REFLECTION & REASON

Trixx is hilarious . There was something so authentically "Toronto" and so completely relevant about last night's performance at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts that had the packed house in hysterics, stomping their feet, running tears, and bussing shots all night long . Canadian comedian Frankie "Trixx" Agyemang killed his first headlining performance, hosted by veteran comedian Jean Paul, and featuring up-and-comer Patrick Haye. It made me think: when was the last time I laughed this uncontrollably? There was an era in the past where stand-up comedy was on a roll: Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Katt Williams, Martin Lawrence...we have had a good amount of American comedians keeping us entertained over the years. But then, as their success grew, they branched into television, movies, and the stand-up routines were less frequent. As a result, it seems like there's been a void in the stand-up world for a good minute now. Do you remember how great it was whe...

Last night I went to opening night of the musical The Harder They Come, brought to Canon Theatre in Toronto by Mirvish. The live music by the band, the red gold and green stage lighting, the effortless dancing, the familiar (and authentic) Jamaican tone and humour...I loved it all from beginning to end! The musical was inspired by the real-life story of the infamous Jamaican outlaw, Ivanhoe "Rhygin" Martin (played by the excellent Rolan Bell). Rhygin's legacy of the 1940s was adapted for the motion picture of the same name in 1972, starring Jimmy Cliff. The on-stage session with drums and keyboards kept a steady reggae vibe all evening as the songs of Jimmy Cliff were featured in beautiful arrangements and powerful reinactments: The Harder They Come , Many Rivers to Cross , You Can Get it If You Really Want , and Sitting Here in Limbo to name a few. There is something wonderful about hearing the songs you know and love, and seeing them brought to life on the stage. It wa...

Like 'em or loathe 'em, we have to support our men. Black, White, Asian or Indian...we have to love them with their flaws and with their positive attributes. A lot of the time women are quick to dismiss ALL men, based on the actions of one (or two...or five!) fools. I often hear women say, "I'm done with black men"...or say, "I hate men!" in general. Like many things in life, it's important to make judgements on an individual basis and try not to let the wrongdoings of The Ignorant mess up potential opportunities with The Wonderful. There are many good men out there in the world. I'm sure of this! Be patient, be optimistic, be tolerant, and know that good things happen to good people. Instead of putting that negative and hateful anti-man energy into the world, it's easier to try to love, support, and appreciate the goodness in men. In tribute to the 'celebrity' beautiful brothers that we know and love, I created this YouTube video to ...

Wow. It's been about 24 hours since I watched the Michael Jackson Memorial Service live (via CNN.com) and I still feel inspired, and saddened by the events. What sticks out to me most is the unbelievable power of music! To hear the beauty of Stevie Wonder's voice, to witness the strength and purity of Jennifer Hudson's performance...to see Mariah Carey fight back her tears as she sang, John Mayer's humble dedication, and the other great performances moved me beyond words. What is your passion? Do you have something in your life that moves you to do better, feel better, think clearly, and generally motivate you? For me it's music, and yesterday I was easily reminded just how powerful it is. I was overwhelmed by the talent on display and by the sincere emotion the artists expressed through their performances. My heart feels heavy for Michael Jackson, for the same reason as millions of others. His music was so powerful that it touched the lives of people everywhere. It...

Every time I write a new book about "urban" relationships in Toronto, I leave the process with a new perspective on a particular situation or series of events. Through my characters, I learn about potential consequences for actions, the results of communication patterns, and I use these fictional examples as general experiences that hopefully anyone can relate to. As a result of my Urban Toronto Tales, and the trial and tribulations of my favourite characters (from Delia to Abigail to Symone) here are a few tips I have come up with for Dating in Toronto...or dating anywhere, really! 1) COMMUNICATE - Make sure you express your feelings clearly, and be honest at all times. It's much easier and less of a hassle to just be straight up and say what's on your mind. Phone calls, FaceBook, texts and BBM are great tools, but nothing beats face-to-face conversation where possible. Don't be afraid to say what you mean, and mean what you say! 2) BE HONEST - Keep it real ab...

I should put it on my own series of t-shirts, much like the "Stop Snitching" movement of years past. And I mean it in all sincerity that someone (meaning us women) should start our own movement. When I say "Stop Sharing" I truly believe that the key to many failed relationships and neverending drama is often the "other woman." Many get hurt by this other woman....many ARE the other woman. We all hear that there's a shortage of men (so women share by default), or we make excuses for the behaviour of men because that's just "how they are"...but really and truly, men only are they way they are because there are women out there who are willing to participate in making them "that way." I'm not placing blame on anyone, and I'm not trying to further perpetuate any negative stereotypes, BUT I think women should all agree to a few basic principles. Do not get intimate with a man who is: 1) Married 2) In a long term/serious relati...