tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57896533033277475352012-01-29T20:10:06.238-08:00TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.comBlogger14891100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-13485316735477822492012-01-29T19:28:00.000-08:002012-01-29T19:40:20.791-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0LW4TxQSsA/TyYO0hrZHpI/AAAAAAAAKoM/uLW6Ff_F-qg/s1600/TIFA%2Bcollage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 365px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0LW4TxQSsA/TyYO0hrZHpI/AAAAAAAAKoM/uLW6Ff_F-qg/s400/TIFA%2Bcollage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703262273667669650" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">IN THE FRAME: </span>Tifa talks moving on and the view from the top.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"></div><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">At 26, Latifa ‘Tifa’ Brown holds the coveted position of hottest female sensation in contemporary Jamaican music. Whether riding the charts, turning heads with her impeccably avant-garde fashion sense or earning the lioness’ share of nominations for the 2012 Youth View Awards – as she recently did (picking up a total of eight nods) – Tifa has got our full attention.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On a picture-perfect Tuesday afternoon, she is running a bit late, but with good reason, for our planned 2:00pm lunch date at Cuddy’z in New Kingston. As it happens, Tifa is wrapping up a Digicel shoot for the upcoming YVAs. When she finally arrives, fresh-faced and apologetic, I learn just how a busy a day she’s been having. In addition to the photoshoot and our interview, she is filming a PSA for the Yendi Phillipps Foundation later in the afternoon. A waitress comes over to take our order. Tifa orders a refreshing fruity smoothie. I opt for a bowl of delectable red peas soup.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Soon enough, we get down to business, chatting about everything from family and relationships to her admirable ongoing climb to the top of the reggae-dancehall totem pole, and where she is headed next. “I compete against myself. I always want to get better, so I work extremely hard,” Tifa tells <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH</span>. “If I continue to improve, only the sky is the limit. That’s how I see it. I am my biggest critic.”</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">She continues, “I’m happy that the hard work is paying off. But I’m not all caught up in the success and I don’t take it for granted. The work continues. It doesn’t stop now.”</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What has been greatly surprising to many people about Tifa’s ascent in the industry is the combination of a pair of factors. First, she’s young. Second, she has a slight disability, where her legs prevent her from assuming a perfect posture. “Sometimes I feel like I am in a Lifetime movie” is how Tifa describes her continuing career trajectory. But to diehard fans, including heavyweights in the corporate world, it’s the girl’s spunk, fascinating sense of the new and next, combined with the sheer magnitude of her raw talent, that has won them over. “If I was to tell you what contributed to my success, I would say it’s everything combined,” Tifa says. “But I’ve come to realize that it’s mainly God getting rid of all the distractions. This is the happiest I’ve been in years.” </span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When it comes to family and close friends, Tifa doesn’t skimp on giving them credit for sticking by her through the thick and the thin. “It’s a small unit,” she says of her family. “They give me a joyous feeling.” Ever trusting her instincts, Tifa says she is fiercely protecting of those in her corner. “I’m protective of the things I care about and the people I love,” she confesses. “So I try to shield them from the public scrutiny. And especially in terms of my personal life, even though I might not want certain things to become public, people will always try to get into your business. So you have to be thick-skinned.”</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex1uG4fCK4E/TyYO0onfz4I/AAAAAAAAKoU/2diO8_vAnrE/s1600/TIFA%2BCover.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex1uG4fCK4E/TyYO0onfz4I/AAAAAAAAKoU/2diO8_vAnrE/s400/TIFA%2BCover.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703262275530379138" border="0" /></a> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">By her own admission, not everyone is thrilled about the non-stop triumphant streak Tifa has been experiencing professionally. “It’s funny how success changes people,” she tells me. “When you’re successful, people will either be happy for you or not. Either way, you will find out. You will eventually know who is happy for you and who is not.”</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As much as she is wildly expressive and deeply analytical in conversation, there are some things that Tifa refuses to discuss at length. Take for instance the mysterious collapse of her all-female group TNT, with longtime girlfriends Natalie Storm and Timberlee. But when pressed, she pinpoints personal relationships and management issues as the contributing factors. Then, when further pressed, she says this: “I had to make a decision. I can’t put in energy for three people. I can’t force people to work. So at the end of the day, there is no more TNT, and that is what it is.”</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Looking ahead, Tifa refuses to be side-tracked by anything remotely negative, choosing instead to press the accelerator on plans for her future and pleasing her fans. That includes putting out – at long last – her full-length debut album this summer. “This won’t be a regular album. I want it to tell a story,” she says. “This album will be for anyone. A classic. I want it to be something you can still play ten years from now like any Tanya Stephens album. I can’t disclose the schematics behind it just yet, but whatever I decide will be in the best interest of my fans.”</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Also ranking high on Tifa’s list of current priorities: deepening the cherished relationships she enjoys with business partners Nuvo and Digicel, two esteemed entities that simply had to have her endorse their brands. “In terms of helping to introduce me to a wider Jamaican audience, I have to big up Digicel,” the smart businesswoman says. “They have been an important part of my life from before I really blew up, and I’m glad they are still with me on this journey.”</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">For this Saturday’s Youth View Awards, Tifa is up for 8 trophies (more than any other nominee), including a bid for Favourite Female Dancehall Artiste. That the nominees and winners are decided by the nation’s youth is particularly thrilling to Tifa, who simply adores her young fans – and the idea of getting dolled up for a big occasion. “I’m really grateful. An [awards show like this] is good, and we should have more because as artistes we work in a very tough industry. It’s a hard job that we do,” she says. “So it feels to good to be recognized. It’s a special feeling.”</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/soul-survivor-tifa-gives-us-close-up-of.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian41" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-1348531673547782249?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-10855040092799379862012-01-29T18:44:00.000-08:002012-01-29T19:16:35.874-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:160%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">COMPLETE LIST OF NOMINEES: <span style="font-size:100%;">2012 THESPIAN SPIRIT AWARDS</span></span> <br /></span></div> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xeoGA_QQG1A/TyYGCQ81bfI/AAAAAAAAKnE/6bpZstUXcPQ/s1600/BEST%2BACTRESS.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xeoGA_QQG1A/TyYGCQ81bfI/AAAAAAAAKnE/6bpZstUXcPQ/s400/BEST%2BACTRESS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703252614090943986" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Outstanding Actress:</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trudy Bell</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Adopted Child</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Camille Davis</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Charlie’s Angels</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dahlia Harris</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">God’s Way</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ruth HoShing</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">A Gift For Mom</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nadean Rawlins</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Not About Eve</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Deon Silvera</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Back A Yaad</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">****</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TkQPlePkoOo/TyYGCGA7plI/AAAAAAAAKm4/oA33dXn5K30/s1600/BEST%2BACTOR.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 131px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TkQPlePkoOo/TyYGCGA7plI/AAAAAAAAKm4/oA33dXn5K30/s400/BEST%2BACTOR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703252611155338834" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Outstanding Actor:</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Glen Campbell</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Charlie’s Angels</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Omaro Mazlyn</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Masqueraders</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Alwyn Scott</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">A Gift For Mom</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">****</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B4xS2P9tv64/TyYGLAtCz5I/AAAAAAAAKno/cyyqWw5zWrc/s1600/BEST%2BSUPP%2BACTRESS.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B4xS2P9tv64/TyYGLAtCz5I/AAAAAAAAKno/cyyqWw5zWrc/s400/BEST%2BSUPP%2BACTRESS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703252764348567442" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Outstanding Supporting Actress:</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sakina Deer</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Last Call</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Teisha Duncan</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Charlie’s Angels</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Faith Gordon</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Hairpeace</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Abigail Grant</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Double Dose</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Carol Lawes</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Not About Eve</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rosie Murray</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">If Walls Could Talk</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">****</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDcL9fd-F9A/TyYGDTQFnmI/AAAAAAAAKnc/8sb53d3r_lU/s1600/BEST%2BSUPP%2BACTOR.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDcL9fd-F9A/TyYGDTQFnmI/AAAAAAAAKnc/8sb53d3r_lU/s400/BEST%2BSUPP%2BACTOR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703252631888436834" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Outstanding Supporting Actor:</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chris Daley</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">The Politicians</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">George Howard</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Where Is My Father</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Volier Johnson</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Breadfruit Kingdom</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jean-Paul Menou</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Acts of the Apostles</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ainsley Whyte</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">God’s Way</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Courtney Wilson</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Breadfruit Kingdom</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">****</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WeD8IrzmLnk/TyYGClgveEI/AAAAAAAAKnQ/zyJRlQ1_v6s/s1600/BEST%2BDIRECTOR.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WeD8IrzmLnk/TyYGClgveEI/AAAAAAAAKnQ/zyJRlQ1_v6s/s400/BEST%2BDIRECTOR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703252619610257474" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Outstanding Director:</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brian Heap</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Not About Eve</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Michael Daley &amp; Keiran King</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Last Call</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pierre Lemaire</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">The Button-Hole Bandit</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trevor Nairne &amp; Patrick Brown</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Charlie’s Angels</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Douglas Prout</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Where Is My Father</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Greg Thames</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Acts of the Apostles</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">****</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-clyD8b-dJYQ/TyYGLf2Yg1I/AAAAAAAAKn0/1qlIobRwcG4/s1600/BEST%2BWRITERS.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-clyD8b-dJYQ/TyYGLf2Yg1I/AAAAAAAAKn0/1qlIobRwcG4/s400/BEST%2BWRITERS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703252772709237586" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Outstanding Original Script:</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Patrick Brown</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Charlie’s Angels</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Basil Dawkins</span> –<span style="font-style: italic;"> Where Is My Father</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Clive Duncan </span>– <span style="font-style: italic;">Bittersweet Love</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dahlia Harris</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Back A Yaad</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Keiran King</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Last Call</span></span><br style=" font-style: italic;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">David Tulloch</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> –</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">If Walls Could Talk</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">****</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PsgsnBQa24I/TyYGLvugbyI/AAAAAAAAKn8/_y3i8CQsvpU/s1600/BREAKTHROUGH%2BACTORS.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PsgsnBQa24I/TyYGLvugbyI/AAAAAAAAKn8/_y3i8CQsvpU/s400/BREAKTHROUGH%2BACTORS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703252776971169570" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Breakthrough Performance:</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trudy Bell</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Adopted Child</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Akeem Mignott</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Back A Yaad</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Allison McLean</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Where Is My Father</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Julene Robinson</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Hairpeace</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fontain Jones</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">A Gift For Mom</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lisa Williams</span> – <span style="font-style: italic;">Not About Eve</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">****</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3RoHLt84JMs/TyYGB0CrmmI/AAAAAAAAKms/pTVMt-C37xs/s1600/ACTING%2BENSEMBLE.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 62px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3RoHLt84JMs/TyYGB0CrmmI/AAAAAAAAKms/pTVMt-C37xs/s400/ACTING%2BENSEMBLE.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703252606330837602" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Outstanding Acting Ensemble:</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >A Gift For Mom</span><br style=" font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Back A Yaad</span><br style=" font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Charlie’s Angels</span><br style=" font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Last Call</span><br style=" font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Not About Eve</span><br style=" font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Where Is My Father</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/2012-thespian-spirit-awards-and.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian40" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-1085504009279937986?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-46612388247488480312012-01-29T17:47:00.000-08:002012-01-29T17:56:32.417-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pmmr1S0ApUI/TyX3PUGFzYI/AAAAAAAAKmU/NramVZVVz-I/s1600/10%2BBEST%2BPLAYS%2Bcollage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pmmr1S0ApUI/TyX3PUGFzYI/AAAAAAAAKmU/NramVZVVz-I/s400/10%2BBEST%2BPLAYS%2Bcollage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703236345598954882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">In spite of the letdowns and minor flops that littered the past 12 months, there were those stage productions that fully reminded me of the singular power of Jamaican theatre to entertain, delight and astonish. So let’s be grateful that in a year of miscellaneous fortunes, there was adequate fare of exemplary quality to allow this committed critic to count to ten. That said, here are the 10 best plays that graced our stage in 2011:</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">1. Where Is My Father<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> (*Best of 2011*)</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">An engrossingly intense and sure-footed domestic drama from playwright Basil Dawkins buoyed by strong acting, smart writing, and superb direction. It’s undoubtedly Dawkins at the height of his creative powers.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">2. Not About Eve</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The powerhouse trio of Nadean Rawlins, Carol Lawes and neophyte Lisa Williams excel under the directorial gaze of Brian Heap in this outstanding University Players revival of Karl Williams’ insightful meditation on women, work, and sexuality.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">3. Charlie’s Angels</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">They say revenge is a dish best served cold, but there’s nothing remotely frigid about this exothermic and well-acted Patrick Brown comedy-drama that features excellent work all-around, but especially in the case of actors Glen Campbell, Teisha Duncan and Camille Davis.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">4. Back-A-Yaad</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">While persuasively illuminating the hard-knock experiences of residents in the fictitious Mucky Pen, Dahlia Harris simultaneously holds up a crystal-clear mirror to the standard of living in Jamaica at a time when the country is marking a milestone as important as the Golden Jubilee. A clever and frequently compelling piece of theatre.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">5. A Gift For Mom</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A lavishly gifted ensemble breathes full-bodies life into this buoyant Basil Dawkins’ revival that reinforces the talents of Ruth HoShing and Alwyn Scott while making offer a proper introduction to the potential of rising stars Regina Beavers and Fontain Jones.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">6. Last Call</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Buoyed by its rich musical score and wildly vintage appeal, Keiran King’s period musical drama won over audiences and rewarded their interest with a heartwarming tale of friendship, growing up, and misplaced loyalties. The year’s best musical.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">7. The Button-Hole Bandit</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Whimsical and delightfully playful with just the right touch of vibrancy, this Edna Manley College production brought a winsome mix of fun and visual splendour to the stage – and a breakout supporting turn from blossoming actress Joanna Johnson.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">8. Hairpeace</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Adapting Janice Liddell’s soulful, oestrogen-rich work, director Fabian Thomas and a cast marked by youth and experience did justice to the piece, tapping into the pain and opulent insight at the core of the story. Julene Robinson and Faith Gordon were memorably fabulous.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">9. Masqueraders</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Commitment and conviction on the part of the youthful actors coupled with the late Stafford Ashani’s piercing, in-your-face script made this one of the most disturbing, yet genuinely diverse, productions to grace the stage this year. Another sturdy effort from the Edna Manley College. </span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">10. Acts of the Apostles</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Full of spectacle and the occasional show-stopping number, the Father HoLung &amp; Friends operatic musical was at its most persuasive when the dazzling visuals melded with the song and dance to create a wonderful feast of striking images and ear-pleasing sounds.</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAoQI-PxFp0/TyX4f-eIT5I/AAAAAAAAKmg/LFJE97e3etQ/s1600/10%2BBEST%2BPLAYS%2Bcollage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAoQI-PxFp0/TyX4f-eIT5I/AAAAAAAAKmg/LFJE97e3etQ/s400/10%2BBEST%2BPLAYS%2Bcollage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703237731363606418" /></a> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/creme-de-la-creme-10-best-theatre.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian39" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-4661238824748848031?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-72734965882657915142012-01-29T17:34:00.000-08:002012-01-29T17:44:19.206-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dC7JhMLcggo/TyX0eBl76xI/AAAAAAAAKmI/PcesV62mdNM/s1600/CELINE%2BDION%2Bcollage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dC7JhMLcggo/TyX0eBl76xI/AAAAAAAAKmI/PcesV62mdNM/s400/CELINE%2BDION%2Bcollage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703233299795405586" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">LADY OF SONG: </span>Celine Dion in performance at Jamaica Jazz &amp; Blues.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">When highly regarded superstars live up to expectations while exuding a sophisticated air of class and ovation-worthy stage presence, it renews my faith in the power of the entertainment world to positively astonish. To that end, megawatt diva and iconic songstress Celine Dion, she of the wiry physique and multiple Grammys, delivered a mind-blowing set Friday night at the Jamaica Jazz &amp; Blues Festival inside the Trelawny-based Greenfield Stadium, a venue that accommodated a massive crowd that only swelled as the hour of the songbird’s performance drew closer. </span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">And what a performance – fuelled by standards and popular career hits made all the more exhilarating by the sheer vibrancy of Celine’s stagecraft, her adrenaline-infused zest and, of course, the magnitude of that voice. In short, it was a real thrill to finally witness Celine live in action. That it was her first time on a Caribbean stage made the occasion all the more special. As members of the audience, she captivated us and held us adrift in time and experience.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Hearing hits like “All Coming Back to Me,” “The Power of Love” and “The Reason” incited a mass sing-along. You couldn’t help but surrender to the raw passion and kinetic energy that the wonder woman exuded. The virtuosic performance also included such gems as “Because You Loved Me” and the breathtaking duet “Beauty &amp; The Beast” before moving into a James Bond segment (“Goldeneye” and “Live and Let Die”) that included a wardrobe change from cream jacket and sparkling kickers to a shimmery silver gown with a seductive thigh-high split. </span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The show got even more enormously exciting with Celine’s renditions of “I’m Alive” and “All By Myself,” which came in for prolonged applause. But the show achieved a whole new crescendo when our very own Diana King joined the queen onstage for a sassy treatment of “Treat her like a Lady,” their 1999 hit. By this time, Celine had slipped into yet another outfit. This time a long-sleeved mini-dress encrusted with gems that dazzled under the lights.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Buoyed by the singer’s dazzling vocal dynamics and her backing band’s impeccable instrumentation, her songs take on a whole new resonance in live performance. Particular mention must be made of “Love Can Move Mountains” and the encore number “My Heart Will Go On.”</span><br face="arial"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">“This is the place to be,” Celine told the packed stadium at the start of her set. And she was indeed right. Those who were unfortunately away from the concert missed an experience worth remembering – and on occasion that doesn’t get any more significant than the 50th anniversary of our Independence. Celine Dion memorably enticed us not only with her melismatic chops but with that confidently sexy strut as she made light work of the stage.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/celine-dion-jamaica-jazz-blues.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian37" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-7273496588265791514?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-84918603013837746012012-01-29T17:18:00.000-08:002012-01-29T17:27:45.191-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcXHzsxDtCk/TyXwKz-RZsI/AAAAAAAAKl8/aqIVoVesP6I/s1600/Career%2BMakeover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcXHzsxDtCk/TyXwKz-RZsI/AAAAAAAAKl8/aqIVoVesP6I/s400/Career%2BMakeover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703228571675354818" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">ON THE HUNT: </span>Accept that the job search is a process.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"></div><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">According to Katy Piotrowski, author of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Career Coward’s Guide to Changing Careers</span> (JIST Works), up to 80 percent of people are unhappy in their current field and desire a more rewarding career. But finding one doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that can be a long-term project that may require additional education. But, as Piotrowski explains, if you’re committed, you’ll experience steady progress toward your goal. To begin:</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Reinvent Yourself:</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“The majority of people possess many skills that can be successfully applied to new career areas, in most cases without acquiring new degrees or certifications,” says Piotrowski. She suggests making a list of your strengths and turn each into a role or job title, simply by changing the ending. For example: writing = writer, delegating = delegator. While some of the titles are different from traditional job ad titles, you can get an idea of what the role would entail.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Do Your Homework:</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Research your intended career and make sure you are familiar with the current lingo of your prospective industry. Talk to people in the field to learn the fundamentals. When you look at employment ads, break down the job description into sentences and match your skills to each requirement. If at least 70 percent are matched, you have good chance of getting an interview.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Be Patient:</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Take it easy on yourself through this transition, whether you want to follow your passion or have lost a job. “It’s very normal to feel confused, angry and even depressed for a while,” Piotrowski says. To stay focused, take a stepping-stone approach until you figure out your next move. And don’t be afraid to seek guidance from a friend or counselor.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Stay Confident:</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It is normal for companies to bring you in at a lower salary and train you, which means you have to take a temporary step back. But since career changers tend to bring in a world of experience skills to the table, once the basics are down promotion often happens very quickly. “Hiring managers want to be confident that you know the ropes before they offer more pay and responsibility.”</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Build a Strong Reference Network:</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Having a network of friends who know the right people can open doors. If you know people who are already familiar with your work and results, have them make a call or send an email of letter of introduction on your behalf. “Most people who love their work are usually very happy to share details about how they made it happen,” Piotrowski says.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/world-of-work-getting-to-profession-of.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian35" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-8491860301383774601?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-4340974958890466952012-01-29T17:10:00.001-08:002012-01-29T17:16:19.992-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LtxlzKHslEs/TyXuI1ZuNFI/AAAAAAAAKlw/BQnlJDpvKQM/s1600/Marilyn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 337px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LtxlzKHslEs/TyXuI1ZuNFI/AAAAAAAAKlw/BQnlJDpvKQM/s400/Marilyn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703226338675930194" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">EASY AND FREE: </span>Williams as the sexy icon in <span style="font-style: italic;">My Week With Marilyn</span>.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Loosely based on a pair of lean memoirs by the late documentary filmmaker Colin Clark, <span style="font-style: italic;">My Week With Marilyn</span> chronicles the tumultuous story behind the filming in England of 1957’s <span style="font-style: italic;">The Prince and the Showgirl</span>, the comedy in which Monroe starred opposite Sir Laurence Olivier (portrayed here with acerbic wit by the great Kenneth Branagh), who was also the film’s director. <br /> <br />The promising collaboration between Britain’s most revered actor, who seriously wants to get the film done, and America’s blonde bombshell, who wants to be taken seriously as an actress, quickly disintegrates into a clash between a no-nonsense director and a woman seemingly unable to show up on time, learn her lines, or come out of her dressing room without an entourage that quiets her emotional storms with pills, booze and flattery.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">As Colin, a 23-year-old gofer on the set, played with bright-eyed enthusiasm by Eddie Redmayne, tells Monroe, “This film won’t help either of you.” It is Colin’s brief time with Monroe as her confidant, protector, and almost lover that gives the film its tenderly beating heart.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Dougray Scott (<span style="font-style: italic;">Desperate Housewives</span>’ Chuck Vance) stars as Monroe’s playwright husband Arthur Miller; Dominic Cooper as her anxious business partner Milton Greene; and Zoe Wanamaker as her devoted acting coach Paula ‘Lee’ Strasberg. There are wonderful cameos by Emma Watson, Sir Derek Jacobi, Simon Russell Beale and Dame Judi Dench as the thoughtful Dame Sybil Thorndike, who jumps to Monroe’s defence on-set on a number of occasions.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br face="arial"><span style="font-family:arial;">If <span style="font-style: italic;">My Week With Marilyn </span>never quite achieves the mastery of a period piece like last year’s <span style="font-style: italic;">The King’s Speech</span>, it beautifully evokes a glamorous cinematic era. And the main attraction, of course, is Williams who brings the shapely Monroe to life with heartbreaking delicacy and precision. It’s a mesmerizing performance validated by Williams’ recent win at the Golden Globes and her Best Actress nomination for the Feb. 26 Academy Awards. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tyrone's Verdict: <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">B+</span></span></span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/going-platinum-michelle-williams.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian25" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-434097495889046695?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-66390484361226908052012-01-29T17:01:00.000-08:002012-01-29T17:06:30.719-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Tr4Bjo0Y5I/TyXsN7dlYeI/AAAAAAAAKlk/ikeL_HuWLms/s1600/Wayne%2Band%2BTami%2Bbackstage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 329px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Tr4Bjo0Y5I/TyXsN7dlYeI/AAAAAAAAKlk/ikeL_HuWLms/s400/Wayne%2Band%2BTami%2Bbackstage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703224227178832354" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wayne Marshall</span>, who is keeping super-busy these days working on his sophomore album with executive producer <span style="font-weight: bold;">Damian Marley</span>, has reportedly signed with the Marleys’ Ghetto Youths label, which will put out the singjay’s eagerly awaited album later this year. In the meantime, Marshall was spotted in the mix on Friday night at the Jamaica Jazz &amp; Blues Festival, where wife <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tami Chynn</span> and sis <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tessanne Chin</span> opened strongly for headliner <span style="font-weight: bold;">Celine Dion</span>.</span><br style="font-family: arial;">**** <br /><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Speaking of Jazz &amp; Blues, dancehall vixen <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ce’Cile</span> was also spotted in the press room, where rumoured beau <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chris Martin</span> was fielding questions from the media following his performance on Thursday night. The twosome is still going strong, I see.</span><br style="font-family: arial;">**** <br /><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Konshens</span> recently hosted an intimate listening session for his upcoming album <span style="font-style: italic;">Mental Maintenance</span> in the Big Apple. The event was reportedly attended by media entities and fans of the dancehall entertainer, who is currently astride a wave of career success set to climax with the Feb. 28 album release.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/bits-pieces-news-on-konshens-cecile.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian24" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-6639048436122690805?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-69042054064601625272012-01-29T16:42:00.000-08:002012-01-29T17:00:30.725-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ROEQ53PwT28/TyXqXohzp9I/AAAAAAAAKlY/oGYIOird9fQ/s1600/Asafa%2BPowell.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 325px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ROEQ53PwT28/TyXqXohzp9I/AAAAAAAAKlY/oGYIOird9fQ/s400/Asafa%2BPowell.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703222194871707602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Sprint superstar <span style="font-weight: bold;">Asafa Powell</span> is to be named International Ambassador for the Diana Award. The announcement will be made next Saturday by the Diana Award Chief Executive, Maggie Turner, who will be speaking at UTech’s Road to Olympic Glory ceremony in New Kingston. At the black-tie affair, the University’s most prestigious award, The Chancellor’s Medal, will be presented to Powell by Chancellor Edward Seaga.</span><br style="font-family:arial;">**** <br /><br style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Update:</span> Playwright <span style="font-weight: bold;">Aston Cooke</span> has announced that <span style="font-style: italic;">Jonkonnu Jamboree</span> is the name of his next stage effort, set to premiere this May with the Mona-based University Players. His next work, <span style="font-style: italic;">Fifty To Rahtid</span>, will reunite the original cast of the seminal <span style="font-style: italic;">Jamaica 2 Rahtid</span> this summer. Cooke is among the headliners for the Talking Trees Literary Fiesta on Feb. 25 in Treasure Beach.</span><br style="font-family:arial;">**** <br /><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Sound Byte of the Month:</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">“Mike Henry, in many respects, is a metaphor for older members of the JLP who may not have come to terms with the fact that their party is in transition with a young leader at the helm.</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Their best contribution to the JLP would be to appreciate this normal and natural order of life and help their new leader to grow in the job, and to fashion a party about which Jamaicans are comfortable as the alternative government.” – <span style="font-style: italic;">Jamaica Gleaner</span> editorial, Thurs. Jan. 26, 2012.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/overheard-what-people-are-talking-about_29.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian23" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-6904205406460162527?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-43637278248608277822012-01-29T16:24:00.000-08:002012-01-29T16:40:28.152-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5i9BsSCA7Yo/TyXlTrk8RZI/AAAAAAAAKlA/WE3ZLUTofLI/s1600/Lana%2BDel%2BRey.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 227px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5i9BsSCA7Yo/TyXlTrk8RZI/AAAAAAAAKlA/WE3ZLUTofLI/s400/Lana%2BDel%2BRey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703216629412545938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Artiste:</span> Lana Del Rey (<span style="font-style: italic;">Born To Die</span>)</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Due out: </span>Jan. 30</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best tracks:</span> “Radio,” “Dark Paradise” and “10 Million Dollar Man”</span> <br /><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Moody, haunting and beautifully performed, Lana Del Rey’s breakout hit single, “Video Games” is a song so steeped in sixties nostalgia and bottomless warmth one could easily believe the singer is a world-weary chanteuse. Alas, Del Rey (whose name is an amalgam of Lana Turner and Rio Del Rey) is a talented 24-year-old New York-born, London-raised songbird and songwriter who shows a knack for making the melancholy entirely melodic and mesmerizing. Her newly arrived debut effort, the morbidly titled<span style="font-style: italic;"> Born To Die</span>, is already one of the year’s most talked-about releases (especially in the wake of that disappointment of an SNL performance). But <span style="font-style: italic;">Born To Die </span>is largely a winsome record full of glamour and wink-winks to the heyday of Nancy Sinatra and the like. <span style="font-weight: bold;">T</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">yrone’s Verdict: <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">A-</span></span></span><br style="font-weight: bold;"> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yTr8WmatjCk/TyXlTuCxUJI/AAAAAAAAKlM/RqIsAyNgQ-M/s1600/I-Octane.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 363px; height: 389px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yTr8WmatjCk/TyXlTuCxUJI/AAAAAAAAKlM/RqIsAyNgQ-M/s400/I-Octane.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703216630074527890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Artiste:</span> I-Octane (<span style="font-style: italic;">Crying to the Nation</span>)</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Due out:</span> Feb. 14</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best tracks:</span> “Missing You” and “Puff It”</span> <br /><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I-Octane’s full-length debut effort, <span style="font-style: italic;">Crying to the Nation</span>, is among the year’s most eagerly awaited reggae/dancehall releases. While the 16-track album is a showcase of I-Octane’s wholesome meditations and call-to-action anthems, he’s recruited Agent Sasco (“Missing You”), Tarrus Riley (“All We Need Is Love”) and Albarosie (“Space For All of Us”) for collaborations. Known for gritty songs exploring socio-political matters, I-Octane shines most on cuts that speak to the heart and mind concerns he has for the social status quo and humanity. “No More Violence” and the yearning title track are particular standouts. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tyrone’s Verdict: <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">B+</span></span></span><br style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">&gt;&gt; Also new music:</span> Gospel superstar <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kirk Franklin</span> has assembled his most beloved career hits for the <span style="font-style: italic;">Essential Kirk Franklin</span> (out now). Prepare to stomp, shout and get lifted.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/new-music-review-i-octane-lana-del-rey.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian22" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-4363727824860827782?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-18996093900572362652012-01-29T15:31:00.000-08:002012-01-29T16:20:34.547-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cX5_6ZHn1XY/TyXf99RDF6I/AAAAAAAAKkc/N9JE4v6XOU0/s1600/D%2527Angel%2B-%2BLOVE%2BTRIANGLE.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cX5_6ZHn1XY/TyXf99RDF6I/AAAAAAAAKkc/N9JE4v6XOU0/s400/D%2527Angel%2B-%2BLOVE%2BTRIANGLE.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703210758645684130" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">BOOK:</span> Singer <span style="font-weight: bold;">D’Angel</span> is making her literary debut in February by publishing the steamy adult novel <span style="font-style: italic;">Love Triangle</span> with Pageturner, the same company that brought us <span style="font-weight: bold;">Miss Kitty</span>’s sexy <span style="font-style: italic;">Good Girl Gone Bad</span> last year. It’s already being labeled “the most controversial novel in dancehall history.”</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-orfQRILOBHM/TyXf-Y8D_vI/AAAAAAAAKkw/5AsQ6WmY7Og/s1600/Best%2Bof%2BFilm%2BFestival.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 349px; height: 162px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-orfQRILOBHM/TyXf-Y8D_vI/AAAAAAAAKkw/5AsQ6WmY7Og/s400/Best%2Bof%2BFilm%2BFestival.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703210766073855730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">CINEMA:</span> As a precursor to the highly anticipated <span style="font-weight: bold;">Reggae Film Festival</span>, slated for April 17-21 in Kingston, the Jamaica Film Academy plans to showcase some of last year’s award-winning entries on Feb. 18 at the Red Bones Blues Café, St. Andrew. Showtime: 7:00pm.</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WVaTMHAwfIo/TyXf-C13nyI/AAAAAAAAKko/htS7fSsvz4w/s1600/Youth%2BView%2BAwards.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WVaTMHAwfIo/TyXf-C13nyI/AAAAAAAAKko/htS7fSsvz4w/s400/Youth%2BView%2BAwards.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703210760142298914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">AWARDS:</span> Come next Saturday Feb. 4, the nation’s young, hot and hype will bestow awards on their favourite entertainers, athletes and fashion icons at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">5th Annual Youth View Awards</span> inside the National Indoor Sports Centre, Kingston. With an enviable 8 nods, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tifa</span> leads all contenders. Expect performances from <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ce’Cile</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wayne Marshall</span> and others. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tami Chynn</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kruddy</span> will be hosting the event.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/hot-ticket-youth-view-awards-best-of.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian21" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-1899609390057236265?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-76008705345023571552012-01-29T15:00:00.000-08:002012-01-29T15:30:29.218-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kOwQtB7YaLQ/TyXPzCadZ9I/AAAAAAAAKj4/R6hPzZVFRaM/s1600/Shaggy%2B-%2BJazz%2BFest.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kOwQtB7YaLQ/TyXPzCadZ9I/AAAAAAAAKj4/R6hPzZVFRaM/s400/Shaggy%2B-%2BJazz%2BFest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703192978862729170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SET PIECE:</span> In his dapper threads, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Shaggy</span> closed Thursday night's leg of the 2012 Jamaica Jazz &amp; Blues Fest, working the massive crowd with songs that span his entire career.</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HsRbfefenvU/TyXPzmfid7I/AAAAAAAAKkE/CkUHWb3yav8/s1600/Shaggy%2Band%2BNe-Yo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 349px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HsRbfefenvU/TyXPzmfid7I/AAAAAAAAKkE/CkUHWb3yav8/s400/Shaggy%2Band%2BNe-Yo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703192988547708850" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">DYNAMIC DUO:</span> </span>R&amp;B star <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ne-Yo</span> made a surprising cameo during Shaggy's stint, much to the delight of the crowd, performing his mega-smash "Miss Independent.</span>" <br /> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O1EO1pAHeXI/TyXPytFF5HI/AAAAAAAAKjo/mj-jRKc7fnk/s1600/Nicole%2BHenry.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O1EO1pAHeXI/TyXPytFF5HI/AAAAAAAAKjo/mj-jRKc7fnk/s400/Nicole%2BHenry.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703192973135963250" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">LADY SINGS THE BLUES:</span> Endowed with a terrific set of pipes, songbird <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nicole Henry</span> brought a touch of authentic jazz and a welcomed flair to the mainstage on Friday night. We got this shot of her backstage.</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1sRskLsleQ/TyXPyVHYLcI/AAAAAAAAKjc/M0wI1LMnOTs/s1600/Etana%2B-%2BJazz%2BFest.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1sRskLsleQ/TyXPyVHYLcI/AAAAAAAAKjc/M0wI1LMnOTs/s400/Etana%2B-%2BJazz%2BFest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703192966703099330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">STRONG SHOWING: </span>The ever-reliable <span style="font-weight: bold;">Etana</span> pranced and sang her way during a memorable stint centrestage, reeling off popular tunes like "Roots" and "I Am Not Afraid."</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6vI7-snOxEk/TyXPycAnr-I/AAAAAAAAKjU/TfA_pdvz-co/s1600/Diana%2BKing%2Bbackstage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 348px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6vI7-snOxEk/TyXPycAnr-I/AAAAAAAAKjU/TfA_pdvz-co/s400/Diana%2BKing%2Bbackstage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703192968553803746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">MELLOW YELLOW: </span>Spotted backstage after ripping up the mainstage with Celine Dion (they performed "Treat Her Like A Lady"), <span style="font-weight: bold;">Diana King</span> was glowingly pleased with herself.</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1UhEyup5A08/TyXQAfx3hSI/AAAAAAAAKkQ/A2MxLoRkfbc/s1600/Tami%2Band%2BTessanne.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1UhEyup5A08/TyXQAfx3hSI/AAAAAAAAKkQ/A2MxLoRkfbc/s400/Tami%2Band%2BTessanne.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703193210083837218" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SISTER, SISTER: </span>Stunning in neon-bright hues, siblings <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tessanne</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tami </span>posed for the camera in the press room, following their stellar performances on the Jazz &amp; Blues mainstage.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/flashing-lights-jamaica-jazz-blues-2012.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian20" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-7600870534502357155?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-9511463512756951982012-01-25T19:16:00.000-08:002012-01-25T19:50:10.026-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gC0vvltB1G0/TyDJGqsgvCI/AAAAAAAAKi8/E7c4TrwcOOw/s1600/Shaggy%2B-%2BItaly.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gC0vvltB1G0/TyDJGqsgvCI/AAAAAAAAKi8/E7c4TrwcOOw/s400/Shaggy%2B-%2BItaly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701778244628429858" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">LOOKING EAST: </span>Shaggy on his ultimate Italian escape.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">While foreigners are thrilled to soak up the local culture through his music, Shaggy (currently promoting <span style="font-style: italic;">Summer In Kingston: The Lava Edition</span>) chooses to soak up the Italian culture whenever he happens to visit that side of the world. Ahead of his appearance this weekend at the 2012 Jamaica Jazz &amp; Blues Fest in Trelawny, the Grammy-winning megastar<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/01/25/reggae-star-shaggys-ultimate-escape/"> spoke to Fox411 </a>about the food, the fashion, and everything else he adores about the land of pasta and Dolce and Gabbana.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >What is Mr. Boombastic's favourite vacation spot?</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Shaggy: I would definitely have to say Italy. The thing about Italy is that it’s just a beautiful country in and of itself. You find these little holes in the wall, especially those little family operated ones. You know, they come in and they are just warm and you sit down and they give you all this food and they get a little offended if you start putting cheese on things that’s not supposed to have cheese on them as if it’s them eating it. It gets a little crazy.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >You touched on food, everybody's favorite part of a vacation, any memorable meals?</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Shaggy: I’m a big foodie. I like the spaghetti and clams with the wine sauce, pretty simple but there’s a ways that they do it there that’s just amazing, especially on the coast. I think the best I had was in Catanzaro, there’s this little tucked away spot and I ended up eating the same thing for probably around a week, the same dish just because it was that good.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Tell us about the Italian fashion.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Shaggy: You know the big names, Dolce and Gabbana, they are all from there. There are little joints also that are not as famous internationally. How I do clothes; you just go in there and feel what is yours, whatever fits you, whatever is the vibe that you’re in. Everything is about energy, you put it on, you feel better about yourself, you roll with it.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >What are three must-haves when traveling to Italy?</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Shaggy: Must have an empty stomach, must have an empty bag because you're going to buy some clothes, you know what I mean? And make sure you have Euros. It’s expensive over there, you’re going to need it.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Care to share any special memories?</span><br face="arial"><span style="font-family:arial;">Shaggy: There are always special moments with my audience. I am normally there for touring, I probably go a couple days extra or stay a couple days after just to enjoy it. Just being in front of that audience. The thing about that part of Italy (Italian coast) there is a very strong reggae base and these guys are very knowledgeable about reggae. I’ve just chilled out, walk around, I’m on bicycles riding through the city, stop in little cafes and everybody knows your name, “Ah! Shaggy, come on! Sit down!” It becomes fun after a while.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/jazz-blues-2012-shaggy-dishes-on-his.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian19" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script> <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlcucXm0TnY/TyDKmVsJN-I/AAAAAAAAKjI/fouGYWGlOWA/s1600/Jazz%2B%2526%2BBlues%2B-%2BShaggy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 122px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlcucXm0TnY/TyDKmVsJN-I/AAAAAAAAKjI/fouGYWGlOWA/s400/Jazz%2B%2526%2BBlues%2B-%2BShaggy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701779888257185762" border="0" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-951146351275695198?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-13778584497700331582012-01-25T19:02:00.000-08:002012-01-25T19:13:55.964-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRakBJ9vMeE/TyDDASmNTLI/AAAAAAAAKiw/Xj7FLcSNfRc/s1600/Breadfruit%2BKingdom%2Bpic.jpg2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRakBJ9vMeE/TyDDASmNTLI/AAAAAAAAKiw/Xj7FLcSNfRc/s400/Breadfruit%2BKingdom%2Bpic.jpg2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701771538010557618" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">THE ROYAL WE: </span>Campbell, Duncan and Johnson share a scene.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Breadfruit Kingdom</span> (Jambiz Prods.)</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Directors: Patrick Brown and Trevor Nairne</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Cast: Glen Campbell, Camille Davis, Teisha Duncan, Volier Johnson and Courtney Wilson</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Venue: Centrestage, New Kingston</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">‘Tis the season to be cynical about all things political while mining whatever entertainment can be had. Republicans Romney and Gingrich continue to duke it out on the American campaign trail. The recent General Elections have put a Portia Simpson-Miller-led government back in Jamaica House. Delcita and Shebada are currently hamming it up under the lights at the Stages Theatreplex as rivals seeking office in <span style="font-style: italic;">The Politicians</span>. </span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Now comes the long-awaited revival of Patrick Brown’s <span style="font-style: italic;">Breadfruit Kingdom</span>, a jubilant and riotous satirical comedy that combines politics and poppyshow for a laugh-out-loud theatrical experience.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The audience is transported to the realm of <span style="font-style: italic;">Breadfruit Kingdom</span>, where the despicable King Street (Glen Campbell) rules with an iron fist, a light tongue, and an air of autocratic entitlement. Naturally, he is despised by the citizenry who’ve had to endure unimaginable taxation for years. Finally deciding they’ve had enough of the king’s tyranny, a rabble-rousing group set a plan in motion too overthrow him. Meanwhile, inside the palace walls, the king has his hands full dealing with his coitally uncooperative companion Queen Street (Camille Davis) and “gravalicious” daughter Princess Street (Teisha Duncan), who has ballooned in size on account of her serious food addiction. </span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">When King Street announces that he’ll give her hand in marriage to any wealthy suitor, the gyrating Rasta Baggalocks (Courtney Wilson, pitch-perfect) and the sword-and-shield-happy Prince Muchabelly (a splendid Volier Johnson) eagerly answer the call. And you know the big laughs fire off in rapid succession. </span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Like any good satire, <span style="font-style: italic;">Breadfruit Kingdom</span> juggles a lot at once, and though a couple of the balls do drop, the savvy duo of Brown and Trevor Nairne keep the story aloft with their directorial brio. The regal costumes are wonderfully appropriate and appear to glisten under the varied lighting. The actors meanwhile are having a blast, but particularly Campbell and Johnson (coincidentally members of the original cast) who bring sly comic timing to their parts. Davis and Duncan are appealing too but truly come alive when they switch into the roles of protesters.</span><br face="arial"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Although this new revival doesn’t hold a candle to the award-winning 1999 original, it certainly is a clever updating of a stage classic that comes at audiences with an insistent arsenal of shenanigans, catchy musical numbers, and a cheeky determination to skewer the Jamaican socio-political status quo. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tyrone’s Verdict: <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">B</span></span></span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/play-it-again-browns-breadfruit-kingdom.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian18" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-1377858449770033158?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-87354288833276347122012-01-25T18:36:00.000-08:002012-01-25T18:55:26.416-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5muTbAOtK7A/TyC9E9TxMVI/AAAAAAAAKik/fiwnaZMnZys/s1600/The%2BArtist1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5muTbAOtK7A/TyC9E9TxMVI/AAAAAAAAKik/fiwnaZMnZys/s400/The%2BArtist1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701765021125652818" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">VINTAGE APPEAL:</span> Dujardin and Bejo star in <span style="font-style: italic;">The Artist</span>.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Every so often, a movie is the subject of incredibly high-minded buzz, garnering praise from critics and audiences alike that buoys it up all the way to Oscar night. A couple years back, such was the case with <span style="font-style: italic;">The Hurt Locker</span>. This year, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Artist</span> is the film stealing the spotlight as the best reviewed flick of 2011 – and deservedly so. A crowd-pleasing tribute to the magic of silent cinema, the film is an exhilarating thrill and a slice of nostalgia a charm that transports viewers back to a glamorous era in Hollywood’s past when silent pics were all the rage until talkies came about and revolutionized the world of showbiz.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Written and directed by first-timer Michel Hazavanicius, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Artist</span> is set in 1920s Hollywood, when George Valentin (played the irresistibly charismatic Jean Dujardin) is a silent movie superstar. A prideful fellow, Valentin falls into oblivion when the advent of talkies sounds the death knell for his career. Meanwhile, pretty young thing Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo), is busy working her way up the talent hierarchy from extra to genuine leading lady. At the core of the story is how their interlinked destinies come to shape their future.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Ideally cast, Dujardin and Bejo are a perfect on-screen match. While Bejo’s sparkly effervescence serves her remarkably well, Dujardin wins over viewers with his priceless smile and appealing if low-key masculinity. And the film owes much, too, to Valentin’s canine companion whose performance is a total delight. John Goodman (as a dense film producer) and James Cromwell (as Valentin’s loyal chauffeur Clifton) round out the main cast.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br face="arial"><span style="font-family:arial;">The great central performances aside, the film’s score by Ludovic Bource is a genuine highlight that plays a pivotal role in giving the movie its compelling emotional core. As it stands, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Artist </span>(the recipient of 10 nominations for the Feb. 26 Academy Awards) is a clever, joyous film with delightful performances and visual style to spare.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/silence-is-golden-artist-is-worthy-of.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian16" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-8735428883327634712?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-87048012583744193272012-01-25T12:12:00.000-08:002012-01-25T13:08:03.106-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gLX6BBgYLF0/TyBiVTi2npI/AAAAAAAAKiM/rhCc_yr-Qfg/s1600/Usain%2BBolt%2Bshoot%2BPuma.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gLX6BBgYLF0/TyBiVTi2npI/AAAAAAAAKiM/rhCc_yr-Qfg/s400/Usain%2BBolt%2Bshoot%2BPuma.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701665246414282386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">THE BIG STAGE: </span>Sportsman of the Year <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dr. Usain Bolt</span> was recently on the set of a commercial shoot for sponsors PUMA. The new ad is set to coincide with the company's wide-ranging promo activities in the run-up to the Summer Olympic Games in London, which opens with a grand welcoming ceremony on July 27.</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pDlJvLKWrtk/TyBiU4rT74I/AAAAAAAAKiE/uA5fTbhHEDw/s1600/Usain%2BBolt%2Bin%2Bstudio.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pDlJvLKWrtk/TyBiU4rT74I/AAAAAAAAKiE/uA5fTbhHEDw/s400/Usain%2BBolt%2Bin%2Bstudio.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701665239202000770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WORLD RECORD: </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Usain Bolt</span>, recording star? The World's Fastest Man has been busy laying down vocals in the studio. Stay tuned.</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1VqzNK5tywU/TyBiUIOfsoI/AAAAAAAAKh0/Rb1pE3IYcss/s1600/Akon%2Bin%2BJ%2527ca.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1VqzNK5tywU/TyBiUIOfsoI/AAAAAAAAKh0/Rb1pE3IYcss/s400/Akon%2Bin%2BJ%2527ca.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701665226196234882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">ROCK SOLID: </span>Along with Alicia Keys, John Legend and Babyface, hip-hop star <span style="font-weight: bold;">Akon</span> was recently in the island working on reggae-spiked tracks for his next studio effort. Akon, who was reportedly in the studio with the Marley brothers Stephen and Damian, paid a visit to the Bob Marley Museum during his trip to Kingston.</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEVqVgNcXnQ/TyBtUEK7v1I/AAAAAAAAKiY/AyZoBCG-e2M/s1600/BH%2Band%2BDC.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEVqVgNcXnQ/TyBtUEK7v1I/AAAAAAAAKiY/AyZoBCG-e2M/s400/BH%2Band%2BDC.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701677319735459666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">POLITICAL SHEEN: </span>A mid-morning interview on Tuesday with the Reggae Film Festival's <span style="font-weight: bold;">Barbara Blake-Hannah</span> in New Kingston drew an impromptu visit from the PNP's <span style="font-weight: bold;">Damion Crawford</span>, who works right across the street.</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bBwFuBr60EM/TyBiTxryQ5I/AAAAAAAAKhk/vpa3Sf0GJ6k/s1600/Simpson-Miller2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bBwFuBr60EM/TyBiTxryQ5I/AAAAAAAAKhk/vpa3Sf0GJ6k/s400/Simpson-Miller2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701665220145070994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">MEET AND GREET:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">PM Portia Simpson-Miller</span> (left) is happily introduced to Deborah, the lovely wife of Pastor Derek Hughes, head of the First Baptist Church in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. During a courtesy call Tuesday at Jamaica House, Dr. Hughes outlined plans to assist with the re-building of the Mount Carey Baptist Church in St James, which was destroyed by fire in December 2010. Hughes noted that 60 percent of his church's membership is Jamaican and that they intend to build a long-term relationship with the country. Foreign Affairs minister, Senator A.J. Nicholson, (second left) looks on. </span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ePJLrABfawE/TyBiTq_uy8I/AAAAAAAAKhc/tD0IyNp_0bw/s1600/Simpson-Miller1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 231px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ePJLrABfawE/TyBiTq_uy8I/AAAAAAAAKhc/tD0IyNp_0bw/s400/Simpson-Miller1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701665218349681602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">TALKING SPORTS: </span>Last Friday, <span style="font-weight: bold;">PM Simpson-Miller</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Natalie Neita-Headley</span> (Minister with responsibility for Sports) sat for an engaging meeting with the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mike Fennell</span>, President of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), to discuss Jamaica’s preparation plans for the highly anticipated London Olympic Games, set for this summer.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/on-scene-pm-simpson-miller-mike-fennell.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian15" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-8704801258374419327?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-29994452450487757562012-01-24T17:53:00.000-08:002012-01-24T18:21:39.965-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2w_g7KGDhMY/Tx9iK8u2lyI/AAAAAAAAKhQ/csacN4NsAgI/s1600/Oscars2012Noms.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 238px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2w_g7KGDhMY/Tx9iK8u2lyI/AAAAAAAAKhQ/csacN4NsAgI/s400/Oscars2012Noms.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701383593515194146" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">CREAM OF THE CROP: </span>AMPAS President Tom Sherak and actress Jennifer Lawrence announce the 2012 Oscar nominees.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"></div><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) on Tuesday morning announced the nominees for the 84th Academy Awards. Martin Scorsese’s <span style="font-style: italic;">Hugo</span> is the most nominated film with 11 bids, followed by <span style="font-style: italic;">The Artist</span>, with 10. The Oscars will be aired live on ABC on Sunday, Feb. 26. Below, the contenders in the 10 major categories:</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">BEST PICTURE:</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">The Artist</span><br style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">The Descendants</span><br style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">Extremely Loud &amp; Incredibly Close</span><br style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">The Help</span><br style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">Hugo </span><br style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">Midnight in Paris</span><br style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">Moneyball</span><br style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">The Tree of Life</span><br style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">War Horse </span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Favourite: </span>Expect <span style="font-style: italic;">The Artist</span> to outshine the competition.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">BEST DIRECTOR:</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Michel Hazanavicius, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Artist</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Alexander Payne, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Descendants</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Martin Scorsese, <span style="font-style: italic;">Hugo</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Woody Allen, <span style="font-style: italic;">Midnight in Paris </span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Terrence Malick, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Tree of Life </span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Favourite: </span><span style="font-style: italic;">The Artist</span>’s Michel Hazanavicius seems poised to cop his first win. Steven Spielberg snubbed for <span style="font-style: italic;">War Horse</span>? Mild shocker.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">BEST ACTOR:</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Demián Bichir, <span style="font-style: italic;">A Better Life</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">George Clooney, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Descendants</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Jean Dujardin, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Artist</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Gary Oldman, <span style="font-style: italic;">Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Brad Pitt, <span style="font-style: italic;">Moneyball</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Favourite:</span> Having won for<span style="font-style: italic;"> Syriana</span> a few years back, George Clooney is now well on his way to Oscar #2.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">BEST ACTRESS: </span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Glenn Close, <span style="font-style: italic;">Albert Nobbs</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Viola Davis, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Help</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Rooney Mara, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Meryl Streep, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Iron Lady</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Michelle Williams, <span style="font-style: italic;">My Week With Marilyn</span></span><br style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Favourite:</span> Too close to call; the Davis vs. Streep contest will go down to the wire. Notice how Rooney Mara has snatched that coveted last spot ahead of <span style="font-style: italic;">Young Adult</span>’s Charlize Theron.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: </span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Kenneth Branagh, <span style="font-style: italic;">My Week With Marilyn</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Jonah Hill, <span style="font-style: italic;">Moneyball</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nick Nolte, <span style="font-style: italic;">Warrior</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Christopher Plummer, <span style="font-style: italic;">Beginners</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Max Von Sydow, <span style="font-style: italic;">Extremely Loud &amp; Incredibly Close</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Favourite: </span>Plummer is highly deserving of the award, but Nick Nolte is a worthy darkhorse in my book.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Bérénice Bejo, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Artist</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Jessica Chastain, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Help</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Melissa McCarthy, <span style="font-style: italic;">Bridesmaids</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Janet McTeer, <span style="font-style: italic;">Albert Nobbs</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Octavia Spencer, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Help </span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Favourite: </span>The award is Spencer’s to lose.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY:</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Michel Hazanavicius, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Artist</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Annie Mumolo &amp; Kristen Wiig, <span style="font-style: italic;">Bridesmaids</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">J.C. Chandor, <span style="font-style: italic;">Margin Call</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Woody Allen, <span style="font-style: italic;">Midnight in Paris</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Asghar Farhadi, <span style="font-style: italic;">A Separation</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Favourite:</span> Woody Allen arrives as the best bet here, especially following his wins at the recent Critics’ Choice and Golden Globes ceremonies.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY:</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Alexander Payne, Jim Rash &amp; Nat Faxon, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Descendants</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">John Logan, <span style="font-style: italic;">Hugo</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">George Clooney, Grant Heslov &amp; Beau Willimon, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Ides of March</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Aaron Sorkin &amp; Steven Zaillian, <span style="font-style: italic;">Moneyball</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Peter Straughan &amp; Bridget O’Connor, <span style="font-style: italic;">Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy</span></span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Favourite: </span>A showdown between <span style="font-style: italic;">The Descendants</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Moneyball</span>. It’s a tight race.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">BEST ANIMATED FILM:</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">The Adventures of Tintin</span><br style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">A Cat in Paris</span><br style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">Chico &amp; Rita</span><br style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">Kung Fu Panda 2</span><br style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">Puss in Boots</span><br style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">Rango </span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Favourite: </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Rango</span> stands the best chance, but Spielberg’s <span style="font-style: italic;">Tintin</span> has the muscle to pull off an upset.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM</span>:<br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bullhead </span>(Belgium)</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Monsieur</span> Lazhar (Canada)</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A Separation</span> (Iran)</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Footnote</span> (Israel)</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">In Darkness</span> (Poland)</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Favourite: </span>The critically acclaimed<span style="font-style: italic;"> A Separatio</span>n is a shoo-in for the win, building on its success at the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards.</span> <br /> <br /><iframe width="490" height="320" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ODy4Z2Lp_jE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/oscar-nominations-2012-hugo-artist-earn.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian14" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-2999445245048775756?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-2995815494775581982012-01-22T15:18:00.000-08:002012-01-22T15:34:10.708-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bxmp-hbqQfY/TxyZukRYaFI/AAAAAAAAKg4/UoHI7g04xmQ/s1600/Yendi1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bxmp-hbqQfY/TxyZukRYaFI/AAAAAAAAKg4/UoHI7g04xmQ/s400/Yendi1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700600253633816658" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">ON MY OWN:</span> Yendi opens up about her new life.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">A lot is different about Yendi Phillipps these days. For instance, the 26-year-old former Miss Jamaica is plunged headlong into one of the busiest phases of her life – at the helm of her eponymous not-for-profit foundation. “Because January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the month has been very active for me in terms of the foundation and getting stuff out there,” she tells <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH</span> over a late lunch at Liguanea’s Café Blue, chicly attired in a breezy top, shorts and flats. “We just shot a 30-second PSA that I wrote and directed, which will be airing this month. I’m really excited about that and getting the message out. I still have a million things going on so the year has started out really well for me.”</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Then there’s her new look, one that’s decidedly less glamorous than what we’re using to getting from the whip-smart dynamo who narrowly missed out on being crowned Miss Universe 2010. Yendi is changing. “My style depends on the mood I am in the in on the day,” she confesses. “I don’t make a habit of wearing makeup everyday and being prim. Unless I am going on TV,” she adds with a chuckle. This new Yendi, single and supremely career-driven, is lending new meaning to the notion of embracing change. All around, she appears poised for full-fledged womanhood. “The work I am doing and the relationships I have with corporate partners continue to grow and get stronger, which is great.”</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Miss Phillipps has much, much more on the mind. So naturally, <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH</span> wasted little time in firing a barrage of questions her way:</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >TALLAWAH: Congrats on the nomination for Celebrity Role Model for the upcoming Youth View Awards. What do you make of the recognition?</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Yendi: I was nominated and won that award last year. So to be nominated again speaks volumes, and I really appreciate the fact that I am considered for the award again. It makes me really happy. And because it’s the voice of the young people, it makes me feel like I am on the right track.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Speaking of youth, Lisa Hanna is Jamaica’s latest Youth and Culture minister. What do you think of her appointment?</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I think Lisa will be an amazing minister. I think she has the country’s best interest at heart. For my generation coming up, she was the people’s queen, so we hold her in high esteem, and I think that she will perform exceedingly well. I remember being in awe of her. I wouldn’t say that she definitely influenced me per se, but I remember being in awe of her absolutely.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >In general, we are seeing women increasingly ascend to positions of power – and not just in Jamaica.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I think we have come a far way. Gone are the days when women can feel as though we are not equal. There still are issues to be addressed, but I think that we have come such a far way that we have female CEOs, female directors and leaders in the business sector, politics. We have come a far way, and I do feel like we are in a good place in society, especially in Jamaica.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Are you thrilled about this year’s Jamaica 50 celebrations?</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">“I have mixed emotions about Jamaica 50. I think it’s amazing that Jamaica, as small as we are, can celebrate 50 years of Independence, and I am really glad to be here to experience it and feel that sense of pride. But I find that we still have so much more work left to be done. For an independent nation we have a lot of T’s to cross and I’s to dot, and I feel that people should be lost in the celebrations of Jamaica 50, but I also feel that everybody should be making plans for the next 50 years. What will we celebrate at 100? For me, I feel like we are just making waves, you know. And I hope we don’t get a sense of complacency just because we have reached a milestone. I really hope there are plans for the next 50 years which will be passed on from government to government.”</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHXyFqWcuzM/TxyZu-I8EyI/AAAAAAAAKhE/PTzpoZO2X8I/s1600/Yendi2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHXyFqWcuzM/TxyZu-I8EyI/AAAAAAAAKhE/PTzpoZO2X8I/s400/Yendi2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700600260577727266" border="0" /></a><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Let’s get personal for a minute. Your storybook romance with track star Asafa Powell is no more. What are you willing to reveal about the breakup?</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">We have not been together for a year now. As a woman, I hold certain values and standards for myself. I feel like I was raised by a man who is of exemplary character. And as such I hold certain values and standards, and because of that I just felt as though things had to go a different direction [with me and Asafa]. I felt it was for the best.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >So no hard feelings. It was an amicable split.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">We are friends, but nothing more. I don’t like excitement.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Are you dating now?</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Right now I’m just focusing on me and the Yendi Foundation.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Career-wise, is there anything else you still want to do?</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I have something coming up that I’m most excited about because it takes me back to my dancing past. A lot of people might not know that my first degree is actually in dance, so I’m a dancer first before anything else.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br face="arial"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >You’ll be 27 this year. How do you feel about the woman you’ve become?</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I feel like I am in a great place. I feel like I am the most balanced I’ve ever been in my life. I feel like I’ve reconnected to myself. I feel like I am in touch with my Creator a little more, and as a result I feel empowered. I feel like a lot of great things are happening, and it’s because I have set priorities and have everything in order.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/yendi-exclusive-women-in-power-loving.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian11" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-299581549477558198?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-34210049303084985832012-01-22T14:39:00.000-08:002012-01-22T15:03:11.497-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tYrTG7os0s/TxyTfGBuX-I/AAAAAAAAKgg/IlMrpFUi0bU/s1600/War%2BHorse%2Bpic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tYrTG7os0s/TxyTfGBuX-I/AAAAAAAAKgg/IlMrpFUi0bU/s400/War%2BHorse%2Bpic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700593390747279330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">THE BIG PICTURE:</span> Few plays have managed a successful transition from stage to screen. Of course, <span style="font-style: italic;">Frost/Nixon</span> ranks among the noteworthy exceptions, but then there’s Roman Polanski’s <span style="font-style: italic;">Carnage</span> (adapted from Yasmina Reza’s <span style="font-style: italic;">God of Carnage</span>), which failed to capture the snark and wit of the stage original. Now comes Steven Spielberg’s big-screen adaptation of the Tony-winning <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">War Horse</span>, a sprawling and well-made love story of a boy (Jeremy Irvine) and his horse (Joey) – and one of the most emotionally resonant pictures of 2011. Slightly reminiscent of Spielberg’s Oscar-winning <span style="font-style: italic;">Saving Private Ryan</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">War Horse</span> illuminates a terrible wartime experience even as it explores a deeply moving human interest story.</span> <br /><br face="arial"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-55ok9hW9agA/TxyTebIw76I/AAAAAAAAKgU/iylnM9Blayw/s1600/Think%2BLike%2BA%2BMan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 373px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-55ok9hW9agA/TxyTebIw76I/AAAAAAAAKgU/iylnM9Blayw/s400/Think%2BLike%2BA%2BMan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700593379234082722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">IN TUNE:</span> Say what you want about <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jennifer Hudson</span>, but you can’t deny the fact that the Oscar and Grammy winner is a gifted belter. Her latest hit, the titular number from the forthcoming <span style="font-style: italic;">Think Like A Man</span> soundtrack, finds Hudson dually flexing her writing (passable) and vocal (remarkable) muscles with a bouncy mid-tempo record that dishes advice to the sisters on how best to navigate today’s intimacy landscape. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ne-Yo</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rick Ross</span> lend a couple respectable verses which feel a tad out of place. As such, the song works best when Hudson assumes the spotlight. Based on the Steve Harvey<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>bestseller, <span style="font-style: italic;">Think Like A Man</span> (starring Michael Ealy and Taraji P. Henson) is due in cinemas March 9.</span> <br /><br face="arial"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cy9knGqSEGM/TxyTeMyrt1I/AAAAAAAAKgI/D7-_oqjJXsY/s1600/joan-didion-blue-nights.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 230px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cy9knGqSEGM/TxyTeMyrt1I/AAAAAAAAKgI/D7-_oqjJXsY/s400/joan-didion-blue-nights.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700593375383369554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">READING ROOM: </span>This month’s TALLAWAH Book Club selection is…. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Joan Didion</span>’s treatise on loss and love <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Blue Nights</span>, in which the acclaimed author of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Year of Magical Thinking</span> recounts her grief over the death of her beloved daughter, Quintana. Order your copy and read with us. </span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/tallawah-picks-stephen-spielbergs-war.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian9" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-3421004930308498583?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-59209154219035257632012-01-22T14:05:00.000-08:002012-01-22T14:22:26.530-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GwD9CFD85_s/TxyKUqgkKCI/AAAAAAAAKf8/9R8o88k_PjI/s1600/holding-on-to-jah.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 207px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GwD9CFD85_s/TxyKUqgkKCI/AAAAAAAAKf8/9R8o88k_PjI/s400/holding-on-to-jah.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700583315957098530" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">TOUR DE FORCE: </span>The award-winning doc to be reprised next month.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"></div><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There are two motives behind the exciting coming attraction dubbed the “Best of the Reggae Film Festival 2011,” scheduled for next month. First, the organizers want to acknowledge the national observations of Reggae Month. Second, it will give those who missed last year’s remarkable crop of entries to enjoy the award-winning highlights. Come Feb. 18, the movie garden of the Red Bones Blues Café, St. Andrew, will serve as the venue. </span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Among the variety of gems set to grace the screen are the feature film <span style="font-style: italic;">Rocksteady – the Movie </span>(Best International Feature), starring <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cedric Sanders</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">David ‘Steel Pulse’ Hinds</span>, and the Rastafarian documentary <span style="font-style: italic;">Holding On To JAH</span>, which took home the Special Honour Award – Documentary. </span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A special feature of the evening will be the screening of a trio of Jamaican shorts, including a new episode of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Dutty Bwoy</span> animated series by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Reinardo ‘Mental’ Chung</span>, last year’s winner of the Digicel Animation Award. Attendees can also expect to take in the three winning entries from the RBC Make A Film in 24 Hours competition. </span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/stellar-showcase-best-of-reggae-fest.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian8" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-5920915421903525763?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-55330863806966034932012-01-22T13:53:00.000-08:002012-01-24T11:10:12.944-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw-dulDFerw/TxyFtzMD3_I/AAAAAAAAKfw/hkC9Jdsvxrs/s1600/Aston%2BCooke.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw-dulDFerw/TxyFtzMD3_I/AAAAAAAAKfw/hkC9Jdsvxrs/s400/Aston%2BCooke.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700578250225606642" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">FLIPPING THE SCRIPT: </span>Aston Cooke back on the literary scene.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">After a lengthy self-imposed hiatus, award-winning playwright Aston Cooke is back. The writer behind such comedic stage classics as <span style="font-style: italic;">Jamaica 2 Rahtid</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Single Entr</span>y is among the creative minds headlining next month's Talking Trees Literary Fiesta in Treasure Beach. According to organizers, Cooke will be giving festivalgoers a first taste of a new production (title and other details to be revealed anon) that he expressly wrote in time for Jamaica 50.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Also appearing at the fest this year: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Easton Lee</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Michael Abrahams</span>,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Malachi Smith</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Christine Craig</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kalilah Enriquez</span>, folklorist <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fern Luecke</span>, novelist <span style="font-weight: bold;">Melanie Schwapp</span> and non-fiction writers <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fabian Thomas</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mark Thomas</span>.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br face="arial"><span style="font-family:arial;">A panel discussion will focus on the art of writing for children. The second staging of Talking Trees, set for Feb. 25 on the grounds of the Two Seasons Guest House, forms part of the Treasure Beach Culturefest 2012, a special celebration for Black History Month and Jamaica’s Golden Jubilee. </span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/captain-cooke-jamaica-2-rahtid.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian7" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-5533086380696603493?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-11427606426116183152012-01-22T13:24:00.001-08:002012-01-22T13:42:08.170-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gAzCQ6phX-A/TxyABE9nbYI/AAAAAAAAKfY/hphdjYmYtdc/s1600/Usain%2Band%2BVCB.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gAzCQ6phX-A/TxyABE9nbYI/AAAAAAAAKfY/hphdjYmYtdc/s400/Usain%2Band%2BVCB.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700571984344608130" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The World’s Fastest Man</span> and sprint queen <span style="font-weight: bold;">Veronica Campbell-Brown</span> have capped off their challenging 2011 season by picking up the prestigious RJR Sports Foundation Sportsman and Sportswoman awards. The awards were presented during a ceremony at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston on Friday night. Both athletes now turn their attention to preparing for the impending London Summer Olympics, where they’ll be out to defend their gold medal titles in the sprints. Congrats, guys.</span><br style="font-family:arial;">**** <br /><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Actor Boy Awards</span> is getting a major makeover, starting with a fresh panel of adjudicators for the 2011-12 season. “The former judges, bless their hearts, have been with us for a while, and we thought it would be a nice change to rotate them,” Awards co-chair and JADA president <span style="font-weight: bold;">Scarlett Beharie</span> explains to <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH</span>. “Judges will now change every two years. So someone who has judged before can always be invited to judge again later down the line.”..... The five new judges are Christine Ann Bell, Tanya Batson-Savage, Karen Harriott, Keith Noel and Franklyn St. Juste. Nominations will be announced “mid-February,” while the awards show is slated for March 26. </span><br style="font-family:arial;">**** <br /><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Fire up the presses: Nominations for the 2012 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thespian Spirit Awards</span> to be announced Jan. 30. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nadean Rawlins</span> vs. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dahlia Harris</span>? <span style="font-style: italic;">Last Call</span> vs. <span style="font-style: italic;">Charlie’s Angels</span>? Stay tuned.</span><br style="font-family:arial;">**** <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTSSW4su8MM/TxyBut17UII/AAAAAAAAKfk/zFEYmK8X4gQ/s1600/Tami%2Band%2BKruddy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTSSW4su8MM/TxyBut17UII/AAAAAAAAKfk/zFEYmK8X4gQ/s400/Tami%2Band%2BKruddy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700573867923951746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tami Chynn</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">DJ Kruddy</span> to host the Youth View Awards Feb. 4 inside the National Indoor Sports Centre. Tifa leads all nominees with 8 nods. Performers will include <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ce’Cile </span>and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wayne Marshall</span>.</span> <br />****<br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Jamaica has been plunged into deep sadness at the death of Ambassador the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hon. Dudley Joseph Thompson, OJ, QC.</span> Ambassador Thompson passed away Friday morning a day after his 95th birthday. “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Hon. Dudley Thompson, an outstanding Jamaican politician, diplomat and statesman, and a personal and dear friend for more than four decades,” says <span style="font-weight: bold;">PM Portia Simpson-Miller</span>. “His passing is exceptionally painful for me, as it was only recently, after my electoral victory, that he called with a most heart-warming congratulation.”</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/overheard-what-people-are-talking-about.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian6" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-1142760642611618315?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-70580107163855755822012-01-22T12:57:00.001-08:002012-01-22T13:20:52.475-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FwMdEekl24A/Txx7ddzSd-I/AAAAAAAAKe0/lVyz3DeRlTM/s1600/reggae_film_fest_2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FwMdEekl24A/Txx7ddzSd-I/AAAAAAAAKe0/lVyz3DeRlTM/s400/reggae_film_fest_2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700566974490376162" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">REEL TALK: </span>Blake-Hannah (right), with Antiguan filmmaker Tameka Jarvis-George in 2011.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">In addition to showcasing new works from local and international filmmakers, the 2012 Reggae Film Festival, slated for April 17-21 in Kingston, will be offering attendees a slice of nostalgia.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">According to the Jamaica Film Academy and chief festival organizer Barbara Blake-Hannah, a special Jamaica 50 aspect of the festival’s programme will feature retrospective screenings of classic Jamaican films like the beloved <span style="font-style: italic;">The Harder They Come</span>, which marked the start of an indigenous feature film industry; the award-winning documentary<span style="font-style: italic;"> Life + Debt</span> that deals with the politically turbulent 1970s; and short films by cinematographer Chris Browne from his pre-<span style="font-style: italic;">Ghetta Life</span> period.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Also in 2012, the RFF will introduce an international programme of films outside the reggae genre, in a bid to enable the programme to include entries already received from Africa, the USA and the Middle East. There is even an entry from Iran.</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7pAeYXw5P4/Txx8wmMoCLI/AAAAAAAAKfM/5SontZynMy0/s1600/Jimmy%2BCliff%2B-%2BTHTC.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 195px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7pAeYXw5P4/Txx8wmMoCLI/AAAAAAAAKfM/5SontZynMy0/s400/Jimmy%2BCliff%2B-%2BTHTC.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700568402673273010" border="0" /></a><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">“In five years the Reggae Film Festival has showcased more than 200 films highlighting reggae culture made by Jamaicans, global reggae researchers and fans from the Caribbean, UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Africa,” observes Blake-Hannah. “The focus of many documentaries on the history of Jamaican music and music makers has given the Jamaica Film Academy an archive of historical material on the genre that preserves on film the oral memories of a culture that that emerged from the Rastafari movement and spread to and been honored by the world.”</span><br face="arial"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">As a precursor to the big event in April, the Jamaica Film Academy will host a special “Best of the Reggae Film Festival 2011” on Feb. 18 at the Red Bones Blues Café in St. Andrew.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/looking-back-reggae-film-fest-plans.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian5" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-7058010716385575582?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-4832548983796011902012-01-21T14:11:00.000-08:002012-01-21T14:29:13.284-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-woyyxTqQZ68/Txs65Xrng0I/AAAAAAAAKeo/RZBXz615ngE/s1600/The%2BIron%2BLady.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-woyyxTqQZ68/Txs65Xrng0I/AAAAAAAAKeo/RZBXz615ngE/s400/The%2BIron%2BLady.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700214510651409218" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">ROLE WITH IT: </span>Streep acts the part in <span style="font-style: italic;">The Iron Lady</span>.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"></div><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Meryl Streep’s turn as iconic British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in <span style="font-style: italic;">The Iron Lady</span> is such a tour-de-force that you rather quickly forget you are watching an actress inhabit a daunting role. Portraying the historical figure – from age 49 to 85 – Streep’s performance is destined to be ranked among the finest of her now-legendary screen career.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Much like the woman herself, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Iron Lady</span>, as directed by Phyllida Lloyd (<span style="font-style: italic;">Mamma Mia</span>, also starring Streep), is flawed – it often glosses over key events in that era of British history – but it is full of wisdom and wit. So although the film aims to accomplish more than simply offer viewers a fleeting history lesson centred on the iconic figure who happened to rock British politics in the 80s as the nation’s first female head of government it woefully misses the mark. And the way I see it, the film’s nonlinear narrative further compounds this issue.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Alternately respected and reviled, Thatcher was certainly a force to be reckoned with. And as Streep’s work and the film at large attests, she abhorred weakness, strongly championed the working class and had the tendency to make the men around her feel inferior, but especially her longsuffering husband Dennis (Jim Broadbent) and those who served in her administration when she ascended to the prime ministership in the time of Ronald Reagan, the Cold War and other international affairs of critical import.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The biopic jumps back and forth in time, as it illuminates varied aspects of Thatcher’s life (marriage, motherhood…). Most compelling though: her youthful ambition to enter representational politics as a woman bent on breaking through the barriers of gender and class to be heard in a male-dominated world – and her heart-breaking descent into dementia in old age. The young Margaret Thatcher is played by the talented, steadfast Alexandra Roach.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Substance-wise, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Iron Lady</span>, penned by Abi Morgan (<span style="font-style: italic;">Shame</span>), lacks sufficient clout and muscle. But the leading lady’s charactertistically splendid effort makes the film watchable at the very least. Throughout the film, Streep’s Oscar-worthy and majestic performance remains completely immersed and reliably convincing. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tyrone’s Verdict: <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">B</span></span></span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/being-maggie-oscar-worthy-streep-is.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian4" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-483254898379601190?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-24324749615123058032012-01-21T11:05:00.000-08:002012-01-22T08:04:27.737-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukq5SlmaPhE/TxsNLN4HQeI/AAAAAAAAKec/GSasDeErxM8/s1600/WHERE%2BIS%2BMY%2BFATHER1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukq5SlmaPhE/TxsNLN4HQeI/AAAAAAAAKec/GSasDeErxM8/s400/WHERE%2BIS%2BMY%2BFATHER1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700164239722234338" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">DOUBLE TROUBLE: </span>Howard and McLean star in <span style="font-style: italic;">Where Is My Father</span>.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><i><b>Where Is My Father</b></i> (Basil Dawkins' Production)</span><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Director: Douglas Prout</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Cast: George Howard, Allison McLean, Jean-Paul Menou, Nadean Rawlins and Julene Robinson</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Venue: Little Little Theatre, Kingston. <br /></span><div><span style="font-family:arial;"> <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Scandal and shame in the family would be an apt subtitle for writer-producer Basil Dawkins’ latest effort, <span style="font-style: italic;">Where Is My Father</span>, a powerful and illuminating domestic drama that arguably finds Dawkins at the height of his creative powers. After last season’s ultra-disappointing <span style="font-style: italic;">A State of Affairs</span>, the prolific playwright is back in ace form with a piece that soars on the back of its sturdy cast, deft direction from Douglas Prout, and outstanding technical support. For one, Robin Baston has come up with a remarkable set design that allows the proceedings to segue from scene to scene with a sort of incredible ease.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">While elucidating the cycle of abuse and poverty and the issue of absentee fathers that continues to plague Jamaican families from all walks, the play dually exposes a disgraceful and ugly side of life in some quarters – the ghetto, to be more specific – where people are willing to do whatever it takes to simply survive. The end justifies the means. Issues like these, as well as familial stability, have always figured prominently in Dawkins’ work, but here he tackles them with greater rigour and relish.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Nadean Rawlins (all fire and tough-mindedness) heads the cast as Joycelyn, a beleaguered innercity mother so desperate for an ease from her indigent circumstances that she is willing to coerce her reluctant teenaged daughter Evadney (a terrific Allison McLean) into a sexual relationship with Rupert (George Howard, excellent), a local handyman with some kindness in him that could be masking his true colours. But that’s only skimming the surface of the plot.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">At the core of the story is Evadney’s relentless mission to locate the privileged young man who, along with a group of his friends, sexually assaulted and knocked her up. Evadney refuses to have her infant grow up without paternal input. Problem is, the boy has fled the country, and his powerful father, a Mr. McDermott, a slimy big-shot attorney (played by Jean-Paul Menou with rueful arrogance) would sooner see her dead than have her drag the McDermott name into scandal. But determined as she is, Evadney will stop at nothing to see the right thing done and with the help of McDermott’s long-serving secretary (Julene Robinson), she sets a plan in motion.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">What plays out is a twisty and expertly spun story fuelled by a compelling mixture of high-wire drama and clever comedic moments. It’s the sort of convincing storytelling for which Dawkins has earned his widespread repute. If his characters are finely honed stereotypes, the superb cast fleshes them out under Prout’s guidance. McLean is a great find, the fresh-faced ingénue who almost outshines her more seasoned costars. It’s a sit-up-and-take-notice performance she offers, marked by emotional heft and moments of vulnerability, very much like the play itself.</span> <br /><br face="arial"><span style="font-family:arial;">Trafficking in dangerous, unsettling business, <span style="font-style: italic;">Where Is My Father</span> ultimately benefits from sharp acting, smart writing, and superb direction. There is next to nothing to complain about. In the end, the production – a sure-bet contender for best play of the year – can only be described as brutal with flashes of brilliance. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tyrone’s Verdict: <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">A-</span></span></span></div></div> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/lie-to-me-where-is-my-father-is-brutal.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian3" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-2432474961512305803?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-65964882230778109592012-01-21T10:37:00.001-08:002012-01-22T14:36:34.378-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YG-lW1RVz6M/TxsGX0IAETI/AAAAAAAAKeE/dha2BTRCQGM/s1600/Kathleen%2BEdwards.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YG-lW1RVz6M/TxsGX0IAETI/AAAAAAAAKeE/dha2BTRCQGM/s400/Kathleen%2BEdwards.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700156759566455090" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">OFF THE WALL: </span>Edwards addresses loss and longing on new album.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">There is a certain plaintiveness and warmth in the work of Norah Jones and Joni Mitchell that evokes balmy afternoons as it works its way under your skin. Lyrical and magically moving, the music positively haunts you. Like Jones and Mitchell, Canadian siren Kathleen Edwards is possessed of a bewitching voice and a mesmerizing aura that extends to her just-released new album, <span style="font-style: italic;">Voyageur</span>. Full of tranquility and artistically spare instrumentation, the music transports you to some whimsical realm where a river refreshes the landscape.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">From such sultry mid-tempo cocktails like opener “Empty Threat,” about moving to America, to </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aqE7Z-3ks4o/TxsKMZCJ13I/AAAAAAAAKeQ/6vPtAn5Fv68/s1600/Kathleen%2BEdwards%2B-%2BVoyageur.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aqE7Z-3ks4o/TxsKMZCJ13I/AAAAAAAAKeQ/6vPtAn5Fv68/s400/Kathleen%2BEdwards%2B-%2BVoyageur.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700160961362122610" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">slow-burning flames like “House Full of Empty Rooms” and “Pink Champagne,” these are brilliant songs that wouldn’t be out of place on a record from Alison Kraus – to name-drop another incredible high priestess of indie resonance. At just 10 tracks, <span style="font-style: italic;">Voyageur</span> boasts a dreamy combination of twangy pop, fantastical folk and stirring alternative country, with just the right hints of naked music.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br face="arial"><span style="font-family:arial;">As evidenced by the mesmeric, absolutely transcendent words and melodies she employs in composing songs like “Mint,” ultimately elevating them to genuine works of art, Edwards, 33, is a poetess of high standing. Dealing with subjects as readily identifiable as love, remorse, and yearning, this emotional collection finds her at her most alluring, while bearing irrefutable evidence that Kathleen Edwards is a remarkable talent who deserves to be better known. Moody and magical, <span style="font-style: italic;">Voyageur</span> is a memorable trip to bountiful. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tyrone’s Verdict:<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> A-</span></span></span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/bittersweet-faith-edwards-voyageur.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian2" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-6596488223077810959?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-54340861399616497372012-01-17T21:29:00.000-08:002012-01-17T21:45:36.839-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GU33U6wY7mo/TxZZVWAvVpI/AAAAAAAAKc8/VodX1DjmToY/s1600/Konshens%2Bchicks.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GU33U6wY7mo/TxZZVWAvVpI/AAAAAAAAKc8/VodX1DjmToY/s400/Konshens%2Bchicks.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698840601704748690" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">FASHION ROCK STAR: </span>A hip new clothing line on the way from Konshens.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">He just keeps breaking all the rules. In addition to crafting pulsating new hits for his upcoming <span style="font-style: italic;">Mental Maintenance </span>studio album (due out Feb. 28), Konshens is venturing into womenswear via his super-trendy new fashion line dubbed <span style="font-weight: bold;">OH’K</span>. The dancehall star, who is personally spearheading the initiative, describes the line as “the perfect combination of two of his loves: fashion and his fans, who for the most part are females.”</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">On the aesthetic front, OH’K will feature pieces that are “casual and artistically unique with artisanal quality and a touch of glamour.” </span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">But why the name OH’K? “It draws its inspiration from the Jamaican dancehall, urban culture and hot new trends in graphic art and fashion,” Konshens explains. “The OH'K female is youthful, chic, and urban with her finger on the pulse of what's fresh and happening now. The line will represent and speak directly to the females with that urban edge.”</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br face="arial"><span style="font-family:arial;">Though an official date for the line’s launch is yet to be finalized, Konshens advises that the public can expect its arrival “soon.” </span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxwQnzFPNbA/TxZZVqAcqeI/AAAAAAAAKdE/AN01M99gdCY/s1600/Shaggy%2Band%2BKate%2BDeluna.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxwQnzFPNbA/TxZZVqAcqeI/AAAAAAAAKdE/AN01M99gdCY/s400/Shaggy%2Band%2BKate%2BDeluna.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698840607072233954" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH</span>’s January cover star Shaggy is showing no signs of slowing down in 2012. On the heels of the recent Shaggy &amp; Friends charity concert, the megastar has announced the upcoming release of <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Summer in Kingston</span> (The Lava Edition)</span>, due in stores in the United States as of Feb. 8. <br /> <br />“It will have three brand new songs on it: “Dame” (feat Kat Deluna), “Hurting,” and “She Gives Me Love,” from my upcoming album that I'm working on with Sly and Robbie,” says Shaggy. “This version of the album will also be available on iTunes, Amazon, etc.”</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/scoop-konshens-readies-trendy-new.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?sebastian1" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-5434086139961649737?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-90534078740802063802012-01-17T20:55:00.000-08:002012-01-17T21:27:42.572-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRqH2cCkRwA/TxZV6piOJRI/AAAAAAAAKck/oiSVAXg2A5Y/s1600/RAINE2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRqH2cCkRwA/TxZV6piOJRI/AAAAAAAAKck/oiSVAXg2A5Y/s400/RAINE2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698836844554102034" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">THE ARTIST:</span> Raine Seville inside the Pegasus gallery.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">On a warm Tuesday afternoon inside the restaurant at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, Raine Seville is the main attraction, beaming in a breezy minidress that sets off her luminous skin tone. But it’s her rocker-chick blonde hairdo that keeps turning heads. So naturally the conversation comes around to her diverse approach to all things style.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">In case you hadn’t noticed, Raine, 25, is not only earning props for her edgy blend of dancehall, pop-R&amp;B grooves and sultry soul, she’s also fast becoming known for pushing the creative limits in the fashion department. “My mood inspires my style,” she tells <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH</span>. “So sometimes I’m feeling for something goth-rock and other days I’m a tomboy, so you’ll see me in my jeans and uppers.”</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Rihanna, unsurprisingly, is among her many influences, and like the Bajan superstar, Raine Seville knows how to capture attention. “As an artiste you can’t be predictable,” she observes. “You have to keep people guessing.” The girl practices what she preaches. Only a few nights ago, Raine was spotted in the mix at Sean Paul’s low-key birthday celebration at Fiction sporting a sexy, neon-bright pixie cut. Today the hair is decidedly blonde. What’s up next, I inquire. “Pink or blue, in the next two weeks,” she replies with a laugh. Unpredictable indeed.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">In person, Raine (</span><span style="font-family: arial;">née </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Lorraine) Seville buzzes with a soulful, grounded energy, and her speech is peppered with a remarkable intelligence that says something about her upbringing and education at Wolmer’s Girls. Hailing from a musical family (her dad, for one, played guitar), Raine says a professional career in music was always in the cards for her. And almost four years have elapsed since she got her first taste of the biz, popping up most recently on Sean Paul’s star-packed Material Riddim Medley with the flirtatious gem “Rollercoaster.”</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uEAQSrPj95I/TxZV6x1evmI/AAAAAAAAKcw/J1B8gf_vups/s1600/RAINE1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uEAQSrPj95I/TxZV6x1evmI/AAAAAAAAKcw/J1B8gf_vups/s400/RAINE1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698836846782365282" border="0" /></a><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">“So far I’ve been very fortunate. Very blessed,” says Raine, who holds a degree in Marketing and International Business from UTech. “But I still have a long way to go. I still don’t have that major hit yet that people know me for. But I’m definitely working on that. I want to be a household name.”</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Up next is promotion for her brand new collabo with Mavado called “Cheating Games,” an emotional breakup tune. It has already racked up over 12,000 hits on YouTube in only a couple days. Raine also continues to push her brand that encompasses her unique sound. “My first love is R&amp;B, but I’m a dancehall artiste, so I chose to fuse both,” she explains. “So the result is a sound that I call R&amp;D (rhythm and dancehall). I’ve been told that that’s what makes me different.” And, in our book, a stylish standout.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style=" color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">&gt;</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Raine on being a mother (to one-year-old Laila):</span> “It’s life-changing. It [has] brought about maturity. She’s the motivation behind everything I do. You become more focused.”</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br face="arial"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">&gt;</span> On relationships:</span> “Love is beautiful, but it’s also complicated. If you’re not strong, you won’t survive. Communication is key.”</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/girl-of-moment-raine-seville-riffs-on.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone12" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-9053407874080206380?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-18457322212346946152012-01-17T20:37:00.000-08:002012-01-17T20:54:21.999-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bjFfkAtMA0I/TxZM_jjTjwI/AAAAAAAAKcM/rw5fNmBIK4c/s1600/Bedward%2B-%2Bmarriott.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 313px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bjFfkAtMA0I/TxZM_jjTjwI/AAAAAAAAKcM/rw5fNmBIK4c/s400/Bedward%2B-%2Bmarriott.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698827033242734338" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">THE PLAY'S THE THING:</span> “Bedward will support needy and worthy social causes through fundraising benefit deals,” says Marriott.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Anticipation is, as expected, building for the upcoming revival of Louis Marriott’s stage classic <span style="font-style: italic;">Bedward</span>. And the producer is bent on capitalizing on the weeks and days leading up to the grand premiere. Fundraising benefit tickets are now available for the 18 performances of the historical musical play, scheduled to run <span style="font-weight: bold;">March 2 – 18 inside the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium, Jamaica College</span>. According to Marriott, the provision of fundraising benefit tickets is in fulfillment of the production’s mission statement “to support needy and worthy social causes through fundraising benefit deals.”</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The 2012 production also promises to be “a groundbreaking event.” The internationally acclaimed Yvonne Brewster will direct a cast populated by the exemplary talents of Alwyn Scott, Winston “Bello” Bell, Barbara McCalla, Michael Forrest, Teddy Price, Trevor Fearon, Hugh Douse, Jean-Paul Menou, Renee Rattray, Andrew Lawrence and Grace McDonald. Ron Steger is handling the set design, Noel Dexter the music, choreography is by Dr. Maria Smith while Nadia Roxburgh will serve as the lighting designer. Stage manager Alvin Campbell will be assisted by Pamela Bennett. </span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">In July 1960, <span style="font-style: italic;">Bedward</span> (Marriott’s first full-length play) launched as <span style="font-style: italic;">The Shepherd</span> at the Ward Theatre. It has had two revivals at the Little Theatre, in 1984 and in 1985. The play was also the climax of the “Reliving the Glory” series of productions in 2003-4 to celebrate “The Year of the Ward.” </span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bedward</span> was also the major drama production presented at the World Youth Festival in Kingston in 1985. That same year, it played to full houses and earned standing ovations at Miami’s Gusman Cultural Centre.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">For the 2012 incarnation, among the prospective beneficiaries identified are educational institutions, past students’ associations, clubs and societies; church fellowships and outreach groups; citizens’ associations and other community organisations; organisations of and for the disabled; health-related associations; women’s organisations; associations involved in child welfare and development; sports associations; sports clubs; and service clubs. </span><br face="arial"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bedward</span> is being sponsored by the <span style="font-style: italic;">Gleaner</span>, Ultra Protection, and Chaser’s Café. To book a benefit, contact the producer at 929-1712 or 838-2421 or 771-6808. Or send an email to louis.marriott1935@gmail.com. </span> <br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fs9lSEIwhxA/TxZM_ilvy3I/AAAAAAAAKcY/hUora4Zaiaw/s1600/Bedward%2Bpic.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 328px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fs9lSEIwhxA/TxZM_ilvy3I/AAAAAAAAKcY/hUora4Zaiaw/s400/Bedward%2Bpic.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698827032984537970" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">STAGE PRESENCE: </span>A scene from <span style="font-style: italic;">Bedward</span> (2004, Ward Theatre, downtown Kingston).</span> <br /></div> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/stage-preview-louis-marriott-revives.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone11" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-1845732221234694615?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-36534242504905311542012-01-17T16:08:00.000-08:002012-01-17T16:28:43.413-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UC9vRDCkT3M/TxYOVlztB4I/AAAAAAAAKcA/WLWB8ARY5zA/s1600/The%2BDescendants1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UC9vRDCkT3M/TxYOVlztB4I/AAAAAAAAKcA/WLWB8ARY5zA/s400/The%2BDescendants1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698758142572955522" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">GLORY DAZE: </span>Family matters for Clooney and Woodley in <span style="font-style: italic;">The Descendants</span>.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"></div><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Emotions run high in <span style="font-style: italic;">The Descendants</span>, a poignant and amazingly acted family drama that tackles its core subjects of grief, love and forgiveness to great effect. Set in Hawaii, the Alexander-Payne directed film also showcases sumptuous scenery, throwing some visual splendour into its heady mixture of sorrow and gut-wrenching family secrets.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The film focuses on Matt King (George Clooney), a deeply likeable and hardworking lawyer and family man charged with the weighty responsibility of solely raising his two headstrong daughters – Alex, 17, and Scottie, 10, – following a devastating boating accident that puts his wife in a permanent coma. Taking care of the girls (who have a taste for the occasional expletive), running his law practice and worrying about his dying wife while overseeing the sale of family land descended from royalty, Matt is in over his head. Before long, he earns your empathy.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Even so, it becomes evident that Matt is somewhat out-of-touch. Overly consumed as he was with his work prior to his wife’s accident, Matt had absolutely no clue that she was carrying on an affair with a local realtor (played with goofy appeal by Matthew Lillard) for quite some time. The older daughter (a terrific Shailene Woodley) and close friends of the couple knew. So as it turns out, the series of unfortunate events becomes a much-needed wake-up call for Matt, who subsequently becomes consumed by the need to confront his wife’s lover. “I want to see his face,” he tells Alex.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">But all in all, Matt King is a decent, stand-up guy with admirable qualities – and today there is hardly a better living actor than Clooney to do him justice. It’s ideal casting. Clooney’s performance is superbly executed, steeped in control and nuance. Onscreen, we’re using to seeing George Clooney as the dashing lady-killer, but here he’s convincing as the concerned father figure grappling with unanticipated circumstances.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">For his part, Payne (<span style="font-style: italic;">Sideways</span>) casts a compassionate eye and brings just the right amount of sensitivity to The Descendants, elevating the film to a wonderful tale of family and fractured relationships. Although it grows a tad too sentimental towards the end, you find that it’s Payne’s way of evoking the beauty and peace that comes with letting go.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Tyrone’s Verdict: <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">A-</span></span></span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/letting-go-well-wrought-and-well-acted.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone10" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-3653424250490531154?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-60477425913759274192012-01-17T15:26:00.000-08:002012-01-17T16:10:01.903-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IA_bP8e0Gb8/TxYHhWJDRpI/AAAAAAAAKb0/aWBQnYRICKE/s1600/Portia%2Bpic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IA_bP8e0Gb8/TxYHhWJDRpI/AAAAAAAAKb0/aWBQnYRICKE/s400/Portia%2Bpic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698750647944562322" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">THE (NEW) IRON LADY: </span>Simpson-Miller addresses Parliament.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller has advised the newly installed Members of Parliament to place the people of Jamaica at the heart of their deliberations and decision-making in the House of Representatives.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Simpson-Miller, who was addressing Gordon House during Tuesday's swearing-in ceremony for the 63 MPs elected in last month's General Elections, reminded the elected reps that they are servants of the people and should not betray the national collective trust. <br /> <br />“We should count it a great honour to have been chosen by the people of Jamaica to occupy this important place in the affairs of our nation," said Simpson-Miller. "The people of this nation have reposed their trust and confidence in us, and we will work assiduously in these very challenging economic times to live up to that trust and protect the rights and interests of the Jamaican people."</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Simpson-Miller said that as Jamaica celebrates its Jubilee anniversary this year, the task placed in the country’s leaders is made that more urgent. “We will uphold the laws of the land and conduct ourselves, and the people’s business, with sensitivity and sincerity. We will make participation, accountability and responsibility the watchwords of this new Parliament."</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The Prime Minister also called for unity and respect between Government and Opposition members, and committed to putting mechanisms in place to provide for meaningful inclusion of and consultation with civil society and non-governmental organisations.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br face="arial"><span style="font-family:arial;">Meanwhile, Simpson-Miller welcomed the House's 20 new MPs, expressing that she is looking forward to their vigorous contribution to the discourse, discussions and debates in Parliament.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/simpson-miller-gordon-house-put-jamaica.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone8" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-6047742591375927419?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-61897080907058073232012-01-17T08:51:00.000-08:002012-01-17T09:19:44.035-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gIqtM3E9kso/TxWnizTJZFI/AAAAAAAAKbc/5PUsiyF9mjc/s1600/Silvera%2Band%2BMcF%2B-%2BBack%2BA%2BYaad.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gIqtM3E9kso/TxWnizTJZFI/AAAAAAAAKbc/5PUsiyF9mjc/s400/Silvera%2Band%2BMcF%2B-%2BBack%2BA%2BYaad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698645119835137106" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">DOWN AND OUT: </span>Silvera (right) and McFarlane get physical.</span> <br /><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Back A Yaad </span>(DMH Productions)</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Director:<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>Owen Ellis</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cast: Dahlia Harris, Chris McFarlane, Akeem Mignott and Deon Silvera</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Venue: Pantry Playhouse, New Kingston</span>. <br /></div></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">There is absolutely nothing pretty about the hardscrabble Mucky Pen, the ghetto community that serves as the setting in Dahlia Harris’ well-written new comedy-drama <span style="font-style: italic;">Back A Yaad</span>, an occasionally unsettling but ultimately important work. As Harris proved with previous efforts <span style="font-style: italic;">Judgement </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">God’s Way</span>, she finds little allure in the superficial glamour of people’s lives; rather, she’s much more interested in the raw and the real.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">To that end, she has crafted an engaging story that examines a channel-surfing of themes and issues – from disillusionment, anger and fear to the universal ideas of community and family, and what we’re willing to sacrifice to escape our difficult circumstances. Then there’s that inescapable thing so loosely referred to as ‘madness’. In the universe of <span style="font-style: italic;">Back A Yaad</span>, the word dually trades in the concepts of insanity and rage.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Although the tale doesn’t always steer clear of the formulaic route, there’s some undeniable wit here and the layered characters, which consistently come across as authentic samples of struggling Jamaicans, are brought to life by a terrific cast. But above all, <span style="font-style: italic;">Back A Yaad </span>successfully captures the rigours and pressures of innercity living.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The set design’s miles of zinc fence and wooden dwellings, to cite only a few of the elements, speak to the deep and abiding hardships of the people who inhabit Mucky Pen, once a thriving neighbourhood known as Majesty Gardens. How times have changed.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Today the area is home to people like Madeline (a wonderful, unrecognizable Deon Silvera), whose overwhelming hard-knock experiences have pushed her into a mental illness that demands regular medication. Her teenaged son Justin (Akeem Mignott, full of vigour) has had to drop out of school, now charged with the responsibility of tending to his mother. It’s a burden for the youth, and it regularly brings out his penned-up resentment. As their backstory indicates, Maddy and Justin have been abandoned by family and friends.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The resident “skettel”, the vociferous Rihyonce (played by Harris with tireless hilarity), also faces a similar plight, but she finds hope in her passion for singing – even entering a local televised talent contest. Think <span style="font-style: italic;">Rising Stars</span>.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">For help the residents often look to Empress (Harris, pulling double stage duty), their calculating Rastafarian neighbour whose resources afford her some power over the less fortunate. So when prideful returning resident Jeremiah Pound (Chris McFarlane, grows into the role) arrives from Britain with his foreign style and strange ideologies, Empress deems him a threat to her position of influence and quietly hatches a scheme with the others to drive him away.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">And that’s when the action really heats up. Director Owen Ellis, whose roots are in comedy, manages to strike a decent balance between the light and the heavy stuff, as the emotions overflow, running the gamut from joy to palpable pain, frustration to relief. It's quite an entertaining roller-coaster of a play.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">At a time when our beloved island nation is pausing to reflect on the past 50 years, <span style="font-style: italic;">Back A Yaad </span>comes at an opportune time, holding up a crystal-clear mirror to the society, even if it touches on matters many other writers would be happy to ignore. Not Harris. Although she’s only three plays in, the multitasker is demonstrating a penchant for powerful and emotionally acute stories grounded in reality. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tyrone’s Verdict: <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">B+</span></span></span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/its-mad-mad-world-back-yaad-takes.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone7" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-6189708090705807323?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-12939649766686255122012-01-15T20:45:00.001-08:002012-01-15T21:30:40.031-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJbjAZ6BOJE/TxOyOhhcy4I/AAAAAAAAKas/cHPS8671tS8/s1600/Meryl%2BStreep%2B-%2BGG.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 350px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJbjAZ6BOJE/TxOyOhhcy4I/AAAAAAAAKas/cHPS8671tS8/s400/Meryl%2BStreep%2B-%2BGG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698093916140391298" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WINNER TAKES ALL: </span>Streep strikes gold at the Globes.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">On a night marked by quite a few notable upset wins in both the film and television categories, the acclaimed silent pic <span style="font-style: italic;">The Artist</span> and the Alexander Payne-directed family drama <span style="font-style: italic;">The Descendants </span>emerged winners of the coveted Best Picture honours – Musical/Comedy and Drama, respectively – at Sunday’s 69th Annual Golden Globes awards held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">In one of the most closely watched categories of the night, Meryl Streep (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Iron Lady</span>) copped Best Actress (Drama) over <span style="font-style: italic;">The Help</span>’s Viola Davis, for her critically lauded portrayal of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Clooney, as expected, was named Best Actor in a Drama for T<span style="font-style: italic;">he Descendants</span>, while Michelle Williams picked up Best Actress (Musical/Comedy) for <span style="font-style: italic;">My Week With Marilyn</span>. The Iranian divorce saga <span style="font-style: italic;">A Separation</span> was awarded Best Foreign Language Film.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Other big winners at the ceremony, hosted by the characteristically outrageous Ricky Gervais, included Woody Allen, Octavia Spencer, Kate Winslet, Claire Danes and Kelsey Grammer, who bested a field of fellow heavyweights to win Best Actor in a TV Series (Drama) for <span style="font-style: italic;">Boss</span>.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">In case you missed the show, <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH</span> has all the winners right here:</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >THE WINNERS FOR THE 2012 GOLDEN GLOBES:</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Best Motion Picture Drama: <span style="font-style: italic;">The Descendants</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Best TV Series, Comedy or Musical: <span style="font-style: italic;">Modern Family</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie: Kate Winslet, <span style="font-style: italic;">Mildred Pierce</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">TV Movie or Miniseries:<span style="font-style: italic;"> Downton Abbey</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama: George Clooney, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Descendants</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama: Meryl Streep, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Iron Lady</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy: Jean DuJardin, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Artist</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Director: Martin Scorsese, <span style="font-style: italic;">Hugo</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Best Motion Picture for Musical or Comedy: <span style="font-style: italic;">The Artist</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Actress in a TV Series, Comedy: Laura Dern, <span style="font-style: italic;">Enlightened</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture: Christopher Plummer, <span style="font-style: italic;">Beginners</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Original Song, Motion Picture: “Masterpiece,” Madonna, Julie Frost and Jimmy Harry</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Original Score, Motion Picture: <span style="font-style: italic;">The Artist</span>, Ludovic Bource</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Actor in a TV Series, Drama: Kelsey Grammer, <span style="font-style: italic;">Boss</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or TV Movie: Peter Dinklage, <span style="font-style: italic;">Game of Thrones</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy: Michelle Williams, <span style="font-style: italic;">My Week With Marilyn</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie: Idris Elba, <span style="font-style: italic;">Luther</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">TV Series, Drama: Homeland</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: Octavia Spencer, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Help</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Actor, TV Series Comedy: Matt LeBlanc, <span style="font-style: italic;">Episodes</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Actress in a TV Series, Drama: Claire Danes, <span style="font-style: italic;">Homeland</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Foreign Language Film: A Separation, <span style="font-style: italic;">Iran</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries, or TV Movie: Jessica Lange, <span style="font-style: italic;">American Horror Story</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Screenplay, Motion Picture: Woody Allen, <span style="font-style: italic;">Midnight in Paris</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Animated Feature Film: <span style="font-style: italic;">The Adventures of Tintin</span></span><br face="arial"><span style="font-family:arial;">Cecil B. DeMille Award: <span style="font-style: italic;">Morgan Freeman</span></span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7XueebqoIwg/TxO0NZEaTQI/AAAAAAAAKa4/qvlffhWZX40/s1600/Brad%2Band%2BAngelina%2B-%2BGG.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7XueebqoIwg/TxO0NZEaTQI/AAAAAAAAKa4/qvlffhWZX40/s400/Brad%2Band%2BAngelina%2B-%2BGG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698096095714495746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">STUDY IN ELEGANCE:</span> Nominees <span style="font-weight: bold;">Brad Pitt</span> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Moneyball)</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Angelina Jolie</span> (<span style="font-style: italic;">In the Land of Blood and Honey</span>) brought clean glam to the Globes red carpet.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/golden-globes-2012-artist-descendants.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone6" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-1293964976668625512?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-33427339507340677912012-01-15T20:44:00.000-08:002012-01-15T21:07:21.820-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8qT3FZZbCsk/TxOsnNdPHDI/AAAAAAAAKaI/jYMAIXeTH4I/s1600/Abby%2BGrant.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8qT3FZZbCsk/TxOsnNdPHDI/AAAAAAAAKaI/jYMAIXeTH4I/s400/Abby%2BGrant.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698087743180971058" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SHADY LADY: </span>Grant on acting and aspirations.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Whether saucy or sweet, fierce or friendly, Abigail Grant’s choice of roles continues to prove that the affable stage actress is caught in a matrix of evolution while poised between youth and full-fledged womanhood. Her newest role, where she portrays a persistent newspaper reporter, further bolsters this argument even as it serves as a fine showcase for her terrific talents. Grant rang up <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH</span> to talk about her still-blossoming career, navigating the industry’s unpredictable terrain, and the exciting field she hopes to take on next.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >TALLAWAH: I was greatly surprised to see you playing a journalist so convincingly in <span style="font-style: italic;">The Politicians.</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Grant: It’s something new for me. And I’m always open to new challenges and new experiences.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >How did you get ready for the part?</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Preparing for this role I did the usual research, then got myself ready to go into that frame of mind. You also have to get the age and the mannerisms right. I think I worked really hard to get everything right, physically and emotionally.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Did anything particularly surprise you about the world that journalists inhabit?</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Most definitely. Other people might look at [journalism] as something easy. But sometimes you have to go to extreme lengths to get the story that you’re after.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Looking back on your personal journey to this point, what makes you most proud?</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I started out as a very shy actress, but I I’ve definitely grown and matured with the help of people around me. I’ve come a far away – from being in a play with only a few lines to being given important roles. But I’m most proud of the work I did in <span style="font-style: italic;">Ghett’Out </span>because playing that older lady demanded a lot, and I managed to do it convincingly to the point where people came to the theatre and didn’t even recognize me.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >What did you learn about yourself in 2011?</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I learned that I’m a lot stronger than I thought. Being in this industry you are faced with so many things, including criticism that isn’t always good. But I’m glad that I decided that this is what I want, and I’m still working at it.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Is there anything else want to do?</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I’m thinking of venturing into television because that is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’m not sure yet of what exactly I want to do in TV, but I wouldn’t mind doing some hosting. I’m searching, so I’ll decide on it soon. I also want to do movies. We have a movie that should be released this year, but I hope to get more movie roles in my career.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >You’re 26 now. What did that age seem like ten years ago?</span><br face="arial"><span style="font-family:arial;">It seemed so far away. Sometimes I feel like I want to go back (<span style="font-style: italic;">Laughs</span>). Time is really moving fast. But I love being on stage. My work makes me happy.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/standing-out-abigail-grant-keeps.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone5" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7p13k_b2pk8/TxOwLxPpCxI/AAAAAAAAKag/9GDq60Q3R94/s1600/Bitter%2BSweet%2BLove%2BAD.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7p13k_b2pk8/TxOwLxPpCxI/AAAAAAAAKag/9GDq60Q3R94/s400/Bitter%2BSweet%2BLove%2BAD.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698091669797800722" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-3342733950734067791?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-90070559426848308762012-01-15T12:58:00.000-08:002012-01-15T13:21:19.008-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEgt2YxYlRY/TxM-yemizeI/AAAAAAAAKZ8/_kKCkAHg4FA/s1600/Bolt%2Band%2BBranson.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEgt2YxYlRY/TxM-yemizeI/AAAAAAAAKZ8/_kKCkAHg4FA/s400/Bolt%2Band%2BBranson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697966990482918882" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">FAST FRIENDSHIP: </span>Branson keeps up with Bolt on the set of their shoot.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">It’s quite a pairing: the planet’s fastest man stepping into the shoes of one of the richest. In a freshly premiered ad campaign from Virgin Media, Usain Bolt tries to convince us that he is British business titan Sir Richard Branson, even donning Branson’s signature goatee to make his ruse effective. It’s a noble attempt, but there’s just that little problem of race.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The tongue-in-cheek jokes play out in the vibrant clip, filmed in Kingston last year by Hollywood director Seth Gordon, who won raves for his 2011 hit comedy <span style="font-style: italic;">Horrible Bosses</span>, which stars Jason Bateman and Jennifer Aniston.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The advertisement campaign, which launched last on Saturday nationwide on British television, comes in the wake of Virgin Media signing the Jamaican Olympic star to a multimillion-pound deal to help promote the company’s superfast broadband service. Bolt and Branson will appear together in a series of the promotional ads.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br face="arial"><span style="font-family:arial;">“The trick was to avoid the obvious sportsman endorsement clichés,” explains Jeff Dodds, executive director of brand and marketing communications at Virgin Media. “It is a brilliantly simple idea.” The ad campaign, which has been created by agency DDB London, introduces the tagline ‘Keep Up’ that Virgin Media plans to use in future marketing activity.</span> <br /> <br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KrCMdirJ3lc" allowfullscreen="" width="490" frameborder="0" height="320"></iframe> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/identity-crisis-usain-bolt-says-hes.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone4" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-9007055942684830876?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-29338968675871831662012-01-15T10:47:00.000-08:002012-01-15T11:54:53.443-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XL8ri_5diIA/TxMhFKxe8EI/AAAAAAAAKZU/RgPuR0Oo6ao/s1600/Portia%2Band%2BAG.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 323px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XL8ri_5diIA/TxMhFKxe8EI/AAAAAAAAKZU/RgPuR0Oo6ao/s400/Portia%2Band%2BAG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697934326228774978" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WELCOME ON BOARD:</span> Jan. 10, Kingston. </span>Following a brief swearing-in ceremony last Tuesday at Jamaica House, <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">PM Portia Simpson Miller</span> had congratulatory words for newly installed <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Attorney General Patrick Atkinson, QC</span>. As he embarks on his new responsibilities, the Prime Minister has reportedly charged Atkinson to be diligent, thoughtful and balanced, noting that she is satisfied that the public’s interest will be well served by his appointment.</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3GMIU0DCM04/TxMhEQDHPkI/AAAAAAAAKZA/maSU0RsJyO8/s1600/Johnny%2BJohnson.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3GMIU0DCM04/TxMhEQDHPkI/AAAAAAAAKZA/maSU0RsJyO8/s400/Johnny%2BJohnson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697934310465027650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">ARTSY CROWD: </span>Jan. 13, St. Andrew.</span> African-American artist <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Johnny Johnson</span> with the Mutual Gallery's <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Gilou Bauer</span> (left) and curator <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Kathleen Walsh</span> at last Friday's opening of "Celebrating The Ties That Bind," a new exhibit at the Mutual Gallery that features samples of Johnson's acclaimed work.</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoApSqe1RzE/TxMhD1aCSLI/AAAAAAAAKY0/YIM_LPZHv5g/s1600/Barrington%2BWatson%2Band%2BPam%2BB..JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 293px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoApSqe1RzE/TxMhD1aCSLI/AAAAAAAAKY0/YIM_LPZHv5g/s400/Barrington%2BWatson%2Band%2BPam%2BB..JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697934303313414322" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">THE AUTOGRAPH MAN:</span> Jan. 8, Kingston.</span> American Ambassador to Jamaica, <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Pamela Bridgewater</span>, has painter <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Barrington Watson</span> sign a copy of the catalogue accompanying a retrospective showcase, recently mounted in the great man's honour at the National Gallery.</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FdMfb_b4CRs/TxMhJ2Ng6OI/AAAAAAAAKZw/wORZD4JMlWo/s1600/Sean%2BPaul%2Band%2BCraig.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FdMfb_b4CRs/TxMhJ2Ng6OI/AAAAAAAAKZw/wORZD4JMlWo/s400/Sean%2BPaul%2Band%2BCraig.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697934406608546018" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">CLUB VIBES:</span> Jan. 11, Kingston. </span>The Fiction nightclub over at Marketplace was the jump-off spot of choice for megastar <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Sean Paul</span> (left) to mark his 38th birthday last week. Voicemail's <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Craig Jackson</span> was among the celeb friends who passed through.</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_c2vRb-Aa7Y/TxMhJizcv0I/AAAAAAAAKZk/H3F8kruBJvg/s1600/Raine%2BSeville%2Bad%2BDexter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_c2vRb-Aa7Y/TxMhJizcv0I/AAAAAAAAKZk/H3F8kruBJvg/s400/Raine%2BSeville%2Bad%2BDexter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697934401398947650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">IN THE MIX: </span>Jan. 11, Kingston. </span>Dancehall bombshell <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Raine Seville </span>(centre, rocking a sexy new cut), stylist <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Dexter Pottinger</span> (right), and a younger gentleman, also partied with Sean Paul inside Fiction last Wednesday night.</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vwUkauew1tc/TxMhEopDQHI/AAAAAAAAKZM/Cxr5z-H3TEU/s1600/Portia%2B%2526%2BLIME.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 342px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vwUkauew1tc/TxMhEopDQHI/AAAAAAAAKZM/Cxr5z-H3TEU/s400/Portia%2B%2526%2BLIME.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697934317066600562" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">A WOMAN'S TOUCH:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jan. 11, Kingston.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">PM Portia Simpson Miller</span> </span>explores the features of the new Apple iPhone 4S presented to her by <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Garry Sinclair</span></span>,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>LIME’s Managing Director (Jamaica and the Cayman Islands), during a courtesy call on the PM at Jamaica House </span><span style="font-family:arial;">last Wednesday</span><span style="font-family:arial;">. PM Simpson-Miller is the first person in the Caribbean to receive the iPhone 4S, which is said to deliver up to two times more power and up to seven times faster graphics than other versions. The iPhone 4S, LIME’s newest mobile phone product, is set for a region-wide roll-out this month. </span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/flashing-lights-pm-portia-simpson.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone3" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-2933896867587183166?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-27892064722830951952012-01-13T14:02:00.000-08:002012-01-13T15:29:30.499-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TXz8EX0upk0/TxC7-GwxXEI/AAAAAAAAKXU/lTnoWd232L8/s1600/I-Octane%2Bdebut%2Balbum.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TXz8EX0upk0/TxC7-GwxXEI/AAAAAAAAKXU/lTnoWd232L8/s400/I-Octane%2Bdebut%2Balbum.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697260204265135170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">TUNEFUL APPEAL: </span>Due to arrive in stores and via online outlets on Feb. 14, I-Octane’s buzzworthy full-length debut effort, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Crying to the Nation</span>, is among the year’s most eagerly awaited reggae/dancehall releases. While the 16-track album is a showcase of I-Octane’s wholesome and individualistic meditations, he’s recruited Agent Sasco, Tarrus Riley and Albarosie for collaborations. Known for gritty songs exploring socio-political matters, I-Octane says originality is a quality he consistently aims for in his music. “Bob Marley and others already did social commentary about political fights, people getting shot, starting wars for their own benefit,” he recently told Billboard, “so I have to make sure I do mine in the I-Octane way.”</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2uLCuwL67c8/TxC7-fs9gPI/AAAAAAAAKXk/MxnrCcLpP-w/s1600/Hercules%2Bprod..jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 296px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2uLCuwL67c8/TxC7-fs9gPI/AAAAAAAAKXk/MxnrCcLpP-w/s400/Hercules%2Bprod..jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697260210960040178" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">MUSIC &amp; MYTH:</span> Last year, they brought high-school-musical fervour with a spirited staging of <span style="font-style: italic;">FAME: The Next Generation</span>. This year, it’s all about Grecian mythology. For their 2012 musical production, the Jamaica Junior Theatre Company presents <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Hercules</span>, an adaptation of screen productions about the legendary Greek hero mixed with classic songs from the Disney soundtrack – and driven by hefty cast of some 54 talented youngsters. Catch the show playing on weekends at the Philip Sherlock Centre, UWI Mona. Info: 927-1047.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/culture-beat-jamaica-junior-theatre.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone2" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JNYLMUUpMI4/TxC9wob1qdI/AAAAAAAAKXs/B6Qbr7bZnWc/s1600/Anansi%2Band%2BGoat%2BHead%2BSoup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 341px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JNYLMUUpMI4/TxC9wob1qdI/AAAAAAAAKXs/B6Qbr7bZnWc/s400/Anansi%2Band%2BGoat%2BHead%2BSoup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697262171809229266" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-2789206472283095195?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-59165906467482297182012-01-13T14:01:00.001-08:002012-01-13T15:18:54.469-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8oetbvBZG5A/TxC6S7iS6JI/AAAAAAAAKW8/5Y9xDaHZQ-k/s1600/Sonia%2BKing.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8oetbvBZG5A/TxC6S7iS6JI/AAAAAAAAKW8/5Y9xDaHZQ-k/s400/Sonia%2BKing.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697258363005626514" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WISE WORDS: </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A</span></span>uthor Sonia King reads at the 2011 Talking Trees fiesta.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">As part of the inaugural Bread Basket Festival in Treasure Beach, St. Bess, the Talking Trees Literary Fiesta (put on by the 2 Seasons Guest House last May) brought a welcome dose of cultural flair to the coastal town – while the Calabash Festival was still on hiatus.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">With the impending return of Calabash to Jake’s on the customary Labour Day weekend, the organizers of Talking Trees are pulling their event up to <span style="font-weight: bold;">February 25</span> for this year’s second staging.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Now it would appear that Treasure Beach is the prime road-trip destination for local culture lovers who don’t plan on missing a single one of the islandwide events that fall under the Jamaica 50 umbrella. “We are aiming for the same high standard that [everyone’s] contribution helped to set in May 2011,” explains Christine Marrett, proprietor of the 2 Seasons Guest House and chief organizer of the event. “This year, Talking Trees will be part of the Treasure Beach Culture Fest, which is a Jamaica 50-endorsed event.”</span><br face="arial"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Featured writers and speakers at last year’s Talking Trees included Joan Andrea-Hutchinson, Ian Randle, Judith Falloon-Reid and Keiran King. This year’s lineup is yet to be announced.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/save-date-talking-trees-lit-fiesta.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone1" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script> <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7s6R5mvUk7g/TxC7b_R30iI/AAAAAAAAKXI/Ma5L84J9QF4/s1600/Back%2BA%2BYaad1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7s6R5mvUk7g/TxC7b_R30iI/AAAAAAAAKXI/Ma5L84J9QF4/s400/Back%2BA%2BYaad1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697259618140934690" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-5916590646748229718?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-71398193661634358882012-01-13T14:00:00.000-08:002012-01-13T15:09:21.194-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Nr9pXM4uRI/TxCya6kxn9I/AAAAAAAAKWk/Bos1Qkv8CcI/s1600/Make%2BA%2BFilm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 363px; height: 186px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Nr9pXM4uRI/TxCya6kxn9I/AAAAAAAAKWk/Bos1Qkv8CcI/s400/Make%2BA%2BFilm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697249704093523922" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">QUICK STUDY: </span>Sponsors back on board for film contest.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Thanks to their fruitful partnership in 2011, the Jamaica Film Academy and RBC Bank are joining forces again to stage the exciting Make-A-Film in 24 Hours competition at this year’s Reggae Film Festival, slated to take place <span style="font-weight: bold;">April 17-21 in Kingston.</span></span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The Academy reports that through the renewal of RBC’s lucrative partnership with the festival (now in it’s fifth year), a link has been made with Cameron Bailey (Deputy Director of the RBC-sponsored Toronto International Film Festival), who will be in attendance at this year’s Reggae Film Fest as convenor and chief Judge of the Make-A -Film contest. Last year, some 15 filmmakers accepted the challenge. Emerging talent Vanessa Phillipps copped first-place honours, which came with a cash award of $50,000.</span><br face="arial"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">More good news: RBC’s sponsorship of the Trinidad &amp; Tobago Film Festival has provided the Reggae Film Festival with a link to that event as well. A contingent from Trinidad has been invited to present a selection of Caribbean films here in Kingston at the fest in April.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/reggae-film-festival-rbc-returns-as.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone99" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ySPFlfaCbrs/TxC1W1Tg1uI/AAAAAAAAKWw/baxoLl9Hj60/s1600/Bitter%2BSweet%2BLove%2BAD.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ySPFlfaCbrs/TxC1W1Tg1uI/AAAAAAAAKWw/baxoLl9Hj60/s400/Bitter%2BSweet%2BLove%2BAD.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697252932494350050" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-7139819366163435888?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-3242065495472505142012-01-11T11:53:00.000-08:002012-01-11T12:12:27.291-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQfIqsp5UPk/Tw3rgArcA3I/AAAAAAAAKV8/9QlIQDuSKSs/s1600/Konshens%2Bpic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQfIqsp5UPk/Tw3rgArcA3I/AAAAAAAAKV8/9QlIQDuSKSs/s400/Konshens%2Bpic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696468038864077682" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">THE RIGHT NOTE: </span>Konshens at his recent shoot in Trinidad.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Weeks away from the arrival of his solo debut studio album, <span style="font-style: italic;">Mental Maintenance</span>, dancehall heavy-hitter Konshens is ratcheting up the anticipation with a slew of TV projects – and a surprising image upgrade. Earlier this week, the entertainer – who has dyed his hair an eye-catching shade of red – flew to Trinidad to shoot the latest commercial for Mackeson Stout, a brand he has been endorsing as a paid spokesman since 2010.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Konshens, who <span style="font-weight: bold;">marks his 27th birthday this Wednesday</span>, is also lending his star power to the Ministry of Health’s newest safe-sex awareness campaign, appearing in the 30-second advert which has been airing on local stations and voicing the campaign’s catchy theme song.</span><br face="arial"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">By all appearances, the dancehall star’s visibility and promotional blitz is progressing smoothly as the countdown to his album release intensifies. <span style="font-style: italic;">Mental Maintenance</span> arrives in stores and via online outlets on Feb. 28.</span> <br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YoyEV5EpVCo/Tw3rf-iRXFI/AAAAAAAAKV0/II71OOXjAxw/s1600/Konshens%2Bad%2Bshoot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YoyEV5EpVCo/Tw3rf-iRXFI/AAAAAAAAKV0/II71OOXjAxw/s400/Konshens%2Bad%2Bshoot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696468038288759890" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SPOTLIGHT: </span>Konshens on the set of the latest Mackeson Stout TV commercial.</span> <br /></div> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gqpag0Akrgk/Tw3rgc8mrGI/AAAAAAAAKWM/wVb9Q0txkxo/s1600/Konshens%2Bpic2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gqpag0Akrgk/Tw3rgc8mrGI/AAAAAAAAKWM/wVb9Q0txkxo/s400/Konshens%2Bpic2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696468046452272226" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/star-turn-konshens-debuts-new-look.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone97" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-324206549547250514?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-53732438845996848162012-01-11T11:02:00.000-08:002012-01-11T18:25:33.084-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DsjaYm8ZPds/Tw3iCsGTBRI/AAAAAAAAKU4/8UhQ0gVckmA/s1600/Harry-Belafonte.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 384px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DsjaYm8ZPds/Tw3iCsGTBRI/AAAAAAAAKU4/8UhQ0gVckmA/s400/Harry-Belafonte.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696457639518733586" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">HARRY'S STORY: </span>Belafonte to be interviewed for <span style="font-style: italic;">OnePeople</span> documentary.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The keenly awaited <span style="font-style: italic;">OnePeople</span> documentary is increasingly becoming the screen event of the year. Diligent producers Justine Henzell and Zachary Harding have kicked things into a whole new gear by adding a range of fresh global features, including the Motherland, to give the finished product greater dimension and add to the range of voices.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Henzell, speaking over the phone with <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH</span>, also disclosed that the original Jan. 6 deadline for public submissions has been changed to allow more people to get their footage in. “We decided to move [the date] to Bob Marley’s birthday, February 6, because we thought that in a way that would be significant to what we are doing.”</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The full-length documentary, being crafted to coincide with this year’s celebrations of Jamaica 50, aims to explore the country’s global reach after half-a-century. It will get an official world premiere this August.</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zTvS15iPEPU/Tw3kJv6MbOI/AAAAAAAAKVE/XiXWJH8HlTQ/s1600/One_People.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 231px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zTvS15iPEPU/Tw3kJv6MbOI/AAAAAAAAKVE/XiXWJH8HlTQ/s400/One_People.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696459959824051426" border="0" /></a><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Meanwhile, among its many new facets, <span style="font-style: italic;">OnePeople</span> will showcase interviews “with Jamaicans who have excelled in the Diaspora,” explains Henzell.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">So far the lot includes essayist Malcolm Gladwell; British MP Diane Abbott; Christopher John Farley of the Wall Street Journal; Rev. Rose Hudson at the House of Commons; Courtenay Griffiths Q.C.; Peter B. Henry, who is Dean of the NYU Stern School of Business; Trevor Williams, the lead economist at Lloyds in London; Sir William Atkinson in London; renowned jazz pianist Monty Alexander; composer Shirley Thompson; the Jamaican Maurice Ashley, who holds the distinction of being the first black man in the world to become a Chess International Grandmaster; the poet Elizabeth Alexander, and many others.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Up next, the renowned Harry Belafonte will be interviewed in New York on Jan 30, while financier Michael Lee Chin will grant a sit-down interview on January 25 here in Kingston.</span> <br /><br style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">STORY: </span><a href="http://www.tallawahmagazine.com/2011/11/tales-of-paradise-onepeople-doc-to.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">OnePeople</span> doc to explore Jamaica’s impact after 50 years</a></span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/all-abuzz-african-features-harry.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone96" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-5373243884599684816?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-39002554663839924752012-01-11T09:10:00.001-08:002012-01-13T10:07:06.087-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dTsPCogIyMI/Tw3H9GKJUtI/AAAAAAAAKUc/fSNr4ijIXM4/s1600/cherine_anderson.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 235px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dTsPCogIyMI/Tw3H9GKJUtI/AAAAAAAAKUc/fSNr4ijIXM4/s400/cherine_anderson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696428956132659922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">PRIMA DONNA:</span> With another busy year ahead, rebel songstress <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Cherine</span> will kick off her 2012 calendar of activities with the official world premiere of her new video, "How We Living," this Thursday at Oneil’s Place (Hagley Park Road) in Kingston. The event, which will double as a concert, will also serve as the official introduction of the singer’s backing band, the Rockfort Rebels. Later in the month, Cherine will reteam with the legendary Sly &amp; Robbie when they grace the stage at the Raggamuffin Festival in New Zealand.</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P2byLU0nWok/Tw3H9Nv6aZI/AAAAAAAAKUs/Tjh9jZUkULU/s1600/Etana%2Bpic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P2byLU0nWok/Tw3H9Nv6aZI/AAAAAAAAKUs/Tjh9jZUkULU/s400/Etana%2Bpic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696428958170114450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">ROCK STEADY: </span>Lady <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Etana</span> has begun 2012 the best way she knows how: with new music. The singer-songwriter has put out “I Am Strong,” an inspirational ballad of empowerment produced by Kemar ‘Flava’ McGregor. The multi-award-winning star, who hopes to put out a brand new album by summer, could be adding more trophies to her mantle this season, as she is among the nominees for Favourite Cultural Artiste at next month’s Youth View Awards (YVAs).To vote for Etana text #25 ETANA to 1-876-284-9900.</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l8XkjPBCshA/Tw3H8y_NW4I/AAAAAAAAKUU/Ee0JgA5tQX4/s1600/Alicia%2BKeys.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l8XkjPBCshA/Tw3H8y_NW4I/AAAAAAAAKUU/Ee0JgA5tQX4/s400/Alicia%2BKeys.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696428950986513282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">ISLAND ESCAPE: </span>Grammy winner and reggae-dancehall superfan <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Alicia Keys</span>, who has announced that her next album is due out this year, is reportedly on the island laying down tracks at Portland’s relaxing Geejam Studios, which has become a real superstar magnet since its grand opening a couple years ago. Last year, Keys made her foray into theatrical production with <span style="font-style: italic;">Stick Fly</span>, which opened on Broadway to critical acclaim in December. <span style="font-style: italic;">Stick Fly</span>, which revolves around two well-to-do-couples vacationing in Martha’s Vineyard, stars Tracie Thoms, Condola Rashad, Mekhi Phifer and Jamaica’s own Dule Hill.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/coffee-talk-cherine-to-perform-at-new.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone95" a <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-3900255466383992475?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-66784801752710766192012-01-10T19:12:00.002-08:002012-01-10T20:16:34.794-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZMyjN9t6R8/Tw0IxGHPxXI/AAAAAAAAKTk/4PtZWKkQSPA/s1600/Stephen%2Band%2BDamian%2BMarley.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZMyjN9t6R8/Tw0IxGHPxXI/AAAAAAAAKTk/4PtZWKkQSPA/s400/Stephen%2Band%2BDamian%2BMarley.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696218743241164146" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">MARLEY MAGIC: </span>Stephen (right) and Damian in performance.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Accolades are nothing new for Stephen Marley, whose latest effort, <span style="font-style: italic;">Revelations Part I</span>, is among the nominees for Best Reggae Album at the Feb. 12 Grammy Awards. Unsurprisingly, Stephen was rather blasé about the whole thing when <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH</span> bumped into him at last Saturday’s Shaggy &amp; Friends. “Well, I make the music, and if I hear that it’s nominated – cool. It’s good. If it wasn’t nominated I wouldn’t feel any way,” he explains. “I just make the music. So it do what it do. The music speaks for itself.”</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Marley, 39, confesses though that he’s gone through considerable maturity – both personal and artistic – since his last solo outing <span style="font-style: italic;">Mind Control</span> earned him the much-coveted award. “I’ve grown since <span style="font-style: italic;">Mind Control</span>. That was 2007, now is 2012. So I’m hoping that people see the growth within me since that time to this time.”</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br face="arial"><span style="font-family:arial;">The in-demand reggae singer and producer also revealed that he’s hard at work on a sequel to Revelations, due out later in 2012. “<span style="font-style: italic;">Part II</span> is coming on very good,” he says. “In terms of a release date, I’m hoping for April of this year.”</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/exclusive-stephen-marley-talks-grammys.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone94" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-6678480175271076619?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-48746523780802838752012-01-10T19:12:00.001-08:002012-01-10T20:16:56.557-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4MEhVv9KVY/Tw0ASznxsgI/AAAAAAAAKTY/2YY7sLLodQ0/s1600/POPCAAN.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4MEhVv9KVY/Tw0ASznxsgI/AAAAAAAAKTY/2YY7sLLodQ0/s400/POPCAAN.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696209426788233730" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">UP RISING: </span>"The hard work is paying off," says the rising star.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The first thing that strikes you about ascendant dancehall disciple Popcaan is his easygoing style crossed with a sense of detachment. And it comes as a bit of a surprise. Titles like ‘hottest newcomer in contemporary dancehall music’ would inspire real arrogance in many of his peers, but Popcaan remains grounded while seemingly taking his newfound success in stride. “It’s a good feeling because I put in the hard work, and the success tek time ah come through,” he says of his burgeoning career, speaking with <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH</span> at Jamaica House at the recent Shaggy &amp; Friends charity concert. “So we give God thanks for everything.” </span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br face="arial"><span style="font-family:arial;">The artiste (né Andrae Sutherland)</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> does have much to be grateful for. In an industry often criticized for its dearth of bonafide shining opportunities for neophytes, Popcaan earned household-name status within a very short span and, perhaps even more noteworthy, in the pantheon of local entertainers who matter, he's being hailed among the standouts of 2011. <br /> <br />As if intent on maintaining his impressive career arc in the New Year, the 23-year-old singjay (known for club hits like "Ravin") is now up for a slew of awards this season, including multiple noms for next month’s Youth View Awards (YVAs) and <span style="font-style: italic;">The Star</span>’s People’s Choice Awards. As far as Popcaan sees it, the recognition has come as a result of the tireless drive he brings to the music. “It’s because of the hard work. The awards [are] just to make sure that my thing stay uplifted,” he observes. “The music ah go keep coming, so I’m gonna get even more awards. You done know that at the end of the day hard work makes it all possible. So it is what it is.”</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/new-flavour-popcaan-storms-modern.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone93" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-4874652378080283875?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-43072543676583734232012-01-09T17:17:00.001-08:002012-01-09T21:18:38.954-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uIUpUE3uY6k/TwuSU_kYXgI/AAAAAAAAKRs/iiLULVebXx8/s1600/Mental%2BChung.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uIUpUE3uY6k/TwuSU_kYXgI/AAAAAAAAKRs/iiLULVebXx8/s400/Mental%2BChung.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695807043099188738" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">IN THE SPIN: </span>“I want to dominate the whole year,” says Chung.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></div><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">If you’re among the viewers struck by the often graphic depiction of violence in Reinardo Chung’s animated videos, the fast-rising filmmaker will be quick to tell you that the bluntness of the scenarios he devises isn’t purely gratuitous. As Chung explains, he’s simply tapping into subjects that his predominantly young Jamaican audience finds appealing. “It mainly has to do with our youth culture, and youths tend to gravitate towards films that have excitement and action,” the ingenious 28-year-old tells <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH</span>. “So for me it’s more of an exciting thing to do.”</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">By all accounts, people are excited by the fascinating work Chung has been doing in the world of animation since he began taking his passion for computers more seriously some three years ago. Today, the ambitious self-taught multimedia artist, who goes by the moniker Mental Chung, is busy taking the viral world by storm. His animated videos, including the clever and criminally funny <span style="font-style: italic;">Dutty Bwoy </span>series, have been gaining increasing popularity in Cyberspace, but especially on YouTube and Facebook where thousands have watched and commented.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">His most recent release, centred on a verbal-turned-physical confrontation between dancehall kingpins Bounty Killer and Beenie Man, quickly went viral last month and even found its way to widely-watched televised entertainment programmes like <span style="font-style: italic;">Entertainment Report</span>. “The response has been overwhelming,” the St. Ann native confesses. “I didn’t expect it to reach that far so quickly, but I am grateful for the support.”</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">More important, Chung’s efforts have not gone unrecognized. At the 2011 Reggae Film Festival, he copped the coveted Animation award for his first short feature <span style="font-style: italic;">Bad Influence</span>, which <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH </span>called “intensely thrilling” and “a testament to the assuredness of Chung’s art.” Expectedly, the filmmaker plans to kick things into overdrive in 2012, while building on his up-from-nowhere success. “I want to dominate the whole year and take my work internationally, and just continue to do what I am doing. I plan to showcase even more this year.”</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br face="arial"><span style="font-family:arial;">Ultimately, Chung sees himself evolving into a full-fledged director bringing Jamaican stories to vivid life. “I want to go into film direction because storytelling is something I am interested in,” says Chung, who names <span style="font-style: italic;">The Harder They Come</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Shottas </span>among the Jamaican films he has high regard for. “I believe I can tell stories in a dynamic way.” If his efforts so far are any indication, Chung has what it takes to become the next big thing.</span> <br /> <br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/c5gi0Lo9uzU" allowfullscreen="" width="490" frameborder="0" height="320"></iframe> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/art-in-motion-reinardo-chung-brings-his.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone92" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-4307254367658373423?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-53184651510076095942012-01-08T16:42:00.000-08:002012-01-09T09:02:42.431-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdg4yCWF6Xo/Two4PXEAoII/AAAAAAAAKQw/JYglDzN37tg/s1600/Lauryn%2BHill.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 378px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdg4yCWF6Xo/Two4PXEAoII/AAAAAAAAKQw/JYglDzN37tg/s400/Lauryn%2BHill.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695426515303440514" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Among the finest music events on local soil, the Shaggy &amp; Friends charity concert remains a big draw primarily on the merit of its crowdpleasing lineup of singers and deejays (including the likes of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Miss Lauryn Hill</span>), an exquisite setting, and its organizers’ obviously painstaking attention to detail. In the end though, the success of any show of its kind is largely hinged to what unfolds centrestage. Below, the 8 bonafide highlights from Saturday night:</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Shaggy and Maxi Priest revivify “That Girl”</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This scorching collabo from two of reggae’s most celebrated all-stars was a high-point for concertgoers who are always up for a nostalgic trip down music’s memory lane. The charismatic duo provided just that with a refreshing take on their 1996 duet.</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Assassin keeps it real </span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Ace entertainer Assassin’s arsenal of hit songs perpetually includes those resonant meditations on the status quo – like the fan favourites “Hand to Mouth,” “Same Ting Again” and the prayerful “Jah Guide and Protect” – which made him of the most crowdpleasing performers of the night.</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Lauryn Hill finishes with “Doo Wop (That Thing)”</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Show-closer L-Boogie’s performance in the wee hours of Sunday morning was marred by technical flaws (which seemed to upset her), but the set – crammed with solo hits given the uptempo treatment like “Ex Factor” and popular anthems from the Fugees era like “Ready or Not” – culminated with the long-awaited rendition of Doo Wop (“That Thing”). No Lauryn Hill performance is complete without that monster number.</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Sexy E-V-E and her platinum ponytail</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Besides her obvious niceness on the mic, the seasoned raptress possesses an uncanny knack for super-fly style statements. She didn’t disappoint, appearing in a figure-flattering black ensemble with a lengthy, sleek ponytail that swayed in sync with her performances of sizzlers like “Tambourine” and “Who’s That Girl?”</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LsGcRTbppwQ/Two4PY5YrpI/AAAAAAAAKQ4/VxCTHonZLIg/s1600/Shaggy%2Bpic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 340px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LsGcRTbppwQ/Two4PY5YrpI/AAAAAAAAKQ4/VxCTHonZLIg/s400/Shaggy%2Bpic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695426515795750546" border="0" /></a><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > <br />Stephen Marley and Junior Gong initiate “The Mission”</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The Grammy-winning Marley bros have earned renown for their militaristic brand of reggae, and there’s hardly a finer example than their hard-hitting anthem “The Mission,” which never fails to insistently raise the collective spirit of their audience.</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Deniece Williams is truly “Amazing”</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Don’t be fooled by her small size; Williams is a vocal dynamo with exceptional stage presence and charm, as evidenced by her very well-received renditions of classics like “Lets hear It For the Boys,” “It’s Gonna Take A Miracle” and “God Is Truly Amazing.”</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >WTF sails to Swagville</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The persistent appeal of Wayne Marshall, Tifa and Fambo’s 2011 smash “Swaggin” was certainly not lost on the Jamaica House crowd, which responded with the anticipated zeal when the high-riding trio seized the spotlight with the tune.</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Beres. Hammond.</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Upon hearing that the night’s surprise performance will come from none other than the King of Lover’s Rock, it became practically impossible to not look forward to a musical delight. The thunderous response that greeted Beres’ entrance to the opening strains of “Pull It Up” said it all.</span> <br /> <br /><iframe width="490" height="320" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/B-Nw85LlNss" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/shaggy-friends-2012-8-greatest-moments.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone91" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-5318465151007609594?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-18633708465821553602012-01-08T16:14:00.000-08:002012-01-09T08:20:30.313-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjWuO37AeQ0/Two1I-nwHDI/AAAAAAAAKQk/LR3blNGexgg/s1600/CRAWFORD.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 337px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjWuO37AeQ0/Two1I-nwHDI/AAAAAAAAKQk/LR3blNGexgg/s400/CRAWFORD.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695423107128368178" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I, CRAWFORD: </span>The politician draws on his mix of smarts and resolve.</span> <br /></div> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As he prepares to do the hard work and make his mark, newly elected MP and state minister for Tourism and Entertainment, Damion Crawford makes it plain that pairing strategy with tried-and-proven patterns of performance is his chosen template for political success. <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH </span>interviewed the charismatic politician at Saturday’s Shaggy &amp; Friends event at Jamaica House to hear about how he’s handling his life-changing new roles, his widely publicized tiff with rival Joan Gordon-Webley on the campaign trail, and the eternal importance of volunteerism.</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >TALLAWAH: Considering the import of your new twin roles as political rep for East Rural St. Andrew and a state minister in the Simpson-Miller administration, how are you feeling these days?</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Crawford: Well, I’m excited by the prospects. I don’t know what is there to achieve as yet, but we are researching everything, and I think I will be able to make a big impact. So I plan to work with the people and do my best.</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Your “solid waste of time” sound byte in reference to the JLP’s Joan Gordon-Webley was one of the most buzzed about ingredients in the pre-Election stew. Reflecting on the comment and the firestorm it set off, do you regret the utterance?</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I am disappointed. I heard that she felt bad about it and felt that I was seeking to belittle her. But her slogan was about being a “solid performer” and I was saying to the country that solid performer, waste of time – and that wouldn’t be a problem. So if she says “solid performer” and I say “solid waste of time”, then that shouldn’t be a problem either. But I apologize because I didn’t want to offend her and I do not seek to offend her.</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Critics say the 20-member Portia Simpson-Miller cabinet is too large. Your thoughts.</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Well, I can’t speak to that because the leader has a responsibility to put forward her Cabinet based on how she sees fit. So I haven’t come to a concept on it as yet. But if we are not performing then it would be too big, but if we are performing then it is sufficient. But it is our responsibility to go out there and make sure that we carry out what needs to be done.</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >How do you plan to handle your established business ventures from here on now that you’re a member of the government?</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">First of all, I am seeking some intervention as it relates to whatever conflict of interest that might exist and I am then going to move forward from there. I think that all I’d need to do is declare, and I am not seeking government contracts. But I am ensuring that I get the correct advice.</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >I’m sure you have nothing but high praises for initiatives like tonight’s Shaggy &amp; Friends charity concert.</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This Shaggy venture is good and it’s also about the concept of volunteerism. And we’re asking all the persons with their different talents, whether it’s plumbing or mason or electrician, to volunteer as well to help people, help the country. Any country that seeks to develop must develop on that kind of volunteerism.</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >One last thing: On Election night, you and Gordon-Webley were involved in a real see-saw battle as the ballots were being counted. I can imagine it was a truly nerve-racking experience for you.</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Automatically, because you don’t know what can happen. But I always had confidence in the people, and I am grateful that they have seen the competence that I have. I always felt that I was the better candidate and it seems that the people feel the same way. <br /> <br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ewucha7OgI/TwsSjnREGzI/AAAAAAAAKRU/ViC3ZbHDy-8/s1600/Crawford%2Band%2BAssassin.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ewucha7OgI/TwsSjnREGzI/AAAAAAAAKRU/ViC3ZbHDy-8/s400/Crawford%2Band%2BAssassin.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695666556785400626" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">MUTUAL RESPECT: </span>Crawford greets entertainer Assassin.</div> </div> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/forward-with-crawford-new-mp-devises.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone90" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-1863370846582155360?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-14222393433595740452012-01-08T15:46:00.000-08:002012-01-08T16:12:27.650-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yGRl2TJvYA/TworIzooTlI/AAAAAAAAKPg/lPHr8L_cKYQ/s1600/Assassin.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yGRl2TJvYA/TworIzooTlI/AAAAAAAAKPg/lPHr8L_cKYQ/s400/Assassin.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695412109062983250" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">FIRE STARTER: </span>Following his show-stopping performance at Saturday's Shaggy &amp; Friends concert, Assassin told <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH</span> he's nearing the completion of an hour-long live mixtape slated for release before month-end. "It's just me holdin' a vibe, real dancehall style. So the massive can look out for that," the deejay said. "Outside of that, we just continue to work hard."</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i23bHBmEcdE/TworKJvlZ1I/AAAAAAAAKQE/KW94-sZaCxA/s1600/POPCAAN.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i23bHBmEcdE/TworKJvlZ1I/AAAAAAAAKQE/KW94-sZaCxA/s400/POPCAAN.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695412132177602386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">GAZA BRED: </span>Fast-rising star <span style="font-weight: bold;">Andrae 'Popcaan' Sutherland </span>(the anointed king of Sting 2011) was among the dancehall hitmakers spotted at Jamaica House on Saturday for the Shaggy &amp; Friends concert.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xmf86KlhgzE/TworJ8hWeAI/AAAAAAAAKP4/9QvA-AlUZ7c/s1600/Maxi%2BPriest.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 359px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xmf86KlhgzE/TworJ8hWeAI/AAAAAAAAKP4/9QvA-AlUZ7c/s400/Maxi%2BPriest.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695412128628242434" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">LIVING LEGEND:</span> Maxi Priest </span>told <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH</span> that he is encouraging Jamaicans to support more events like Shaggy &amp; Friends as part of their resolutions for 2012.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAVtVaWkwZo/TworJJMP3rI/AAAAAAAAKPs/FYqn9v-UXDo/s1600/Damian%2BM..JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAVtVaWkwZo/TworJJMP3rI/AAAAAAAAKPs/FYqn9v-UXDo/s400/Damian%2BM..JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695412114849521330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SON OF THE GONG:</span> Damian Marley</span> (right) was spotted holdin' a vibe before gracing the stage with brother Stephen Marley.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l7SJQfYYIbE/TworLcKWaoI/AAAAAAAAKQQ/yl1CYpHuS0o/s1600/Romain%2BVirgo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l7SJQfYYIbE/TworLcKWaoI/AAAAAAAAKQQ/yl1CYpHuS0o/s400/Romain%2BVirgo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695412154301573762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">THE VOICE:</span> Reggae crooner <span style="font-weight: bold;">Romain Virgo</span> poses for the cameras in the press room after his energy-filled stint on stage.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/boys-club-damian-marley-romain-virgo.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone89" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-1422239343359574045?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-58280521850637237912012-01-08T14:48:00.000-08:002012-01-08T15:26:07.716-08:00<span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">WHAT: </span>The 2012 Shaggy &amp; Friends charity concert, Jamaica House </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> <br />WHEN: </span>Saturday evening</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">The Lineup:</span> Nadine McLeod, Jaunel McKenzie, Tami Chynn, Eve, Lady Saw, Alaine and Aisha Davis</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BAPHFhlh1tY/TwoeFcQ9r6I/AAAAAAAAKPI/CO0t8pVieDk/s1600/Nadine.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BAPHFhlh1tY/TwoeFcQ9r6I/AAAAAAAAKPI/CO0t8pVieDk/s400/Nadine.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695397757598936994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SHORT STORY:</span> </span>One of the hardest working women in the media, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nadine McLeod</span> kept it stylishly effortless with a floral-embellished tube top, breezy white pants and a pair of drop-dead-gorgeous earrings.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OEvasjrlFrQ/TwoeFT0Gv1I/AAAAAAAAKPQ/fMvO0Gb4FII/s1600/Tami.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OEvasjrlFrQ/TwoeFT0Gv1I/AAAAAAAAKPQ/fMvO0Gb4FII/s400/Tami.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695397755330412370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SINGING THE BLUES:</span> Blonde and blue were <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tami Chynn</span>'s fashion watchwords on Saturday night. That's the definition of fresh-faced beauty.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJGasjnaGTI/Twod_YRNyfI/AAAAAAAAKOw/B6XQZq7tpRI/s1600/Jaunel.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJGasjnaGTI/Twod_YRNyfI/AAAAAAAAKOw/B6XQZq7tpRI/s400/Jaunel.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695397653447035378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">LOVELY IN LACE: </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jaunel McKenzie</span> played model as muse with her fashion, opting for this elegant black ensemble and a bold lip.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9M5jYUF3fgI/Twod_F6Ki9I/AAAAAAAAKOk/euDzU1vJaUc/s1600/Eve%2Band%2BSanjay.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9M5jYUF3fgI/Twod_F6Ki9I/AAAAAAAAKOk/euDzU1vJaUc/s400/Eve%2Band%2BSanjay.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695397648518515666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WHO'S THAT GIRL?</span> Hip-hop star<span style="font-weight: bold;"> E-V-E</span> stunned in all-black, topping off her look with tasteful jewelry and an outrageous platinum ponytail. Love it!</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8YOJtzac93c/TwoeAEFD6-I/AAAAAAAAKO8/OwumPgjhcz8/s1600/Lady%2BMarion.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 334px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8YOJtzac93c/TwoeAEFD6-I/AAAAAAAAKO8/OwumPgjhcz8/s400/Lady%2BMarion.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695397665207217122" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">STAR AND STRIPES:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lady Marion Hall</span>, meanwhile, lets her hair down with this light evening look that truly sets off her creamy caramel skin.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khGdVTUoimI/Twod-QCFkEI/AAAAAAAAKOY/ETw23oTfuyA/s1600/Alaine.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khGdVTUoimI/Twod-QCFkEI/AAAAAAAAKOY/ETw23oTfuyA/s400/Alaine.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695397634056228930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">VOGUE: </span>Ready for playtime in the fashion safari, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Alaine</span> dazzled in this form-fitting number, accented with gleaming jewels. An easy A.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--bbdt3NTmGQ/Twod-dMYA7I/AAAAAAAAKOM/xnMFkNyGO94/s1600/Aisha.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--bbdt3NTmGQ/Twod-dMYA7I/AAAAAAAAKOM/xnMFkNyGO94/s400/Aisha.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695397637589042098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">TRANCE-FORMATION: </span>We love everything about <span style="font-weight: bold;">Aisha</span>'s bold look here -- from the horizontal ruffles of her outfit and the look-at-em curls of her updo to the hypnotizing allure of the earrings.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/what-she-wore-diva-lounging-with-aisha.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone88" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-5828052185063723791?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-23778399876268926232012-01-08T13:50:00.000-08:002012-01-08T14:29:24.639-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RC-rd7mPu_E/TwoQhKwbA3I/AAAAAAAAKN4/u6zGx6gw4UU/s1600/Januel%2Band%2Bbeau.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RC-rd7mPu_E/TwoQhKwbA3I/AAAAAAAAKN4/u6zGx6gw4UU/s400/Januel%2Band%2Bbeau.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695382840772592498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">MODEL CITIZENS:</span> It was great to see the crazy-in-love pair of runway star <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jaunel McKenzie</span> and beau <span style="font-weight: bold;">David Annakie</span> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Jamrock magazine</span>) out supporting the Shaggy &amp; Friends concert at Jamaica House on Saturday.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBMHzLxD0mk/TwoQgfZfE_I/AAAAAAAAKNs/4IGRMEycMRg/s1600/Marley%2Band%2BBreakespeare.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBMHzLxD0mk/TwoQgfZfE_I/AAAAAAAAKNs/4IGRMEycMRg/s400/Marley%2Band%2BBreakespeare.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695382829133665266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">RUNS IN THE FAMILY: </span>Beauty legend <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cindy Breakespeare</span> and son<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Damian Marley</span> (left) were spotted enjoying the star-studded concert with relatives.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1BUN9vGXAzc/TwoQgGvHQ_I/AAAAAAAAKNg/Rs7ktskvvlY/s1600/TSR%2Band%2BCooper.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1BUN9vGXAzc/TwoQgGvHQ_I/AAAAAAAAKNg/Rs7ktskvvlY/s400/TSR%2Band%2BCooper.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695382822513492978" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">TWO OF A KIND: </span>An impromptu photo-op with cultural stalwart <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dr. Carolyn Cooper</span> was too good for <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">moi</span> to pass up.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dcV2W3fg_o/TwoQfDrIXEI/AAAAAAAAKNU/AaYX33zbbrs/s1600/Alaine%2Band%2BGrace.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dcV2W3fg_o/TwoQfDrIXEI/AAAAAAAAKNU/AaYX33zbbrs/s400/Alaine%2Band%2BGrace.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695382804511611970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">PRETTY WOMEN:</span> LIME's <span style="font-weight: bold;">Grace Silvera </span>(left) and songbird <span style="font-weight: bold;">Alaine</span> obviously had a lot to catch up on.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lQhSowuz8sM/TwoQe-fAQfI/AAAAAAAAKNI/edZYadDCQhM/s1600/Deniece%2Band%2BMaurice.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lQhSowuz8sM/TwoQe-fAQfI/AAAAAAAAKNI/edZYadDCQhM/s400/Deniece%2Band%2BMaurice.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695382803118572018" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SUPPORTING ROLES:</span> In the press room with entertainment vet <span style="font-weight: bold;">Deniece Williams</span> and actor <span style="font-weight: bold;">Maurice Bryan</span>.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/on-scene-dr-carolyn-cooper-alaine-cindy.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone87" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-2377839987626892623?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-5370481766861247422012-01-07T12:02:00.000-08:002012-01-07T12:14:48.690-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65-0xknjoGk/Twilft-G1XI/AAAAAAAAKM8/FOGn0UoF4KI/s1600/10%2BMovies%2Bof%2B2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 363px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65-0xknjoGk/Twilft-G1XI/AAAAAAAAKM8/FOGn0UoF4KI/s400/10%2BMovies%2Bof%2B2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694983693144610162" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">Intrigue, spectacle and a tremendous dose of Oscar bait were the primary hallmarks of Hollywood’s top offerings in the past year. But although it was a fascinating year at the movies – perhaps more so than 2010 – the quality of the overall crop was expectedly mixed. Still, upon dipping into the archives, I was able to produce sufficient items to allow me to count to ten. That said, the best movies I experienced over the course of the last 12 months: </span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">The Ides of March</span> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">George Clooney directs and co-stars in this remarkable treatise of politics and corruption on the campaign trail. Paul Giammatti, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Clooney himself are characteristically sturdy in their roles, but the film ultimately belongs to Ryan Gosling, who is pitch-perfect as a campaign manager caught up in a morality maelstrom that tests him in unanticipated ways. </span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Drive</span> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Another superb vehicle (no pun intended) for the amazingly talented leading man Ryan Gosling, one of Tinseltown’s most bankable stars. In this brutal and haunting pic (co-starring Carey Mulligan and Albert Brooks), he gives a gripping performance (as a hired driver) that creeps upon you before dealing a powerful, shattering blow.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Bridesmaids</span> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Melissa McCarthy rocks! Hands down the funniest movie I saw in 2011, <span style="font-style: italic;">Bridesmaids</span> puts forward a compelling argument that women can be just as raunchy as the fellas, buddy comedy style, and seriously court Oscar buzz along the way. Take that, <span style="font-style: italic;">Hangover</span>!</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Beginners</span> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Delicately paced and filled with moments of quiet revelation, <span style="font-style: italic;">Beginners</span> was undoubtedly one of 2011’s unexpected delights – a lyrical coming-out tale of a 75-year-old widower (Christopher Plummer, excellent) whose loyal son (Ewan McGregor) is charged with the task of taking care of him in his final years. Expect Plummer to make the cut for Best Supporting Actor when Oscar nominations are announced in a couple weeks.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">50/50</span> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The usually morbid subjects of cancer and cancer treatment are handled with remarkable sensitivity and a welcome dose of humour in this charming dramedy starring Joseph-Gordon Levitt (as the afflicted soul), Anna Kendrick (his therapist), Seth Rogen (his best bud) and an almost unrecognizable Anjelica Huston (his teary mother).</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">The Help</span> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain render fine examples of exemplary acting in this racially and emotionally charged tearjerker, a wise big-screen adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s bestseller about black maids in Jim Crow-era Jackson, Mississippi. It’s already racking up awards nominations.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">A Separation</span> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">This first-rate and wonderfully spun divorce tale, which comes from Iran, holds you in its thrall with an engrossing meditation on complex family relations, the sacredness of tradition and the sometimes unfortunate restrictions of one’s culture. Many are calling it a shoo-in for Best Foreign Language Film at next month’s Academy Awards. I unreservedly agree.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Warrior</span> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">In one of the most criminally underrated releases of 2011, Nick Nolte is Oscar-worthy as an alcoholic father on the road to redemption whose two estranged sons (Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy) are gearing up to compete in a brutal mixed martial arts competition. <span style="font-style: italic;">Warrior</span> happens to be one of those films I had to work up the interest to finally watch. I’m glad I finally did.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Like Crazy</span> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">A breakout hit at Sundance, this wonderfully clear-eyed story of young love blossoms along with its pair of radiant leads (Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones), who settle into their roles nicely and deliver layered performances marked by emotion and maturity.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Rise of the Planet of the Apes</span> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">An origin story with big heart, the film (starring James Franco and Freida Pinto) is also an exhilarating, action-packed blockbuster that keeps you riveted while rewarding interest with a well-written tale of man versus beast in a world where compassion is so often trumped by cruelty.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">&gt; <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Must Mention:</span></span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Margin Call, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Martha Marcy May Marlene,</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Higher Ground</span></span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">&gt; <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Yet to see:</span></span> <span style="font-style: italic;">The Descendants, War Horse, The Iron Lady,</span> and others.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/movie-rewind-tallawahs-10-best-films-of.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone86" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-537048176686124742?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-31055148103420285292012-01-06T13:35:00.001-08:002012-01-06T14:49:28.338-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICmicN62pTA/TwdpulmD9TI/AAAAAAAAKMk/t5C-m2Qvy5c/s1600/Yendi%2Band%2BTami.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICmicN62pTA/TwdpulmD9TI/AAAAAAAAKMk/t5C-m2Qvy5c/s400/Yendi%2Band%2BTami.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694636502919935282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">LAUGHING MATTER: </span>Jan. 4, Kingston. </span>Gorgeous as ever in understated chic, it girls <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Tami Chynn</span> (left) and <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Yendi Phillipps</span> show their pearly whites at the Youth View Awards launch last Wednesday. Tami, set to host the Feb. 4 awards, is a nominee for Favourite Local Artiste. Phillipps, meanwhile, is up for Favourite Celebrity Role Model.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gjgNdqjqHHk/Twdpus4GO2I/AAAAAAAAKMs/BvJEyQ953Gw/s1600/Yendi%252C%2BBambino%2B%2526%2BTarrus.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 329px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gjgNdqjqHHk/Twdpus4GO2I/AAAAAAAAKMs/BvJEyQ953Gw/s400/Yendi%252C%2BBambino%2B%2526%2BTarrus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694636504874629986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">ROYAL THREE:</span> Jan. 4, Kingston. </span>Phillipps also posed for pics with radio kingpin Bambino (left) and reggae warrior Tarrus Riley at the recent YVAs launch. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Bambino</span> copped a pair of noms (Favourite Media Personality and Favourite Selector), while <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Tarrus Riley</span> is up for Favourite Cultural Artiste, for the Feb. 4 awards.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOEccwJXRNQ/Twdpn9nQLKI/AAAAAAAAKMM/TJisTgChlXs/s1600/Shaggy%2Band%2BTracey%2BMorgan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 329px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOEccwJXRNQ/Twdpn9nQLKI/AAAAAAAAKMM/TJisTgChlXs/s400/Shaggy%2Band%2BTracey%2BMorgan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694636389108296866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">VARIETY HOUR:</span> Jan. 4, California. </span>TALLAWAH cover star <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Shaggy</span> (right) and American comic <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Tracy Morgan</span> were among the guests last Wednesday on <span style="font-style: italic;">The</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Tonight Show with Jay Leno</span>. Shaggy, who is busy fine-tuning plans for this Saturday's big-budget concert at Jamaica House, performed his latest single "Dame," (with Kat Deluna) on the show.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vdsdRjLeJyw/TwdpnOt1foI/AAAAAAAAKL8/LHDy-cfvgbs/s1600/Richie%2BStephens%2BGramps%2BMorgan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vdsdRjLeJyw/TwdpnOt1foI/AAAAAAAAKL8/LHDy-cfvgbs/s400/Richie%2BStephens%2BGramps%2BMorgan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694636376519442050" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">TOP BILLING:</span> Dec. 30, Brooklyn. </span>Reggae veterans <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Richie Stephens</span> (left) and <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Gramps Morgan</span> were the top draws at a recent gospel event in Brooklyn, New York, sharing the stage momentarily to the delight of the crowd.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GDYfxvGM04g/Twdpmyld9oI/AAAAAAAAKLw/-btrrr1nQtU/s1600/Denyque.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 257px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GDYfxvGM04g/Twdpmyld9oI/AAAAAAAAKLw/-btrrr1nQtU/s400/Denyque.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694636368968152706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">POSH SPICE: </span>Jan. 4, Kingston. </span>Singer<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> Denyque </span>(spotted here with a friend at the YVAs launch) is fast becoming one of the industry's most noteworthy new style icons. Here, she serves up more of that irresistible mix of grace and glam.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LVrjldf-6qE/TwdpmjgQ3yI/AAAAAAAAKLk/m6Dql3Qs_oo/s1600/Bolt%2Band%2BCamille2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 367px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LVrjldf-6qE/TwdpmjgQ3yI/AAAAAAAAKLk/m6Dql3Qs_oo/s400/Bolt%2Band%2BCamille2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694636364919791394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">STICK BY ME:</span> Dec. 30, St. Catherine.</span> Two of TALLAWAH's favourite celebs, actress <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Camille Davis </span>and sprinter <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Usain Bolt</span>, share a magic moment on the holiday party scene recently. They make a great match. Should it happen, this would be a romance I'd absolutely approve of.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51gyGXc8GRg/TwdpotwiYDI/AAAAAAAAKMU/dtOxvWw2Ntg/s1600/Tifa%2Band%2BChrisMartin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51gyGXc8GRg/TwdpotwiYDI/AAAAAAAAKMU/dtOxvWw2Ntg/s400/Tifa%2Band%2BChrisMartin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694636402032140338" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">IN THE RED:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jan. 4, Kingston.</span> Music sensations <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Tifa </span>and <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Chris Martin</span> also stepped out earlier this week for the launch of the 2012 Youth View Awards. Tifa (love the red lip!) leads all nominees this year with 8 nods, including a bid for Favourite Local Female Artiste.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/out-about-tifa-denyque-yendi-tami-chris.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone85" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-3105514810342028529?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-25206837814278548072012-01-02T11:41:00.000-08:002012-01-02T12:47:20.585-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dctDsy4mygM/TwIKjK7uxcI/AAAAAAAAKKE/Ii2jMduvBKY/s1600/Shaggy%2B-%2BNEW.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dctDsy4mygM/TwIKjK7uxcI/AAAAAAAAKKE/Ii2jMduvBKY/s400/Shaggy%2B-%2BNEW.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693124478296311234" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">HOT SHOT:</span> The ace entertainer dazzled and inspired in 2011.</span> <br /></div> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">While Shaggy’s colossal hit “Sugar Cane” was about the tropical bliss of island romance, the song’s catchy refrain “She loves the taste of my sugarcane” could have been aimed at the industry, reminding all that Mr. Bombastic hasn’t lost his touch. </span><div><span style="font-family:arial;"> <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Tastemakers felt Shaggy’s career had peaked, that his best efforts were behind him. But the diamond-selling Grammy winner knew better. By trusting his gut, this past July the megastar did the unthinkable: he released his new album, <span style="font-style: italic;">Summer in Kingston</span>, as an exclusive digital release available to fans for an unbelievable US2.99 on iTunes and embarked on a global tour that took him to countless cities. </span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And it worked: <span style="font-style: italic;">Summer in Kingston</span> became a hit with both fans and critics and stayed in constant rotation, topped digital reggae charts, including No. 1 spots on iTunes. As if that weren’t enough, the 43-year-old restructured his management team, earned his fifth career Grammy nomination, and refreshed his philanthropic spirit by spearheading plans for the star-packed January 7 Shaggy &amp; Friends charity concert to benefit, yet again, the Bustamante Children’s Hospital.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And he still isn’t done. Mr. Burrell, who is expected to bring his trademark energy and arsenal of hits to the Jamaica Jazz &amp; Blues main stage later this month, has been selected to serve as the spokesperson for the Jamaica Village at the hotly anticipated Summer Olympic Games in London. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"> <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">“It’s going to be 10 nights of concerts. Basically you’re going to come into the park and feel like its Jamaica,” Shaggy noted earlier this year. “There’s jerk chicken, there’s the colours, the vibe, the music. We’re promoting Jamaican culture. It’s an opportunity for us to shine on the world stage. I don’t think the campaign starts then. It starts now.”</span></div><div><span> <br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span><i><span style=" ;font-family:arial;" >[Tastemakers felt Shaggy’s career had peaked, that his best efforts were behind him. But the diamond-selling Grammy winner knew better.]</span></i></span></div></div> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/jamaican-of-year-real-value-of-shaggys.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone84" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-2520683781427854807?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-67990475665290503872012-01-02T11:24:00.000-08:002012-01-02T12:49:26.595-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3BD1zLzdmg/TwIFfHmxbyI/AAAAAAAAKJs/Ye3NrdZSWW8/s1600/Fascinating%2BJamaicans%2Bof%2Bthe%2BYear.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3BD1zLzdmg/TwIFfHmxbyI/AAAAAAAAKJs/Ye3NrdZSWW8/s400/Fascinating%2BJamaicans%2Bof%2Bthe%2BYear.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693118911125483298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">As we look back on the year that was, one thing is certain: there was never a dull moment. From triumphs on the sporting front (Bolt! Blake! VCB!), to breakthrough moves in politics and entertainment (Portia! Cherine!) to the hard-fought battles of everyday heroes, these Jamaicans gave everybody much to talk about in 2011 – and did our hearts good. <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH </span>couldn’t let the year end without recognizing those whose actions and accomplishments not only inspired us but proved without a doubt that one person can make a difference. Leaders, icons, artists and activists – these are the Jamaican men and women who inspired us in 2011 with their influence, clout and remarkable talents.</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">GORDON ‘BUTCH’ STEWART</span> (Business mogul, hospitality pioneer)</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">He’s as famous for his enormous bank account as he is for his enormous heart and inspiring journey-to-greatness story. Stewart, still going strong at 70, took his empire to a whole new level in 2011. Not only did he woo thousands of visitors to our shores through his luxurious Sandals resorts chain, he brought glory to the tourism sector again when Sandals copped a whopping 12 trophies at the World Travel Awards in October. At the same ceremony, Stewart was honoured with the Travel Pioneer Award. Butch: it’s an appropriate name for the man, but so too is relentless mover-and-shaker.</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">MISS KITTY</span> (Radio host, Digicel ambassador, author)</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">She’s been called everything from vivacious to feverishly outspoken, but truth is Khadine ‘Miss Kitty’ Hylton is really a charmer who’s been wooing ardent admirers in recent years with her highly personal sensibility on radio and television and now… print. This year, the 29-year-old queenpin upped the stakes by wading into literary waters and publishing her very first novel, <span style="font-style: italic;">Good Girl Gone Bad</span>, a steamy pageturner that had everyone talking.</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">ANDREW HOLNESS</span> (JLP Leader, Jamaica’s youngest ever Prime Minister)</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">In his historic ascent to the post of head of the Jamaican government last October, Andrew Holness opened our eyes to new possibilities and curious trivia, including his records as the youngest and shortest-serving PM in the country’s history. While critics have dubbed him a neophyte in a political field populated by more seasoned politicians, Holness, 39, has promised a new approach to Jamaican politics with a new set of ideas that his Gordon House rivals seemingly lack. As the new Opposition Leader (following a crushing defeat at the Dec. 29 polls), the true test of Holness’ abilities is on its way.</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">FATHER RICHARD HoLUNG</span> (Priest, head of Missionaries of the Poor)</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Father HoLung’s inspirational and trailblazing contributions to nation-building have helped raise the aspirations of countless admirers. In 2011, even as he expanded the international reach of Missionaries of the Poor, he got back into the musical swing of things with his latest blockbuster musical, Acts of the Apostles.</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SUSAN SIMES</span> (Talk show host, do-gooder)</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If you’re one of the hundreds of Jamaicans who tune in to <span style="font-style: italic;">The Susan Show</span> on TV J each week, you’ve seen an empathetic and street-wise woman who brings a dizzying range of people and stories into our lives. As it stands, Simes’ appeal can be traced to her presence as a living, breathing example of rare humanity.</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">PORTIA SIMPSON-MILLER</span> (Prime Minister-designate, PNP leader)</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Poised to return to Jamaica House as leader of Independent Jamaica, Simpson-Miller has gained the trust of the people primarily by being honest on issues that matter deeply. As the past reveals, only when she abandons her authentic self (however rare) does she lose our confidence. At the moment she has it, but the question is: Can she maintain the momentum? Still, if there’s one thing that’s certain, the Prime Minister-designate will continue to embody the strength of a woman: sincere, defiant, fist in the air.</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">BARBARA BLAKE-HANNAH</span> (Organizer of the Reggae Film Festival, groundbreaking journalist)</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">She has the warmth of an old friend, the zeal of a competitor and an acute sense of how to focus the spotlight on a worthy issue like her primary passion project, the Reggae Film Festival, which enters its fourth year in 2012. It’s something she believes in, hence her tireless campaign to take the festival to new heights while giving local filmmakers a much-needed platform to showcase their work. Among Blake-Hannah’s accolades in 2011: a BEFFTA Lifetime Achievement Award for pioneering work in British television.</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">USAIN BOLT</span> (The World’s Fastest Human Being)</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">In some respects, the influence Usain Bolt (the fastest human in history) has on the sport of athletics was preordained. The IAAF had been searching for, even trying to create, a new icon to help market the sport. Enter Jamaica’s sprinting marvel, now a PUMA-sponsored, record-shattering, so-fast-he-false-starts demigod who has had high expectations thrust upon him – and especially with the 2012 London Summer Olympics on the horizon. Bolt’s next step: etching his name in the annals of legend that transcend the arena of sports.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">CHERINE</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">(Singer-songwriter, spokeswoman, self-proclaimed rebel)</span></span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Over the course of the past half-decade, Cherine’s hypnotic dancehall-soul anthems have broken out of their forms, pushing her sound into a sub-genre all its own. Buoyed by her jaw-dropping evolution into a rebel songstress, complete with an edgier, sassier tone, Cherine continues to pen powerful songs of female empowerment, about patriotism and about the extraordinary power of love. The singer, who also expanded her resume in 2011 to include spokesperson portfolios, is right up there with the best of them. So could a Grammy be far behind?</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">THE FILMMAKERS </span> (Visionaries, storytellers)</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If there’s one common characteristic that links the award-winning films of Chris Browne (<span style="font-style: italic;">Ghett’a Life</span>) and Storm Saulter (<span style="font-style: italic;">Better Mus’ Come</span>) it’s that they both admit viewers to a more intimate knowledge of their country and a deeper respect for what they already appreciate and cherish. Both courageous filmmakers, who earned tremendous raves and accolades for their work in 2011, come across, if nothing else, as authentic messengers who’ve recognized that Jamaica is indeed fertile ground for storytelling. And because they are so genuine in their cinematic vision, the audience is safe in their hands.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">&gt;&gt; <a href="http://www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/jamaican-of-year-real-value-of-shaggys.html">JAMAICAN OF THE YEAR: </a></span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/jamaican-of-year-real-value-of-shaggys.html">Shaggy's Purpose</a></span> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXK6jVMl4eU/TwIFnSKVK-I/AAAAAAAAKJ4/x0SxKsgrPR4/s1600/Fascinating%2BJamaicans%2Bof%2Bthe%2BYear.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXK6jVMl4eU/TwIFnSKVK-I/AAAAAAAAKJ4/x0SxKsgrPR4/s400/Fascinating%2BJamaicans%2Bof%2Bthe%2BYear.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693119051397934050" border="0" /></a> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/power-talent-respect-most-fascinating.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone83" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-6799047566529050387?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-26689908167892096912012-01-02T10:37:00.000-08:002012-01-02T11:04:37.132-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vhfazoOxgCM/TwH9XxueqoI/AAAAAAAAKJg/Opo1s7thdUE/s1600/Jamaica%2B50.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 211px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vhfazoOxgCM/TwH9XxueqoI/AAAAAAAAKJg/Opo1s7thdUE/s400/Jamaica%2B50.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693109988900121218" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">Given the time of year, it’s a lot more fun to think about what you’re anticipating rather than everything you need to change. So in the spirit of thinking about the future, I thought I’d offer up six things I’m looking forward to in the New Year:</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Meryl Streep getting her due:</span> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The greatest living actress on the face of the Earth has not bagged an Academy Award since she won her second statuette for <span style="font-style: italic;">Sophie’s Choice</span> in 1983. Are you kidding me? With her widely praised performance as Britain’s Margaret Thatcher in the Phyllida Lloyd-directed biopic <span style="font-style: italic;">The Iron Lady</span>, Streep is poised to expand her record number of Oscar nominations to 17. But the Best Actress race (the Oscars are slated for Feb. 26) will very likely come down to a tussle between Streep and <span style="font-style: italic;">The Help</span>’s Viola Davis. My money is on Streep.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Jamaica 50 Celebrations:</span> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The organizers of the national celebrations to mark Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary of Independence have planned a fabulous series of activities that will run islandwide throughout the year. I’m expecting sheer spectacle and countless memorable highlights.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">The London Summer Olympic Games:</span> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">With the super-impressive display by our athletes in Beijing in 2008 ever-fresh on my mind, it’s no surprise that I’m fully anticipating similar triumphs in London from the likes of Bolt, VCB, Asafa and Blake, et al. What a splendid anniversary gift to the country that would be – at a time when our national pride is at an all-time high.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">The Vybz Kartel murder trial:</span> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">One can’t help following what Adidja ‘Vybz Kartel’ does, and I am very intrigued to witness what will play out when the embattled deejay stands trial in February to answer to those murder charges. Will he take the witness stand? Lordy.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Pure Theatrical Magic:</span> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">As a committed cultural critic, I always look forward to the bounty that local theatre will bring each year. In 2011, I witnessed a mixed bag of minor hits and major triumphs filled with scene-stealing performances. With the promise of such attractions as Louis Marriott’s <span style="font-style: italic;">Bedward</span> and Dahlia Harris’ <span style="font-style: italic;">Jamaica Gold</span>, I’m expecting a magical year – nothing less than real-deal theatrical Viagra.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH making strides and blazing a new trail:</span> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">If I dare say so myself, since its inception <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH</span> Magazine has morphed into an online media juggernaut that keeps its readers in the know and on their toes. In only a couple years, the publication has bloomed into a passionate initiative with subscribers on all continents. I hope even greater accomplishments are up next. Thanks for the support and keep reading!</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/six-for-twelve-what-tyrone-is-most.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone82" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-2668990816789209691?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-54781599565300077852012-01-02T10:22:00.000-08:002012-01-03T13:12:50.662-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYKyhBBq-v8/TwH2QfKgvMI/AAAAAAAAKJU/wKUBqOZs4Qg/s1600/Portia%2BSimpson-Miller.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYKyhBBq-v8/TwH2QfKgvMI/AAAAAAAAKJU/wKUBqOZs4Qg/s400/Portia%2BSimpson-Miller.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693102167076945090" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">PEOPLE POWER: </span>Portia's new day.</span> <br /></div> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">For the second time in a decade, Portia Simpson-Miller is about to assume office as Prime Minister of Jamaica. But this go-round is by far the more significant, as the PNP leader’s ascent to the post of head of government comes as the country is commencing a year-long observation of its Golden Jubilee. Could the timing be any more perfect?</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">As Opposition Leader, Simpson-Miller fully demonstrated guts and determination to prove to all that she is the woman for the job. And at the December 29 polls, voters responded by putting their faith in a Simpson-Miller-led administration to lead us into the next 50 years. Undoubtedly, Sista P’s grassroots approach to leadership and her people-oriented, citizen-friendly style has made her a hit with the masses and yet she is continuously ridiculed by some.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">As such, for many it was a foregone conclusion that Andrew Holness and the JLP had the Election in the bag. What a shocking turn of events when the ballots were counted and the PNP decisively thrashed the JLP, netball style, 42-21.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">So the lesson here, dear reader – possibly the biggest of the year – is that one should expect the unexpected when it comes to Portia Simpson-Miller, a political darkhorse-turned-main attraction poised to truly shake up Jamaican politics in 2012 and with a woman’s touch, no less.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Perhaps her greatest challenge now is to distill a new and hopeful order out of the several depressing forces (crime, corruption, poverty, unemployment) that threaten to further darken our horizon. More important, it is my fervent wish that Simpson-Miller will create history in another regard by becoming the first Jamaican Prime Minister to considerably diminish the gap between promises and performance.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">It is a truth universally accepted that with such great level of power and authority and the determination to make one’s mark come ridiculous pressure. But Sista P, now 66, is too much a student of Jamaican history not to know that this new beginning of sorts is but the first scene of a lengthy odyssey. In the meantime, it isn’t asking too much of her admirers and detractors to acknowledge the scope and vigour of her work as a Jamaican woman of power and applaud the courage and sincerity with which it is being carried out.</span> <br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">[“It is my fervent wish that Simpson-Miller will create history in another regard by becoming the first Jamaican Prime Minister to considerably diminish the gap between promises and performance.”]</span> <br /></span></div> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/woman-on-verge-portias-simpson-millers.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone81" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-5478159956530007785?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-66865492810077021072012-01-02T08:18:00.000-08:002012-01-02T08:30:28.290-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhtWV2X2-nE/TwHZy9tiWGI/AAAAAAAAKI8/aorGlUvPJKU/s1600/Sweet%2BTreat1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhtWV2X2-nE/TwHZy9tiWGI/AAAAAAAAKI8/aorGlUvPJKU/s400/Sweet%2BTreat1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693070873555261538" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">HOW SWEET: </span>A sampling of Montague's enticing treats.</span> <br /></div> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">If there’s one thing Sue-Ann Montague has mastered it’s the art of parlaying skills and knowledge attained in one area to another. Take for instance her journey to finally establishing her very own brand as a caterer. “I’m a professionally-trained chef so that is where my heart is. I worked in the hospitality industry for a while, but I wanted to get out of that. I’ve always wanted to start my own catering business.”</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">By all accounts, the charming go-getter didn’t have to wait long, as she is now the proud proprietor of the appropriately named Sweetest Thing Cupcake and Bakery Shoppe, a dessert lover’s haven based in Kingston, which got off the ground in 2006 and is now poised to ascend to new heights. “I recognized that the cupcake industry in the States has blossomed and would do really well down here,” Montague tells <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH</span>. “There is so much you can do in that area. You can be really versatile.”</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Smartly, Montague casts her net wide, offering prices and products “for everyone” while taking jobs that run the gamut from parties and swanky affairs to children’s book readings. “I try to keep things fresh. We use fresh products and nothing artificial, and we try to keep the packaging very different, very elegant. It’s a very small team, but most of the work is done by me,” notes the 33-year-old, who mainly works out of her home kitchen, cooking up a wide a assortment of tasty treats.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Not surprisingly, Montague has major plans for 2012. “This year is about branching out and taking the company to another level. I want to get the word out more,” she says, sounding tremendously optimistic. “I’m also trying to get my products into a few places and get a store opened.” Contact: sweetestthingja@gmail.com.</span> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bgArkUoqAZs/TwHazG9ySRI/AAAAAAAAKJI/Uoh4JDhJ2QM/s1600/SWEETEST%2BTHING%2Bad.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 220px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bgArkUoqAZs/TwHazG9ySRI/AAAAAAAAKJI/Uoh4JDhJ2QM/s400/SWEETEST%2BTHING%2Bad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693071975550961938" border="0" /></a> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/tasty-delight-sweetest-thing-profits.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone80" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-6686549281007702107?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-88044052288127705932012-01-02T08:06:00.001-08:002012-01-02T08:36:29.372-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZMU7hQLqC8/TwHWJnFHv6I/AAAAAAAAKIw/hptis2o6efM/s1600/Politicians.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 323px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZMU7hQLqC8/TwHWJnFHv6I/AAAAAAAAKIw/hptis2o6efM/s400/Politicians.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693066864570646434" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">DREAM TEAM: </span>Williams and Wright share a scene in <span style="font-style: italic;">The Politicians</span>.</span> <br /></div> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The Politicians</span> (Stages Productions)</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Director:</span> Bunny Allen</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cast: </span>Andrea Wright, Keith Ramsey, Michael Nicholson, Abigail Grant, Stacey-Ann Brissett and Chris Daley</span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue:</span> Stages Theatreplex, New Kingston</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The committed actors of the new production <span style="font-style: italic;">The Politicians</span> remain appealing, even as the show struggles to say all it has to before the stopwatch cruises past the three-hour mark. Still, buoyed by the convincing talents of the cast, it’s a hammy, frequently amusing production done in the broad comedic style of previous efforts by Stages.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The comedy, penned by Paul Beale, tells the story of four political hopefuls who find themselves in a tight, mud-slinging race to become the next representative of Half Pen. Three of them are neophytes feverishly bent on unseating the despised incumbent Monica Brown (played by Stacey-Ann Brissett), and each comes to the race primarily out of frustration with the system: Delcita, the President of the Citizens’ Association; I-Man-I (a superb Junior Williams), the dreadlocked campaigner steeped in Rastanomics; and the mischievous Shebada, who musters up the courage to wade into the treacherous waters after some goading by his pastor father (Michael Nicholson).</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If you are of the view that the pairing of Delcita and Shebada on the same stage can only result in a relentless cascade of laughter from the audience you would be absolutely right. It’s a combustible mix. When he is not taking intermittent jabs at an overweight female heckler in the front row, Shebada (Keith Ramsey), as expected, clearly relishes his role and provides a neat foil for Andrea ‘Delcita’ Wright, who gives a pitch-perfect performance with her neat bag of tricks. The play is at its most delightful whenever Delcita seizes the spotlight.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I was also particularly impressed by Chris Daley as Gary, a shady politician who will stoop to new lows to get his way. Abigail Grant also has some scene-stealing moments as Sadie, a determined journalist who later assumes the role of Delcita’s campaign manager. A sub-plot involving Gary and Sadie’s volatile relationship adds some dramatic spice to the story.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">My one problem with the play is that it could run about 20 minutes shorter. Otherwise, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Politicians</span> is nicely directed for the most part by Bunny Allen (who did a commendable job with last year’s <span style="font-style: italic;">Double Dose</span>) and has great talking points (ambition, blackmail, non-stop humour) to sell to an audience. It’s clever, funny and makes a solid point. The audience gets more than its money’s worth – and the central themes of politics and corruption could hardly be timelier. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tyrone’s Verdict: <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">B+</span></span></span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/rising-power-delcita-and-shebada-strike.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone79" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-8804405228812770593?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-2609358846322458252012-01-02T07:24:00.000-08:002012-01-02T07:34:34.300-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV5zHgHwqO4/TwHMVU9Be0I/AAAAAAAAKIY/FjFm0L3cABs/s1600/Judith%2BF..JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 337px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV5zHgHwqO4/TwHMVU9Be0I/AAAAAAAAKIY/FjFm0L3cABs/s400/Judith%2BF..JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693056070746995522" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">NATURE MOTIF:</span> Falloon-Reid, the brain behind <span style="font-style: italic;">Shelf Life</span>.</span> <br /></div> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">“The mission is to promote local authors and local literature,” notes Judith Falloon-Reid, the hardworking dynamo behind the exciting new series <span style="font-style: italic;">Shelf Life</span>, set to premiere mid-February on FLOW TV. “It’s going to bring the world of literature to viewers. Right now Jamaicans are really getting into local literature. [The country] now has four festivals dedicated to the literary arts. So great things are happening, and we want to celebrate that.”</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">But the show’s producers, led by Falloon-Reid herself, are faced with the tricky task of coordinating weekly shoots and whittling the footage down to half-an-hour episodes. Nevertheless, <span style="font-style: italic;">Shelf Life</span> is in good hands; Falloon-Reid is, after all, the smart conceptualizer behind such successes as St. </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MOfNQfIbjeg/TwHNoQLlP_I/AAAAAAAAKIk/L4uuwBujTrw/s1600/shelf%2Blife.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 205px; height: 100px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MOfNQfIbjeg/TwHNoQLlP_I/AAAAAAAAKIk/L4uuwBujTrw/s400/shelf%2Blife.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693057495395024882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Mary’s Independent Voyces Literary Fair and the inspirational programme <span style="font-style: italic;">Gospel Rhythms</span>, which also airs on FLOW.</span> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MOfNQfIbjeg/TwHNoQLlP_I/AAAAAAAAKIk/L4uuwBujTrw/s1600/shelf%2Blife.jpg"></a> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As Falloon-Reid explains, sponsors have been steadily coming on board, and they so far include the <span style="font-style: italic;">Jamaica Business Journal</span> and Bookophilia. “Shooting starts this month, and Bookophilia will be hosting us each week,” she says. “At the moment, we are hoping that the show will air on Thursdays at 6:30 pm, with repeats on Sundays and Tuesdays, so people can watch it before they tune into the nightly news. And we also intend to do two seasons per year.”</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">In terms of content, <span style="font-style: italic;">Shelf Life</span> not only promises in-depth interviews with authors, but such additional features as a Top 10 Books of the Week and highlights from local literary fests. As for the authors, expect appearances from the likes of Barbara Blake-Hannah, Sonia King and Veronica Carnegie, among others. Says Falloon-Reid, “The writers are very excited about it because the show is about promoting their work and introducing it a wide new audience.”</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/literary-matters-shelf-life-to-shine.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone78" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-260935884632245825?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-204865952028124602012-01-02T07:04:00.000-08:002012-01-02T07:16:35.319-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQWfr7Aac30/TwHHx-xC8CI/AAAAAAAAKIM/JUs_ZfNttMQ/s1600/Ten%2BBest%2BAlbums%2Bof%2B2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQWfr7Aac30/TwHHx-xC8CI/AAAAAAAAKIM/JUs_ZfNttMQ/s400/Ten%2BBest%2BAlbums%2Bof%2B2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693051065449246754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Much like the year before, 2011 yielded a varied crop in music. But I have one word for you: Adele. Not only did the lavishly gifted British siren prove herself the new queen of heartache, she also emerged as the ruler of the Billboard charts with her stellar sophomore record, <span style="font-style: italic;">21</span> (released in May), which has seemingly connected with listeners of all ages everywhere. It’s no surprise then that countless critics have anointed the album as the year’s best release. </span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">But the year also had other noteworthy headliners: hip-hop heavyweights Jay-Z and Kanye West joined forces to become The Throne; Chris Brown ‘forgave all his enemies’; and Drake magnificently sidestepped the sophomore jinx. And kudos to heatseekers like the fabulous Florence &amp; the Machine and the stunning ingénues Lana Del Rey and Birdy, who are absolutely emerging singer-songwriters to pay attention to in 2012. Without further delay, the 10 best albums <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH</span> experienced in 2011, in no particular order:</span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">*</span>Florence &amp; The Machine – <span style="font-style: italic;">Ceremonials </span></span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Florence and The Machine first got notice with the release of their debut album, 2009’s <span style="font-style: italic;">Lungs</span>, one of the bestselling releases of that year. Now the lavishly gifted songstress (flame-haired 25-year-old wonder Florence Welch) and the musicians who provide music for her voice are experiencing unprecedented raves with their latest, <span style="font-style: italic;">Ceremonials</span>, an out-of-this-world concoction laden with soaring hymns of heartache, hope and regret. Throughout, Welch’s unforgettable voice remains a bewitching instrument. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Download: “No Light, No Light”</span></span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">*</span></span><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >Drake – <span style="font-style: italic;">Take Care</span></span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">More confessional than confrontational, <span style="font-style: italic;">Take Care</span> is a stellar record, and very much like on his first album, Drake employs frequently trenchant lyrics to robustly explore everything from hurt and regret to a haunting, unshakeable remembrance of relationships past. The results are fascinating. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Download: “Underground Kings”</span></span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">*</span></span><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >Jay-Z and Kanye West – <span style="font-style: italic;">Watch the Throne </span></span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Jay and Ye’s first full-length collaboration, <span style="font-style: italic;">Watch The Throne</span> is crammed-full of chest-thumping boasts of riches, the respect they command in the face of detractors, and ruling the rap roost. But the album, bearing 12 tracks, delivers its finest moments when the protagonists are given more to introspection while affirming within the listener an optimism and the discipline to dream big and work hard. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Download: “Murder to Excellence”</span></span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">*</span></span><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >Stephen Marley – <span style="font-style: italic;">Revelation Part 1: The Root of Life</span></span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Highly reflective and very much in the tradition of his iconic father (down to the raspy voice), Marley’s <span style="font-style: italic;">Revelation</span> is authentic reggae that touches and transports with its traces of world music and neo-soul, while delving into themes as universal as hope, love, loyalty and humanity. Among the highlights: the simmering duet “No Cigarette Smoking” with R&amp;B powerhouse Melanie Fiona; the militant “Jah Army” (featuring brother Junior Gong); and the soul-searching closer “Now I Know,” soaked in acoustic guitar and a little piano. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Download: “Now I Know”</span></span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">*</span></span><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >Birdy – <span style="font-style: italic;">Birdy</span></span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">She’s only 15, but listening to Birdy for the first time you’d never be able to tell. The astonishing maturity displayed by the new British sensation has not only earned her critical hosannas but helped push her eponymous debut to the top of Britain’s pop charts and radio hit lists in 2011. Haunting and ethereal, Birdy’s songs, like her sublime take on Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love” and a ghostly rendition of “Help the People,” leave an indelible impression. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Download: “Skinny Love”</span></span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">*</span></span><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >Raphael Saadiq – <span style="font-style: italic;">Stone Rollin’</span></span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Stone Rollin’</span> is a kaleidoscopic journey through decades of old-school instrumentation that nods to Saadiq’s influences. Even so, the artist (and former frontman of the '90s R&amp;B band Tony! Toni! Tone!) remains true to an individual musical identity that’s all about crafting an edgy, fully accessible sound. He’s a funk-soul preacher man on the pulsating title track, a song you simply wish would never end. And he maintains that energetic, percussion-rich streak on cuts like “Heart Attack” and “Radio.” <span style="font-weight: bold;">Download: “Good Man”</span></span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">*</span></span><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >Kelly Clarkson – <span style="font-style: italic;">Stronger </span></span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Kelly Clarkson tapped into her pain and power on her latest album, arguably her best yet. The pop singer has stated that she was influenced by such rock icons as Tina Turner, Prince and Radiohead when recording the album. The proof is in the end product, which bears a rich blend of anthemic, uptempo cuts and soaring ballads steeped in yearning and vulnerability. But the common thread coursing throughout is Clarkson’s lush voice, a superb instrument that gets a fine showcase. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Download: “Mr. Know-it-All”</span></span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">*</span></span><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >J. Cole – <span style="font-style: italic;">Cole World</span></span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The Jay-Z protégé warmed up impressively with this brilliant debut, staying wholly in the rap lane with clever punchlines and a storytelling so vivid and transporting that he occasionally reminds one of Eminem. Additionally, despite not yet being a household name in the music world, J. Cole exudes a veteran air that at once suggests someone who’s been a student of hip-hop for years. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Download: “Sideline Story”</span></span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">*</span></span><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >Chris Brown – <span style="font-style: italic;">F.A.M.E </span></span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The embattled singer blazed in the spotlight with <span style="font-style: italic;">F.A.M.E</span>, shining most on cuts that celebrate living it up in the most adventurous and fun-driven sense, as on the hyper-kinetic hit “Yeah (3X)” and the fan-favourites "Beautiful People" and “Look At Me Now,” which finds him holding his own (as a budding MC with genuine potential) while keeping company with Lil’ Wayne and Busta Rhymes. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Download: “All Back”</span></span> <br /> <br /><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">*</span></span><span style=" font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >Adele – <span style="font-style: italic;">21 </span></span> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">At 22, with a platinum-selling debut and Best New Artist Grammy to her name, soulful British siren Adele boasts enviable laurels in a youth-obsessed music industry, and evidence of her intimidating talent is fully reflected on <span style="font-style: italic;">21</span>, her second studio album (a refreshing and endlessly charming collection) is thoroughly imbued with lyrical grace and lucidity while showcasing her brilliant songwriting. Overall, Adele’s music remains remarkably sprightly and vividly expressive and retains the appeal that has captivated her wide and loyal audience. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Download: “Turning Tables”</span></span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/music-flashback-tallawahs-top-10-albums.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone77" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-20486595202812460?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-60424546255382594022012-01-01T18:51:00.000-08:002012-01-01T19:37:48.886-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wreuPyrGYBo/TwEcEGYIqtI/AAAAAAAAKH0/5R9Wkcl9hnk/s1600/Yendi%2Band%2BI-Octane%2B%2528Osmosis%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wreuPyrGYBo/TwEcEGYIqtI/AAAAAAAAKH0/5R9Wkcl9hnk/s400/Yendi%2Band%2BI-Octane%2B%2528Osmosis%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692862260729916114" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WE OWN THE NIGHT:</span> Dec. 23, St. Catherine.</span> Getting close for the camera at last month's Osmosis Ultimate Nightlife pre-Xmas party on the Caymanas Estate: leggy beauty <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Yendi Phillipps</span> and reggae star <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">I-Octane</span>, who both happen to be <span style="font-style: italic;">Digicel </span>brand ambassadors.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GisSNmk-ONw/TwEcAZZEc5I/AAAAAAAAKHc/ZRQ0cydDPMs/s1600/Sanjay%2Band%2BKruddy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 335px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GisSNmk-ONw/TwEcAZZEc5I/AAAAAAAAKHc/ZRQ0cydDPMs/s400/Sanjay%2Band%2BKruddy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692862197114631058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">ELECTRIC BLUE:</span> December 20, Kingston.</span> Recording artiste <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Sanjay</span> (left) and <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">DJ Kruddy</span> were among the youthful stars spotted at the 2012 YVA's pre-party bash in Kingston recently.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZItbkI0Luo/TwEb_gSPUCI/AAAAAAAAKHQ/plPIH6DPRbs/s1600/Denyque.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 331px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZItbkI0Luo/TwEb_gSPUCI/AAAAAAAAKHQ/plPIH6DPRbs/s400/Denyque.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692862181785161762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SPOT ON: <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">December 20, Kingston.</span> </span>Ever the chameleon, singing sensation <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Denyque </span>debuted a bold new look at the YVA's pre-party event. Love the lips!</span> <br /> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k8SXh94BwPc/TwEb_H4WcEI/AAAAAAAAKG4/1LAKPPulbgI/s1600/Bambino%2Band%2Bfriend.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 347px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k8SXh94BwPc/TwEb_H4WcEI/AAAAAAAAKG4/1LAKPPulbgI/s400/Bambino%2Band%2Bfriend.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692862175234125890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">CLOSE UP:</span> December 20, Kingston. </span>TV and radio star <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Bambino</span> and a female guest also stepped out to support the 2012 YVA's pre-party in Kingston recently. Bambino can be seen, as his musical alter ego Trevor Offkey, in the new Material Riddim Medley music video.</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQ1fx6jQVDc/TwEb_DTkHiI/AAAAAAAAKHE/lYkkQXWE3uI/s1600/Camille%2BDavis.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 370px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQ1fx6jQVDc/TwEb_DTkHiI/AAAAAAAAKHE/lYkkQXWE3uI/s400/Camille%2BDavis.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692862174006091298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">NAUGHTY AND NICE:</span> December 30, St. Catherine.</span> It was all black everything for A-list actress <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Camille Davis</span> (now starring in <span style="font-style: italic;">Breadfruit Kingdom</span>), who recently got her groove on at Twismas Spiritz at the Caymanas Polo Club. Sheer fun indeed!</span> <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TtyqKplzCek/TwEcAohwy8I/AAAAAAAAKHo/khaU5DIDorg/s1600/Usain%2BBolt%2Bpic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TtyqKplzCek/TwEcAohwy8I/AAAAAAAAKHo/khaU5DIDorg/s400/Usain%2BBolt%2Bpic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692862201177623490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">BACK TO BLACK:</span> December 30, St. Catherine. </span>Dapperly attired with a female friend on his arm, <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">The World's Fastest Man </span>also got in the party spirit last week at Twismas Spiritz at the Caymanas Polo Club. Bolt is up for Sportsman of the Year at the RJR National Awards scheduled for Jan. 20.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2012/01/out-about-usain-bolt-camille-davis.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone76" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-6042454625538259402?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-34921587980059677812011-12-27T17:11:00.000-08:002011-12-28T10:49:59.870-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ToYa2ctbu_8/Tvtkbi9nFXI/AAAAAAAAKFw/CPBDWWKNhj4/s1600/Etana.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ToYa2ctbu_8/Tvtkbi9nFXI/AAAAAAAAKFw/CPBDWWKNhj4/s400/Etana.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691252978517218674" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">THAT'S THE SPIRIT:</span><span style="font-family: arial; "> Etana reflects on 2011 and looks ahead.</span></div> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Any listing of the most in-demand reggae stars of 2011 must include Etana. From selling out overseas concerts and continent-hopping (Europe, Asia, South America…) with her band in tow to giving sensational performances at home and across the region, it was absolutely Etana’s year to shine. <br /> <br />And gleam she did, including her most recent brilliant performance on home soil at Boxing Day’s star-studded Sting extravaganza at Jamworld in Portmore. “The vibe was wicked,” she says of Monday night’s performance, speaking with <span style="font-weight: bold;">TALLAWAH</span> by phone. “We had some issues with the band, but we worked it out. So overall it was good.”</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">For a top-rated entertainer (and occasional diva to boot) who has been doing her royal thing for years, Etana is used to excelling on stage – and in life – in spite of hurdles. Take her hectic touring schedule these past couple months, for instance. “Some of it was rough, like the travelling and the weather,” she confesses. “It got extremely cold in Europe, and being on the road is not easy.” <br /> <br />Even so, nothing could deter the deeply committed singer, known for giving her all with the mic in hand, from putting on a good show and pleasing the hundreds of concertgoers who came out to see her. “All the shows were full and well-received,” Etana says of the tour, which took her across the European mainland and for a two-week stint in Japan.</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Etana admits that she can still be surprised by her fans’ depth of knowledge of her body of work. “They know all the songs, even the ones that aren’t on the albums! And they bring their own albums to have them signed. It was amazing and so surprising to me.”</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The New Year will no doubt bring its share of fresh surprises. But if there’s one primary goal Etana has set her sights on it’s delivering a third album that she hopes will explore her fascination with ska and other vintage sounds while staying true to her approach to self-expression. And though her label isn’t too keen on putting out another Etana album before next fall, the singer is adamant that the material she has in mind is distinct from anything fans have heard from her in the past. “The third album will certainly be different from the others,” she stresses. “So I’m hoping it will be out before the end of next summer.”</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family:arial;">By all accounts, much of that incredible sense of conviction in her work translates to the rest of Etana’s life as a sister, daughter, friend and super-wife. For one, she believes strongly in giving back to her community and country. Scheduled to grace the stage at two of Jamaica’s biggest events next month – the Jazz &amp; Blues Festival and the earlier Shaggy and Friends charity concert – gives the songbird an indescribable feeling. <br /> <br />“It’s always good to give back,” she says. “I’m always away, so if I can get to perform at an event like the Shaggy concert, it’s a great opportunity for me to give something back to my country.”</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2011/12/wonder-woman-etana-talks-life-on-tour.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone75" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-3492158798005967781?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-2588343088628189192011-12-27T16:58:00.000-08:002011-12-28T15:08:36.456-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sHFPco5UK3s/Tvprw33c6bI/AAAAAAAAKE0/xDDU_T5a4zM/s1600/Ky-Mani.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 336px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sHFPco5UK3s/Tvprw33c6bI/AAAAAAAAKE0/xDDU_T5a4zM/s400/Ky-Mani.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690979566510467506" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">RASTA GOT SOUL: </span>Ky-Mani for Jazz &amp; Blues 2012.</span> <br /></div> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Joining Heads of State as the newest additions to the list of performers for the 2012 Jamaica Jazz &amp; Blues Festival in Trelawny, Grammy-nominated star Ky-Mani Marley, known for his potent fusion of reggae and hip-hop, is set to hit the stage on July 27, alongside Shaggy, Marcia Griffiths, John Holt and Etana. </span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Thursday’s big opening night of the three-day fest is intended to be a major celebratory event in honour of Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of Independence. As for the other two nights of rich music, concertgoers can expect thrilling sets from headliners Celine Dion, Cee-Lo Green, Nicole Henry, Jully Black, and other confirmed acts.</span> <br /> <br /><div class="fb-like" href="www.tallawahmagazine.com/2011/12/jazz-blues-2012-update-ky-mani-marley.html" send="true" width="450" faces="false"></div> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><a href="http://www.easycounter.com/"> <br /><img src="http://www.easycounter.com/counter.php?tyrone74" <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TALLAWAHezine" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @TALLAWAHezine</a> <br /><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <br /> <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUOiGsSx77Q/TvtaA4j84wI/AAAAAAAAKFk/NMXei6jmyPY/s1600/WHERE%2BIS%2BMY%2BFATHER%2Bad.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 364px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUOiGsSx77Q/TvtaA4j84wI/AAAAAAAAKFk/NMXei6jmyPY/s400/WHERE%2BIS%2BMY%2BFATHER%2Bad.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691241525342429954" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5789653303327747535-258834308862818919?l=www.tallawahmagazine.com' alt='' /></div>TALLAWAH Magazine (tyronesreid@gmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/00597035952208955189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789653303327747535.post-39936314526138519762011-12-27T16:19:00.000-08:002011-12-27T16:51:00.031-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XheLXL2TOXI/Tvpi9AxAAII/AAAAAAAAKEA/ZYJj2M8IRaI/s1600/Bolt%2Bgolf4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XheLXL2TOXI/Tvpi9AxAAII/AAAAAAAAKEA/ZYJj2M8IRaI/s400/Bolt%2Bgolf4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690969879453106306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">ON PAR: </span>The gentleman's game of golf figured into Usain Bolt's series of holiday activities, as the World's Fastest Man and friends on Monday took to the green at the White Witch Golf Course in Rose Hall, St. James, to play a couple rounds while soaking up the bucolic vibe and catching the afternoon breeze. Check out the highlights.</span> <br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDa5A-daF-0/Tvpi9HEj7PI/AAAAAAAAKDw/vzFvVs90LN8/s1600/Bolt%2Bgolf3.jpg"><img style=