REFLECTION & REASON

I received the book "Push" by Sapphire earlier today as a Christmas gift...and finished it in one sitting. It was excellent. This was a pleasant surprise, after a traumatic viewing of the movie "Precious" (based on the novel) last week. [Read my review of "Precious" here.] Having now read the book, I understand why the story would inspire a motion picture. I understand why the filmmaker Lee Daniels was eager to allow us to visualize the character of Claireece Precious Jones and her peers through his screenplay. I stand by my previous opinion and still am not a fan of the movie but I must say, I feel redeemed having read the original text. The book was more about the journey of Precious striving towards literacy, and was written in her broken English and limited vocabulary that expanded and strenghtened as the book progressed. You really got a feel for her growth with language. While the movie placed too much emphasis on her evil mother, the verbal abuse, ...

I saw this movie last night, and I'm concerned. I fell for the media hype back in September. I went downtown for the Toronto International Film Festival red carpet to celebrate the screening of "Precious" and catch a glimpse of my favourites: Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Sherri Shepard, Paula Patton, and the accompanying fanfare. I believed in the power of this movie, the strength of this story (based on reviews of the novel "Push") and I was ready to be impressed. But sadly, you really just can't take Oprah's word on everything ... This movie was disappointing. Disturbing. It got under my skin, and failed at becoming the wonderful film I wished it to be. For those who have suffered experiences of abuse, my sympathy is genuine, and my heart really goes out to the pain and difficulties that must be endured in an attempt to overcome that. I also understand that Ms. Winfrey and Mr. Perry, as victims of molestation, really felt th...

Hill Harper's new book "The Conversation" should be the last book written about black relationships. It covers all of the topics, the discussions, and the tools needed for readers to move forward in this area, no longer held back by historical, social, and cultural restrictions, perceived or actual. Released in September of 2009, Harper's third book focuses on "How Black Men and Women can Build Loving, Trusting Relationships" and has the potential to be the definitive word on black love. Using personal experiences, candid interviews and discussions with his friends and associates, and modern references like the Obamas, the dangers of 'technological' communication, and even Steve Harvey's recent relationship book, Harper presents a relevant and timely discussion on "the breakdown of African-American relationships." His purpose: to encourage conversation, to present various perspectives, and to encourage black men and women to work...

Some people don't even know what Twitter is, how it works, what the point of it is, or why people even bother to log in...but for those of you who are locked in, you know where I'm coming from... Twitter got jokes! Over the past few weeks, I have literally laughed out loud at some of the commentary, punchlines, and Trending Topics (the most popularly discussed Twitter topics of the day) that I've viewed online. Yeah, sometimes I've felt like a stalker, constantly reading what the celebrity comedians are Tweeting about, but there has consistently been such a plethora of ridiculousness going on that I have even started to let people know about my secret pasttime. It's just been too funny to keep to myself. This is such a unique moment in comedy history. Never before have fans had immediate and real-time access to their favourite funnymen. It's one thing to go to the theatre or tune into the television to watch a staged performance...it's another miraculous eff...

On Saturday, November 21, 2009 at the Sound Academy in Toronto, Humble Penny, 2 Lined Music Hut, and Keep it Moven Ent. brought Jamaican reggae artists Sanchez and Pinchers to Toronto, with home grown opening acts Kim Davis and Steele. The night was hosted by Jahmin, and featuring early musical vibes by the Riddim Track Master Spex, and Radication sound. There is nothing like a good show and a grown crowd. People who love the music, love the energy...and can appreciate being around mature patrons who share the same passion for a solid live performance. It's nice to see couples stepping out dressed to impress, bubbling the night away and lifting their hands in recognition of the classic songs they have been listening to for nearly two decades--songs that have provided the soundtrack to many events and day to day experiences. To show support for an artist like Sanchez is a courtesy, a way of saying thank you for being a consistently inspirational artist. For contributing numerous son...

My novel "Video Light" is an urban romance story, based in Toronto, featuring a couple who are learning about themselves, about life, and about love. Delia Chinn is a 29-year-old Jamaican-Canadian dancehall princess who raised herself in the city’s west end; Ryan Wright is a humble school teacher, also 29, who grew up in a Christian household with strict Trinidadian parents. They meet at a party on Caribana Sunday and end up in a whirlwind romance, challenged by their sceptical friends and family who think they are too different to fall in love... [EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER 3] Unfortunately, Tuesday morning had to finally arrive. After a breakfast of omelets and orange juice, I drove Delia across the street to the Town Centre so she could begin work. Returning to my condo didn’t even feel the same, when I re-entered the space we had occupied together. “ I’m sprung…dawg she got me… ” Mike sang T-Pain’s song into the phone when I called him at noon. I knew he was on his lunch break...

Ok, so I am officially "jockin' Jay-Z". I admit, before last Saturday I really didn't have an opinion either way of the HOV. I was a fan of his hits back in the late 90s and early 2000s, but really haven't followed his albums, performances, or activities otherwise. Back in 2004 Jay-Z did an MTV collaboration with Linkin Park...but I believe that album purchase was more about Linkin Park than Jay. But I digress. After his performance in Toronto on Saturday, October 31, 2009 for the Blueprint 3 tour, I walked away with a newfound respect and appreciation of this man. He was great! The energy in the Air Canada Centre was crazy . I have seen most of my favourites perform live, and can still safely say that next to Janet Jackson (2001), this show had the most vibes, the crowd showed the most love, and actually had me on my feet from beginning to end. Even from the depths of the 300 section. The opening acts Wale, N.E.R.D. with wonderful Pharell, even got a good respons...