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I like Ali Velshi, Chief Business Correspondent and host of CNN’s Your$$$$$. Ali is a really smart guy and usually makes a lot of sense when he steps up to the mic; he was wrong though for what he wore on the air yesterday and I have to call him out for it. Above is a picture; you be the judge. My advice to Ali: burn that suit and tie!

Akhenaton

Oprah Winfrey interviewing singing sensation Whitney Houston

I just got through watching the second half of Oprah Winfrey’s interview of Whitney Houston. I’d be lying if I said that I was impressed. Also, I cannot say that I was convinced that she was completely truthful.

What I saw and heard was hardly anything more than an anti-Bobby Brown rant; him being the subject matter for a considerable portion of the interview.

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Notwithstanding that Bobby played a major role in Whitney’s drug abuse and him (allegedly) abusing her in times past, what I was looking for was she taking ownership of her missteps. She did not.

While calling Bobby out for his miscreant behavior was fair game, I was longing to hear her say that she took full responsibility for her drug use and ditsy behavior of years past. That did not happen; instead she played the blame game.

At the end of the day, I have to say, I am truly excited that Whitney has bounced back from her darkest days, that she is looking exceptional and has a great, new top selling album, but I’m still left wanting.

Akhenaton

Vanessa Williams performing at the Tropicana Resort in Atlantic City, NJ at her May 9 show.

Last Saturday (part yearly tradition) my best friend and I went to see singer and actress Vanessa Williams at the Tropicana Resort in Atlantic City, NJ. As in times past, her performance was stella.

It was especially thrilling because we sat just two rows from the stage as she belted out familiar tunes including ‘Colors of the Wind’, ‘Oh how the years go by’ and many others from her soon to be released album ‘The Real Thing’ in stores June 02, 2009.

Below is a video I recorded  at the concert. Click here for pictures from the show.

Akhenaton,

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The Ford's Theatre in Washington, DC before the presentation of 'The Civil War'

A couple weeks ago, at the invitation of a friend from my faith community, I went to the Ford’s Theater in Washington, DC to see  The Civil War. This Tony-nominated musical directed by Jeff Calhoun, I have to say, was quite entertaining.

The performance, according to the information booklet attempted to “put a human face on (this) American tragedy”, telling the stories of Confederate and Union Soldiers, slaves and abolitionists. The director and his cast did a good job at this, drawing from many musical genres including, but not limited to gospel, country, blues and rock.

It would be remiss of  me to not mention the ‘religious’ experience of this performance. Many a time, with the many rousing gospel renditions, I felt like I was in  Sunday Morning ‘Black church’. I’m pretty sure that a few in the appreciative audience caught the spirit. Well, maybe not. But, the gospel music was well done. Well done.

Now ‘The Civil War’ would not take the prize for substance, but I’d give it a ‘B plus’ for entertainment value. It is certainly worth the stop if you happen to be the Washington, DC area up until May 24, the last showing. Tickets can be found on the Ford’s Theater web site at www.fordstheatre.org

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I just got back from the Hartman Center for the Arts (Shakespeare Theatre Company) in Washington, D.C. I took my mom to see Romeo and Juliet. She had a blast; as a matter of fact, many a time she laughed out louder than I did. I was pleasantly surprised that she enjoyed it so much, that is considering that all of the actors were men (including the actor that played Juliet!).

Juliet’s role has often been said to be one of the greatest parts that was ever written for a woman. Her role, however, like all of Shakespeare’s female roles, was actually written for a man. To add some historical context, women were not allowed to act on stage in England until around 1670.

In the play, there were comedic moments, while at the same time, there was an equal amount of drama and the solemn which left for a satisfactory balance to the delight of what was an appreciative audience.

I would most certainly recommend this play to anyone including, but not limited to the theatre enthusiast. Click here for more information about Romeo and Juliet, playing at the Harman Center for the Arts  (Shakespeare Theatre Company) in Washington, DC.

Akhenaton

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The excitement of the Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) fans at last night’s Friendly Soccer Game against El Salvador was palpable. Outnumbered by the El Salvadorians 3 to 1, the Trinis, with a huge Rhythm Section (Band) outfitted with horns, trumpets, drums and every imaginable thing that would make noise, showed the tens of thousands of Salvadorians at the RFK Stadium in Washington DC what a cheering squad should look like, how they should dance, how they should party and how they should celebrate.

It was a good game; actually, I take that back; it was a GREAT game! Great, not only because the T&T Soca Warriors won (final score 3-1), but because of the Carnival-like atmosphere which kept me on my feet, dancing and sometimes gyrating for every second of the 93 minute game.

In true Trini style, the victory was consummated with a huge fete (party) which included throngs of T&T fans who gathered outside the walls of RFK Stadium, accompanied by the Rhythm Section, a feat that was infectious enough to attract a few adoring Salvadorian fans who could not resist the lure of the boisterous, dancing and flag waving Trini crowd.

This is how Trinis do it! This is is how Trinis party! This is how Trinis play and celebrate Soccer…..win or lose!

Click here to view photos and videos

Akhenaton

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These are a few of my favorite things…some of the best Christmas Albums that I own…

Bebe & CeCe Winans- First Christmas buy here
Clay Aiken- Merry Christmas with Love buy here
Mariah Carey- Merry Christmas buy here
Kenny G- The Greatest Holiday Classics buy here

Vanessa Williams- Star Bright buy here

It is not very often that I write book reviews; the last book I reviewed was The Freedom Writers Diary back in August. Today, I will review ‘The Stolen Cascadura‘ written by Beverly-Ann Scott.