Rihanna


Yes we were all shocked that Rihanna went back to Chris Brown so quickly after their incident which led to Rihanna's hospital visit.  Many were shocked that she went back to him at all and everyone seems to be chanting, "Leave him, leave him."  We know that that  is easier said than done.  Who are we to be judging her and  to be giving unsolicited advice?

One thing I've learned to do is never tell a friend that they should leave their guy or spouse.  I would give advice like, "one person cannot be in a marriage or it takes two to tango," but as we all know no matter what advice they receive the person going through stuff will have to make that decision for themselves.  Affairs of the heart are not simple to explain. 

Many of us that are chanting "Leave him" might be in abusing relationships of our own.  It might not be physical abuse, but emotional abuse that we stay and take.  Some of us are in loveless relationships and are just too afraid to leave.   We need to back off and give Rihanna her space and let her figure out stuff for herself.   I do believe that one day she will look at those pictures (that were taken at the time of the incident) and come to the realization that she does not need to be with that person.  She has to get to that place herself before she can ever leave him.   In the meantime lets remember she is a victim and give her some support and empathy.

By the way, I play and enjoy her music all the time.

Movado


Many try to copy the sounds of reggae and dancehall music.  Even Hispanics have adopted the dancehall music and chants, and while they do a decent job, they can never imitate the soulful, deep harsh sounds from dancehall Kings like Beenie Man, Buju Banton and Movado.   Their sounds come from a deep place - the pain and the grit of the street and thug life.  Movado is able to create such a  unique sound.  It seems everything he touches turns to gold because of the passion and pain that spills out from the guts of his stomach onto the vinyl or CD.  

You can hear it when he cries out to God to protect him from those who might want to harm him or bring him down in "I'm on the rock."   This passion can never be imitated, because its his pain, his passion, his story.  Amazing Grace is so hard to listen to as it depicts hard core street life (and how he managed to survive it.)  His most recent "So Special"  chart buster is as sweet as it is rough;  Not to mention the dances that have been invented to go along with his winning hits.    The gully creep might have  emerged from this thug life - hiding out from whomever - maybe the helicopter shining bright lights "a-groun".   All I know is the dance just fits the rythm and the lyrics  just so.   Of course, everyone puts their own unique spin on it and that makes it even more beautiful.   

Many of us have a love/hate relationship with dancehall music, because, while we do not condone or encourage the gangster lifestyle, the compilation and delivery of the lyrics and rhythms are so magnetic its hard to resist.   Many leaders have lashed out against artists like Movado, saying that the lyrics in their songs might negatively influence the youths.  Large sponsors have banned big concert events because of them.  These artists sing about what they know, and you have to give most of them credit for their belief in God and his grace.  Movado, while he sings and chants about street life, he always seem to manage to give reverence to God.  You have to give him and other artists credit for that.  This is one main difference that I find between  (Jamaican) dancehall artists and rap artist, they always include, Jah or God in their lyrics. 

The good thing is - its a way out of the street life, when they are  able to succeed in the business. 

Just recently in California, a man killed his entire family and himself after he and his wife lost their jobs.  Instead of buckling belts and cutting back, he made the decision to not go on.   The question is - was pride the reason for his actions?  It was reported that they were fired subsequent to the falsification of company documents.  They were trying to get child care assistance for their 5 children.   After being fired, they removed the children from their schools with the explanation that they were moving to another state.  The children were out of school for two weeks prior to the killings. 

Some believe that the act of withdrawing the children from school was an effort to save face after the dismal from their jobs.  Thats one thing, but was it also pride that prevented these parents from joining  the food stamp line or moving to a smaller home or taking a less attractive job just to make ends meet?  

Many people feel like they have to maintain a certain lifestyle in order to impress others.  With the economy the way it is,  people have to ask themselves if push comes to shove will they be able to downsize, or will they melt from the pressure of trying to keep up with the Joneses  Newsflash - the Joneses are probably taking less atractive jobs  or staying in a much smaller home themselves. 

It was just reported during a newscast that the wealthy are not splurging like they used to.  Lavishness and big spending have now become associated with  shame.   New York's upper crusts are no longer splurging on expensive art, nor are they flying in the private jets as they used to.  Its not so much that they can't afford to - its more the guilt associated with the indulgence as the middle class continues to struggle. 

Do you believe the California family tragedy was a result of too much pride or just hopelessness?

In one of my earlier blogs, I wrote about how it defies common sense to practice certain religious rituals  in different denominations.  I should have ended that blog by stating it also defies common sense to be an  Atheist.  Since I did not, I will give the topic its own blog. 

All one has to do is look around them.  Look up at the stars, the sun and the moon to realize that there is some being greater than us.  Are men responsible for how the earth turns and how the moon and sun revolves around the earth?  Do men tell the bees to pollinate the flowers?  Do men tell the body to store fat for future energy when you don't eat for a long time.  Is it man, that go in and turn the baby around in the mothers womb as it gets ready to be born.  No, all of this gets done amazingly, on its own,  in sync and timely.  Isn't that beautiful.  And you say there is no God?

The bible says, only a fool says in his heart there is no God.  All you have to do is look at the amazement of how certain things work on their own;  Look at the ocean and the mountains.   I remember watching a TV Church service some time ago,  where this lady was testifying about how she changed from being an Atheist to a believer.  When she witnessed the birth of a baby, in all of its amazement, she became a believer. 

One has to be really arrogant, and ignorantly so, to  think that they are it - that there is nothing or no one greater than them.  It just defies common, common sense.  Someone called a radio show recently belittling the word God, by saying that when it is spelled backwards it is dog.  They said it's just another word and it has no meaning to it.  Well let me give you my connection between God and dog.  Dog was created to serve man and man was created to serve God.  How about that as an epiphany!!  I remember watching a small part of the dog whisperer, and he was telling the dog's owner that the dog wants to be your servant, they like commands and wants you to be their master, that is why they act out at times.  Dogs want to serve their masters.  Turn that around  -  men should serve God.  That is the connection my friend. 

All God asks us to do is believe and the rest will be revealed.  Some scholars spend all their time reading and trying to find or not find some evidence of God.  They are missing the boat completely.  Others are trying to reduce god to their level,  in trying to understand it all.  You probably won't ever understand it all, but I believe that if one believes and opens their heart,  little by little god's glory will be revealed to them. 

Can I get an Amen?

Barack Obama flanked by SS Men


I watched today as President-Elect Barack Obama made his way through the crowds in Delaware and Baltimore -  two stops on his way to the White House in Washington D.C.  Even though he was in a mostly black crowd, and, of course, he and his wife are black, the Secret Service men that were assigned  to protect him stuck out like  sore thumbs.  

The whole purpose of the "secret" service men is for them to blend into the crowd and be inconspicuous as the President makes his way through crowds or attends  his engagements.  Well,  as the President-Elect and his wife made their way through the crowds, there were three to five  pink heads surrounding his back.  I have to say it was a little amusing.  Now, I don't mean to be disrespectful to the Secret Service men when I say pink heads, but I am trying to paint a graphic picture. 

I am not sure what branch the Secret Service men emerge from - the CIA or the FBI, but I am sure both organizations have black men .  I am sure the men assigned to the soon to be President are the very best as I observed them being extremely intense as they watched the crowd for anything suspicious;  But a note to whomever is in charge of assigning protection for the President, please get some African-American Secret Service men, who can blend in and not be so conspicuous.  Better yet, get a diverse number of men and/or women.


(Written on  01/17/08)
 

Federal Budget Deficit Chart


The title of this blog could very well have been "Thirsty for Blood - Thirsty for Oil."  Recently the President was interviewed by one of ABC's journalists regarding his faith.  One's spiritual belief is personal, and we have to take him at his word when he talks about his relationship with God.  However, his actions and decisions do not align  with someone with a deep spiritual relationship with God.  In the Bible it is mentioned that when you give to the poor, the sick and the under served you give to God.  In other words, being compassionate to the under-served is one of the basic ways to serve God. 

Bush's tax breaks have always been geared toward the wealthy.  Under his Administration, many after school programs, aimed at keeping at-risk students off the streets, were terminated .  There were no major programs that were installed  under his administration that were geared toward the poor and the rehabilitation of those who needed to get back on their feet.   There were no true indication of compassion toward the poor, needy or under served.   This should be the main focus of government.   With Special Interests Lobbyists  and greed this has switched around to the government serving the rich. 

Lets not forget Hurricane Katrina.  Government dragged their feet to get help to thousands of stranded folks  along the gulf coast  who did not have the means  to get themselves out of harm's way.  Again, the poor were  ignored for days and left behind.   Its reported that people are still reeling from the effects of being displaced by Hurricane Katrina, with little or slow help from the government. 

Of course, the war in Iraq will be one of Bush's main presidential legacies;  A war he thought would be over in a couple of weeks.  To his dismay, the Iraqis fought back.   In the meantime, thousands of civilians died and billions and billions of dollars were and is still being spent - to pay American Contractors.  Wait a minute, does this statement sound familiar - "If someone is bombing your country don't you have the right to defend yourself?"  This is being asked in defense of the Israelis attacking the Palestinians.  So, didn't they expect Iraqis to fight back in the same notion?  Outsiders were bombing their country and their oil fields were threatened to be taken away from them.  (By the way, Iraq was not an eminent threat to the U.S.)

There are statements made that  the US was not attacked since 9/11 - therefore the President must have done a good job keeping terrorists away.  Well, the US was not attacked prior to 9/11 (since  Pearl Harbor) either, so in the same breathe, one could say the Bush Administration did not do a good job keeping America safe, since it happened under his watch.

I hope I don't sound like an old fowl, when I say I'm not really into texting.  How annoying is it when you are trying to drive and read a text message.  Just call me - that way I can keep my eyes on the road, while I'm talking to you.  When someone is into texting, it really says a lot about their age, lifestyle and generation category.  Can you imagine being slightly tipsy and trying to read a text on top of it; then trying to respond (while driving?)  This is not a good idea.  Please do not ever do this.  I finally gave up and responded with a call back.    I don't get it!!  It takes that much longer to type out a sentence, than just  speaking the words.  

Most of my friends and peers do not text;  Maybe once in a while, if we are trying to be hip. So, when this new acquaintance of mine  just kept  texting, I said wait a minute - How old is this guy anyway?!!!  He must have asked the same question of me when  I insisted on calling instead of texting.  (LOL)                                            

Seriously though, especially when driving, its best not to be on the phone at all.  If you have to be on the phone, its better to  just talk - even better  -   hands free with the phone on speaker.   I say, wait until you reach your destination, but if you  have to respond to a call really quickly call instead of text.   Of course, if you are not driving - by all means, knock yourself out and put those thumbs to work.  I must admit, texting does have it's place though, especially if  the topic is a little awkward and you don't necessarily want to have a verbal discussion about it.

OMG -  I can't believe it.  I am a talker not a texter - Am  I old-fashioned???    I don't think so!!!!

Are you a talker or a texter?

Angy Iraquis


By now you have had numerous discussions about the infamous (or famous) hurling shoe - the shoe that was thrown at the President.   I want to know if you think its ok to laugh at the incident.  A shoe being hurled in mid air is just hilarious to me (if no one gets hurt in the process of course.)  However, its seems some take offense to  people having a good laugh at the matter.   Take away the President from the equation for a minute, would you laugh then?  However, in all honesty the President being the target, combined with him ducking  adds to the craziness of this  picture.     I guess it all depends on how you feel about the person on the receiving end.  Some Hispanics who were scowling at the fact that people were laughing at the incident, would probably do the same if it were Castro instead of Bush on the receiving end.  If it were done to Obama for instance, it would probably be seen as a hate crime  There are many facets to this incident - some humorous and some not so humorous.

Anyway, to Bush's credit he made light of the situation, which is even more reason why its ok to chuckle or have  a good hearty laugh about it.   The second part of the story is the security issue.  From what I understand about secret service men, their main purpose is to protect the president and keep him out of harm's way.  If there is an incident, their initial response  is to cover the president (or whomever they are protecting) and remove him from the harmful environment.  There was a secret service man that  approached the president, but he brushed him off with an "I'm ok"  gesture.   Its not practical to have secret service men in every row of every audience, especially at a news conference.  They would more likely be close to him to cover him and remove him from any potential harm. 

Last but not least, is the message behind the hurling shoe, which  is not so funny at all.  This was a representation of  how many Iraqis feel about Bush and his Administration.  They hold him in very low regard.  They have little or  no respect for him and their feelings border on loathing.  The Journalist is now seen as a hero by many  in that country.   What is sad is the president's comments, "I don't know what his beef is."  If you think the Governor of Illinois suffer from narcissism, take another look.  It seems he feels he has done nothing, and can't do any,  wrong. 

Some  might take offense  to people laughing at this incident, but I say, better we laugh about this, than be sad or shocked about something that could have been worse. 

OJ Simpson at Recent Trial


It seems the same reason why some say OJ should have laid low is the very same reason he kept tempting his fate.  O. J. Simpson was acquitted on double murder charges over ten years ago.  The evidence seemed  to have been stacked against him.  Even though his Lawyers were able to get the jury to acquit him, many whispered that they knew OJ did it.  If OJ really committed these crimes and he got away with them, this seems to have made him feel indispensable.He probably felt that he could walk on water.  Add to this, he was already a mega star and had many fans.  No one can get him now!!!!!!  With this disposition, he seemed to keep pushing the envelope.  

Writing his book  "if I DID IT,"  was what cracked the camel's back - no it did not quiet brake it, but he sure came close to the edge.  Many comedians used OJ's acquittal as part of their material, making comments like we know he did it!!!  Earth to OJ -  just because others whispered he did it, doesn't mean you should do the same.  The book and the title was a bad, bad joke.  The rule, OJ, is that you cannot be charged for Murder twice, not "they cannot charge me for anything again, and I am indispensable."

The other part of this whole ordeal is knowing the people who you hang around with.  They say keep your friends close and your enemies closer.  Maybe it should be the other way around, since you kind of already know that the enemies don't have your best interest at heart.   Bob Marley's lyrics say, "Only your friends know your secret, so only he can reveal it........"   It seems like OJ's friends really blind sided him, with this quest to recover his stolen items.  Many say he was set up, why else tape the ambush.   Wow, how could he have known they were out to get him?    And, got him they did. 

OJ should have been extra cautious , knowing his alleged victims' family were out for blood (revenge - justice?)

Clinton/Obama on the Same Team

So, Senator Biden and Senator Clinton were once President Elect Obama's competitors at one point.  This does not mean they cannot merge for the common good of the people.  The media keeps making the comment that these individuals chosen to serve on Obama's team were once his opponents and they made certain remarks while on the campaign trail.  Senator Biden made comments that Senator Obama was not ready to be President and Senator Clinton ran an ad suggesting that Obama was not prepared to take a  3:00AM call about a possible security issue.  Well now Mr.  Obama can take that call and pass it on to Senator - soon to be Secretary of State -  Clinton - Its all good!!!!

Big corporations merge with their competitors all the time.  They come together and discuss what's in everyone's best interest.   The result is a win-win for all.  Of course this comes with a lot of skillful negotiations and everyone has their own agenda.  The trick is to highlight what you are giving up or giving to the other party, as opposed to what you what to receive. 

So what if they bad-talked each other during the campaign?  The important thing is putting together a skillful, experienced and diplomatic team,  that  the president-elect knows will represent him well.  He will have to call on them for advice and solutions.  He knows he cannot make all the decisions himself so its in his best interest to appoint  the best, even if they fought in the past.  its just business!!!

I finally found out last year what makes a good Turkey - The gravy.  I made the gravy from scratch last year (no store bought packets of powder) and I was scared of myself.  It came out so great, it dawned on me that that was what made a good thanksgiving turkey dinner.

Many people from the Caribbean that live in America, find the turkey intimidating and adding to that, its not a dinner that we have a lot of practice in preparing; so many just avoid cooking it.   Some take part in the Thanksgiving Turkey tradition, but put their native spin on it by jerking turkey legs.  They ask the butcher to slice up the turkey legs (like oxtail) then they either jerk them or bar-b-que them.  So these folks are doing as the Romans do, but they put their own spin on it.   Others roast the entire turkey, but with jerk seasoning, or some other type of Jamaican seasoning.   These folks are getting even closer to participating in the real tradition.

I would encourage yo to go ahead and try doing  the Turkey, the traditional way - gravy and all.   If a large turkey is too intimidating, use a small (young) turkey.  Its a little bigger than a large chicken roaster.  Many of us, use the drippings from the roasted turkey as gravy.  That is mostly oil, and even though it has a lot of flavor that is not real gravy.  Try this.  Start with about one-half to one stick of butter and about two to three table spoons of flour and sauté these over low  heat, stirring constantly.  Add to this, one half to one cup of chicken broth and continue to stir over medium heat.  Add to this, about one half cup - two thirds cup of the turkey drippings and continue to simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes.  This my friends is real turkey gravy.  Try it and turkey will no longer be intimidating to cook. 

I recommend seasoning the turkey over night as well.  Whatever seasoning you decide to use, try getting it under the skin of the breast, and then all over and inside of the turkey.  Let is sit over night and your turkey will have lots of flavor.  Remember to baste frequently to avoid drying the meat out.

When the turkey is done, slice and cover with real gravy. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Two to three years ago before the real estate market took a downward turn,  everyone was flying through hoops and making magic  just to say they owned a home.  It was just ridiculous -  you heard mortgage brokers preaching to the people that they were making their landlords rich while they were throwing money out the window.   What they did not tell them was that you would need a substantial amount of down payment and another lump sum for closing.  Others were lured in with  no-down payment and a others yet were lured with no-verification loans.  What these folks were not told was that they would have a very low manageable rate for a year and then their payment would double after the first year. 

Some people that are whining did have fixed rates and were offered 100 percent financing.  I don't really feel sorry for these people, because it was laid out what their monthly payments would be.  Just because your mortgage is upside down is not a reason for panic and is not a reason to sell or ask for a bail out.  If you bought this house to live in, and you were given a fixed rate, it should not matter if your house is worth less now than it did when you bought it.  You would have had to pay mortgage or rent any way.  You have to pay for a roof over your head.  You did not enter this loan for equity, you entered this loan for a safe place to live, so continue to pay the mortgage and the market will regulate itself.  So, I don't think people should whine or want to jump ship just because they are in an upside down mortgage.

If, on the other hand you entered into an Adjustable Rate Mortgage, and you are paying twice as much as you did when you first signed the loan, then there is a need for panic.  Its all about the payment and what you can afford on a monthly basis.  The uncertainty of an adjustable rate mortgage is what is scary.  These are the folks that should get a bail out, because, even though you  should have known that the rate would increase, most did not know by how much, and certainly did not expect it to double. 

Home ownership is not the same as it was years ago, when people stayed in the same home long enough to pay off the mortgage.  Most people today would not dream of staying  in the same house this long.  People today, want to upgrade and there are too many choices to just be stuck in the same house for a very long time.   So in essence you could say people who own a home are really renting because the majority will not pay the mortgage off completely.  Once upon a time, the home ownership attraction was that you could build equity, but thats only if prices are going up and nowadays they are not.  So, in this regard paying mortgage is the same as paying rent and some would say renting is more attractive now, because of the risk factor. 

On the other hand, real estate is at an all time low and this is the perfect time to buy.  If you are looking for a home  and not an investment, this is a good time to buy, as long as you have decent credit.  Bear in mind, that housing prices will probably continue to drop before they go up again.  So, if you are not looking for a quick return on your money, this could be a good time to buy.  If, however,  you are not budgeted for mortgage, insurance and taxes, down payment and closing costs, continue to rent.  Renting is not a bad word.