#178: Michael Hyatt (Friday, May 28)

I was going through my little blue book (it's where I keep notes and important reminders on "stuff") and came across a website on one of the pages. It had no name, just a date in 2007. I didn't realize the connection immediately (probably because in my mind, I'd associated the name with a male) but by the time I'd gotten to my computer to type in the address, I knew who it was.

I've only met Michael Hyatt once in person, but I've seen her face a thousand times...and if you're a fan of The Wire, The West Wing, Brothers & Sisters or any of the other hot series on TV, you've seen her too. She's an amazingly talented actress whose body of work includes many of the top-rated shows on TV--not an easy feat for any actress.

In a time when many of the black actresses I know still complain of being typecast or being turned away because they're not "Halle Berry black" (yes, one of my girls got that at a casting), Michael's played everything from a doctor on Criminal Minds and Brothers & Sisters to a drug-running matriarch on The Wire to a political staffer on The West Wing. I love it!!

But what I love most about Michael is her down-to-earthness (is that a word?). Even whilst busy filming The Wire, Law & Order, 24 and Six Feet Under in 2004, she was an avid supporter of my lil start-up magazine and I will never forget that.

So, check out Michael Hyatt's site, and sign up to receive updates on her next ventures.

Be excellent!

#177: I Love My People (Friday, May 21)

I first met Ray as the creator of the "I Love My People" (I Heart My People) tee shirts. I'd never seen tees like those before. For one, I'd never seen that statement anywhere before I saw his tees, and I'd certainly never seen it with the heart filled in with a Caribbean flag. It was different, and it captured exactly how I felt about my heritage and my culture.

But since then, I've gotten to know Ray the photographer, his real craft. He captures images of carnival that showcase the diversity of Caribbean culture and make me feel like I was right there, in the thick of things. His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, galleries and museums, including the Schomburg, Museum of the City of NY, the United Nations, and the Studio Museum of Harlem...and that's just the short list.

So check out Ray's website, and if you're in NYC and interested in photography workshops or just fine art photography, give him a shout.

#176: Food 4 Thought (Friday, May 14)

A couple weeks ago, shopping in the supermarket, I ran into an acquaintance I hadn't seen since last year. He'd just bought a restaurant, and as serendipity would have it, it was just a few blocks away from my new apartment.

Food 4 Thought (soon to be Marcus Gardens) has been around for years; I remember doing a photo shoot there in 2004 for the magazine when it was still just a juice bar. They've come a long way...now it's a nice, cozy spot in BK for brunch or any other meal, and ideal for working too since they have wi-fi.

I went there this past Sunday for brunch and I had a great experience. The waiter was super friendly, and chatted with us whenever he came to our table. The food was very tasty (try the cajun fries), and if you're meat-eater, the Mr. Brooklyn sandwich looked and smelled divine.

Check out their latest reviews on Yelp, and if you're in the neighborhood, you should definitely drop by.

#175: Wonder-Full (Friday, May 7)

Eight years ago, I went to a Prince vs. Michael Jackson (Soul Slam) party. I didn't know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. I danced all night and left at 4:30 a.m. drenched in sweat. I'm not a huge fan of Prince, but I left that night a convert. I've been going to the event ever since. I was thrilled to discover Soul Slam is worldwide phenomenon: the Prince vs. Michael concept has been to LA, San Fran, Paris, Toronto, and last year when President Obama got sworn in, I attended one in DC! It was amazing!

Stevie Wonder is one of my favorite artists, so you can imagine when I found out that Keistar, the mind behind Soul Slam, also does Stevie Wonder parties. My joy was indescribable! And in 2008 when Stevie Wonder showed up, gave a really motivational speech to the audience and serenaded the crowd, I think that was one of the happiest days of my entire life.

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to meet the minds behind Keistar, and they are just like the vibes they evoke at their events: positive, warm and just good vibes all through.

If you want to experience what I've been raving about for the past few years, come with me next week to Wonder-Full XII. Get your tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/109732 and a portion of your ticket price goes to the type of charity you select.

And check out Keistar (http://www.keistar.net) to see when they're having a party in your neck of the woods.