The 1990s saw female singer/songwriters enjoy some resurgence in popularity with the emergence of artists such as Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morissette, and Jewel, as well as the success of the Lilith Fair concert tours.

Up far too late into the wee hours of the morning, an all too often zone in which I find myself, I found myself considering Angelou's story and its parallel to the life of not only my own, but to many musicians.

The magical, melodic and distinctive sound of these iconic artists' remains unmatched by today's current pop singers.

Life was good, and being part of the massive New Kid phenomenon that swept the world was merely icing on the cake. And you know what? I really, really liked that icing.

As an artist and fan, I wonder what we could "demand" in 2008?

Any true pop culture aficionado knows the importance of Michael Jackson and the significance of his exceptional and everlasting contribution to music, videos, and even fashion.

Fifteen years after riding the wave of fame and success of the early '90s, Natalie and Whitney, Luther and Prince, and Nirvana and Guns N' Roses have taken their rightful place among the recording industry elite.

Imagine sampling a brand new food, something you had no idea even existed. Something that turned out to be so delicious, so mouthwatering delightful, that after one taste you were hooked.

With apologies to Morrissey, September (not November) spawned a monster. It always does, with the return of the arts season. Theatres, colleges, galleries, book tours and much more get going again, and all we can do is hang on for dear life.

I saw a group of junior high kids in the middle of their day at school. At first, I thought it was a documentary because the kids looked so real. They spoke and behaved so honestly. There was nothing phony about them.

I see everything through eyes that look through the experience of death and so everything is a bit colored by it.