Photo courtesty of the Toronto Star

September is coming soon and thousands of college and university students will be leaving the nest and heading off to school. If, as in many Canadian families, your child has been added to your auto insurance policy, you should notify your insurance professional. Your agent or broker can make or explain any changes to your policy that may be required as a result.

If your child is going to be living at home and going to school in the same community, your insurance needs and coverage probably won’t change. If your child is moving a significant distance from home, though, there will likely be some changes to your coverage and premiums.

Making intelligent alterations to your coverage can save you hundreds of dollars in insurance premiums throughout the school year. This is a real benefit to parents trying to put their kids through expensive college and university programs.

Reducing Insurance Costs for Post Secondary Students

Here’s are some ways to reduce costs:

1.    Keep your child on your insurance policy.

For most young drivers, especially young males, the cost of owning their own insurance policy can be quite high. It usually makes good financial sense to keep them insured under your policy as a secondary driver, if at all possible. This is particularly true if your child is moving to an urban center that has a substantially increased risk of theft or vandalism. Most insurance companies offer multi-car discounts for loyal customers, allowing you to insure your child’s car at reduced rates. Make sure that you inform your agent well in advance of the changes. Failure to do so may result in your child not being covered under your policy.

2.    If your child will not be driving while at school consider changing your child’s insurance status to “restricted”.

If your child won’t be taking a car with them to school, you may be entitled to a discount on their portion of your premium.  If your child is away at school you get a reduction of about 50%, depending upon how far away they are.  Make sure you inform your insurance professional when your child returns home for the summer.

3.    Ask for student discounts for having good grades.

Students who have good grades may be eligible for discounted premiums. This can make a big difference in your overall insurance costs, particularly if you have more than one child attending post-secondary education. If not, you can always shop around for insurance rates and options that better suit your family’s current needs and goals.

4.    Remind your child of the importance of a clean driving record.

Young drivers, especially young males, tend to suffer significant increases in premium costs if their driving record has one or more blemishes on it. It’s worthwhile to keep in mind the importance of safe and defensive driving practices.

Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness programs for the first accident or traffic violation on your child’s record. This type of program can be very beneficial for students whose lack of driving experience might lead to an occasional fender bender.

You may want to consider scheduling an appointment with your insurance agent or broker and discuss the changes that your family is about to experience. Your insurance professional can answer questions that are unique to your personal situation and show you how to keep your insurance costs manageable while maintaining the coverage that you need.

If your rate remains the same or increases remember that you always have the option of shopping your rate around.  This can be done quickly and easily through online sites such as InsuranceHotline.com.  There may be a cheaper rate for you for the exact same coverage.

Tanya Stephens

By True Daley

Her break-out hits “Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis” and “It’s a Pity” topped the reggae charts in the ‘90s, with the Washington Post naming her one of the top female artists in Jamaica. Earlier in her career, Stephens gained global respect for her witty, sexually-charged lyrics. However, she later changed her tune focusing heavily on social issues including adultery and racial injustice, as evidenced by the track “Rosa,” based on civil-rights activist Rosa Parks.  Although the themes have changed, Stephens’ strong song-writing talents are unparalleled, and her fan base continues to grow.

As one of the featured artists on International Night I, she surprisingly took audience members back in time with her former hits, encouraging patrons to join her on her trip down memory lane.  The dancehall diva performed her most popular songs from her explicit repertoire while prancing about in an all-black ensemble of leather jacket and boots, lace stockings and a skin-tight mini-dress.

Stephens spoke to Sway about the evolution of dancehall culture, discrimination in Jamaica, and her long-awaited upcoming album.

Q: Your personal and professional success has stood the test of time.  In your opinion, what has changed for women in dancehall since you started and what improvements still need to be made?

A:  I’ve heard a lot of cries for more females and more support for females, but at the moment, I think we have a lot of females, so I think it would be unfair to say that the females don’t get support and that there aren’t enough numbers of females.  So, I think what we need to do right now is stop focusing on gender and start focusing on the quality of production.

Q:  What social issues affecting Jamaicans are being ignored or underrepresented in the media?

A:  I think there’s an undercurrent of discrimination that we’re not addressing as much as we should.  Every social function that you can think of, there is discrimination in it.  My thing is that discrimination is one tree, so regardless of what branch or what stem or what leaf, you’re seeing it all comes from the one type of reasoning.  So it’s my dream that one day we get rid of discrimination, and we start that by discussion and so I try to play my part in sparking that discussion.

Q: Today you took us back in time, as opposed to the more conscious content of your recent work.

A: You know, I have to tailor every show to the place where I’m at, so even though I know that the show is diverse and that the audience is diverse, people come from all over to watch this show.  The fact is that I’m in Jamaica, and there’s no measure for me to determine what song each person wants to hear, so I have work with what is happening here.  Also, it was a very short set.  Typically, I’m on stage for like an hour and a half, two hours, and depending on where I am and how the atmosphere is, I might be on stage for two and a half, three hours.  So for me to sum that up in 35 minutes was almost impossible for us; we were surprised that we were off already ‘cause we felt like we were just warming up.

Q:  You said you have an album coming out, what’s the title?

A: I haven’t decided on a title yet, I don’t even have a working title, but it’s almost finished I just haven’t decided what to call it yet, but it’ll be out in time for the holidays at the end of the year.

(www.myspace.com/tanyastephensmusic)

Look out for further updates as Geena and True continue their coverage of Reggae Sumfest 2011.

(Photos by Adrian Creary courtesy of Summerfest Productions)

The second night of Reggae Sumfest’s concert series proved to be a celebration of icons. International Night 1 drew a mostly mature audience who grooved to the sounds of Lovers Rock and Roots music. International headliner R. Kelly cancelled his performance due to having an emergency throat surgery, however R&B sensation Christopher Martin served up enough hits to keep the crowd satisfied.  The legendary Beres Hammond and Bunny Wailer (Jah B) were also on the bill, with Hammond being honoured for his contribution to Reggae music and the Wailers marking their 50-year anniversary. Revered artists such as Tanya Stephens, Lady Saw, Half Pint, and Cocoa T were also part of the star-studded affair.  Toronto’s own Belinda Brady also graced the stage along with Iba Mahr, Paul Elliott, and Richie Loops.

HIGHLIGHTS

Chris Martin

Christopher Martin (http://www.reverbnation.com/christophermartin)

Born on Valentine’s Day, it’s no wonder Christopher Martin has been dubbed ‘Reggae’s Hearthrob’ by Jamaican media. This young star has taken the reggae scene by storm after winning the Digicel Rising Star talent competition in 2005.  Martin made history by being the first artist from the popular program to successfully launch a career with his chart-topping singles “Nah Go Change”, “Take My Wings”, “Tonight” and “Giving It”.  The multi-talented entertainer captivated Sumfest revellers with his sultry love songs, fun-loving antics, and sexy confidence .

Bunny Wailer

Bunny Wailer (Jah B) (www.myspace.com/bunnywailer1)

Rounding out the night with a classic performance was Bunny Wailer, original member and sole remaining lead voice from the Wailing Wailers, the Jamaican group which gave birth to the international stardom of Peter Tosh and Bob Marley.  Regaling the audience with his own hits such as “Roots Man Skanking” and “Cool Runnings”, Bunny also serenaded the crowd with well-loved songs from the Wailers like “Simma Down”, celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the iconic group.

Beres Hammond

Beres Hammond (www.myspace.com/bereshammond)

Always a crowd favourite, Beres Hammond was the star of the night, returning to the Sumfest stage after a three-year hiatus.  Hammond had the crowd in the palm of his hand as he treated fans to a full concert featuring a multitude of classic hits such as “Tempted To Touch”, “She Loves Me Now”, and “Can’t Stop A Man From Trying”.  Lady Saw also joined him on stage to perform the duet she wrote entitled “She Was Changed”, which spoke of a young girl who lost her innocence due to abuse and rape.

In honour of Hammond’s major influence on the Jamaican music industry and culture, Summerfest Productions bestowed him with a special Reggae Icon Award mid-concert, which Hammond received with great humility.

Look out for further updates as Geena and True continue their coverage of Reggae Sumfest 2011.

(Photos by Adrian Creary courtesy of Summerfest Productions)

By Samuel Getachew

At only 21 years of age, Stuart Parker was the leader of the Green Party of British Columbia. While that is a rare achievement on its own, he also became the first and still, the only black leader of a political party in Canada. That was almost two decades ago.

Parker, currently living in the United States, talks to Sway about his activism journey as a teenager advocating and fighting for important issues like the issue of ozone depletion and climate change. In recent years, he has focused his energy on the issue of Electoral Reform.

He is currently a student with a postdoctoral fellowship studying indigenous people in the Americas and Pacific Islands who have converted to Mormonism. What does a Good Samaritan mean to him? “A person whose goodness comes from running across a problem and helping, not looking for problems to solve” he explains. Then again, he might as well have been describing himself.

Sway: From your days of active political participation of the past till today, what has changed in terms of diversity in elected office in Canada?
When it comes to diversity in elected office, what is often masked in very small, incremental improvements in diversity in elected officials is that this typically arises out of the increasing ghettoization of Canada’s minority populations. When I was first involved in politics in the 80s in BC, there was less geographic ghettoization and so most visible minority candidates were elected by voters in majority white districts. That isn’t true today.

Party machines work actively to keep brown candidates in brown districts and white candidates in white districts. White majority districts, I would hazard a guess, are actually more likely to be represented by white MPPs and MPs than they were a generation ago. This, in turn, encourages people to ghettoize. Community leaders know that for a minority group to have political clout, they must concentrate their population in a confined geographic area. Thus, it is in everybody’s short-term interest to increase residential segregation in Canada. This is one of the reasons I campaigned so aggressively for proportional representation in the referenda in 2005, 2007 and 2009. Some form of proportional representation would help to reverse this disturbing trend.

The issue of diversity in elected office has been very important for you. Is Canada as progressive on the issue of diversity as we think we are?
As for Canada being as progressive as it thinks it is, that’s a global problem. It is in the interest of everyone to portray Canada is significantly more progressive than it is. American liberals do it, in order to convince their neighbours that the US can do better. American conservatives do it as part of a campaign of demonizing things like fighting climate change or universal health care. Europeans do it to shame the US.

Canadians do it because — why not believe false compliments about yourself when the whole world is helping you to push these lies? It’s not just on issues of racial justice but on climate change and a host of other issues that the whole world cooperates to put forward a falsely progressive image of Canada.

As a teenager, you were a successful advocate for the end of ozone-destroying foam packaging at McDonalds and as a young adult, you advocated eloquently for electoral reform. Share with us some of your activism journey so far and why were those issues important to you.
First, do the thing that is in front of you. There are so many worthy causes and issues that you need to get involved based on what you care about and whom you trust. I got involved in raising awareness about ozone depletion (through the McDonalds campaign) because a small activist group I respected, who had been working on the issue, had to disband and were looking for someone to take the issue on. I, in turn, led a group of young people eager to get active on an issue that spoke to them and their peers and around which they were well-equipped to organize. The tale of the Good Samaritan is about a person whose goodness comes from running across a problem and helping, not looking for problems to solve.

Second, work on big issues that underpin other issues. Global warming and ozone depletion are issues that underpin everything. Deforestation: trees will die whether they are cut down or not unless we protect them from rapid climate change and UVB radiation. Fishing: fish will die whether they are over-fished or not unless we protect them from rapid climate change, etc. For me, proportional representation is another of those big issues. Lack of diversity in elected office, racial ghettoization, concentration of power in the PMO, low voter turnout, etc. are all addressed through PR.

Third, work on issues that are clearly-defined and bounded. While PR and atmospheric change are issues that affect everything, I have always made sure to work on campaigns that have a clear deliverable. Stopping the use of CFC-22 as a substitute for CFC-12 in Canada was a clear objective we achieved between 1989 and 1993. Winning the 2005, 2007 and 2009 referendums were objectives we did not achieve but the point is that we had a specific outcome that we were seeking, not a vague and general campaign.

You started of as a member of the Green Party and ended up with the NDP. Many people have a particular reason(s) for a political switch but its rare for a political leader of a particular party to do so. What were some of your reasons?
I moved from the NDP to the Greens back to the NDP by way of a 20-day layover in the Liberal Party. No Canadian political party is an ideal home for progressive people today. So, what I have tended to ask is these kinds of questions: can I do some good here? Is my party doing more good than harm right now? Is my party democratic enough that it provides avenues to influence it? For this reason, right now, I’m actually contemplating taking out a tactical membership in the Liberal Party to be part of their renewal process and to push very vigorously for a merger with the NDP.

What has not changed is my commitment to sustainability, human equality and socialism. Often people who get too wrapped-up in one institution end up with inconsistent values because they are constantly changing their principles to match the pronouncements of their club. If we stay focused on principles, institutions and organizations fall into the background.

What are you up to these days?
These days, I’m taking an enforced break from active politics by working on a postdoctoral fellowship studying indigenous people in the Americas and Pacific Islands who have converted to Mormonism, and the kinds of stories they tell about themselves. With this under my belt, I hope to return to Canada and work in the academic sector teaching political and religious history at a post-secondary institution. But jobs are scarce so we’ll see what happens. I’m also currently working on the biography of an important black Canadian who has been my friend for many years and now, approaching the end of his life, is preparing to tell an amazing story. I wish I could say more about that project.

Any parting words?
As for parting words, any parting words I offered would be seriously mislabeled. I can never shut up. I will just say that many people are baffled and discouraged by the way that politics in North America has been a battle between the cowards on the left and the bullies on the right. Hard as it is, I think we are better off trying to teach courage than trying to teach compassion.

By Tendisai Cromwell

Mark August 13 off  your calendar for the Black Daddies Club 2nd Annual Picnic at Orono Park in Bomanville.  This will be a family affair packed with a variety of activities, entertainment and of course food.

The first picnic took place in 2009 and was a great success according to Brandon Hay, executive director of the Black Daddies Club.

“It was really about families creating memories,” Hay said.

He expects a larger turnout this year than in 2009 which had 400 to 500 people in attendance.

Activities will include a dominos tournament, swimming, flag football,  socacize sessions, free facials, performances by the Toronto Children Concert Choir (TC3), a Zen garden and more.

This year, low-cost transportation will be provided from two locations in the GTA. Shuttle service will be offered from Downsview Park subway and the Scarborough Town Center for a $5 fare.

Not only is it a day to share quality time with family, the picnic will as well be a place to access resources and will be educative for the community.

“People can find out what businesses are operating for Black families in the Toronto community,” Taisha Lewis, vendor and sponsorship lead explained.

It is a mutli-themed event focusing primarily on health, then education and civic engagement. The Taibu Community Health Centre will be providing information about diabetes and treatments. There will be a number of other vendors providing information for picnic attendees.

The picnic will also be an opportunity to raise the political conscience of the black community. Black Daddies Club invited The John Howard Society Toronto to provide information at the picnic about a controversial series of bills passed by the Conservative government.

“The reality is that we’re not engaged,” Hay said.“The politicians aren’t talking to us; they’re not speaking our language.”

Hay expressed that a central part of the picnic is also to foster community partnerships making the event more successful and meaningful.

Chevy X, the lead for programming, encourages families to come out and enjoy the day.

“It’s just a beautiful space. We just want to share with everyone and hopefully people will come out and feel the energy and the love,” Chevy said.

For more information about the picnic, see the Facebook event page.

Visit the Black Daddies Club website for more information about the organization.

duchesssa

By Erica Phillips

I just jumped right in.

Recently, I completed swimming lessons- Adult Splash 1. The seeds were planted a few years ago after started running: taking Aquafit for cross training, then at a friend’s pool party: I started to learn to love the water and not fear it. It’s unclear how the fear started: other sport-related fears have to do with falling and getting hurt (bloodied and bruised after a recent running accident, I kept going), or not being good enough (coming in last) I have yet to do a race.

It wasn’t only fear of the water that kept me out of the pool: undiagnosed, low grade lymphoma, CTLC-MF- made the thought of wearing a bathing suit in public uncomfortable- with ultraviolet treatment my skin is better now. CTCL-MF (Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma-Mycosis fungoides) left my skin with light and dark patches all over my body. Visit www.clfoundation.org.

Committing my Sunday afternoons for 12 weeks was a challenge, but this was something I needed to do; taking swimming lessons as a child was not a great experience and I “excused myself” from taking swimming in high school so there I was over 30 in the pool with several other adults, and two, very young two instructors- one was a volunteer.

Anxiety and fear are like emotional handcuffs: I wanted to unlock them with swimming; just let go. And so I did. Starting with that first lesson, I didn’t ease my way into the pool, jumped right in, embraced the moment, cold water and all. That first lesson was about getting comfortable in the pool and learning basic moves: floating on the front, floating and back and kicking. Despite the swim cap my hair got wet: after another 60 minutes at the gym, I washed the chlorine out of my relaxed hair and deep conditioned it with olive oil – my hair survived.

Report Card

In lesson two, we reviewed material from lesson one: I still had to work on arching my back for the back float, (I’ve done Pilates and yoga and I do P90X, so it’s counter intuitive: I’m used to engaging my core and keeping my joints soft). The volunteer instructor helped me with gliding on my back and front, “keep your joints locked.” I figured it out and did fine: the instructors gave me the thumbs up.

In some lessons, I worked with the senior instructor and the men: The other women were having trouble so they worked with the volunteer instructor on earlier lessons. It was nice to be one of the strongest ones in a class. Even when I was tired I just jumped in, sometimes a little breathless for a few minutes: swimming is hard work.

We did the flutter kick with the flutter board, moving to other end of pool for part of the lesson: I tried to kick with the board as opposed to walking over like the others, no problem so the instructor said on the way back to try a light grip: nailed it, no more use for flutter board, just remember to keep my head inline with my shoulder.

In subsequent lessons we worked on the front crawl; I picked it up quickly, then we learned the front crawl incorporating proper breathing. I kept moving while others took their turn- another technique from other workouts. Learning the eggbeater kick on the edge of the pool was much trickier. We practiced it in the deep end first with a noodle with the volunteer instructor: senior instructor said I didn’t need the noodle.

We also learned to grab objects from the bottom of the pool, hand stands, front and back glides and underwater swimming- l love that. We learned treading water in the deep end: The course requirements are treading water with a personal floatation device for 30 seconds, but my instructor had me do it without the PFD- and I’m glad.

Not all lessons went smoothly, during one class I was quite sluggish initially and the instructor said one arm was dragging, but I improved throughout the session. Our instructor had us do a lot of drills, which I appreciated as it’s the key to improvement. For two lessons I was the only student, so I worked on my weak areas: the backstroke and treading water, especially that eggbeater kick. For the last class- the second unintended private lesson- I learned the whip kick, we did wild wave games with another class, practiced earlier strokes and treading water.

A letter from the instructor

Just before Lesson 12, I learned how to get water out of my ears: hop on one foot while tugging on the ear lobe- Thanks for the “You Docs” tip, Dr. Oz. My classes ended with a great note from my instructor and encouragement to take Adult Splash 2, which looks intimidating: standing dive into deep water, treading water one to two minutes, and crawls for 25 to 50 metres.

The following Sunday, I went for a fitness swim practicing what I learned in Splash 1, preparing for Splash 2. My endurance needs work, and I’m still a little apprehensive in the deep end: both will take time, but that’s what Sunday afternoons are for. Hopefully by learning to swim- I’ll learn to fly.

Jacinda and Dad

By Jacinda Liburd

As a child, he was my hero; as a teenager, my teacher; and as a woman, he is my very best friend.

My father and I have always had a very special relationship that has been built on love, understanding and respect.

When I about four years old, I was terrified of sleeping alone. Petrified, really. No matter how many times I was sent back to my room, nothing and no one could ever make me stay there. I would lie in my bed and wait until I heard complete silence. Then I’d slide out of my bed, get on all fours and slowly creep into my parents’ room. And I did this all night long.

My mom, ever the gentle but firm disciplinarian, insisted that it was important for me to learn to sleep alone. My Dad? Not so much.

One night, on my way into their bedroom, I discovered something that soothed my soul so completely that I can still remember the exact moment. My dad, who normally slept all the way at the end of the bed, had left a little room on the edge. I wasn’t sure if it was accidental or deliberate, but when I slid into that space and I felt his arm reach around and hold me so that I didn’t fall, I loved him more than words could explain.

At about age seven, I decided to wash my cabbage patch doll. And, to my horror, the arms fell off!

I was, in a word…devastated.

I came into our garage, bawling loudly. In between sobs, I told my dad that I had ruined my best friend. My dad looked at me, took my doll, squeezed out all of the water, got some matching thread and a needle and sewed her back together.

Always, my hero.

To say that my father remained a hands-on father from childhood right through to young adulthood is a bit of an understatement. He taught me how to fly a kite, ride my bicycle, ice skate, drive a car, fix my car, and how to be and stay mentally tough. He drove me to tutoring classes, piano lessons, track meets, basketball games, and modeling assignments.

He came on class trips, dropped off forgotten lunches and forgotten projects, attended parent-teacher meetings, moved me in and out of dormitories, supported my academic achievements every step of the way and was always there to give me a dollar or two (…or three or four!) when I needed it. He taught me everything he knew and then some.

For a better teacher, I could have never asked.

Now that I am an adult, my relationship with my father has changed a lot. I don’t see him as often and I don’t need him in the ways that I once did as a child.  But through his love, compassion, understanding, and care, my father has given me the gift of confidence, kindness and an uncanny ability to be true to myself.

I am well-rounded, independent and I tend to surprise people with my many hidden talents. But when I need someone with whom I can reason out life, I know just where I can turn.

He’s always there.

None of us get to choose our parents. That is a decision made solely by God.

But if I were given the choice of any man in the world to be my father, for so many more reasons than I can write, I would choose my father…all over again.

Jacinda Liburd is an actress, teacher, former model and licensed paralegal who strongly believes in the power of education. She loves her family, friends, community and country dearly. She works to encourage young women to appreciate the power of beauty and brains. And her love for her father springs eternal.

True Daley

By True Daley

For those of us who grew up in the ’90s, chances are, you watched New York Undercover religiously on Thursday nights from 1994-1998. The popular program is the first police drama to feature two people of colour, Malik Yoba and Michael DeLorenzo, in starring roles. It was also one of the highest rated series among black households in the U.S. from 1996-1997. Yoba won the hearts of millions with his portrayal of undercover Detective J.C. Williams, a young dad who happened to be street smart with tons of sex appeal. The break-out role launched his television career and secured his spot in history.

Yoba is currently filming his 11^th television series Alphas, at various locations throughout the mega-city, and has been a Toronto resident since April. The drama series focuses on five ordinary people with superhero abilities who work with the U.S. Department of Defense investigating cases that point to others with Alpha abilities.

Yoba plays Bill Harken, a former FBI agent whose super power is the ability to consciously activate the ‘fight or flight’ response.  The television veteran says he enjoys playing a multidimensional character. “I haven’t had this much fun since New York Undercover. I get to play a character that’s in a leadership position. I’m chasing people, running around, and kicking down doors. My character is smart. He’s also a family guy. It’s a good show.”

MALIK YOBA

Yoba is also a superhero off-screen, having worked for community organizations since he was a teen. Shortly before landing a role in Cool Runnings, he was the Vice-President of City Kids, a government organization promoting multiculturalism and youth empowerment. Earlier this year, he flew out to Ethopia to attend the first graduation ceremony of a school he helped build in partnership with the Ethopian Children’s Fund. The school was a culmination of hard work, fund-raising and a 16-year commitment which included the purchase of land for the educational facility.

Unlike some celebrities who become ambassadors for causes in hopes to gain more publicity, Yoba says he’s been aware of his responsibility to society from an early age.

His choice of non-stereotypical roles and innate ability to bring depth, diversity, and intellect to his characters, has inspired  international audiences for over 20 years.The definition of his last name ‘last of slaves, new generation’, was given to him by his father. He’s always known that his purpose is to serve others and leave a lasting impression.

“My father was always looking out for folks in the neighbourhood and folks outside the neighbourhood. He would do simple things.  If you were walking down the hallway and saw tissue on the floor, he’d tell you to pick it up. I’d say, ‘I didn’t put it there’. He’d say, ‘You live here, pick it up’.

Yoba himself, is a divorced father of three and says while he’s not jaded, he has a more realistic view of what it takes to love another person while loving yourself. He recently shared his personal love stories during a performance at the Toronto Jazz Festival.

The acoustic 1-hour set of original works, featured Yoba on guitar and lead vocals, alongside fellow artist Jeremy James. Fans had the opportunity get intimate with Yoba, as he shared anecdotes with local music lovers.  The audience was completely enamored by his wit, musicianship, and effortless swag. Despite his fame, and good looks, Yoba is refreshingly approachable. The self-described amateur anthropologist says music is his truest expression, and appreciates how it allows him to connect to universal audiences.

“I like the fact that people choose to stay and the diversity of the people.  It’s always good to see that people stop and hang out, the old and young.  As a kid, Bob Marley was an artist that I felt – If I could make people feel the way I feel when I listen to his music – that’s what I want to do. That to me is what you want to communicate. His music is his truth.  He essentially wrote love songs one way or another.”

Yoba’s connection with Marley is more than spiritual. Before learning his maternal grandfather was Jamaican, the actor says he’d always felt a kinship with Jamaicans.

“ I identify so strongly with so many people from Jamaica, and have so much love and connections with people on the island and outside of the island, particularly through the reggae community but also in business and politics. When my mother told me her father was Jamaican, it made sense.”

Yoba on the set of Alphas

Considered an honorary Canadian after working on productions in Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto over the past 2 ½ years, Yoba’s fan-base is sure to grow as he teams up with Alphas all-star ensemble cast, which includes David Strathairn, Cameron Hicks, Nina Theroux, Gary Bell, Azita Ghanizada and Rachel Pirzad.

Not surprisingly, Yoba has made television history once more, as 2.5 million viewers in the U.S. tuned in to watch Syfy’s Alphas, making it the station’s most watched season premiere in two years.

Alphas was co-created by Zak Penn (The Incredible Hulk, X Men : The Last Stand) and premiered on Toronto’s Space Channel (Rogers Cable 50)  at 10pm on Monday, July 11.

For more info: www.syfy.com/alphasseries/cast/dr_rosen

Rochelle Hanson/ARDEAN PETERS

By Rochelle Hanson

Balance. Seems like we’re always trying to find it, aren’t we? Life is an unpredictable animal, and sometimes it’s difficult to tame. All too often there are situations that come up in our lives over which we have absolutely no control. The fridge breaks down, the AC gives out, someone you love winds up in the hospital. When the stresses of life start to show their ugly heads, the healthy lifestyle changes you’ve been working so hard to achieve are often the first to go out the window. Don’t let stress push you over the edge, my friends. Being healthy is not about being perfect. Seek balance.

My grandmother is in the hospital right now. It’s not an easy thing to deal with. Although she’s been sick for years, she’s one of those people who always appear to be well and carry on with life regardless of what’s happening inside their body. I’m sure you know people like that; you may even be like that yourself. The sad thing is, the body can only take so much of that, and the older we get, the less able the body is to defend itself against the years of damage we’ve done to it.

This is why it is imperative to start your healthy lifestyle journey now. And if you’ve already started, don’t stop, keep on going! People use every single excuse they can think of as a reason to comfort themselves and throw away their goals. If it isn’t time, it’s money; if it isn’t money, it’s your social life. If it isn’t your social life, it’s because you just didn’t feel like it. There will always be one excuse or another for not achieving your healthy lifestyle goals. But tell me, what will be your excuse when you wind up at the end of your life and you are so sick that you can’t even take care of yourself? What will you say to yourself then?

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) and lung disease are the leading causes of preventable death and disability in this country. You can dramatically reduce the risk of these chronic diseases by changing the way you live. Take a look at their website for more information.

Friends, the reason I am dedicated to writing to you in this column every week is because I see that this world is becoming totally out of balance when it comes to health and wellness. More and more people are getting fatter and sicker. Very few people even care to find out why. I am here to let you know that you do have an alternative. You do have a choice, and you are still in control.

If you know that you need help with your diet and exercise, or lack thereof, why don’t you start by adding some green foods into your life? If you need recipe ideas, you can get them on my blog. I just wrote a new post called, All Things Green. Feel free to connect with me if you have any questions related to what you see there.

I know how stressful life can be at times. Just remember that you don’t have to give up. You can choose to be healthy if you want to. In fact, keeping up with your healthy lifestyle could actually help to reduce your overall stress load. When you eat better and you exercise, you will feel better, and you will be more able to handle the other areas of your life that demand attention. The next time stress tries to take control of your life, turn things around and take control of your stress. Have a green smoothie instead.

Rochelle Hanson is a Freelance Writer and Natural Health Enthusiast, offering practical tips on natural health and wellness. For recipes, motivation, and ideas on natural health, connect with Rochelle on Facebook, and subscribe to her blog, Simply Natural Ideas.

By Samuel Getachew

Belinda Barrocks, AKA Kamshuka, is a socially conscious superstar artist in the making. Her photography work has toured all over Canada as well as in the Bahamas and South Africa. She describes her amazing work as “the interpretation of her heart” through creative and unique images.

On Thursday, July 14th, she will host an annual fundraising event, now in its third year, in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. The exhibition will feature her collection from her recent trip to South Africa and its titled “My Exotic Eye”. Sway caught up with the award winning artist as she prepares for her important fundraising event.

Sway: You are one of the better known up and coming talent in Toronto. Please describe yourself and the kinds of work you are involved in?

Belinda: I am the Owner & CEO of “Kamshuka.” An award-winning international photographer and artist who has taken her art to Dubai, the Island of Bahrain, the Bahamas and recently, to South Africa for 14 amazing days. Covering Fashion Week locally to overseas in Bahrain.

Tell us about the Kamshuka Gallery Show?

What better way is there to celebrate life than to enjoy the people and art therein. I started these gallery shows almost three years ago, every year featuring a beautiful place across the world and the people who are diverse and so beautiful. The predominately exotic art captures various images of landscapes, foreign lands and emotional expressions of people, this year being the beautiful South Africa.

What makes this event even more special is that giving back to the community and to a good cause has always been a big part of the KAMSHUKA Gallery Show. Last year, the Canadian Cancer Society and Kamshuka teamed up to raise funds towards breast cancer research. We will celebrate people, art and life as we give back to the community.

Where and when will the event take place?

It will be held at Mirage Grill & Lounge, 117 Eglinton East in Toronto, on Thursday, July 14th, between 6: 30 – 10:30pm.

You were recently in South Africa. It must have been a wonderful experience for you both as a person and also an artist. Please tell us about that experience?

Leaving Africa at an early age left negative memories of the civil war, memories of women and children screaming and blood stained bodies on the dusty roads. I was absolutely nervous to go back to “Africa”. I remember my heart clinching as we touched the ground and promising myself that I would take each day at a time. I was on a Freedom Tour and I wasn’t ready for all the emotions I’d encounter.

From one day to the other I was quiet emotional. From Robbin Island to seeing where Mandela was held prisoner to the township of Soweto. I couldn’t but imagine what if I was one of these young girls working so hard to better their families. Carrying food and watch home as some of them walked bear foot. My tears were immense as my eyes touched the lens of my camera to capture those moments. Going from beauty to beauty, South Africa left me grateful and full of joy. I went from shedding tears to walking in the streets with the local people, hearing the music and dancing. To me, I will never forget what I learned in South Africa…. I learnt “Unity”; Oneness; Together” . ”Ubuntu” meaning humanity towards others: “I am what I am because of who we all are”……goodbye Johannesburg

What are some of the works you’re currently involved in?

I recently started IMAGE BUILDING WORKSHOPS in the city, where we build esteem and confidence, show you how to groom and get ready to learn how effective branding is developed with pictures and with your own image. I am also currently working on my book, showing the victories but also sharing some of the things that have affected and caused me to use my story to drive into passion.

Any parting words?

Road blocks, potholes, traffic, wild animals, discomfort, bumpy and uneven areas- yet knowing this all: This road WILL take you into your greatest moment in LIFE. Keep going. Don’t stop. You are almost there…..I’m taking my own advice ~WE ARE BLESSED ~Kamshuka ………..written as I went up the mountain to Cape of Good Hope in Cape Town, South Africa.