Crazy Lady or Prophet?

I was on the subway today and a woman shuffled on and sat in the seat facing me. As I listened to my ipod, I only noticed her because she was carrying two large bags; one duffle bag and one shopping bag on wheels (you know, the kind you'd find in Kensington Market and would only use in Kensington Market). As she walked on, she was half tripping over these bags and was at the same time, swinging them into people's legs. All this while speaking very loudly to herself.

Having my prime spot right next to her, I took the opportunity to listen very carefully to what she said. Here it is:

"(Full voice) He tried to kill me! Don't trust black men in Toronto. If you see a black bus driver, get off the bus. I'm talkin' TTC here. Sure, he looks friendly but he is not. It was because of my faith. My faith in Jesus Christ. (whispered) Jesus Christ is coming. Judgement day is upon us. (full voice) I would never date a black man from Toronto! All black men from Toronto are bad. There are plenty of good black men in the United States. He tried to kill me because I have the faith. Jesus is the saviour. (whispered)Jesus Christ is coming. Judgement day is upon us."

This reel of a speech kept repeating through the short ride. I kept waiting for something new. Some new piece of the puzzle or new information. Perhaps a secret message that would reveal a deep truth. Nope. Just crazy.

Kelry

Michael Jackson

August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009


Hearing the tragic news today of the passing of Michael Jackson made me realize two things: 1) Despite how screwed up Michael Jackson became over the years, he had a much larger impact on me than I realized and this was only felt when I heard the news. 2) Just how different our world is with new technology.

I will remember the Michael Jackson from the Jackson 5. Aside from being the most adorable Michael Jackson, this was the one that inspired me the most. I have watched video after video of the Jackson 5, consistently amazed at how this young kid could show so much musicality, charisma and maturity on stage. I aspire to be that person even in adulthood. Most people from my generation were impacted the most by the Thriller Michael Jackson and while I never saw him in concert and only owned a few tapes and cd's over the years, who can deny the extent to which he permeated our lives through radio and music videos?

Finding out the news only hours after it happened while I was in my car is an amazing thing and as the news unfolded (it wasn't actually confirmed until later on), it amazed me the extent to which people have access to information. Yes, this sounds obvious but when so many people are seeking the exact same information at the same time, through numerous sources, it really shows the awesome impact of technology. As I got home, I did the same as everyone else and was updated within minutes that the death was confirmed (also through numerous sources). This news was then communicated instantaneously by millions of people through what can only be described as one big chat room. People could express and post their reactions in a public forum for all to read. We live in an unbelieveable world.

Kelry

Playing For Change

In a random forward that was sent to me of a youtube video, I came across the organization "Playing For Change". This is an organization that finds talented musicians (mostly street musicians)to contribute to a recorded production of a song. These musicians have never performed together or even met before. It is simply the music that brings them together. The goal of the organization is to bring people across the world together through the power and common element of music.

I just think it's really cool.



Kelry