Now strictly speaking, I will broaden the topic a wee bit to include a few more songs, but I was inspired by the music of yesteryear's. I found the 1920’s era, both romantic, musical and more than that a common thread between both France and the USA as many musicians traveled back and forth between the two countries.
 
For me a poetic time, and a period very romanticized, by many including of course myself.
 
This blog is very much about music, and carries a few small subtexts, both “Then and now” as well as inclusion. Ironic that from Prohibition came more integration of races and the sexes. All I can say is music itself is a great uniter of the human spirit!
 
I added one song at the end, bring both the past and present together!

From Wiki
 
A speakeasy is an illicit establishment that sells alcoholic beverages. Such establishments came into prominence in the United States during the Prohibition era (1920–1933, longer in some states). During that time, the sale, manufacture, and transportation (bootlegging) of alcoholic beverages was illegal throughout the United States.[1]
 
Speakeasies largely disappeared after Prohibition was ended in 1933, and the term is now used to describe some retro style bars.
 
Speakeasies were numerous and popular during the Prohibition years. Some of them were operated by people who were part of organized crime. Even though police and agents of the Bureau of Prohibition would often raid them and arrest their owners and patrons, they were so profitable that they continued to flourish. The speakeasy soon became one of the biggest parts of American culture during this time. Several changes happened as speakeasies formed; one was with integration. With "black and tans", people of all races, black or white, would gather together and even mingle. People would mix together and have few or no problems.
 
Another change that occurred was more participation from women. Many businesses would set up their speakeasies to attract women to get more profits.Women also began to insert themselves into the business of speakeasies. Texas Guinan, a former screen and stage actress, opened many speakeasies during Prohibition such as the 300 Club and the El Fey. Guinan greeted customers with "Hey Suckers" and admitted she'd be nothing without Prohibition. Her two biggest competitors were Helen Morgan and Belle Livingston.

Often we think of some poems as lyrical, or the form is lyrical even thought they are never put to music. Then it occurred to me, what about songs that are really poetry?

To see the above video you may be asked to view it direct from YouTube, this is safe to do so!

If anyone has a song that instills the same emotions and thoughts, feel free to contact me, I would love to extend this concept!

Now any fashion blog, must, I say must start with the image of a beautiful woman!

Who ever would have thought! A Fashion blog!!!! However those who know me know that when it comes to fashion, I am FASHION! I know most think of me as a poet, but each and every season, you have no idea how many fashion houses and boutiques, come to me and say, Arthur, what’s the new trend going to be?
 
Of course this happens so often, than when I go out now, I have to be in disguise and dress as unfashionably as possible, I mean like to the MAX!!!!!
 
Do not let my Wal-Mart disguise fool you! Anyone who knows hair knows I am trendy! Ask anyone, Vidal Sassoon, Atiqa Odho or Bechir!
 
Now as most artists and creative people are, I believe in building bridges not fences, and fashion can be one of those bridges.
 
So who would have thought the latest trends, the latest fashion news would come from Iraq? Well of course I know all, and have discovered the latest FASHIONISTAS of fashion!!!!

So with out further adieu I will quote from the BBC! (Whom of course I tipped off about this fashion trend)
 
Conflict and militancy may be first things that occur to many about Iraq, but a group of young fashion-conscious Kurds are hoping to help project a brighter, more optimistic image - and perhaps effect social change along the way.
The group calls itself Mr Erbil, after the capital of the autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq that has been at the frontline of the struggle against the militants of the Islamic State (IS) group.

Mr Erbil's launch and first photoshoot last February quickly made waves on social media. Dubbed "gentlemen's gatherings" in a recent profile in Vocativ, it took place at the city's ancient citadel, a UN world heritage site.
The pictures of the 20 men posing in latest Western men's fashion - specifically, the style recently associated with hipsters, replete with the trademark sharp suits, tight trousers and lovingly trimmed beards - became wildly popular on via Arthur Vaso’s instagram!!!!
 
Mr Erbil sees itself as something almost akin to a movement representing young Iraqi Kurds who are looking for a better life and want to promote Kurdish culture to the world.

The group even hopes to effect social change and challenge traditional attitudes, particularly on women's rights.
The Mr Erbil account frequently posts pictures and musings about women's issues in Kurdistan, Iraq and the world.

My hats off to the creatively of using fashion as a statement for human rights, women's rights, and doing so in such a classy way. Speaking of Class, Bechir was the consultant for all the hair styles you see above!