The National Western is a symbol of our culture, perhaps a gaudy expression of who we are in our wildest dreams. Raising awareness of our culture is the primary value of the National Western.

We see the Silk Road as a symbol of cultural discovery and exchange, and the project uses artistic expression to nurture creativity similar to what was found on the road in ancient times. We're trying to serve as a common resource for musicians drawing on both ancient and current civilizations along the road.

Being a sex symbol has to do with an attitude, not looks. Most men think it's looks, most women know otherwise.

Being a sex symbol has to do with an attitude, not looks. Most men think it's looks, most women know otherwise.

Every gang member that I have worked with is enamored by the hip-hop culture and the lifestyles of this genre's rich and famous. It is common for youths to emulate these rap artists by wearing similar gangster-type clothing. This alone is not concerning. The concern evolves when the behavior and attitude begin to go as south as the pants. Certain rap artists tout their criminal history, gang affiliation and their fortune of surviving gun battles. It becomes a concern, when dealing with a very troubled individual that is consumed by the gang mentality.

They are doing a selfless act on their own time.