Kirani James: The Grenadian Star

“Tears in my eyes after seeing the feature story of Grenada on NBC. The Grenadian athlete is such an outstanding young man, and he reminds me a little of my brother. I think they look alike too. You know, every once in a while, a star emerges on the scene and what I love about stardom is that it has no bias. It can come to anyone from anywhere, from the rural village of a tiny Caribbean island of 100,000, anywhere.”

Everybody is cheering on their country’s athletes at the Olympic Games in London. To be brutally honest, I usually don’t care about any other country’s performance but my own – Jamaica. That changed when, on August 6th, I watched the men’s 400 m finals. A young man in a green, yellow and red track outfit, representing the tiny Island of Grenada, had the world willing him to win. Kirani James, 19, was the favorite to win the race, but I became a fan of his after seeing how well he represented his country with pride and eloquence. He was putting Genada on the map while ensuring that the country’s first ever Olympic medal would be nothing less than one of gold. I was most impressed, however, by James’ golden character when he displayed world-class humility and sportsmanship after winning the semifinal race. The Grenadian star embraced Oscar Pistorius, the inspirational South African double amputee runner who finished last. In a show of respect and solidarity, James asked him to exchange name stickers.

After winning a race, Grenada's Kirani James embraces double amputee Oscar Pistorius of South Africa. 

Kirani James won the gold medal and as a feature story of Grenada was aired on NBC, I welled up with tears because I knew what it felt like to have one’s tiny country in the limelight on the international stage. I imagined the mothers and fathers of Grenada beaming with pride because their own had made them immensely proud. I thought of the boys and girls of Grenada who will dare to dream because they have seen what can happen. Their next-door neighbor was number one in the world. Not everyone is suited for athletics, but I hope little boys and girls realize that they too can become shining stars if they dream big dreams and work hard enough.

Double Amputee Oscar Pistorius might have finished last, but he finished the race and inspired millions at the London Olympic Games. He won his heat but failed to move on after the semifinal race. 

Kirani James wins gold in the 400 m track, bringing home Grenada's first Olympic medal 

There is a gem I learned in school, in Jamaica, when I was a little boy. It reads, “The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.” You see, I plan to toil upward in the night because I too want to be the best I can be in what I do. I would rather die than settle for mediocrity. Do you have the same burning desire to succeed?

Getting into Medill Northwestern School of Journalism

Anybody who knows anything about me knows that I am passionate about broadcast journalism. To achieve my goal of becoming a television news reporter, I decided to study journalism and English at the University of Toronto. The most recent statistics I looked at this year show that U of T is Canada’s number one university, and the world’s 16^th best institution of higher learning. When I entered U of T in 2005 I soon realized, however, that the school’s prestige was in the sciences and definitely not journalism. To put it bluntly, the journalism program was a joke, a big fat one. One of the newspaper instructors was a man whose fame to claim was that he had written two sports articles for the CBC’s news site. The television-broadcasting instructor was a former student who said he covered a story for some place, somewhere – and that’s all I can tell you about that. After graduation, I felt I was nowhere on par with the likes of Ryerson’s journalism graduates - that’s a school known for its excellent journalism program. 

Bored and clueless in photography class in 2007, I decided modeling in front of the camera was the best way I could practice using it. The instructor behind me didn't seem to care and I clearly didn't either.

I decided to apply to Ryerson for a master of journalism degree. I also applied to Carleton, another school with a good journalism program. They both turned me down. I was devastated. I applied to Ryerson again the following school year and I was again turned down. I was again crushed. I worked harder on the application and my skills through internships. I applied a third time and sure enough Ryerson rejected me. It didn’t make any sense to apply again because I came to the realization that I was never ever going to get into Ryerson. I was told I didn’t get in “on the basis of competition”.

Dwight Drummond, CBC prime time news anchor and fellow Jamaican, is a graduate of Ryerson University.

I looked to America since there were more and better schools to choose from, less competition and I had recently become a permanent resident in the States. I applied to some good journalism schools: Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Florida State, University of Miami and Medill Northwestern. Medill is ranked number two in the world, second to Columbia University. Since I had been rejected by Ryerson, and feeling dejected, I was not sure I would get into these schools, especially Medill. 

Students and faculty discuss what makes Medill a cut above the rest.

I submitted my application to Medill on the 16^th of May. On the 22^nd of May I received an email saying that my application was incomplete, and therefore not ready to be reviewed, because one of my referees had not submitted her reference letter. I was extremely disappointed and upset because I didn’t want any delays in the process.  I had already gotten into the other schools, but to get into Medill was to win the Mega Millions lottery. On the 24^th of May I checked my application status and saw this letter:

            Dear Patrick:

Congratulations! I'm delighted to inform you that you have been admitted to Medill's graduate journalism program for the Fall 2012 quarter. Orientation is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 25, 2012.

We encourage you to visit us online - we’ve created two sites just for you and other admitted students so that you can learn more about the Medill experience…

I cannot tell you how excited I was. I got into Medill! I couldn’t believe I got into Medill! I will be studying in Chicago and Evanston and I cannot wait to start school. 

As I said in my statement of purpose, “I believe wholeheartedly in my calling to shed light on stories that need a storyteller and hold people and institutions accountable for actions that would otherwise go unnoticed.”

Mommy calls it the best weekend of our lives

The weekend of May 12 and 13, 2012, will be an exciting one for my mom, my brother and me because we each are celebrating something – something big. We will be together in Washington D.C. Mom and I have never ever been to Washington. We will join my brother Derval, who currently lives there, for what my mom calls “the best weekend of our lives.”

Me, my brother Derval and Mom at my graduation ceremony in 2010 at the University of Toronto

On May 12, Derval will graduate from Howard University’s College of Dentistry with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. We always knew we would one day call him Doctor Clarke. I told him to hook me up with veneers when he gets settled because I want a perfect smile when I begin my own career in television broadcasting. The last time I saw him graduate was in 2001 when he graduated from high school in Jamaica. He didn’t attend his graduation ceremony at the University of Toronto because he had already begun studies at Howard. Luckily for me, he came back to see me graduate at U of T a year or two later. This time, I will be a witness as he gets that DDS! Certainly, that is the degree to earn and the ceremony to attend.

Doctor Clarke in action at school

Come May 13, the attention will graduate to my Mom and me. Mother’s Day falls on my birthday this year. I will celebrate my 25^th birthday, and this quarter-century celebration is a milestone. In an article 25th Birthday Celebrations Are A Special Time, Sara Brainsbridge writes, "Being twenty-five years old can be regarded as an actually special time. It's a point in one's life that may be looked at as a marker, because you ought to have already had a fair quantity of success and accomplishment." I am very proud of where I am today and I am happy to agree with the writer and say I have achieved a lot. 

I am getting ready to start graduate school this fall, and the thought of earning a master’s degree is overwhelming. I don’t have my own car, nor do I own a house, but I know those things will come. My girlfriend has had her own car since she was 18 or 19 and she paid for it herself, so she gets bragging rights. My plan has always been to excel academically before anything else. I might even start a Ph.D. program right after I earn my masters degree so that I too can become Doctor Clarke.

I will admit that there are a few things I am disappointed about. I had made up my mind that at this stage of my life I would have already earned my master’s degree and be working in television broadcasting. As it turns out, I am still striving to get there. Sometimes life does not pan out how one expects, but as my mom always says, “You win some, you lose some.” I have won some, and will win some more.

 Mom and me

Mother’s Day on my birthday is exciting. I get to share the day with my mom, and she is the best person I can share my 25^th birthday with.

I don’t know what we all will do, but whatever it is, it will be AWESOME! It will be the best weekend of our lives.

My review of "Think Like a Man"

Think Like a Man was an instant hit at the box office after its opening on April 20, 2012. It debuted at number one with $33 million, knocking down The Hunger Games, which spent four weeks as number one with only $14.5 million.

Four friends conspire to turn the tables on their women when they discover the ladies have been using Steve Harvey's relationship advice against them.

I must admit , I was not among the masses that were jumping up and down in anticipation of the film. It’s an adaptation of comedian and actor Steve Harvey's book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man.

1. I am not a fan of comedy films about breakups and make ups. 

2. I am not a fan of Steve Harvey. 

3. I am not a fan of comedian and actor Kevin Hart, one of the main characters in the film and its narrator. 

Still, I went to see it to find out what the hype was all about and to gaze at three actresses whom I find absolutely stunning – Oscar-nominated Taraji P Henson, Meagan Good and Gabrielle Union.

Taraji P Henson, Meagan Good and Gabrielle Union attend the premiere of Think Like a Man.

The women certainly did not disappoint as there was no shortage of sex appeal. They were more beautiful than ever and their outfits were as skimpy and tight as they could be without getting too 'hoochie'.  There were even some steamy lovemaking scenes. Everything else, for me, was, well, lukewarm. In other words, everything else was WACKY!

Almost everybody in the film, at one point or another, was a 'bitch' or a 'nigga'. When they were upset, they addressed each other as bitches and niggas. When they were jovial, they were still bitches and niggas. Even the men addressed each other as bitch. Those two words were thrown around too frequently and casually throughout the film, and were used in attempts to be funny. The cast could have been just as funny and effective in their messages without giving each other such derogatory names. I certainly found the language off-putting.

There was a joke by Kevin Hart's character - “Niggas are the only people who buy things they can’t afford,” or something to that effect. Of course, the theatre erupted into laughter, but I didn’t find it funny.

Taraji Henson’s character, being in a top management position, was the most successful and wealthiest of the women. When she opened her mouth, however, she was the loudest and most vulgar. I don’t know if that disconnect was deliberate, and if it was, I don't get the point at all. Again, it's as though the writers felt vulgarity was necessary for there to be hilarity. 

A few of the couples quickly fell in love and were as quick to break up. They fell deeply in love after just one date, or one sight. 'Love at first sight' was certainly a prominent theme. Basically, they all experience different  sorts of problems in their relationships. In the end, they work out their issues and live happily ever after. The whole thing was so predictable! 

Maybe you saw it and liked it; maybe you will see it and give it a thumbs up, or maybe like me, you will leave with a little smile and a big “WTF!”

I like what someone wrote online, "The movie is nothing but an infomercial for Steve Harvey's book."

A review of Think Like a Man by Grace Randolph

Yendi responds to critics

Jamaican beauty queen, Yendi Phillips, breaks down as she speaks out about her pregnancy and relationship with musician Daniel "Chino" McGregor

Some very unfavorable things concerning her pregnancy outside of wedlock with Chino have been said on Facebook and Twitter. Some of the comments are:

"Disappointed. As a role model, you should get married first. So many achievements; failure on this one. Set better examples."

"Disappointing. You just came out of an engagement and you are pregnant for another man already?!!?!??! OK!!!! You're not married and it's not an established relationship. BURN THAT!!!!  Even worse, you are a role model to so many young females. REALLY!?!?!? God go with you, girl. Pray for forgiveness..."

"The concensus is that Yendi is too good for Chino & could have found a better-richer suitor! wow!"

"I'm not up for this. Asafa asked her about kids and she said she ain't ready for kids, and now Chino gets the green light... I thought you were smart."

"I wonder why he's wearing a ring and you're not. Gives the impression you got pregnant by another woman's husband. Either two wedding rings or zero; sends a less confusing message..."

For many people who believe in marriage before starting a family, it is understandable why they would be disappointed in Yendi's decision to have a child out of wedlock. It is also a valid point to say that since she is a role model to many young girls and women, it certainly looks more wholesome to have Chino "put a ring on it." As someone said, the title of "baby mama" just isn't fitting for someone of Yendi's caliber.  

Although I agree that Yendi should have waited until there was a commitment of marriage, I certainly don't condone some of the disparaging comments plastered across Facebook and Twitter. I am more at odds, however, with Chino than her marital status. He fathers a three-year-old girl from a previous relationship, and allegations are that other women have come out of the woodwork saying he is the father of their children too. He has the reputation of a womanizer. It is my opinion that Yendi could have done much better as Daniel is not on her level in any way, shape or form. 

The reggae and dancehall artist seems to have a problem with commitment and I doubt he will commit to his latest "baby mama". Yendi's loyal fans are rightfully disgruntled about her being reduced to the status of baby mama - one of them. When pressed about marriage, Chino's response is that he has yet to make up his mind as to whether or not he wants to go in that direction. He, however, did not hesitate when directing his sperm. Many have come to the couple's defense saying that the majority of Jamaican children are born out of wedlock so they in fact represent the reality of the Jamaican society. Just because something is common doesn't mean one shouldn't have higher and better standards. 

Again, I have more of an issue with this "baby daddy"called Chino than the absence of wedding bells. At the end of the day, Yendi says she is happy and that is all that matters. 

This is the picture of a 17-week pregnant Yendi that created a thunderstorm of chatter on the internet

What does Yendi Phillips' pregnancy mean? If anything…

It was in 2007 when a 21-year-old woman sashayed her way into the Miss World beauty pageant, wearing a Jamaican sash. The 5’10” Jamaican beauty finished in the top 15.

The world would see her again when in 2010, Phillips danced, twirled and eloquently spoke her way to a first runner-up finish in the Miss Universe pageant. A role model for many, young Jamaican girls, Phillips was not only stunningly beautiful, she was educated. Phillips holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and a master’s degree in recreation and leisure management. The beauty queen seemed to have it all together and had it all she did – she was dating a handsome, track sprinter and former world record holder, Jamaican Asafa Powell. Many thought of them as a match made in heaven.

Yendi Phillips competes in Miss Universe 2010

Fast forward to April 23, 2012, and the pageant darling announces she is 17 weeks pregnant by posting a picture of her stomach on Facebook. A left hand, believed to be that of the child’s father, gently touches the stomach. On his left, index finger is a sparkly ring. Yendi’s left hand, placed over his, does not show a ring. Are they married? Are they engaged? Are they not? Who is the father? Where is Asafa? The picture, a shot of the stomach area, does not show their faces.

Yendi Phillips announces pregnancy with picture

The father of the child is said to be a popular reggae and dancehall artist named Daniel McGregor who goes by the stage name Chino. He is the son of reggae legend Freddie McGregor.

Phillips announced her pregnancy as the welcoming of “little McGregor.”

Daniel "Chino" McGregor

The news quickly became a trending topic on twitter.

As fans congratulated the former Miss Jamaica, it came as a shock to many who bravely asked about her relationship with Asafa Powell.

One wrote on Facebook, “Is this real? Should have been Asafas's baby. Not a good match, Yen and Chino.”

“Asafa and Yendi [broke up] about two years ago… Please STFU,” write’s another in response to disappointed fans.

Others are solely concerned about the little girls who look up to Yendi. Should she have waited until marriage before getting pregnant? What message does this send to her young admirers? Should she care? Then there are those who wonder, “Why a musician, and why that one?” Some of his hits include songs called Ruff it up and She want it hard.

What do you say?

Yendi and Asafa in happier times

The high price of fame; do you want it?

In a 2009 televised interview, the late Whitney Houston told Oprah Winfrey that she once seriously considered moving to a small island with her daughter to escape from a life void of privacy. She longed for unfamiliarity where she could just be a “normal person.”

In this 2009 interview, Whitney Houston lamented about her frustration over the years with fame. 

Beyonce too, sometimes wishes to switch places with the unknown likes of you and me.  The singer went as far as to say she was jealous of those who could walk in a park or go to the grocery store without interference; something she could never do.

Beyonce, now a mother, cannot carry her baby in a stroller. Blue Ivy has to be strapped to her chest and her little head buried beneath a blanket. A picture of the newborn could earn the lucky photographer millions, and so the paparazzi will do anything necessary to get a snap of the prized baby. Snatching up the baby from a stroller may even be attempted.

Beyonce carries her baby girl close to her, not giving the paparazzi any chance to view her.

Singer and actor Terrell Carter may not be on the same level of stardom as Houston or Beyonce, but he got a sour taste of life in the public sphere when a former partner outed him as a homosexual. Carter is best known for his roles in several Tyler Perry films and for auditioning on the first season of X Factor USA. Many loyal fans thought he betrayed them and it has been argued that his career failed to advance due to the gay saga.

This picture of Terrell Carter made its way around the internet in an attempt to reveal his sexuality.

Fame; could you handle it? Do you want it?