These are some snippets of what Mr Obama had to say:
1) He won’t lie to the public (I kinda think he lied by saying that!)
2) He will implement a national healthcare system (gets my vote – not that I can vote here, but you know what I mean!)
3) Will open schools in the Middle East to teach them about America (not so sure about that one)
4) He will pull troops out of Iraq (score – but just so long as he doesn’t leave the country in an even worse mess than it already is)
5) He will bring fresh blood to Washington (so necessary)
6) He will talk instead of fight (good one Obama – what most sensible mature people would do. Mr Bush missed out on that part of his education)

Go Obama! Do your thing brother!

I have been hanging out with Hadiyah - a comedy queen. This is my homegirl who is doing her thing on the comedy circuit. This week she appeared on Jamie Foxx’s radio show on Sirrius Radio. Big up to Hadiyah – she’s just hilarious as well as being a great person!

This me and her together – she’s the one in the hat.

Gigs:

I went to see my friend Gordon Chambers (singer/songwriter extraordinaire) and India Arie’s friend Anthony David perform at the Gatehouse in Harlem. If you don’t know these guys, you better get to know! Gordon has written for artists such as Anita Baker and Brownstone (remember the classic tune “If You Love Me”?!) and is now flying high on a solo tip; Anthony David has written for India Arie and is doing his thing too.

I also had the pleasure of listening to and meeting Abiodun Oyewole of the Last Poets. His poetry is HOT! Controversial, political, insightful – and real!! I loved the poem called America Is a Terrorist. He has a thing at his house on Sundays which I will be attending soon I hope.

2. If you want real – and cheap – entertainment in New York, the subway is the place to be. Dancers, singers, drummers, retailers (a.k.a the man who sells batteries/water for $1). Everything you want is there, and it’s usually for free. The A train is particularly good.

3. If you are female and looking for a date of the opposite sex, the West Village is NOT the place to look.

These are just a few tips for those in the city… I will be adding more in due course.

Seeing the marching bands made me grieve for never having had the opportunity to be a cheerleader in my youth… Sob. (I’m not even joking). Hey – they say it’s never too late, right?! I could still be a twenty-something cheerleader, couldn’t I…?

Everybody was on this parade… Radio stations, firemen, trash men. I mean, the trash men even converted the waste removal van into a mobile float with a DJ! Funnily enough, I noticed everyone was kinda quiet when the Po-Po went past though… Clearly they ain’t getting no love here in the citayyy.

I was surprised though at how some people responded when the Black Panthers went by. I was excited to see them. The black power fist in the air is still such a strong and powerful symbol of black solidarity and pride. But seems some weren’t so enthusiastic. So sad when they fought so hard for the freedom of African Americans – but let me not get into that right now!

I’ve missed the Puerto Rican Day parade unfortunately… That woulda been a good chance for me to get my Latina on… But never mind. Maybe I’ll go to the Jewish one instead?.. Hey – I’m from London, I’m multi-cultural baby!

My friend is an African American 30 year old male called David Wilson. This film is the story of his journey south, back to his family’s roots in North Carolina, to meet a 62 year old man called David Wilson who happens to be the great, great grandson of the man who enslaved his family only a few generations ago. Deep stuff.

Along the way, African-American, New York born Dave reflects, and asks public opinion, on race relations in the US and what it means to be black and American today. He talks about sensitive topics like slavery, reparations and the black man…

It’s an intelligent, insightful, compelling and touching piece of work. Keep your eyes peeled for it on American screens soon.

In the meantime, check the trailer on the fantabulous Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTWTn6d-Qeo

But ya know, I like to think I’m open minded and all so I went along anyway. Plus it was a black rock festival… meaning all the bands were black. That was cool, something different. And of course I like to support my peeps!

At first, I have to admit I was NOT finding it easy to get down to the band I was listening to. All I could hear was hard drums and what seemed to be a man wailing at the top of his voice. Being a singer/songwriter I kept looking for a verse, maybe even a bit of a chorus. I didn’t found either. But I kept telling myself “it’s rock music”.

That was until the last band came on….Game Rebellion they’re called… They were (as we say in London) HEAVY…Never thought I’d get into rock but there I was there headbanging (well, not quite – more like a gentle English nod) and singing along.

I almost got in the mosh pit… Well that’s a lie, but it looked like fun anyway. Check their myspace: www.myspace.com/gamerebellion

Thought I’d share some of my adventures with you, and give you an insight into NY life… Cos there is just so damn much of it!

I’m also going to be giving you intelligent commentary on anything arts/culture/music/entertainment related cos that’s what I’m about!

Enjoy!