Roti

For those of you that don't know - 'Roti' is Trinidad & Tobago's national delicious dish! And here' s a funny song in ode to Love and the love of Roti -- Trini stylin! :))

Planted Seed

Love is an enormous part of life. Some may argue it is THE most important part of life. For a life without love is one that may as well be forgotten. Certainly there is more to life than falling in and out of love, of healing, of playing silly games, of masking feelings and pretending we're made out of steel; but isn't it the one we as human-beings crave for the most in life? Career; ahhh satisfying, work that you like to do, makes the days a bit easier no? And family; good relationships with Mum and Dad, sisters and brothers, yesss quite good too. And friends; the ones that listen to us, make us laugh and defend you no matter what, and after they defend you, they still tell you if you were wrong to begin with. And when that's all in order, what else is left? Someone who loves you like they love themselves; someone that cries when you do, someone who wants to hold your hand, just because; someone that you can share with, someone that you can trust, a friendship on steroids, an attraction so intoxicating, everything seems right when you're with that person. And we ask ourselves, is it easier to plod along bit by bit until you get the one that makes you feel the best? Couldn't you perhaps grow together? Couldn't you perhaps, take a leap and trust your heart? Would it not make your journey that much simpler?

When love happens, it happens, you cannot ignore it. It's like the strong desire you have in your heart to do what it is you do. Whether that be painting, or working in film, or fishing, whatever it is you desire. How strong is your desire for you to act upon it? What are you afraid of?

In life, you must take risks, it's the only way to ever truly be alive. Listen to your own instincts, and trust them. Speak the truth, loud and clear, and if you still seem invisible fall back with arms wide open; surrendering in the promise the Universe made known to you. Have no doubts, no fears, only joyous patience. It's called respect; for yourself, your heart, your lovely being. You must nurture it always; be gentle; for if you don't love and respect yourself, then who else will? Treat yourself how you want to be treated, don't settle for less, don't lie to yourself, don't be afraid to act out on what it is you have wanted for so long, or speak how you expect to be treated.

Work hard at it; your passion, your job, your dreams, your love, and after you've planted those seeds with sacrifice and hard work, then give in with compassion and forgiveness, keep the fire alight in your soul – it'll all turn out for the best; you'll see. Because you are a unique, beautiful being of light and you'll get what you deserve in divine timing. Don't rush it; trust it! Don't you think you're wonderful? Don't beat-up on yourself, you deserve this joy; and it's almost at the surface!

Prayer is powerful; meditation is powerful, choose which way you want to connect to that infinite love and joy available to you in the Universe, and the heavenly realm will steer you in the right direction and give you answers on what path you are to take. In the mean time; be of service, love one another, do the right things; your path might be shorter than you think. Don't forget the ones who you mean the world to – otherwise when you finally make that time for him/her they may have been directed elsewhere…wait in joy for that person willing to know you inside and out and is brave enough to take the risk and fight that dragon to be your knight in shining armor.

Bless-up!

Jair

** I believe in the truth; do you?

Den Du Frygten

I found this 2008 Danish film a fitting title to dissect after how I've been feeling the past couple days; again realizing that despite pruned efforts at attaining what it is I want, that I can only do my best by planting the seeds of love and sacrifice towards my dreams and then gracefully surrendering to the Universe/God to do the rest. Some things are just out of our control, it isn't wise to go against the flow of the river. And so I will keep at it, be patient and expect great things even when things seem to have gone dim. For one day it's cloudy and the other there is brilliant sunshine.

Fear Me Not wasn't the most ground-breaking film; however the way things panned out despite its simplicity by nature it made for a very thrilling and powerful film. Mikael the main character played by Ulrich Thompsen is a middle aged man, who is married and has a teenager daughter and to the outside world a supposedly splendid life. They live in a lovely suburb of Copenhagen, with great windows and the scenic view of a lake which he and his brother-in-law often likes to go rowing on; he is on a leave from his job and he feels as though he needs a change of pace in his life; he feels as though this 'picture perfect' life has become boring and time has suddenly passed him by.

His brother-in-law Frederik played by Lars Brygmann works in the hospital and tells him of clinical trials for a new anti-depressant drug. Mikael feels that this is his way out of boredom and signs up to be a part of hospital's guinea-pig group. He doesn't notice changes at first, but then he feels that he has never seen life clearer and the pills are allowing him to become more confident in acting out in bizarre and even violent ways in which he would never dare to act on before.

The film is slow-paced, sprinkled with divine cinematography and country-side splendor and as the story progresses, writers Kristian Levring and Anders Thomas Jensen manage to make its audience squirm in their seats with every absurd thing done by seemingly the loving and stable father and husband Mikael. I found it interesting that Mikael once mentioned 'The Hulk' to his daughter when he first met her boyfriend Tobias, and he himself had been struggling with this hidden identity as well as anger that he masked for 20 years since leaving the countryside to live in the city.

The climax of the entire film would have to be the point when Mikael has unquestionably spiraled out of control and he is alerted to something he would fear about the pills he has been taking.

Not a bad film to watch or be a part of; a little drama, a little psychological thriller; not a bad recipe for a mesmerizing and thought-provoking film.

Gooo Denmark! J

Time is Short

Just Friends By Jair Ananda Massiah 07/12/2011

I'm flying, I'm flying, it's you I see
I feel, I hear, I breathe
Smiling
Because I deserve this
You deserve it too
No need to land
Traveling so free
Of laughter
And time spent
Of dreams shared
Special indeed
Why land?
Don't want it to end
It feels so good
I find it difficult to be
Just friends?
Why do you stray
Now, so far away
What was I before
Your rock
And just that
I deemed to be yours
As I was before
If you can't be here
Then I'm sure
Because time is short
And hearts have feelings too
Don't you see
Baby, it's love
I've always loved,
…Just you… L

** I love you doux-doux....sigh**

Grateful

Haven't spoke much about my television hosting experiences; or the insight I gain from volunteering with hospice care; but here is an exciting clip of what the hostess job is like.
I am so grateful to Jah-Jah, my supreme being, my creator, my rock...

Enjoy! :))

** For Caribbean videos like this and more, please feel free to visit: www.mykeetv.com

Turn up the Love

Turn up the love...
Whose gonna' bring you back to life?
Save the world tonight...

Lovely song and even nicer video! :))
Gosh -- I truly need a furry friend! hahah

** Keep doing the right thing -- it's for the better ;) ... Love, Love, Love! It's all about love silly!

People

People cease to amaze. If they did cease to amaze, then what an utterly dreary place earth would be. We come from all walks of life; all sorts of chips off our shoulders, all sorts of upbringings, cultures, customs, beliefs etcetera. I can go on forever. It is impossible to have everyone think the same way; yes very well impossible; for we are all different and unique individuals with specific personalities and drives. Sometimes it's hard to swallow; tis true everyone is not going to agree with you, or see things your way. We all have singular agendas and thought processes and during our journey here, specific lessons brought into our lives to accomplish, understand and in due course overcome. Despite your progress and advancement along the path of life; some others will never be able to comprehend where you're at or what it is you're going through. Not because they're stupid or slow; but because it's not their time to learn that particular lesson as yet, or simply that it is irrelevant to their journey and so they are mentally blocked off to seeing it.

It becomes discouraging, disappointing, daunting and heartrending at times when people do or say things intentionally or un-intentionally to hurt you or bring you down. There are so many mind games human-beings like to play, they're always trying to get 'one-up-on-you'; and drain your energy, determination or drive to make themselves feel better. It seems real odd for those of us that care not to play games but embrace everyone for who they are and where they're at in life's journey; that it's mind-blowing to think that people can just be downright disparaging and mean!

Masters and prophets like Jesus, Siddhartha, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Mohammed to name a few who be-friended and learned from even the most simple, meek, mild and humble people and even from those who were crude, angry and un-kind to others (for with every action there is an equal and opposite reaction and therefore a reason for everyone's behaviour). We can learn a great deal from their examples of love, acceptance and non-judging attributes to practice within our own lives.

At times when people around you make spiteful and insensitive comments, or act out in ways that make you wonder about their ultimate motive; I would recommend a wonderful piece of literature I came across while reading 'The Autobiography of a Yogi' by Paramahansa Yogananda who had a lovely excerpt by Thayumanaver, which read:

"…You can control a mad elephant; you can shut the mouth of the bear and the tiger; you can ride a lion; you can play with the cobra; By the alchemy you can eke out your livelihood; you can wander through the universe incognito; you can make vassals of the gods; you can be ever youthful; you can walk on water and live in fire; but control of the mind is better and more difficult…"

Which I find this passage to be holding great value and worth; for we as humans judge constantly, we are ruled by the ego; thinking we are better than others because of the colour of our skin, the curls in our hair, our status, or the job we do to pay the bills; always trying to make divisions and prove that 'you are better because'; when this is the wrong direction to head in. We are reflections of each other; none better than the other, none divided by the other; all part of the bigger picture, the many streams and rivers leading to the same ocean. We must learn to love others as we love ourselves, and treat others how we wish to be treated.

And for those who not yet know this special secret of happiness, then try your best to make your mind an ally; to work for and with you and not against you. Take a breath of air and put things in perspective. Don't ask why people are doing this to you. Ask, why am I reacting to this situation in this way? Why does it make me displeased? If others are rudimentary, and un-caring, then let them be; they do not know any better or they are still struggling with themselves and their over-active and negative-thinking mind. Be still and know that you are protected, loved, and in constant company of your guides and heavenly angels that wish to keep you in a cheerful mood and lead you to where it is you need to be. So trust in that and say, 'Here I am!' and 'Is it me you need?'Listen to the sounds of the evening; and turn people's tactless words into a smile upon your face, because you are stronger than you think, you have grace, elegance and the power to not react but just absorb it for what it is; words; words that have no merit or control over you and your thoughts. Let it roll off you as water runs off a duck's back…

Practice self-love and eliminate those negative energies.

Bless-up!

Jair J

The Princess and The Frog

Unfortunately I had given up on Disney films, because I felt that they had lost that long ago sparkle and magic of 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Cinderella' type brilliance and had instead gone to silly, bogus and wild inventions like 'Lilo and Stitch' and 'Little Chicken'. To each his own, however they had taken the fairy out of the tale, and the princesses and dreams out of the hearts of small children; I'd much rather have my young people believe in their dreams instead of fighting shark aliens. I suppose both stories like films which each have their following and audience; and it would be juvenile of me to say that both don't have their own appeal and special place. All I can say is why I no longer cared for them.

Funny story though; I had watched an interview with art director Ian Gooding; a man who has worked with Walt Disney studios for a very long time, who just so happened to be of Caribbean heritage; a man from non-other than the infamous Caribbean island of Jamaica. He spoke of his affiliation with Walt Disney, and the many films he worked on and happened to mention The Princess and The Frog. He spoke of how much research they had to do for the film; visiting New Orleans and recording cab car sounds and authentic music from several New Orleans bands; and that the film had a very good story. Before that too; I suppose it did catch my eye seeing a princess of 'colour' and what changes that could bring for small black girls worldwide to see themselves in this positive light. I had heard Angelina Jolie speak of the film and how excited she had been about it because of it being an optimistic film for one of her adopted children from Ethiopia.

It was. It was optimistic, positive, heart-warming, and positively entertaining with all that Jazz! Sure the little black girl wasn't ordinarily a princess in the world, but she became one, and really was always a princess inside. I was glad they didn't name the princess "Shinaynay", and found it interesting that her Prince was from another country and not even her same race. Hmmm… Who wouldda' thunk!?J The message of the story I found inspiring, "Your dreams can come true if you work hard and believe in them…" It's what all the great masters before us have said, the secret throughout time; and here was this priceless message brought to you in song and dance with bright fire-flies, burly alligators and two mucus filled frogs.

I loved the voo-doo twist; and the fact that they showed both sides; the good and evil, as is true in life. Not always getting what you want, but finding out what you need and what you already have so much of. With this knowledge and by digging a little deeper into finding out who you are, you're able to overcome obstacles, challenges and those who try to show you an easy way when all they truly wish to do is to take advantage of you. When you are able to work past all these things, then you realize that good is on your side and no evil can overcome because you are stronger than ever with faith and hope in a dream that was yours always to begin with; waiting to blossom into reality with endearing patience and joy in a promise for all those who believe in it! J

Un long dimanche de fiancailles

A very Long Engagement released in 2004 by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, the same writer and director that brought you classics like (my favourite) Le Fabuleux Destin d' Amelie Poulain - Amelie, and La cite de enfants perdus – The City of Lost Children, brought a film that exceeded both before it; as far as film quality and gripping film noir and cinematic content is concerned. Noticing that he used the same actors in his movies, they are always able to re-invent themselves well, and blended in quite fine into the World War 1 era. Every character had such unique idiosyncrasies and splendor that it was difficult to not invest in any one of their stories or journeys.

Very many wonderful surprises in this film; the one that topped my list would have to be Jodie Foster playing one of the main characters as Elodie Gordes and speaking proper French without the slightest giveaway that she is indeed an American from Los Angeles! She is always phenomenal and always plays such exciting and strong woman characters and she added to her repertoire in making a powerful appearance in this film. Another grand surprise in the film; although not really as astounding as the first would be that French actress and Oscar winner Marion Cotillard would also play an important vixen who sought revenge for her lover who died in the war; her character was Tina Lombardi and she was sprinkled throughout with her fierce antics and with a touching last monologue at her end.

There are so many things I can say about Jean-Pierre's execution of this film that it's not easy knowing where to start. I love the beginning opening credit sequence, with only a cold and old wall with rain falling on it as the backdrop to the opening transition of the film. As in most of his films, Jeunet tends to paint his characters lives, likes and dis-likes to establish scenes. I was in love with war cemetery scene, as I find cemeteries in general to be quite fascinating. I also adored the scene with the long grass in the meadow blowing in the wind.

I learnt a bit about war I suppose; for these type of films would never be my first to watch because of the violence. I don't handle the sight of blood too well, as I feel as though I adopt the pain of the person injured; but what was interesting to me was that in order for men to return home, they had to be injured, and many men apparently would try getting out of the war by inflicting wounds, what was stranger is that all the men shoot themselves with purpose in the palm of their hands, and the irony of this is that in one of the opening scenes, the camera zoomed out from a nail through the palm of Christ's hands, on the cross, what was left behind after some severe destruction. Hands in general seemed to have an enormous effect throughout the film, was the young solider Manech played by Gaspard Ulliel whom had proposed to the lovely Audrey Tatou who played Mathilde made the statement that every time his wound throbbed he could feel her heart in the palm of his hand.

"…each time his wound throbs Manech feels Mathilde's heart in his palm. Each beat brings her closer to him. If Manech were dead, Mathilde would know since the death notice, she stubbornly holds on to her intuition like a flimsy wire. She never gets discouraged, and Mathilde is of cheerful disposition. If that wire doesn't lead her to her lover, never mind, she can always use it as a noose."

Stunning moments that director Jean-Pierre Jeunet kept going back to was the MMM which stood for Manech Mariez Mathilde – Manech marry's Mathilde; which Manech carved on many things throughout to show Mathilde how happy and proud he was to marry her. Another divine moment was the seagull in flight; both Manech and Mathilde enjoyed watching it from the top of a beautiful light-house. And this shot was brought back several times throughout the film.

The violin music was poignant and would certainly grip at the audience's heart-strings seeing that it was somber during the time period of so many men lost and injured. I have seen many directors use this strategy of mixing destruction with beauty as extreme opposites which somehow always tends to work well.

Charming pieces of writing sprinkled throughout which would suffice the content of the film are:

"…an Indian princess on her elephant with her hunters on the trail of sorrow…"

"…the sun, the sky, and nature are with her. As a true lady, she made every effort to look her best, dressed in white for freshness, lipstick for the occasion, eyebrows shaped, but none of that black which lengthens the eyelashes, she knows that tears can make a mess of it…"

And my favourite at the very end, when Mathilde is finally reunited after so long, after so much discouragement, disappointment, and sometimes little hope, the narrator says:

"Mathilde leans back in her chair, folds her hands in her lap and looks at him. In the sweetness of the air, in the light of the garden, Mathilde looks at him…she looks at him…she looks at him…"

It is rare when movies are made of such caliber, of a love that is true, of times that are hard, and of exquisite cinematography and quality of film, that is a delight for all who watch! J

Midnight in Paris

There's something about France and specifically Paris and the way it lights up at night, the distinctive romance in the air, the delicious crepes slathered with nutella, the lush, warm croissants, the people riding bicycles here and there, and the distinct sing-song French accent. And there's something about Woody Allen films and specifically his latest out to the public starring Owen Wilson (the broken-nose joker) and Rachel McAdams (the Canadian darling with the deep dimples).

Midnight in Paris; this 2001 film, certainly took me by surprise. Here I was on a long New Jersey layover and how fitting that a large cinema would sit right next door to my very hotel. Layover in paradise if you ask me! J I wasn't quite privy to what the film's background was about, but leaving the 11^th floor I made my way to the ticket counter and paid $11 for the 7:40pm show.

I often fancy Woody Allen films; despite his skewed personal life and downfalls, his film content is always remarkable, thought-provoking and enjoyable. He didn't make an appearance in this film, and although there are always rather elaborate wiles between main characters, it didn't seem the least up for a fight between the main characters Owen Wilson and Rachel Mc Adams who were engaged to be married. Rachel did her best possible to recite and blow-out Allen's wordy script as insatiable fiancé Inez, whereas Owen simply played himself; the lovable yet often clueless character with the usual one-liner rebuttals of wit. I must say that with such light and oddly fitted main characters as a couple, I found it extremely surprising to see Award winning Kathy Bates, Oscar winning Adrien Brody, Oscar winning French actress Marion Cottiard as well as the ever-talented Alison Pill.

I got pleasure from the opening scenes which seemed to last for a good 5 minutes or so, of the audience's senses being graced with sites and sounds of Paris, during the day, during the night, and in the rain. The fantasy sequences that took place every night at midnight I found to be quite enlightening and educational for those unfamiliar with the literary and art world boom during the 1920's in France and Paris specifically, where artists from around the world, writers, singers, costume designers, would all flock during that time to share and develop their art; aptly named 'The Lost Generation'. The question posed to the audience being one that asked what time period truly could be considered the most grand or impressive time for developing great artists in human's history? The answer we find out that there is no era more significant than the other, the best time is now. There is greatness among us; just perhaps not discovered as yet.

Marion Cottiard was dazzling as usual, with her sweet smiles and elegant grace throughout, who she became the 2^nd and main love interest for confused and excited Gil, played by Owen Wilson. Adrien Brody's performance as Salvador Dali was quite humorous and Kathy Bate's character, Gert Stein, was forceful and unforgettable. Corey Stall who played Ernest Hemmingway also did justice for what the late and great American writer may have indeed been like and Alison Pill who played Zelda Fitzgerald and never seems to disappoint with her out-of-the-box characters; again delivered as the fanatical, passionate and tough-cookie that the iconic Zelda Fitzgerald was.

A tear or two was shed at the end, when Owen Wilson, (although in my opinion is not the typical type to be cast for a romantic lead) was accompanied walking in the rain with a new lass; one that enjoyed spending time with him doing the things which he liked doing without there being any judgment or argument at all. About knowing what you want; and escaping people that try to trap you and drain your creative energies and the simplicity and inspiration that can be found by just taking a moment to walk in the rain.

Once again Woody Allen; you deliver! J

Brides Maids

I enjoyed the Hangover, and I enjoy comedies in general, but never am I the one to come up with the grand idea of watching a comedy; I tend to always be drawn to the darker, edgier, thought-provoking, controversial, disturbing, fantasy, dramatic and award-winning type films. It's not that comedy isn't healthier, lighter and instantly gratifying in forcing the audience to smile; but it's just that when someone takes film as seriously as I do; one tends to not only study them, but analyze it and rip it apart, for to be the best you must learn from the best, and although comedy is entertaining, tragedy and drama is the root of where it comes from.

I found the trailers for this 2011 film, Brides Maids to be appealing but still I wasn't sure I'd ever see it; I mean, maybe I'd see it when it came out on Netflix or DVD, but certainly not in the cinema. It wasn't till a dear girlfriend of mine came over to my snazzy pad to visit for a few days, that she kept nudging me that we should go see it. The lines were long, the theatre quite full, but we somehow managed to get the Best seats in the house! Let me just say, that paying to see this movie on the big screen, I was not in the least bit disappointed. Brides Maids not only was a belly-full of laughs with outrageous, disgusting and incredibly incredulous moments, but was thoroughly engaging and solidified the strength of what I had been learning at my Improv classes.

Bridesmaids produced by Judd Apatow and Paul Feig, cast a full round of experts within the Improv scene. Apparently large amounts of the film were improvised by the actresses and cast, all except Rose Byrne, the token Aussie who quickly learned the art-form from her fellow cast members who have been part of the UCB, Groundlings and even Saturday Night Live cast. The substance of improvisational skills is shown clearly to the audience, by the sheer brilliance that can be created on whim, once the character is grounded and supports the other person's point-of-views.

Although Kristen Wiig was the writer and main character, and Maya Rudolph was the Bride-to-be; it was Melissa Mc Carthy for me; that stole the show. She was anything but refined and created a one-of-a-kind and un-forgettable character for years to come. Her character, Megan was comparable to Zach Galifiankis' character Alan with his slue of antics in The Hangover. I found the film to be very much wild in its implausible sequence of events, however distinctively relatable to the female species in that there was heart and several emotional and 'awww' moments dabbled throughout the film.

Brides Maids delivered laughs, tears, inspiration as well as the hope that your bridal planning will never ever go quite like this one did. And might I just add that I hope I never have a flight like the flight attendants had in this movie when the girls attempted to take their trip to Las Vegas! J

My Kee TV - Caribbean Talent Network

** For this and more Caribbean interviews here in the Los Angeles area, feel free to visit:

www.mykeetv.com