Africa Gathering hits DC this weekend

by Elizabeth Seward on

If you have never heard of Africa Gathering, now is as good a time as any to hear of it. I never knew what Africa Gathering was until this past weekend when I stumbled across a post on Tumblr referencing it and proceeded to do some research. Africa Gathering is self-described as “A platform dedicated in featuring Africans, friends of Africa to improve their visibility, make them more credibility and ultimately profitable. We help to boost the visibility of innovative, and creative individuals doing something in Africa”.

Africa Gathering provides a space wherein anyone interested can come together and discuss positive changes that can, already are, and/or should continue to take place in Africa. The event is not only a place to meet like-minded folks interested in the development of this beautiful continent, but the event itself is a way to personally influence the future of Africa. Through a joining of minds, funds, and energy, actual positive change in Africa is the goal of Africa Gathering. For those of you who cherish this great part of our world, Africa Gathering will take place in Washington D.C. this weekend. The event will take place on November 4th & 5th. More information and tickets are available on the Africa Gathering website.

In the United States? Catch a free ride with the Kindness Cab

by Jessica Festa on

From now up until November 13, 2011, anyone located in between Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, California, can catch a free ride in a 1985 London Sterling taxi. CouchSurfer Leon Logothetis started driving the Kindness Cab in a an effort to give back to the community as well as raise money for charity. If you’re interested in hitching a ride with him, you can click here to follow his whereabouts and connect.

Years ago, Logothetis hitchhiked from New York to L.A., relying on the kindness of strangers to get around. Now, as he re-traces his original route, he is repaying the favor. On his first day in New York, he drove thirteen hours and picked up thirty passengers. The entire journey will end on November 13, 2011, World Kindness Day.

Here is a list of where and when you can catch the Kindness Cab next:

October 31- Chicago
November 3- St. Louis
November 7- Denver
November 9- Santa Fe
November 10- Phoenix
November 11- Las Vegas
November 13- Los Angeles

RxArt hosts pop-up shop in New York

by Jessica Festa on

Art lovers will be happy to hear about a new pop-up shop opening up for four days in New York. From November 3-6, 2011, RxArt, the non-profit that places art in hospitals, will have art for sale at Half Gallery. Between the Lines Volumes II and III, coloring books with pictures from contemporary artists, will be 50% off along with Dan Colen, Yayoi Kusama, and Terry Richardson puzzles. RxArt PARTY t-shirts will also be available for purchase.

Schedule:

  • Thursday, November 3: 6-8PM kick-off party
  • Friday, November 4: 10AM-6PM
  • Saturday, November 5: 10AM-6PM
  • Sunday, November 6: 12PM-6PM

208 Forsyth Street, New York

The Holiday Shops in Bryant Park, New York, open this weekend

by Jessica Festa on

The Holiday Shops in Bryant Park bring holiday cheer to New York City for their 10th season beginning this weekend. From October 27, 2011, through January 8, 2012, visitors can experience this European-inspired open-air market that features artisans selling unique gifts, handicrafts, jewelry, bath and body products, toys, culinary enhancements, and more. An ice skating rink, a giant Christmas tree, and booths selling holiday pastries and hot chocolate add to the merry ambiance.

Some of the vendors (but, not even close to all of them) include:

  • Molton Brown- luxury bath, body, and hair products
  • Max Brenner- unique and fine chocolates by “the bald man”
  • Ooh La La Boutiques- women’s fashion, accessories, and jewelry
  • Momo Glassworks- glass canvas paintings and jewelry
  • Northern Tribe New York- women/men’s fashion and gifts
  • Organic Wares- products such as scarves and string lights made of organic materials

The Holiday Shops are open daily, Monday-Friday 11AM-8PM, Saturday 10AM-9PM, Sunday 10AM-6PM.

Video: South African biker saves calf from drowning

by Jessica Festa on

This guy must be related to MacGyver. While participating in the qualification trials for the Amageza Run, South African motorcyclist Johan Gray didn’t think twice about stopping to save a baby calf who had gotten separated from the herd and fallen into a canal. While it took him a few tries, Gray was able to use his ingenuity to save the animal and bring him home. Thankfully, he was able to record the entire experience on his helmet camcorder.