The Urbane Urbanite

*Sigh* I hate to admit this, but no, I do not know how to swim. It troubles me terribly because the moment I tell someone that, I instantly feel like a stereotype - and rightfully so.

I have reservations! That's what I yelled over the thumping bass of P-Diddy's "Hello, Good Morning" to the bouncer who was checking ID's at the door of Stir, a lounge on New York City's upper east side. He pointed me in the direction of the hostess at the bar. Sure, I had called ahead to reserve a table for two, but I was also referring to my sudden suspicion that this supposed night of laid-back martini tasting and appetizer nibbling had just taken a turn for the worse. The raucous crowd spilling out of the door was my first indication that this was not the cozy lounge Stir portrays itself to be. Visit their website and you'll see pictures of plush pillows on comfy leather couches set against candle-lit brick walls, which give off a vibe perfect for first dates and catching up with friends over cocktails. What I walked into was a boozy hoedown. Super drunk patrons were sliding small ottomans across a makeshift dance floor as they moved to the blar...

I can't believe it. A year ago today, I sat down to write my very first blog post : a lengthy review of my experience at a private editor's tasting of an upscale tequila. When I created this blog, it was never my intention to post this much. I figured I'd pump out a post once or twice a month when I felt like it and that would be that. And here I am a year and 105 blog posts later. *Pats self on the back*

You ever witness that awkward moment when folks are sitting around chatting about, let's say, pop culture and the conversation turns to politics and that one person who was once dominating the conversation, begins to clam up? That one person is me. I'm a great conversationalist, but when politics comes up, I start to itch and quickly change the subject. I find politics terribly boring, which, in turn, makes me a really lousy political gabber.  But I want to change that. I can't bill myself as a renaissance man and not be able to hold a conversation about what's going down in the political arena. The sweet Lord up above must have heard my cry, because no sooner had I proclaimed my desire to be a wee bit more politically savvy, did I stumble upon Prune Juice Media , a witty, intelligent, honest look at political news stories. PJM targets educated ( that's me! ) voters ( hey, that's me too! ) who are tired of "business as usual" in political reporti...

Pierre M. Coleman is riding high - and with good reason. The 27-year-old writer-director and Howard University graduate will get to see his 20-minute dramatic short film on the big screen in New York City next week. Hello, My Name is Trouble is a potent, urban drama about a teenager who succumbs to the perils of his surroundings and very bad decision making.  Trouble is packed with solid performances, especially from David A. Bynoe who plays the doomed lead character, Jeremiah and Kevin Craig West as the reverend who tries to keep Jeremiah on the right path. I got the chance to sit down for a chat with Coleman, who's been busy working the festival circuit to promote his critically acclaimed film. The Newark, NJ native talks about how his father inspired the script, his future projects - and what he'll do to tame my ego if I'm lucky enough to star in one of his flicks.

I'm feeling quite actorly this week. Today, I take new headshots for the first time in five years.  My old ones aren't bad, per se. But it's time for a new look. I may still look the same, but I feel like such a different person now. When I look at these pictures, I don't see myself anymore. I've grown up quite a bit over the last five years.  I'm ready to bring some new experiences to the lens. And I'm sure my photographer, Antonio, will capture something special. We've got some fun indoor/outdoor stuff lined up that I'm sure will come out great. After my photo shoot with Antonio, I will rest up for a bit and then head over to St. Luke's Theatre to perform in Love Me Like This: The Parachute Plays . It's an evening of six staged readings of original one acts to raise awareness for LGBTQ youth. The proceeds go to The Trevor Project. COME ON BY IF YOU'RE FREE! While I'm not sure if I'm at liberty to tell you exactly wha...

The moment you visit  The Red Pump Project website, you're hit with a sobering fact: Every 9.5 minutes, someone in the US is infected with HIV.   It's startling statistics like that, which makes The Red Pump Project - a three-year-old collective dedicated to starting conversations and raising funds to impact HIV/AIDS awareness for women - absolutely necessary. The red pump is used as a symbol of empowerment, strength and courage for women both directly and indirectly affected by the disease. With today being National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, I felt it only fitting to chat with one of the co-founders of The Red Pump Project, the always hilarious Lovette "Luvvie" Ajayi.  We talked about shoes, HIV awareness and her labor of love, The Red Pump Project.

Now that Charlie Sheen has officially been fired from his hit sitcom Two and a Half Men , everyone in Hollywood is scrambling to find out who (if anybody) will step in to the replace him.  Honestly, they've got some big shoes to fill.  Despite Sheen's recent public rants and complete disregard for professionalism, he's no slouch in Hollywood.  His irreverent, deadpan humor is a major part of the show's success ( Men consistently ranks in the top 20 prime time shows on television and averages about 15 million viewers per week).  Sheen has also been lauded many times for his work on Men (four Emmy nominations) and don't forget when he bravely stepped into Michael J. Fox's role on Spin City and took home a Golden Globe for Best Actor. Sheen has definitely got the goods, but I know one person who's also got what it takes to pull it off. Me.  Now, before you say NO, let me tell you why I would make a great replacement for Cha...

The All Stars Project Inc. is a 100 percent privately funded organization dedicated to the development of minorities and the less fortunate through the arts, theatre and performance.  Centrally located on 42nd Street in the heart of NYC's theatre district, is their spacious 31,000 square foot learning center, complete with four theatres, several rehearsal spaces and a host of future Broadway stars. There are a plethora of programs to choose from - an adult improvisation group , youth theatre ,  UX , a development institution for people of all ages - but last night, I had the pleasure of catching a dress rehearsal of the first part of the Young Playwrights from Castillo festival which opens tonight and runs through Sunday. The festival, which also has a second part that runs June 24-26, consists of three provocative new plays written by young playwrights who graduated from the Youth Onstage! program.  Bruised by Sit...

Fresh popcorn and wine were on deck last week at the film screening of Desert Flower, presented by The African Heritage Network and The New York Times Company. Flower chronicles the tumultuous childhood of Waris Dirie, who also penned the international best-selling novel the film is based on.  The stunning Liya Kebede is a force as Dirie, a woman who survives female genital mutilation at age three, being sold into marriage as a teenager and transforms herself from a Somalian nomad into an internationally recognized top supermodel and human rights activist. Kebede delivers a powerful performance laced with humor and humanity.  Watch out for a special appearance by the suave Anthony Mackie as Dirie's romantic missed connection and countless laugh-out-loud moments from Golden Globe Award winning actress Sally Hawkins, as Dirie's new found friend. Die hard fashionistas and anyone with a heart will enjoy this modern day Cinderella ....

Photo: S. James Sometimes, being a writer has its perks. A couple of weeks ago, my brilliant-phenomenal-stupendous-wonderful editor sent me on an assignment to cover the culture on the beautiful island of St. Croix. *Swoons* I couldn't wait to escape the frigid temperatures here in the Northeast and trade in my peacoat for a tank top and flip-flops.  But St. Croix has so much more to offer than a balmy year-round climate. The island is rich in culture and tradition with a bountiful, well-documented past.  The locals are warm, friendly and welcoming. The views are breathtaking and drool worthy - and the food is out of this world. Backed by the soothing sounds of Corinne Bailey Rae, is a four minute montage of images and video of incredible views, century-old landmarks and upscale seafood cuisine - all photographed and captured by yours truly. So.  Sit back.  Relax - and enjoy St. Croix. Click here to enjoy the video.

Marsha Ambrosius gained fame as "the songtress" of the five-time Grammy award nominated duo Floetry.  But when the spoken word/lyrical hybrid split in 2007, Ambrosius set her sights on a solo career. After languishing in development hell and leaving Dr. Dre's record label, Aftermath Entertainment, the sexy England native finally drops her first solo album,   Late Nights & Early Mornings , a sensual 13 track set of unapologetic love songs and mellow mood music. A flirty Ambrosius knows exactly what she wants and isn't afraid to say it on "With You," a track she co-wrote with Alicia Keys about the overwhelming lust of a long awaited sexual rendezvous. "When we're on the phone you're giving me directions/Can't even hold the pen straight such anticipation." If you think her silky vocals leave very little to the imagination, wait until you get a load of her moans, groans and sighs.  Her sound effects are what really turn up the ...