. Oversized White Shirt:  Again, he was a little shrimpy kid trying to look like he was a 30 year old business man. He tucked that bad boy into those black jeans and thought he was on top of the WORLD fashion wise. He pulled out a white shirt from the men’s section and it was TOO big but he wanted it so his mother got it for him because she loved her son and this was clearly important to him. It DID have a stain that he spent a few days beforehand trying to get out, and he did for the most part, there was only a vague outline of it that you could see if you were like LOOKING for it. Of course, the kids he went to school with WERE looking for anything they could to make fun of him for and they clocked it right away. 

5. Black Tie:  Still on his mission to go to school looking his best, he knew he needed a tie. He thought it was THEE accessory that all men needed in order to appear like a grown up. So his mother went around the lil apartment building they had and asked if anyone had one they could spare for the day, and lots of people came forward with some but he didn’t want any of the goofy patterns or bright colors, he wanted to be an aDULT, so when someone finally showed up with a black tie with no weird designs on it, just plain black, he was like SCORE!! 

6. Beat up backpack: This was a hand-me-down he got upon his first-first day of school, back in the elementary days before the teachers caught on to his level of intellect and let him skip grades. It was his best buddie!! He carried with him everywhere, not just to school, but during the summer too because he went to the library to bring back books and stuff. He thought it was great and loved it a lot, up until he walked into school and people made fun of him for having a bag that looked like it was falling apart. 

7. Nike’s:  You guessed it, more hand-me-down’s. He only had one pair of shoes and these were it. They were in the bargain bin and their soles weren’t that worn down so his mother got them for him and he was really into them because Nike was big and everyone was wearing sneakers, and he was really into Back to the Future so he thought he was channeling Marty McFly’s coolness when he wore them. 

8. Prescription Glasses:  What was more marking of a nerd than someone who wore giant glasses that covered like 40% of the real estate on their face? The big wire frames had been the cheapest ones the place offered, so of course that’s what he had gotten. He always knew they were something kids could make fun of him for since it was like the easiest and lowest hanging fruit. They had been broken before but he had fixed them with tape, so they were even MORE noticeably nerd-esk. But he knew it was either wear them or look at splotches all day, and that wouldn’t work when trying to LEARN, so he begrudgingly wore them and it all went down hill from there. 

9. Canvas Belt:  Sticking on brand for wanting to appear older, and because his jeans didn’t fit totally but his mother bought those knowing he WOULD eventually grow into them, so he had to get a belt if he didn’t want to be holding onto his pants for the whole day lmao. But the only belt available to him was this kinda belt. Everything else was too big for his 12 year old waist. No leather, no nice weightyness, just canvas with a buckle. He was disappointed with it, but since his jeans were black too he didn’t think anyone would notice. ... they did. 

10. Pocket Protector:  To add injurt to insult, once he had the white shirt he wanted to have his supplies AT THE READY because he thought high school was going to be his time to SHINE BABY! So he went and got himself a pocket protector because he didn’t want to risk dirtying the white shirt he was so very proud of. It was hidden by the blazer, but when he took that off during class, because welcome to texas where it’s either hot or cold and the beginning of the school year is still warm, everyone saw it and it pretty much cemented his status as the nerdiest kid in the school.