1. For the forty fourth time, the stretch of Eastern Parkway between Utica Avenue and Grand Army plaza will be transformed into a  three mile carnival as a gyrating multi-cultural crowd will gather to shimmy to the sounds of the Caribbean and eat to their West Indian heart’s content while watching the main parade at the annual West Indian American Labor Day Parade (with the Jamaican contingent always representing like no other) in Crown Heights area of Brooklyn, NYC this September 6th, 2011. For more information on the weekend long events and activities go to the West Indian American Day Carnival Association’s official website.
2.  We will definitely be stopping by the news stands to grab a copy of the September 2011 edition of American Elle magazine to for a spread of Kingston beauty, Jeneil Williams.  Since being booked by some of the top couturiers in the industry, the 2005 Pulse Caribbean Model Search third place winner has been making a name for herself on the catwalks as well as behind the cameras and has also been distinguished as “…an important face in modeling” after being photo graped by the revered photographer, Steven Meisel for Italian Vogue in 2008.  (Elle Magazine September issue on sale at news stands now.)

3.  Those of us who are of the firm belief that, “…nothing can beat an idea whose time has come,” sat in humbled wide-eyed fascination as technology entrepreneur, David Mullings, impassioned by his love of technology, his idea to make more people aware of the history of the rail system in Jamaica and his belief that the youth of Jamaica should have a more accessible as well as low cost way to make their ideas and voices heard, decided to not only shoot an entire film about Jamaica’s trains entirely on his iphone to prove that the iphone is a viable means of recording and translating ideas, but also that one can also think of creative ways to fund their ideas by approaching websites such as Indiegogo.com to petition viewers for direct contributions, a method known as “crowd funding”, to finance his project.  Mr. Mullings was able to raise a considerable sum in order to bring his idea to fruition and showed other budding Jamaican contributors to the future that technology in combination with a little ingenuity can go a long way in making what seems like an idea that’s beyond their reach, a reality.

4.     And speaking of reality, we self-confessed reality show viewers/devotees/junkies, were still reacting to the news that Jamaican entrepreneur, Peter Thomas, and his wife model Cynthia Bailey, both of the Bravo Network reality show The Real Housewife’s of Atlanta, were expecting an new addition to their family when alas our hopes were dashed as they released a joint statement that as newlyweds there were “…just having fun…” and there will not be any babies in their near or distant future.

5.  More ‘Reality Bites’ as Patrick City, Kingston native, Olivia Longott announced her  intent to return for a second season of the VH1 runaway hit, ‘Love and Hip Hop’, along with Chrissy Lampkin, rapper Jim Jones’s significant other; Mashonda Tifrere, ex-wife of producer Swiss Beats; and Emily Bustamante, ex-partner of the rapper Fabulous).  The singer and former G-Unit member cited the positive feedback she received as a result of her participation on the show as a reason for her return and is please her fans will be able to see more of the real Olivia.

6.   Among rumors of rock bottom ratings, television mogul in the making, Tyra Banks decided to not only return with another installment of her America’s next Top Model, but has to bring back some past contestants to compete once again. Among the bevy of hopefuls is Jamaican Camille McDonald, the sassy straight-talking participant and favorite from Cycle Two.  Insiders predicting that Camille will be the best cure for poor rating this season. Stay tuned. Lets see if America will be able to handle a dose of reality, Jamaican style.