Did I just say that....... - Blog

FROM THOSE WHO INSPIRE- 1

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 22:08:00 +0000

Hello everyone!

I'm back, and I want to share with you today a few lessons I recently learned.

We're currently studying Maya Angelou in my English class, and after watching a few of her interviews, I thought it would be nice to share some of her statements that I personally identified with.

'If you don’t laugh, you will die. You know, you really must laugh. The sense of humour is the self-defence against those who pretend not to have any sense of humour, and against the cruelties of life'

Now, by now my readers know I love, love, love the Daily Show with Trevor Noah, and the book, Born a Crime— which he also wrote. However, what you might not know is that I have an inexplicable love for comedy shows, and for the soothing effects of laughter in general.

Here are my top comedy shows (and funny people, of course!)

1. The Daily Show with Trevor Noah

Smart, funny, witty, and serious when he needs to be. Perfect, sigh. Watch all of the episodes he has done since he took over from Jon Stewart five years ago. You won't regret it.

2. The Late Show with Steven Colbert

He's like a wicked cool grandpa, and the graphics and computer editing on the show are insanely good. Watch his coverage of the 2020 DNC and RNC and you'll marvel at the talent and creativity that went into creating the ENDGAME segment.

3. The Late Late Show with James Corden.

Cringey at times, but who doesn't love a guy who can laugh at himself. And, if you've ever watched carpool karaoke, man, this guy can really sing. All die-hard One Directioner's (in spite of Liam's 'problems' with Harry) James is your guy. Plus who wouldn't want to sing with a guy who has sung with Michelle Obama?

4. Late Night Whenever Michelle Buteau.

If you're a reruns kinda gal, then Late Night Whenever will tickle your funny bone. Although it's no longer taping, there's still some comedy gold for those who want to dig t it up! If you've watched Work It recently, she's the fantastic admissions counsellor at Duke University. Considering my aunt says I remind her of Quin Ackerman (I'm not sure if that's good or bad), she's definitely someone I would be ecstatic to meet.

5. Tiffany Hadish.

I'm not sure if she has her own show— I discovered her in an interview with Trevor Noah— but you'll love all her interviews for the outrageousness of her utterances and cinematic quality of her life experiences. She's not for everyone though, and if you lean towards more conservative ideas and opinions, you might not be too enthused with her. Her book, The Last Black Unicorn, might be just what you're looking for in your next bookscape.

6. Ayo Edebiri

Of course, I'll include an African(She's technically Nigerian-American). She's young-people funny, and she's too cute for her own good. You'll get some laughs in on this one, though she's an up-and-coming star and has some polishing IP to do to perfect her craft. She's fantastic for a fairly new newcomer though, and I encourage you to search her up on Comedy Central Standup. For fans of Jaboukie Young-White (He works with the Daily Show-need I say more?).

You might be wondering why I didn't say much about Trevor Noah. Well apart from the fact that his awesomeness speaks for itself, he serves entire posts dedicated to his intellectual depth and mastery of the art that is comedy, and I plan to do that in due time.

As always, please comment, share, subscribe and follow me.

Naija jolof vs Ghana jolof 3

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 00:46:00 +0000

Potato Potahto. What a wonderful name!

I've watched this movie twice, and I still can't get enough of it.

It stars the stunning Joselyn Dumas as Lulu and the loveable UC Ukeje (Yes, he's Nigerian, sigh) as Tony, Lulu's (should I say ex) husband.

I think it's an established fact that marriage is a funny business.

But, even funnier is the business of staying in the same house with your ex-spouse after the divorce is finalized, for the reason that you're unable to let go of the house you toiled and bought together as a labor of love.

To clue you in a bit more, let me say this:

The true test of the" unsalvageability" of the relationship between a divorced couple is the willingness of both parties to let go of their matrimonial home.

As soon as both parties decide that neither of them wants to keep the house, we know that either the relationship is too abhorrent, or the memories within the home are so emotionally scarring that neither of them wants to relieve any of it.

Even at the expense of a luxurious, tastefully furnished mansion.

Tony and Lulu didn't get that memo.

Or, at least, not until the end of the movie.

Shirley Frimpong Manso tastefully tackles the issue of divorce and manages to almost imperceptibly, draw attention away to the intricacies of human personalities and relationships, and away from this delicate issue that is the cause of so much castigation and controversy in traditional African society.

Do opposites really attract?

Maybe.

But, despite being so dissimilar, Lulu( (the definition of perfectionism) and Tony (there's no one more laidback and easygoing than he) haven't got their relationship down pat.

Have any of us?

It is highly probable —at least in my opinion— that opposites do indeed attract, but relationships are not formed or sustained by attraction alone, and that is why problems emerge in relationships.

As someone with an unsullied record with regard to relationships, I am not equipped to dole out nuggets of wisdom with regard to initiating and maintaining relationships, but I am hopeful that my readers can help with that.

Now, I can't really encapsulate the life and energy of the movie within a few lines of summary.

However, I can say this.

If you ever had the chance to get back with an ex whom you're still in love with, would you take it?

Today, I'm more interested in the cast.

This is a movie about personalities, and I shall use brushstrokes of personality to liven up my blank easel.

Joke Silva is Lulu's mum.

Calm, sagacious and overflowing with dignified grace, she ignores the rules about whose side of the house whichever part in question she finds herself in is—as any sane mother would do!

She makes one of the most poignant statements in the movie.

'Tony, if there was anyone who would have made a good wife out of my daughter, it would have been you"

I don't think parents usually show such profound awareness of their children. And, even if they do, such an acknowledgment of one's child's flaws to another, especially to a perceived opponent, is incredibly rare.

The elusive father of Lulu, who never appears in the movie is just that: elusive.

Lulu's best friend: She would have been the town gossip in an Ananse story

Tony's best friend: Imagine cheating on your wife because the two of you don't fight, and gloatingly recounting the entire betrayal as a means of eliciting a reaction.

A reaction that made her miserable and left you feeling self-satisfied?

I think there's a name for that: sadism.

Now, to my favorite actors.

Nicki Samonas.

You must be filthy rich to hire the stunning Niki Samonas as your maid.

Aptly described in the movie as 'a Ms. World', the only thing I can say is: she must be high- priced indeed.

She's the perfect hire to make your girl jealous.

Chris Attoh is all brawn and muscle here.

With arms like yams and a deep velvety baritone, you can't fault Lulu for hiring a worthy 'Mr. World' or Tony for feeling scrawny and insignificant in comparison.

Niki and Chris will leave you rolling in laughter.

From a botched robbery attempt to a humiliating attempt at seduction on Chris's part to that awful moment, I giggled to the point of burping.

Far from being restricted to hiccups owing to only the above situations, you'll get your huge laugh from that familiar, awful moment when you catch the help in a compromising position with each other and you feel like ripping the universe apart.

Chris Attoh's humiliation and his ridiculous attempts to salvage his dignity make him undeniably the best actor in the movie, hands down.

Of course, I can't avoid acknowledging that this is a Ghanaian-Nigerian mix— the best kind of Jolof out there.

But, Shirley is Ghanaian, and so I choose to claim credit for it as a true Ghanaian would.

Another fantastic masterpiece by Shirley Frimpong Manso, Potato Potahto is a must-watch.

It's available on Netflix.

As always, read, like, follow, share, comment and subscribe.

Naija jolof vs Ghana jolof 2

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 23:39:00 +0000

Let's talk about Isoken.

I don't know if it's just me, but I find it a bit strange that the most recent Nigerian movies on Netflix either feature British guest actors or Nigerian actors who have lived in Britain or at the very least have. a LABA- Locally Acquired British Accent.

As far as movies go, Isoken is one of the good ones.

The British guy, Kevin( Marc Rhys), is more Nigerian than the other guy, Osaze( Joseph Benjamin), who is vying for Isoken's ( Dakore Akande) love.

His dressing, his mannerisms, his tastes in just about everything are unmistakably Nigerian.

If it were not for his bad dancing skills, I wouldn't ever think to refer to him as 'Oyinbo'.

He's definitely my favorite suitor.

His first scene is the best in the entire movie.

I won't say much but imagine leaving your underwear behind in the machine at a laundromat for the next user to find.

Mortifying, I know.

And it's only a wonderful person —like Kevin—who can make remove the awkwardness from such a situation.

Of course, in a culture such as ours, where the pinnacle of a woman's success is her ability to trap a wealthy husband, the accomplished, unmarried thirty-four-year-old Isoken is not her mother's pride and joy.

Surprisingly, her father loves, cherishes, and supports his intelligent daughter.

Without her dad, I don' think Isoken and her mum would even speak to each other. He's a rare gem.

The crux of this tale is that Isoken can't decide.

Should she marry the rich, seemingly perfect Osaze, who comes from a respectable Edo home, and finally, become the apple of her mum's eye?

Or, should she go with Kevin, who shares her passions, who seems like an extension of her own person, but whose prospects are not so promising?

It also doesn't help matters that Kevin is white. An Oyinbo.

By now, I'm sure you know I like Kevin and probably dislike Osaze.

I do not dislike Osaze because of my particular predilection for white boys.

Rather, the grating of my nerves occurs because of the condescending way he talks to Isoken, for the way he lets his mother belittle her natural 'fro and decide what she can and cannot wear and can and cannot do.

I dislike the fact that he didn't wait for her to say yes before e assuming that she dared not refuse his proposal.

I detest him for saying that he's going to have Isoken 'behind him' rather than 'beside him'.

This, to me, is indicative of the dynamic their relationship is to have:

It signals to me that it's impending doom will be attributable to its to dynamic of subservience rather than of mutual support and co-operation.

I know I said Isoken was intelligent, but, as is usually the case when it comes to love she decided to choose a course of action that would have been to her detriment.

At the risk of giving away everything, I'll only say this.

It's a romantic comedy, and love eventually triumphed.

This movie is fantastic. Hilarious, socially relevant, witty, and educational.

This should definitely be at the top of your Netflix to-do list.

I hope you enjoyed this plateful of Naija Jolof.

Here's a secret Lydia Forson stars in Isoken.

She's Ghanaian, of course, and just because I can't help myself, let me add this:

She's the secret ingredient that makes this Nigerian dish pop spectacularly.

My next post will be a Ghanaian dish: Potato Potahto by my girl Shirley Frimpong Manso.

Please don't forget to like, follow, share, and subscribe.

Naija jolof vs Ghana jolof 1

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 22:19:00 +0000

I must say—a bit shamefully, I must add— that I have not watched many Nigerian and Ghanaian movies especially in recent years.

I'm not sure whether I believe Ghanaian Jolof is better than the Nigerian version.

And, I share the same sentiment with respect to our movies as well.

When I was younger, I was scared of the scenes of voodoo worship and terrifying black magic that permeated the Nigerian movies that were aired on television.

The Ghanaian movies at that time were honestly way worse ( if that's possible)!

Apart from horrible bewitchment and terrifying afflictions, the setting was poor and the characters were almost always so overly dramatic that the movies became comical.

In fact, I was so scared that I used to run and hide—sometimes crying— even when my older relatives were changing stations and landed momentarily on these movies.

And I wasn't alone.

A lot of my friends in middle school told me that they were so traumatized by these horrid scenes that their parents decided to get cable TV( DSTV anyone?) so they could watch people their age having blissful fun rather than being sacrificed in a weird cult-like manner!

A few years later, I fell in love with Mercy Johnson.

I loved Dumebi the Dirty Girl and Dumebi Goes to School. Who didn't?

I was fixated with Genevieve Nnaji, Tontoh Dikeh, Olu Jacobs( anytime I picture a Nigerian king, he comes to mind), Patience Ozokor (Wicked stepmom, anyone?) and many other Nigerian actors.

I watched Nigerian movies religiously up until about ninth grade when I went on some kind of 'no-tv cleanse' (more about that later).

And, to those who are asking: When you fell in love with Nigerian movies, did you neglect Ghanaian movies?

Definitely not!

My favorite African actress, even now, is Jackie Appiah.

I thought she and John Dumelo were married (who didn't) when I was younger, and I loved them both.

My favorite line from a movie they've aced together, though I don't remember exactly what the movie was called, is 'I'm fat, ugly and shapeless'.

Someone, please remind me. I'd watch it again if I could.

I admired (still do!) Jackie's acting prowess, versatility, and natural beauty.

She is definitely one of my role models, and she's still going strong even now.

I loved Nadia Buari as well. Who doesn't remember Princess Tyra?

Yvonne Nelson was also a favorite of mine, as well as Martha Ankomah, although I don't see them in movies lately.

I preferred Majid Michel to Van Vicker—who remembers that debate?

I also don't hear of those two very much anymore.

And, I had a little girl crush on Rahim Bandah because of a movie I watched in which he was a street child.

I forget what the movie is called, but it was with Kalsoum Sinare.

I knew very little about Joselyn Dumas as an actress before eighth grade, and even then I only knew about her from Adams Apples, the Shirley Frimpong Manso movie I've never watched because I was a bit too young (at the time it was released) for the mature content it contained.

However, I was a committed follower of her talk show: The One Show, and, later, At Home with Joselyn Dumas on the television station Viasat One.

I really miss Viasat. The station got canceled a few years ago. It was a really interesting entertainment source. Who remembers and misses it— especially Anita Erskine, Kukui Selormey, and Patrice Amegashie?

I love Joselyn now, though, and I'll talk a bit more about her in later posts.

During the summer, I took the opportunity to watch a few of the most recently made Ghanaian and Nigerian movies, and I'll be dedicating the subsequent posts in this series to talking about them.

Since I don't want to be accused of bias because I'm Ghanaian, I'll start the next post with Isoken, a Nigerian movie and the most recent Netflix movie I've watched.

It promises to be awesome!

As always, read, like, subscribe, and share. I love you so much for supporting my efforts.

See you soon for the next helping of incredible Jolof rice!

Prejudice? Or something else? (3)

Sun, 12 Jul 2020 13:00:00 +0000

One of the things I remember very clearly from my preteen years is a copy of 'Think Like a Man by Steve Harvey which used to peek out at me any time I cast a glance in the direction of our overflowing (believe me, we love to read) bookcase.

Of course, up until now, this book —which, to tell you the truth, I've never read— has been but a memory.

Something like those momentary flashes you ( maybe it's only me) have of yourself eating infant cereal or watching Dora The Explorer.

However, recently, I came across the movie Think Like a Man on Netflix, and I decided to have a go at it.

It was fantastic!

Hilarious from start to finish (as anyone who knows Kevin Hart would expect), this is a lighthearted take on the lengths men and women can go to 'score' in the dating game.

The story revolves around a group of friends, all men who incidentally find themselves in relationships with a group of friends, all women. The group comprises four black guys and two white guys, and they get along famously.

Cedric, played by Kevin Hart, is the unofficial head of the 'boy band'. Believing that he is in possession of some sagacious words that his friends are in dire need of, Cedric regularly churns out dating advice to his friends that will leave you in stitches.

What is the link to the book?

Well, the women, as is often the case, have identified flaws in their men that are in the way of their getting the happily ever after they always wanted with their 'prince charming'.

In an attempt to fix these flaws, they each buy Steve Harvey's book— which is an instruction manual of sorts for women.

Harvey himself appears in the movie. Sometimes, he appears on shows the women watch and explains portions of the book. In other scenes, only his voice can be heard reading or explaining parts.

Wikipedia just about sums up the plotline with this brief storyline:

1. The Mama's Boy" vs. "The Single Mom"

Terrence J stars as Michael Hanover, "The Mama's Boy" who meets single mum Candace Hall (played by Regina Hall). Of course, Michael's mum, also single has driven al of Michael's past girlfriends away with her smothering and overprotectiveness, and she definitely disapproves of a woman who already has a child of her own.

Michael, however, is in love for the first time and things don't seem to be going his mother's way this time around.

Will mama's love be too strong for Michael, or will Steve's advice for dealing with situations like this come through for Candace?

2. "The Non-Committer" vs. "The Girl Who Wants the Ring"

Jerry Ferrara plays Jeremy Kern, "The Non-Committer". Unwilling to get a job or do anything someone with the mental capacity of a prepubescent boy is incapable of, Jeremy has his girlfriend, Kristen (Gabrielle Union) acting like 'one of the guys'.

Finally, when she gets fed up with living as if they've never gotten out of their college phase, she starts to revamp the house and urge Jeremy to get a job.

Of, course, she turns to Harvey for help.

Is following a series of steps really all you need to get a commitment-phobe to have marriage on the brain?

3. "The Dreamer" vs. "The Woman Who Is Her Own Man"

Michael Ealy plays Dominic, "The Dreamer", a waiter who dreams of owning his own restaurant someday.

Dominic meets and falls in love with Taraji P. Henson's Lauren Harris, an accomplished career woman who is literally her own man (that is if a man is a source of financial stability).

Despite her business acumen, Lauren has been quite unlucky in the relationships department, and she finds Dominic's calm manner, boyish charm, and deep regard for her opinions and emotions very refreshing.

Unfortunately, Lauren wants a male version of herself, and Michael's boys convince him, to create a version of himself that appeals to Lauren's fantasies.

Their blossoming relationship hangs in the balance when Lauren finds out what he really does.

Even worse, a blast from Lauren's past comes to town, and it starts to seem she has finally found what she has been looking for all this while.

Is it really such a bad idea to date a man who doesn't earn as much as you do?

4. "The Player" vs. "The 90 Day Rule Girl"

Romany Malco's Zeke Freeman is "The Player" who meets Mya, "The 90 Day Rule Girl" (played by Meagan Good) at a bar.

Zeke is enthralled by her beauty, and hoping to score a date, he lays on the charm really thick.

Mya is tired of casual hookups and one night stands that never lead to meaningful relationships.

Eager to be treated with respect by the men she decides to date, she turns to Steve Harvey, and of course, he doesn't disappoint.

Steve's very own version of playing hard to get goes something like this:

We all appreciate something more if we have to work tirelessly for it, don't we?

Mya decides to try out Steve's ninety-day rule in her relationship with Zeke.

With steely resolve, she limits their interactions to chaste kisses which end at of her doorsteps.

Later, she loosens up a bit and invites him in, but she sticks to her rule and refuses to let him stay over.

When Zeke gets his hands on Steve's book, he changes tactics and finally gets her to invite him to stay over.

Only, just when she's about to break her rule, she finds a copy of Think Like a Man in his drawer.

Of course, the evening didn't end the way Zeke had imagined it would. Not at all.

At this point, when all the secrets and lies are out, you'll be palpably tense, almost as if you're waiting to see if your favorite American Idol Contestant will be crowned the winner.

As always, there's no need to worry.

Now that we feel like one of the girls (or guys) and are heavily invested in their relationships, I can say this:

At the end of the day, true love conquers all things.

It really does.

Oh no! That was so much fun! I can't believe it ended just like that.

Don't worry, it's a two-part movie, and in my next post, I'll be looking at the next movie, Think Like a Man Too.

You can check out Hart's new project Die Hart if you're interested, and as always share, vote, follow me and comment

Prejudice? Or something else? (2)

Sun, 12 Jul 2020 12:20:00 +0000

I'm not sure why, but the last post ended up being a tribute to Will Smith.

Today, I've chosen to write an ode to someone I recently discovered, and who has impressed me with her acting prowess.

Issa Rae.

I have by no means watched all of her movies or tv shows (I've watched only two), but I've been really impressed by what I've seen so far.

1. The Photograph

Besides the photographs Issa Rae's Mae exhibits in her gallery, this movie displays something even more beautiful and priceless:

An impressive cast of amazing black actors.

The opening scene might mislead you into believing you're about to be subjected to a depressing tale, but this is really a story of love and hope and of courage and ambition.

Mae is a curator, but there's nothing about her that is even remotely similar to an ancient relic.

Her mother, Christina Eames, a well- known photographer, dies and leaves Mae two letters: One for Mae herself and one to be given to Mae's father.

The dashing Lakeith Stanfield is Michael, a reporter. In the opening scene, we see Michael interviewing a Hurricane Katrina survivor, Isaac.

Intrigued by a photograph of Christina Eames he sees in Isaac's home, Michael decides to keep going back to Isaac's home to do a series about Christina.

And, of course, there's a meet-cute.

Afterward, the enamored Michael orchestrates an 'unplanned meeting' at a French movie screening at Mae's gallery.

When Michael is offered a job in London he applied for, he starts ignoring Mae's calls because he feels this spells doom for their burgeoning relationship.

Stupid, I know, but isn't that a general problem humans have?

Don't we consistently make decisions that affect other people in our lives without ever thinking to consult them?

In a series of events that can only be attributed to fate, Mae's letters lead her to Isaac's home on the day that Michael is wrapping up his interview series on Christina.

If there ever was a moment when I saw the relevance of a cliché, it was during that scene.

The only thing running through mind was: You can run, but you definitely can't hide.

Unfortunately for Michael, when he tells Mae about his new job and expresses his desire to continue the relationship, Mae responds, disappointingly, that long-distance is impractical.

They go their separate ways.

To the romantics who have already started sobbing, you have nothing to be worried about.

This is not a story about lost love, I assure you.

Once again, Christina leads them back to each other.

While preparing a retrospective of her mother's work, Mae finds a video in which Christina makes the most memorable statement from the movie:

'I wish I had been better at loving people.'

Don't you sometimes feel the same way?

Don't you wish life handed you a guidebook on love and relationships as soon as you're able to talk?

Or, better still, don't you wish everyone had an innate repertoire of knowledge of love and relationships?

Wouldn't it be great if this knowledge bank could automatically sense what you need at every stage in your life to maintain a healthy relationship dynamic with the people you meet?

Wouldn't it be even more awesome if this growing repertoire could be person-specific?

Imagine communicating with everyone in the most optimal way for their individual personalities.

Don't you agree that this is a spectacular idea?

So, even from her grave, like almost every mother I've met, Christina, makes everything right again.

This time, Mae orchestrates the meeting.

She invites Michael to a Kendrick Lamar concert, and they confess their feelings for each other and vow to make a long-distance relationship work.

I wish I could include a GIF here to show how ecstatic I was during the final scene!

I originally intended to talk about The Lovebirds, which Issa Rae starred in alongside Kumail Nanjiani, but in the spirit of keeping things short and sweet, we'll save that for another post.

As always, remember to like each post, follow my page here on WordPress or on Facebook, comment, and share the link with everyone you know.

Prejudice? Or something else? (1)

Sat, 11 Jul 2020 15:22:00 +0000

Over the past few months, I have overcome my natural disinclination to watch African- American movies, and I have watched— and tremendously enjoyed— quite a number of them.

Why have I been reluctant to watch these movies?

There are several factors:

1. Maturity. I have only recently gotten to a point where I can watch and understand issues related to racism and xenophobia. Fun fact, I used to sob for days because I had seen a particularly gruesome murder of a black man.

But that is an overgeneralization, Ann. All storylines aren't that frightening.

Unfortunately, in my young mind, that was the conclusion I had reached. I guess you could say I know better now.

2. Language. While 'Ebonics'— or what my aunt calls 'ghetto speak'— isn't a defining feature of black movies, almost everyone I know identifies African-American movies by this trait.

I'm probably wrong, and I could be mixing up different accents and dialects, but I'm going to go with the language excuse for now.

In my eighth-grade Social Studies class, I learned that our preference for products from the 'Western World' is due to a colonial mentality that dates several decades.

In other words, we have been mentally enslaved to see all things that are 'white' as better.

While I'm not certain about the veracity of this claim, I think there might be some truth in it.

Anyway, it seems to be the most plausible excuse for my bias.

An aunt of mine recently complained about the representation of black families and cultures these movies have portrayed over the years.

She was especially frustrated by the direct use or implied reference to the use of illicit drugs and copious amounts of alcohol.

She also bemoaned the all-too-familiar narrative of the promiscuous black girl who ends up pregnant and alone, and who relies on a man( or boy!) for fulfillment and validation.

As a proud feminist, I find that line of reasoning deeply disturbing.

I question whether this is really what we want our children, boys and girls alike, to grow up thinking.

Should our daughters grow up with the mindset that unless they find a rich, good-looking man to marry them, all their accomplishments are insignificant?

I should think not. But, I think that up until a few years ago, many a movie that made it onto our screens had a misogynistic bent to it.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

Here is a list of African American movies I've enjoyed :

1. Hitch

Will Smith is the wonderful matchmaker Alex Hitchens. Smooth with women, he mysteriously becomes tongue-tied when he meets Sara Melas (Eva Mendes) at a bar.

With several magical matches under his belt, we would think that Hitch would get his happily-ever-after.

Doing the right thing, however, is hardly ever easy.

Hitch deals with love, not lust, a fact that angers Vance, a self-absorbed prick who tries and fails in his endeavor to enlist the services of Hitch to score himself a one-night stand with Casey, Sarah's best friend.

His desire to do the right thing almost costs him his happiness as Vance registers his displeasure at Hitch's refusal to assist him by misleading Casey into believing that he's one of Hitch's customers.

But Hitch is not perfect. He isn't completely honest with Sarah about his job. And therein lies the crux of the entire disaster.

For me the most heartbreaking moment was when Sarah, already disillusioned by her previous relationships with men, acts on a story (false, of course) perpetuated by Vance, to publish a piece in the gossip column she works for, that sullies Hitch's reputation.

If your version of a 'happy ending' is that the love interests end up together, you'll get your happy ending.

You'll get a few laughs in as well.

My pick?

A seafood allergy of epic proportions that leaves Hitch's face part human and part sea monster.

2. Collateral beauty

Though slighted by critics, this is a movie worth watching. It deals with two dreadful subjects; cancer and the loss of a child.

Will Smith makes a convincing Howard, and through his interactions with Madeleine, the movie explores the effect of grief on relationships.

Desperate to help Howard and save the company, which has been going downhill since grief caused Howard to lose interest in his job, his friends and business partners stage a humorous but heartbreaking intervention.

They hire a private investigator, and as a result of one of her discoveries, devise an 'ingenious' idea to pay a trio of actors including the phenomenal Jacob Latimore to drive Howard into a fit of insanity.

The purpose?

Submit video evidence that would prove that Howard is unfit to manage the company so it can be sold and turned into a profit-making venture once again.

You will start outraged at this betrayal of their friend, and while their actions can never be justified, the movie provides insights into their problems— which have made them desperate to save their jobs.

You will probably laugh (or smile) in one or two parts, so it's not all gloom and doom.

But most importantly, you'll leave ruminating about what YOUR Collateral beauty is.

I just realized that this has turned out to be all about Will Smith movies.

I'm happy with the result though because he's an impressive actor and a wonderful example of the wonderful talent the African American community has to offer.

I shall tackle more movies in upcoming articles, don't worry.

I haven't yapped on about overcoming prejudice because I've watched only two movies.

And, don't forget to share, comment, and follow the blog for instant updates.

THE FOURTH OF JULY

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 22:15:00 +0000

I was quite astonished when an American friend of mine told me last week that the United States was to celebrate its Independence Day last Saturday—on the 4th of July.

Now, you must be thinking, 'Well, Ann, that's quite disappointing. You should know basic facts such as this.

Believe, me I know. I should be more internationally-conscious.

You'll be glad to know that I'm actively working on doing just that!

I was particularly excited about this holiday because it gives me the chance to talk about my favorite subject—books!

I'm delighted to use this opportunity, once again to talk about my favorite authors—this time American ones.

Last week, Netflix released its first season of The Babysitters' Club by Ann M. Martin.

Now, I can't speak for anyone else, but I can attest to the fact that I myself learned a great deal about taking responsibility, childcare, mourning, loss, friendships, and relationships from this wonderful series.

Though I can't guarantee action-movie loving kids will fancy this, I think every boy and girl should try at least two books in this series. There's a storyline for every palate.

Another series she wrote that I deeply enjoyed was Main Street.

Described as 'a timeless new series for girls.' by Google Books, this is a set of ten books that I believe just about everyone should read.

Equal parts fun. friendship and family and equal parts loss, grief, and mourning, this book is not afraid to deal with the hard stuff— and it's not in a bad way.

Having experienced some form of injustice myself over the years, racism, oppression, and discrimination have always been close to my heart.

In spite of this, I have generally avoided delving into issues of racism in America despite how much this has been in in the news recently. This is my reason:

I have always been black, but never black in America.

I, therefore, do not believe I am well equipped to contribute to this discussion in a manner that adequately acknowledges the gravity of the situation or how severe the implications are on each of its victims.

Today, however, I have chosen to suggest two books for my readers that address racism in a greatly affecting manner.

These have colored—to a large extent— the opinions I have formed of this terrible social malady.

1. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This was a journey through Scout's mind. But it was also a period of searching for me. As I probed the deep recesses of my mind and soul, I questioned the motivations behind the decisions and choices I made each day, the opinions I formed of people before I even interacted with them, the prejudices and stereotypes I unintentionally harbored and revealed towards people just because they were not like me.

Of course, I fancied myself an Atticus of sorts. I would be a hero, a savior—or so my little-girl- mind told me.

I was crushed when I realized that there was really nothing that I could say or do that would save Tom.

Crushed that one more mockingbird, an innocent soul whose only mistake was existing, would be reduced to a heap of rotting flesh by the senseless desires of a self-absorbed hunter, a gunman that preyed upon not just the blood of his victims but derived the greatest satisfaction from feasting on their souls.

It is a must-read.

2. Native Son by Richard Wright

When I think of the Southside of Chicago, I usually think of the inspirational story of Michelle Obama's rise to a position of great power and influence, and of course, her struggle as an ambassador for the education and empowerment of women and girls—especially girls and women like me.

However, this story reminds me of a darker, more sinister truth that exists within this community and many other communities in America.

A new job.

A fresh start.

A chance to earn a better life.

To see the careworn face of your overworked mother crinkle into a proud affectionate smile at her worthy son.

Unfortunately, that was not to be the fate of Bigger Thomas.

An accident.

A mistake.

Some definitions:

Murder: killing somebody with “malice aforethought,”

Forms: First-degree murder: willfully and deliberately committed with premeditation.

Second-degree murder: when a person intentionally meant to kill another person but it was not planned or premeditated, such as in a “heat of passion” or the killing was the result of a person’s dangerous conduct involving a conscious disregard for human life.

Example from the School of Life: When a black man kills a white man

Manslaughter: unlawful killing of another person or persons, but without any malice but still involves a “conscious disregard for human life.”

Manslaughter can be voluntary (heat of passion or in the defense of yourself or others)y or involuntary (unintentional and the result of recklessness or criminal negligence).

Example from the school of life: White man shoots and kills a black man.

When I read this book, I had already read To Kill A Mockingbird, and I was struck by how each time, a white girl played an instrumental role in implicating the black man 'help' of the crime.

Is it indicative of the perceptions and portrayal of women in a past time, or is there more we can pick apart in these narratives besides the historical progression of racism in America?

I will be very glad to hear some opinions from my readers.

There are many more books of the American Literary genre: I shall tackle them later.

However, in the spirit of keeping my posts as succinct as possible, I think this is a good place as any to take a thinking break.

Legal definitions from https://www.sevenslegal.com/criminal-attorney/difference-murder-manslaughter/281/

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CONTEMPORARY GHANAIAN FICTION TO READ ON REPUBLIC DAY

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 20:53:00 +0000

I am a firm believer in the fact that women and girls have the right to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity and to be given the credit they deserve for their accomplishments and achievements.

Some people call me a feminist.

I embrace that term wholeheartedly.

Like Chimamanda, I am a 'happy feminist'.

And I have and love my male friends, thank you very much.

This post was inspired by The Library of Africa and The African Diaspora (LOATAD).

So in one of my earlier posts about African authors, I left out a very important group of writers.

The contemporary Ghanaian authors.

Today, I want to shed light on a few of them who have written young adult books I have loved and identified with.

All the writers on today's list are women if you haven't already guessed it yet.

1. Mamle Wolo

I love how hopeful her book, 'The Kaya- Girl' is.

The happy ending the head porter (kayayoo) and almost everyone in the book has is a tad unrealistic.

But if you're someone who doesn't know much about 'kayayei' in Ghana, this could be a deeply enlightening introduction.

It's a classic one-good-turn-deserves-another story.

If you're looking for a more raw, honest narrative of life on the streets for young women in Ghana read Amma Darko's not-so- contemporary-but-still-oh-so-true (they were written in the nineties) titles: 'Faceless', 'The Housemaid' and 'Beyond the Horizon.

2. Elizabeth Irene Baitie

- The Dorm Challenge

- The Twelfth Heart

A two-part series about life in a Ghanaian Senior High School. After going to boarding school myself, I have learned not to trust any single narrative of a particular experience. The stories are deeply personal, engaging and humorously told.

However, you should know that you might not have as much fun when you attend boarding school yourself.

Or, maybe, you might have even more fun.

The beauty of this is that it differs for everyone, just like almost every other life experience.

Another very interesting boarding school series for someone who wants to experience Ghana vicariously through a bunch of fictional storybook characters is the Freshers' Series by Samelia Bawuah.

Other books I'm yet to read:

- A Saint in Brown Sandals

- Rattling in The Closet

- A Lion's Whisper

3. Ruby Yayra Goka

- Perfectly Imperfect

It starts with I killed my father...

The book made me laugh and cry and rant.

Yayra Amenyo is miserable, and rightly so.

After the accident that killed her dad and left her incapable of performing several bodily functions, everything in her life starts to fall apart.

Sounds familiar?

This coming of age novel made me wonder if sometimes someone could know you better than even you knew yourself.

- The Mystery of The Haunted House

I won't spoil your fun but it's got mystery and inquisitive twins, a formidable mix.

- The Lost Royal Treasure

The twins are back again, and the stakes are even higher.

- When the Shackles Fall

More of the twins, anyone?

Other books that I haven't read but plan to do so asap:

- To Kiss A Girl

- Mama's Amazing Cover Cloth

- In the Middle of Nowhere

- The Step-Monster

- Plain Yellow

- Those Who Wait

- Disfigured

Look out for more authors and titles in the coming weeks and don't forget to comment and subscribe for more!

REPUBLIC DAY TRIBUTE

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 20:19:00 +0000

On the first of July 1960, Ghana became a republic and every year after that, the first of July is celebrated as 'Republic Day'.

Ghana's independence day is the 6th of March.

Anytime independence day is getting closer, I feel anticipation and excitement building up within me.

Now, I could regale you with scintillating tales detailing how I have demonstrated enormous loyalty and devotion to my country and how the thought of celebrating our national birthday leaves me all warm and fuzzy inside.

If that was what you were expecting, I'm sorry to have to disappoint you.

The truth is, the seventh of March, just one day after Independence Day is my own birthday.

I celebrate my birthday because I have the opportunity I have to celebrate as a citizen of a free country.

I celebrate the community that surrounds me and the group of people who have shared my struggles and my triumphs.

People who have never hesitate to share their insights with me—sometimes unwelcome and in very rare cases unneeded— but always, always coming from a place of care and compassion.

Surprisingly, on Republic Day all I think about is that day on the 6th of March in 1957.

I imagine being part of that gigantic crowd.

Of a group of people linked together imperceptibly, intangibly.

Bound unbreakable ties.

Woven out of blood and sweat and toil and death.

Of starvation and arrest and protests and killings.

Of war and exile and deception and betrayal.

I imagine that cord, and I think to myself

I still carry that cord, deep down within me even if I can't feel it there

And I tell myself

Ann, don't be the one to sever those ties.

Don't give up your heritage, your identity, and your community.

Just so you can chase the illusion

That to flourish and bloom

That to be a deep, verdant green

Is to be on the other side.