Pandora's Box Is Open

This is where we are at in our "great-again" America and its pseudo-patriotism. The establishment and their proselytes are pissed off because Colin Kaepernick is Nike's new "Just Do It" spokesman—that means I'll be only wearing Nike sneakers from now on to support the "Dream Crazy" slogan of this campaign carrying a serious message of racial equality and social justice. A flag (American or from elsewhere) is just a piece of waving dirty rag if the ideals it represents are betrayed by the actions of our "elected" officials. We need more role models, doers, and makers like Colin Kaepernick, more challenging corporations like Nike and fewer Republicans like the pathetic trumpet blowing shit in the White House. Longtime ad agency Wieden and Kennedy is on the money with this 2-minute spot titled "Dream Crazy" filled with inspirational scenes of young athletes facing adversity in pursuing their dreams. It also features Shaquem Gri

Visionary musicians are no less visionary because they have to learn the canon. Nigel Kennedy is an inspiration of what classical music should be if we don't want to confine it to a museum. He's full of twists and turns like the unique stories in the masterful One Thousand and One Nights. I love the Arabic undertones in this unprecedented interpretation of the museum piece.

In the world of divas (and divos) most are princes and princesses, but few are genuinely Kings and Queens. Aretha Franklin was THE QUEEN. She did all there's to do in music with her voice, which remained unchanged during her six-decade recording career.   Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin had the key that the rest of Pop and Classical divos and divas alike wanted to find to open the door to eternity. Little did they know that the key was custom made without replica by her Creator. R-E-S-P-E-C-T  

In the world of divas (and divos) most are princes and princesses, but few are genuinely Kings and Queens. Aretha Franklin was THE QUEEN. She did all there's to do in music with her voice, which remained unchanged during her six-decade recording career.   Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin had the key that the rest of Pop and Classical divos and divas alike wanted to find to open the door to eternity. Little did they know that the key was custom made without replica by her Creator. R-E-S-P-E-C-T  

I come across many people who want to change the world yet they haven’t figured out how to change themselves for the better; writers who think that you write for a formulaic reader when in reality if you cannot write from the core about what makes you come alive daily your writing will always be voiceless and cosmetic. In a moment when I find it exhausting to look at the outside world for inspiration, I’m looking inward and writing up a storm as I listen to Oprah.  

Poet, author, and visual artist Orlando Ferrand discusses with host Rhina Valentin his new book of poems "Star Witness" and the launching of "The Bronx Memoir Project Volume 2," an anthology of personal narratives he contributed to as a memoirist and creative writing coach. Both books are available on Amazon. "Star Witness" can also be purchased at Barnes & Noble brick and mortar and online bookstores.