Hollywood: Red Tails & Red Carpet

Red Tails:
The highly anticipated film Red Tails will be hitting a theater near you come midnight. It features an African American cast with actors such as Academy Award winning Cuba Gooding Jr.,  Academy Award nominated Terrence Howard, and fresh face Tristan Wilds. The film is a depiction of the Tuskegee Airmen; a group of African American pilots who fought in World War II. The Tuskegee Airmen (1995) starring Laurence Fishbourne and Cuba Gooding Jr., was a highly successful adaptation executed by the casts' stellar performance. We're hoping the same for Red Tails.

A lot of spectators, particularly the youth are in full support of the film. My friend Nina tweeted, "Don't complain about Tyler Perry if you won't support Red Tails. We have to support it if we want to see ANY big budget black movies EVER." Enough said. In regards to her mentioning Tyler Perry, apparently his last few films along with his series of sitcoms have not sat well within the African American community. Personally, I agree. I could delve in, but that's another story.

Honestly the last compelling film featuring an all black cast with stellar performances, and whose plot involves self-uplifting by African Americans themselves, was The Great Debaters (2007). Yep. That was what I believe [counting on fingers] four, five...yes FIVE years ago. Yes it has received a few nods, but the film was well deserving of an Oscar or at least a Golden Globe. Oh, and let's not forget the Spike Lee joint, Miracle At St. Anna (2008). Albeit may, we are picking up from where we left off. I believe Red Tails is a great running start.

Here's a sneak peak of the film Red Tails:

Red Carpet:
Last Sunday, Hollywood's biggest and brightest stars came out to celebrate great achievements in film and television at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Before the celebs wined and dined, a few of them awed me with their gorgeous gowns and tailored tuxedos on the red carpet. My top two gowns were worn by Jessica Alba and Paula Patton. Jessica Alba's dress was nothing but elegance adorned by a soft touch of lavender and scintillating crystals. Paula Patton's dress was flirty with that bright yellow hue, yet sophisticated. My favorite tux was worn by the handsome [drool] Idris Elba; classic and perfectly fitted.

Some of the headlining recipients included Morgan Freeman receiving the honorary Cecile B. DeMille Award (which was presented by legendary actor Sidney Poitier), Idris Elba for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series for Luther, and Octavia Spencer for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for The Help. The Golden Globe Awards was just the start of a great awards season to come for 2012.

(Quick trivia fact: Did you know that the red carpet at the Golden Globe Awards is longer than the red carpet at the Academy Awards? It's 30,000 square ft!)





















Good Night. Buenas Noches. Bonne Nuit.

The Unison of Family & Food

Slowly but surely I'm approaching that somber day when I have to say goodbye to my loved ones before I catch that 7 a.m. flight to D.C. I've already bid my farewells to my "Bama Fam" (relatives in Alabama), but now I have to bid my farewells to my immediate family here in Miami too. Overall, this Christmas has truly been remarkable. It's always this time of year that I cherish the most. Although I didn't experience the "Winter Wonderland" like I did last Christmas; this year I truly valued the importance of kinship and family bond. It's so endearing how granny's place is the central location for all of our events such as Christmas dinner, the secret santa gift exchange, and game night (Keep in mind that family from nearby and out of town flood granny's house. We have an EXTENSIVE family). I simply love it.
While I was in Alabama, my sister and I spent a few days with our cousin Ashley, and her bestie Abby who is of Mexican descent. Part of Abby's heritage is to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. Of course, there were savory dishes; which I couldn't decline being that I love food. Unfortunately, I didn't get a snapshot of everything (sucks teeth). However, I did get a snapshot of a drink I consumed called Ponche. It's an herbal refreshment made with manzana (apple), a hint of cinnamon, and a stick of sugar cane on the side. Here's a picture below:

Looks good huh? Well, I can guarantee you that it was! Mmmm.Warm and refreshing! In fact, I need to ask Abby for the recipe (bites lower lip). In addition to the Ponche, for the first time I tried a hot tamale. I don't have a picture of it, which I dread I didn't capture, but I can describe it. The tamale I had was called a "Green Tamale." It was composed of masa or dough with chicken, and then enclosed using corn husk. You can top it with onion and cilantro. Having the privilege to accompany my cousin to her friend's party greatly contributed to why I have decided to cover food as one of the topics I discuss on my blog. It also prompted me to cook more often! For the past two days I've been cooking dinner. Tonight I prepared riblet steak, stuffed potatoes, yellow rice and yeast rolls. Here's a snapshot:

I love to cook. Many people may not know that side of me. Give me the time and space and sistah can burn! (brushes shoulder off)  But any who, there's more to come.
I seriously hope for more Christmases like this. The family ties strengthen each year. It's unfortunate that this winter break is coming to a close at such a rapid pace. My kid brother was even requesting that I stay a little longer. I feel like my little sister just picked me up from the airport that Wednesday, and momsy had dinner ready for me when I arrived. I love my family, couldn't have been a better fit. As they say "all good things must come to an end", and I'm so glad that this Christmas ended well. With that being said, I conclude this entry.

Good Night. Buenas Noches. Bonne Nuit.

Brand New Year, Brand New Blog

Hello everyone!

So, I'm new to the blogging scene and I figured that because I am an aspiring journalist who loves to discuss current events that includes films, food, fashion, sports, etc; I should start my own blog. Well, here I am! For the first couple of months as far as the design of my blog is concerned, it will be a bit generic. As far as the content goes, it will be completely original, informative, fun to read, and open for commenting. Just consider this blog as a work in progress. Thanks for stopping by, and Happy New Year!

Good Night. Buenas Noches. Bonne Nuit.