What’s BNM??? YardEdge talks to Steve Urchin about Brand New Machine

Bookophilia will now be buying your (lightly) used books for store credit. The store credit earned can be used to buy new books or more used books.

Sankofa Arts & Facilitation will present its first production for 2010 at the Dennis Scott Studio Theatre, Jamaica School of Drama from January 21 to February 7 for seven performances. Part proceeds from the opening night performance will be donated to the Jamaica Red Cross’ Haitian Earthquake Relief Initiative.

YardEdge talks to Jamaican writer and poet, Pamela Mordecai about her work and upcoming play, El Numero Uno which opens in Toronto on January 31. The play was directed by ahdri zhina mandiela, a Jamaican born, Toronto based dub poet and theatre producer. YE: Why are you a writer? Pamela:

Here is a list of the many options that are springing up all over for you to help Haiti: 1. Give through the United Way, donate at some local supermarkets or other private sector locations see here for more info at SociaLingua 2. Email haitiaidja@gmail.com and donate items at 10A West

Check out this new song, written by Joy Mechanics (Michael Sean Harris and Mike Holgate) for Nadine Sutherland.  The song has gone to the #1 spot on the New York Reggae charts and is moving up on the South Florida Reggae chart. It’s called “Life on the Streets”. It’s available on

Its PAPARAZZI time again courtesy of Sean Paul who will be celebrating his birthday BNM style with Sanjay and the CopperShot family along with special guest Richie D! But it will be Sean Paul giving out the presents on his birthday: Free “Odyssey” Mixtapes for EVERYONE! For more info

The first exhibition for 2010 is Edward Lucie-Smith: 40 Photographs which will open on Sunday, January 17, 2010, at 11 am. The exhibition consists of a selection of 40 of the 61 photographs recently donated to the National Gallery of Jamaica by noted Jamaican-born art critic, poet and photographer Edward

Chef Martin Maginley from Round Hill Hotel and Villa’s is combining local produce with local culture and revolutionizing Jamaican cuisine. Read more at The Daily Green Also check out the article on Pantrepant, Chris Blackwell’s farm in Trelawny, an example of  community supported agriculture.

Garlands created by the children of Unity Primary school and the ladies of Unity Craft Circle delighted guests at Island Outpost’s the Caves in Negril this season. The hotel, voted by CondeNast Traveller as the number one 2009 All Inclusive Caribbean Resort, hosted a New Years Party – a Blue Moon