[REVIEW] ROCK AND ROLL: The Movie will make you laugh and think twice about giving up on your dreams

by Cyrus Webb

I think pretty much everyone knows that my sense of humor is not the best, but when a movie can make me laugh, think and get inspired it is definitely a 5-star experience for me.

With ROCK AND ROLL: The Movie you have a story that is all about possibilities and people's perceptions of you---and if you are going to allow them to define you. That is true in the case of the character David Roso in the film who wants to make his mark and prove others wrong in his quest to be an agent. It is also true of his reluctant client Steve Taylor (played by Darren Dowler) ---and what he has been told about himself and what he has come to then believe about himself. The two of them don't realize it at first, but they are exactly what the other needs.

Humor is a big part of this film, but the message can't be denied. If you want to succeed at your goal or dream sometime you have to be willing to risk it all. Otherwise if you just play it safe you will never do everything you should to turn your goal and dream into a reality. David realizes this early on. for Steve it is a slower process it seems, but when you have others pushing you, encouraging you to take a chance---it definitely becomes easier.

Like I said I am not known for my sense of humor, but I could look past some of the campier moments of this film and see a message that definitely spoke to me and I believe will speak to others as well.

Rent or purchase ROCK AND ROLL: The Movie on Amazon here.

Conversations' Inspirational Anthem of 2015: Rise Up by Andra Day

by Cyrus Webb

This has been a year of highs and lows for so many, and at times it might appear that the bad days or the "down times" as my good friend Rob Pennington calls them might be in the majority. For me it has helped to remember that every day that I am here is an opportunity to right a wrong, bridge a divide and even grow as an individual.

One of the things that has always helped me when I am looking for some motivation is music.

I began the year with CONQUEROR by Estelle and Jussie Smollett on repeat, loving the message of anything being possible, and in November of this year I was sent the Youtube commercial of Beats by Dre featuring Serena Williams and the song RISE UP by recording artist Andra Day.

If there is a song that I believe everything in the world can relate to, it IS this one. What Andra Day does by beginning the song "You're broken down and tired of living life on a merry-go-round" is to acknowledge that every day is not great and there are times it seems as though the cycle of events aren't getting any better. What made this song unique for me is that she makes it about US. TOGETHER we can do amazing things, and that is what she is able to articulate so well in this song.

"When the silence isn't quiet," Andra sings, "and it feels like it's getting hard to breathe. And I know you feel like dying, but I promise we'll take the world to it's feet." That in itself tells me that no matter how dark the moment might be or how alone we will find at times there is always going to be someone who knows, understand and appreciates where we are---and can help us move forward. "All we need is hope," she reminds us, "and for doubt we have each other."

The message and the delivery couldn't be more perfect, and for that reason RISE UP by Andra Day is my Inspirational Anthem of 2015.

Get the single for yourself on Amazon along with her album Cheers to the Fall. Stay connected with Andra through her website at www.andraday.com.