GladdieHarbor

The Gold Diggers of 1933: A Review

2012-02-16T16:46:00.005-06:00

Q1: How does the movie relate to chapter 21 in Foner?

“The Gold Diggers of 1933” is director, Mervyn Leroys’ movie about a new show on Broadway during the depression of early 1930s. In the movie, Polly, Trixie, and Carol were three chorus girls who lived together in an apartment and found themselves out of work as shows were canceled due to lack of funds. As they were contemplating on what to do next to survive, Fay, another chorus girl came and gave them the news that Barney was about to produce a new show and has promised to have the girls on the show.

Barney Hopkins, the new show’s producer, made a personal call on the girls to discuss the show and heard music coming from another apartment while he was talking to the girls. He requested that Brad, a music composer and the girls’ neighbor, be invited to the girls’ apartment to play for him. While Brad played, Barney had an idea for the show and asked Brad to be the music composer and director for the show which Brad accepted to do. It was also Brad who funded the new show when they learned that Barney’s previous source backed out at the last minute.

In relation to Chapter 21 of Foner’s “Give Me Liberty: An American History,” Franklin D. Roosevelt “relied on a group of Intellectuals and social workers who took up key positions in his administration for advice.” They included Secretary of Labor, Frances Perkins, Harry Hopkins, Secretary of the Interior, Harold Ickes, and Justice Louis Brandeis, who were all instrumental in the proposal and implementation of the New Deal by drawing from the reform traditions of the Progressive era in other to recover the United States economy (Foner, 863.) The New Deal failed because the policies inadvertently altered the balance of economic power and propelled labor’s goal for a fairer, freer, and more equal America to the forefront of politics, leading FDR to propose a Second New Deal. The second New Deal was aimed at maintaining long-term economic security.

Though Barney Hopkins, who bore the same last name in the movie as Harry Hopkins, one of FDR’s cabinet men, had the idea for the show, it was not enough to guarantee economic stability and security for everyone involved with his show as demonstrated in the first scene of the film when the actors were rehearsing and debt collectors moved in to confiscate their equipments due to lack of payment, thereby forcing Barney to cancel the show.

Q2: How are gender roles and sexuality represented in the film?

The film shows that during this era, women had become more and more independent, chose their own career paths and made decisions for themselves about whom to marry or not marry. Women also had a strong voice in the society on issues that affected them. In the film, Trixie was the leader of the girls and was very effective in making sure they got what they wanted. When Brad refused to fill in for the male lead actor who suffered lumbago and was unable to perform, Trixie scolded him to step in and help save the show in order to save the girls from being out of work. Additionally, showgirls were considered to be “parasites” and not fit for marriage to the rich and “respectable” males of this era. As a result, Lawrence, Brad’s brother tried to stop him from marrying Polly. Lawrence unbeknownst to him, met Carol who he thought to be Polly and after showing his disdain for his brother’s impending marriage to her, found himself being tricked by the girls. Trixie was also the leader in the plans that followed that led to each girl getting the rich man they wanted.

Q3: Musical Number: “We’re In The Money”

“We're in the money/The skies are sunny/Old man Depression,you are through/You've done us wrong/We never see a headline about a breadline today/And when we see the landlord/we can look that guy right in the eye/We're in the money/Come on, my honey/Let's spend it, lend it, send it rolling along”

This musical number was performed at the beginning of the movie when the girls were rehearsing for a show. As the lyrics suggest, though America was in depression, the show was there to provide wages for the girls so that they can pay their rent and buy food. I see it a show of optimism that people were returning to work and that the depression was finally lifting.

However, while they were in the middle of rehearsals, debt collectors came in and confiscated their equipments and costumes because Barney, the producer, was behind in paying his bills. The girls were once again, out of work.

Q4: Are Issues of class and social status addressed in the film?

As shown in the movie, entertainment was for the upper class white Americans who could afford it during this era. It was also a time when being rich meant not getting involved with demeaning jobs or people for that matter. When it was eventually revealed that Brad was from a wealthy Boston family, it became clear that he wanted to avoid any scandal for his family by refusing to appear on the show. As it turned out to be, the person who recognized Brad was a patron of the show who snickered with his companions after confirming Brad’s identity.

Another incident in the movie that touched on class and social status was the refusal by Brad’s family to let him marry Polly because she is a “showgirl” and a mismatch for him in the eyes of the society.

Give Me Liberty: An American History/Foner, Eric - 3rd Ed

"The Crowd": A Review

2012-02-10T17:00:00.006-06:00

Q1: How does the movie relate to chapter 20 in Foner?

“The Crowd” is a 1928 film by King Vidor about John Sims, fondly known as Johnny whose dreams of becoming “someone big” took him to New York at the Age of 21 years. In New York, Johnny finds that he is another faceless person in the crowd of young men and women looking to make their mark in a large city where the road to success was nothing but an uphill journey. Yet, Johnny was content at being who he was: a man with no clear vision, specific idea, drive, or plan of how to become an important person in the society. He was always waiting for his “ship to come in.” Johnny met Mary on a blind double date with Bert, his friend and colleague, and while on the date, Johnny proposed to Mary. They got married and after 5 years, had two children – a boy and a girl.

This movie bears a semblance to Foner’s view in Chapter 20 of America’s shift from progressive to consumerism culture. According to Foner, the twenties was a period of jazz with “flappers (young, sexually liberated women), speakeasies (nightclubs that sold liquor in violation of prohibition), and a soaring stock market…” (Foner 821) During this period, Americans lived in uniformity with the belief that food, clothing, and shelter should be for all. Many parks and other recreational facilities were constructed by the government and business began to lean heavily on advertising and public relations to help drive their products to the consumers. As seen in the movie, Johnny worked in an advertising firm and his job was to come up with slogans that would drive sales of products for businesses.

The problem with this cultural change in American way of life was the inequality in the distribution of wealth among Americans. While the business owners prospered, many Americans did not see a significant rise in their incomes to maintain the acceptable standard of living as inflation rose. Work was no longer a thing of pride or status but, became a necessity for the workers to be able to live. Additionally, success in this consumer driven economy only came to those who had vision and worked hard, as demonstrated in the movie when Bert finally got promoted and became Johnny’s direct boss.

Q2: Why is the film called “The Crowd?”

During this era, there was a high rate of emigration from the rural to the urban areas as farming was no longer generating as much profit as it used to. A city like New York had a lot of opportunities for ambitious young men and women in areas like, art, music, theater, and many professional jobs, therefore, New York drew a huge crowd of these young men and women. As illustrated in the movie, one can only succeed if one is good enough to stand out from the crowd since everyone wanted the same thing.

Q3: How are ideas about success represented in the film?

The film demonstrates that success was double-sided with the crowd on one side and Johnny on the other side. Johnny’s in-laws hated his guts because he was unable to get promotion at work and after quitting his job, could not keep any other job and also rejected his brothers-in-law’s job offer. However, Johnny’s success lay in his family and the trials they overcame to finally re-unite as one and for him, success came in small increments. He was very happy when he received a letter informing him that he won $500.00 for the slogan that Mary encouraged him to submit. This simplicity of life was more important to Johnny than the hustle and bustle of the crowd.

Q4: What does the movie reveal about dating and domestic life in the 1920s?

The film revealed that the 1920s was a period when couples could engage in restricted intimacy with one another in what was known as petting. They could go out on dates without chaperones and kiss and cuddle without sex. I also noticed that though this was a period when women had become sexually liberated, some women were still shy and reserved during this time. This was demonstrated when Mary told Johnny that she should not have kissed him after their first kiss. The film also demonstrates how the role of a woman automatically became that of a home-maker as soon as she was married, leaving the husband as the sole provider for the family. In the case of Johnny's in-laws, the sons became the providers for their mother after the death of their father (the film leaves me to assume Mary's father was dead), and both still lived at home with their mother. In other words, men were viewed as the heads of the households in America.

Give Me Liberty: An American History/Foner, Eric - 3rd Ed

Life's Symphony

2012-01-30T12:35:00.007-06:00

A song yet unsung, a story yet untold

Rings daily in my heart, as the seasons unfold

It calls me to action, it calls me to bear witness

To its beautiful symphony, and the message that it bears

A message of hope, a message of love

A message of joy, and peace everywhere

Of nations free from turmoil, and the dangers of war

Children singing and dancing, and laughing altogether

A song yet unsung, a story yet untold

Rings daily in my heart, as the seasons unfold

It calls you to action, it calls you to bear witness

To its beautiful symphony, and the message that it bears

A message of kindness, a message of forgiveness

A message of understanding, forming many bonds

Of dreams realized, and of promises fulfilled

Of people in every nation, living as one united

A message of grace, a message of compassion

A message of freedom, to every captive nation

Of life without worries, of life without sorrows

Of life full of passion, and endless bliss

A song yet unsung, a story yet untold

Rings daily in my heart, as the seasons unfold

Will you heed its call, and will you bear witness

To its beautiful symphony, and the message that it bears?

The Heart of Humanity: A Review

2012-01-21T15:30:00.004-06:00

This is a movie about Nanette, an American who lived in Canada. Nanette was betrothed to John Patricia, the eldest of five brothers, whom she married. Their honeymoon was interrupted by the war in Europe in 1914 and after 2 weeks of their wedding, John went to war with his three younger siblings, leaving Nanette at home with Patricia, her mother-in-law and Louis, John's youngest brother. A year later, Nanette gave birth to their son.

The movie represents Foner’s take on America’s position with Woodrow Wilson as the president of the United States, and the resentment towards America by the rest of the world. This fact was made evident in the scene where aid items sent by America arrived and the European soldiers destroyed them, instead of distributing the items to the refugees. It also showed America’s resolve to stay neutral than fight in the war (P. 776). America did not join the war until after Wilson’s reelection in 1916 but changed the dynamic of the war when the American troops arrived in Europe in 1918.

Religion also played an important role in the movie. Priests were shown to have influence in this era and suggests that Father Michael, Nanette's uncle, could have used his position as a priest to prevent his people from joining the war. Father Michael declined to do so because of his belief that it was God who called men to bear arms.
Nanette subsequently joined the Red Cross to care for the refugee children and wounded soldiers after receiving news from John about the sufferings of the children, leaving her own child behind to be cared for by her mother-in-law and her uncle, Father Michael. During her service in the war zone, Prussian Lieutenant, Von Eberhard, who attacked her and caused her to stab herself with a knife before John could come to rescue her, terrorized Nanette. Significantly, the Prussian Lieutenant's attack on Nanette depicts the propaganda of the world view of Germany during the war. According to Foner, Germany was viewed as a country with a "repressive government" (P. 776). In this case, there was no regard for women and children and ultimately, human life.

These series of events with Nanette is a representation of the strength, determination, love, and selfless acts of women in this era. These qualities were not recognized but the women were determined to show that they help run the world and should be heard and recognized. According to Foner, the activism and service performed by women during the war helped to push the granting of women’s suffrage (P. 783). President Wilson as quoted by Foner said, " We have made partners of women in this war,...[sic]...Shall we admit them only to a partnership of suffering and sacrifice and toil and not to a partnership of privilege and right?" (P. 784) While at the hospital, Nanette was given a medal of honor for her services to the children and the wounded soldiers.

Children were important in this movie because it demonstrates that children suffer most in times of war, are very resilient, and when shown love, forget their sufferings. The significance to this film is that war does no one any good and we can all get along, no matter who we are or where we come from. This fact was demonstrated in the dining room scene where all the children had different flags of different nations, and slowly waved the flags in unity as they cheered.

Additionally, the movie also shows that anyone can reach out and help in caring for a disadvantaged child. When Nanette returned to Canada, she had five refugee kids with her and called on the mothers who lost sons in battle to adopt the kids. "These little waifs are humanity's wards. Who will mother them?" (Nanette, The Heart of Humanity)

Give Me Liberty: An American History/ Foner, Eric - 3rd Ed.

Wild Incomprehensible Dream

2011-12-20T13:07:00.005-06:00

It began with a dream, one I’ll call wild

At first incomprehensible, yet persistent

Thinker that I am, many questions I asked

No clear answers, I await the dream spent

I tried to break away, thinking "it’s all a dream"

But on and on it goes, reminding me whence it came

Not because I called, but 'cause it so chooses

And all around me, were different small signs

Small enough to ignore, yet big enough to behold

So larger they grew, and ignore them, I no longer could

Pointing in the same direction, one I think I cannot take

Then I am reminded, my fear to let go

And embark on this journey, with fanfare and gusto

Returning To The Center: A Revelation from Oprah's Lifeclass

2011-10-19T19:21:00.008-05:00

It's been a week and 2 days since Oprah's Lifeclass began. This is not a review of the class because that would be a repetition of what you already know. At least I think you already knew how it'd turn out if you watched The Oprah Show over the years. If you didn't you can still catch it weeknights at 10/9CT on OWN - Oprah Winfrey Network. Lifeclass is also a look back on the important lessons from many of the shows over the years so, get on board NOW!

On my part I knew I was going to learn a lot of things that would enhance my life and help me live a better life. So, this is a reflection of a unique experience I had on day 2 of Lifeclass - I saw "me" outside of myself. The first day of class - The Ego, I learned that the fear of falling was my ego resisting the fall and I chose that night to let go of fear.

Then came day 2 - Letting Go of Anger. I thought to myself that I had no anger to let go of just because I consciously release any anger almost as soon as it comes. This is something I learned from my grandma and watching her live a joyful life is something I've emulated as I got older. To my surprise, I found out that "Control" was also a form of anger and I immediately decided to let go. After I made this decision, I felt a profound sense of freedom, as if a weight was lifted off my shoulders.

This particular night was filled with emotions and I thought the continued tug at my heart was me feeling the pain of others as they shared their stories. But, behind all the emotions was this stoic sense of being, as if separate from the me expressing them. Whether it was joy, sadness, or laughter at jokes, that "me" was always there. I would like to point out that the jokes weren't meant to be jokes but, the delivery of important points that would help us live better lives made them so.

I wondered about the separateness because every emotion was real to me but, on each occasion, I could see that "me" standing in the corner with no expression, just observing. Seeing "me" outside of myself is one I haven't experienced before and I was bothered by the stoicism exhibited by this being. I mean, "do you not care about the sufferings of others?" "Do you not want to participate and share their joys with them?" "What is wrong with you?!" Have you ever dealt with a petulant child? Yup, that would be me at that time.

Then, I calmed down and here is what I understood: The watchful "me" was there to make sure I return to the center or should I say core of my being after expressing any emotions. I also understood the center to be that place of peace, love, faith, humility, understanding, wisdom, knowledge, and a sense of purpose within me. I realized that it's a part of my whole being and from the way I understood it; I am human and therefore, would express human emotions at any time. The important thing is to remember to return to the center of my being and I guess this part can be easily forgotten.

After the webcast on day 2, the refrain to Tina Turner's "I don't Wanna Fight" played in my head for at least 20 minutes and I danced to the music in my head still carrying the euphoric feeling from the class. What a powerful experience! This is scratching the edges and I may never be able to put it sufficiently into words. I am very grateful for the experience and very thankful to Oprah for it. Can't wait to find out what new things I am going to learn and possibly, new experiences. Exciting!

So, if you are not registered for Lifeclass yet, it's not too late. It is life-changing and would make you look at life differently. Check out the links above for more information and to view past webcasts. I hope you join us.

My Tale of Two Colors

2011-07-29T16:21:00.002-05:00

As one grows, so many new things about oneself are revealed. I am always excited to learn new things about myself. Sometimes I find that they’ve always been there, just that I wasn’t paying close attention to them. One of such new things I learned or rather, acknowledged about myself that I am excited about is what I would like to call “My Tale of Two Colors.” I’ll begin with a small tale of what I mean by that.

The first part of the year was stressful for me and not just because of school and work, but also a couple of family emergencies that came up. I blogged about the first one which I did my best not to stress over, then the second one happened. I remember that cold Sunday afternoon when my mum called me to give me the news. I was busy when she called so, I immediately told her that I would call her back as soon as I leave the place where I was at the time. Then she replied, “your uncle was in a serious accident and has returned to the U.S. Your aunt needs your help.” What - the - (you won’t need your imagination for the words that followed.)

Needless to say, I left the place in a hurry and went to my aunt’s house. I couldn’t help but imagine the worst and by the time I arrived at my aunt’s house, I looked as panicked as I felt. Never have I been happier to see my uncle and to hear him speak when he said to me through his pain, “you look panicked.” So, weeks of hospitalization and surgeries followed and my continued worry until he was well enough to travel again.

And now to the point of this blog post. My uncle said to me as we were preparing to take him to the airport: “a ga akpozi gi nwanyi bekee” which simply means that my complexion has become lighter. I smiled and said to him that I was beginning to enjoy summer and we moved on to other things. Then I visited my aunt last Sunday and she said the same thing, that I was lighter and my response was that I was no longer stressed. Then it hit me that this is something I haven’t acknowledged to myself therefore, my family and close friends may not know this about me - my complexion darkens depending on the level of stress (this time it must’ve been pretty high and I didn’t know it.) When I am no longer stressed, my complexion returns to normal hence, the title of this post.

Fun as it is to finally acknowledge this minor detail about myself, the reason it happens is major and there’s nothing exciting about it. Others have acne break-outs while I morph into a darker version of myself for which I am very grateful. However, I have made the decision to not allow myself to feel that stressed again.

So, if you’ve noticed this aspect of my external feature and wondered about it, wonder no more. Things would happen that are completely beyond my control and when they do, I’ll acknowledge them and do the best I can. There is a God watching over me after all who is always, and forever will be, in the details.

Solstice

2011-07-26T12:53:00.003-05:00

On and on and on, along trails and vast fields
No one to talk to but guided by visions
Fearlessly marching on to the other side
Then all of a sudden, a pause
Immediately shines a light on the horizon
And a soft warm breeze begins to blow
Everything appears changed and renewed
The trails become smoother and straighter
The vast fields transform into seas of luscious green
The grasses and tree branches sway and dance to the wind
The fruits on the trees shine brightly at the kiss of the sun
Birds chirp loudly and harmoniously in the trees
Swarm of multicolored butterflies hover over the grasses
Then up in the clear blue sky, an arrow-shaped white cloud
Pointing forwards in the direction of travel
Then all becomes clear, very clear
That this moment, on a journey started long ago
Is the solstice of the goal ahead
And with renewed energy and childlike wonder
Fearlessly marching on

Letter To My Grandma

2011-05-27T13:09:00.002-05:00

Darling Grandma,

If I were home, this would be the time I'd sit by your resting place and tell you all I have to say, and probably sing to you. I am not home and neither are you but, I know you can hear me as I write these words. I miss you so much and I see your face smiling at me while my heart skips non-stop. I am blessed because you are my grandma, blessed even more because you became my angel when you transitioned.

So today, I imagine that there's a party for you in heaven as the angels celebrate with you on your anniversary. I imagine that were it possible, the lights in heaven are shining brighter to commemorate your day. I imagine that the hosts of angels are gathered around you, and that their songs are even sweeter than any melody I can imagine. Above all, I imagine that you are very happy and that your soprano rings out the sweetest of all when you give your solo of gratitude to God.

I am joyful today because:

I heard a song once sang

By angels on high

Their voices with the spirit rang

The sweet melodies of thine

I love you grandma. Sing on!

Six Quatrains and A Quintet

2011-05-16T18:13:00.005-05:00

Quatrain One

Chicago, my Chicago. Oh, how I love thee

From north to south, even east or west

Winds, rain, snow, and shine

Thine temperament none can predict

Quatrain Two

Under simmering heat their votes they cast

To enact change that is possible

But morning dawned with the reality

That change to some is not to be

Quatrain Three

When you look and I'm no longer there

Smile and remember when I said

I am here, I'm always here

I'm with you forever my beloved

Quatrain Four

Do you see the glint in my eyes?

Do you see the beginnings of my smile?

Do you hear the soft sounds of my laughter?

I am happy because you're here

Quatrain Five

In my sleep I heard your voice

Whispering do not be afraid

I awake knowing that I fully rest

In the tapestry of your love

Quatrain Six

Behind the shyness and the smile

Shines the soul without guile

I see it, therefore I see you

Never fear, for I know who you are

Quintet

So wild, so free, and so bold

Walls rose in restraint of you

But your light they could not hide

So, fly! Fly unbridled

For so it is your nature to do

---Amy Akomas

When I Think Of You I Pray

2011-04-14T21:33:00.008-05:00

When I think of you I pray

That your wings the angels may guide

To all the places you wish to fly

For none else deserves it more

When I think of you I pray

That your song the birds may sing

And as you travel along your way

That abundant joy to you they bring

When I think of you I pray

That flowers around you may bloom

Fill your heart with peace everyday

Bring you peace 'er sublime

When I think of you I pray

That the sun around you always shines

That your lips with laughter they sway

When you look up to the skies

---Amy Akomas

Totally Random

2011-03-19T14:45:00.008-05:00

Finals ended on Wednesday. Typically, it takes 2-3 days for my body to finally come to that place where all motion is calm and calculated, no longer erratic because I have to be in different places almost at the same time.

It is Saturday and I am sitting in a cubicle at work with little to do and bored (forgive my lexicon) to death. One would think that this would be a perfect time for me to crank out those words that swim around in my head. The answer is, NOT!

The difference between now and other busy times is that I thrive in chaotic environments or schedules. Maybe it's all to help keep me sane but, in the midst of chaos comes the most amazing words of inspiration that spur me to write. The other thing is that I do not have to think about it.

So sitting here, I can't remember how many times I've told myself to write something, anything. I've even thought of going back to old words that I got but, haven't used (yeah, still in my head and stop trying to figure out how I'm still able to remember them.) In answer to your thoughts, they come from a place so deep inside of me that when they surface, they never go away.

This is not an excuse for not writing while I am here at work (many pieces have been written in this environment and on very busy days.) I am currently feeling sleepy, still bored to death, and thought that hearing the sounds of the keys on the keyboard as I type these random thoughts would change the rhythm around me and keep me awake until the next hour and a half.

Strength in Time of Mourning

2011-02-17T13:49:00.006-06:00

I asked what it was about yesterday and didn't get an answer, or so I thought. I knew I needed to pay attention to something or someone but, couldn't figure it out. I also remembered for the umpteenth time, the smell of the liquid ointment my uncle sprinkles on a tissue paper or a handkerchief for my sniffles when I was a child. It made me smile because I have the sniffles now and wondered if he still had the ointment after such a long time.

Last night was no different. That feeling weighed heavily on me and made me cry for a few minutes (during Blackhawks intermission. Crazy huh?!) Well, I did what I've always done, something I learned from my grandma and my mum - I prayed. Speaking of my mum, this post is also a tribute to her because all of this reminds me that it is better to pay tribute to the living than when they're gone.

I was on the train this morning when my aunt called to tell me that my uncle died yesterday at 3pm. Yes, uncle sniffles combatant. I could hear the sadness in my aunt's voice as she tried to tell me what happened and what's going to follow in the coming days. I stayed calm and tried not to let the images in, you know the ones that spring up and in quick succession, when you get the news that a loved one has passed. Then my aunt said that my mum has put her brother in the morgue. Now, that was one image I couldn't fight.

This would be the second time since my grandma's funeral that my mum has done this but, in this image all I saw was her extraordinary strength. My mum is the strongest woman I know. She takes everything in stride and never pauses. Now that I think about it, everyone leans on her when they need to do so. Amidst any stress or turmoil, all she has to do is break out her dimpled smile and you can immediately feel her strength in the light that surrounds her. Maybe it has to do with her involvement in sports or maybe, she's just wired that way.

Yes, there are moments when my mum allows herself to break down at the weight of whatever's going on at the time. When that's over, she forges ahead to tackle whatever it is. Maybe this is one of those few occasions where she's going to have to allow herself to break down because I think it's got to be the hardest thing ever to put your brother in the morgue, let alone doing it for the second time within a short period.

I am already missing my uncle and I am sorry that I didn't realize that the memories of the nasal ointment were your spirit calling out to me. Thank you for all the words of wisdom you gave me and probably didn't realize the impact they'd have in my life. I'll try to be strong for the family so, you don't have to worry about them okay.

Fly into the light dear uncle and let your new wings glide into the throne of God. Fly, my new angel for the time has come. Soar bright, soar fair and until we meet again, soar high!

Rest In Peace!

Purity in the Eyes of a Baby

2011-02-09T00:21:00.009-06:00

There is nothing purer than the smile of a baby

Like light from a projector, a baby's smile beams so brightly

Makes you think and believe that you are actually looking into the face of God.

Then the baby laughs! Have you ever imagined what the voices of angels sound like?

Well, this is as close as one gets to hearing that pure melodious sound

That can only be compared to the heavenly chorale

Looking at a baby, you see the beginnings of endless possibilities

You see the readiness to grab on to whatever might be, and hold on tightly

You see the eagerness to learn, the insurmountable curiosity for knowledge

Knowledge of what's immediate, and knowledge of things far away

If you ever wonder what God, angels, and Jesus look like

All you have to do is look into the deep, inquiry eyes of a baby!

To My Angel: Saved By YOU

2011-01-31T00:10:00.006-06:00

Hold my head up high

Spread my wings ready to fly

Distant shores, planes, and skies

For I have been saved by YOU

Dreams far beyond imagination

Holding onto those words YOU send me

Knowing that each step brings me closer

For I have been saved by YOU

Laughing, crying, rejoicing

Ever so near, ever so true

With LOVE unconditionally given

For I have been saved by YOU

With your Blessings I take flight

To explore the world and all it holds

And like the homing bird I'll return

For I have been saved by YOU

---Amy Akomas 01/29/2011

Chicago Bears: Looking Forward To Next Season

2011-01-23T18:42:00.007-06:00

My BEARS lost to greenbay packers in the NFC Championship games today. I am not sad about it. Why should I be? Here's a team that's been the underdog since the beginning of the season but somehow, some way, managed to make it this far. So, good job on coming as far as you did and I hope like me, you are looking forward to a much better season for 2011/12.

Having said that and I promise it came from the heart, here's my take on what should happen for the coming season:

Players, you are all paid to be *NFL* players and I know some have got more skills than others. Considering that this is sports and plays are designed most of the time, skills can be learned or acquired too! Second seed, third seed, it doesn't matter. You're always at practice, so, why don't you come out prepared to fill in and be consistent? Why not come out to play and show that you too can be *FIRST* seed? Why play at the level you've been assigned when you know you can do so much better? Wouldn't you want your name to be inscribed in history's holy grail as the player who stepped up and saved your team when needed?

These questions I ask so that you all can go home and ponder on them seriously during the off season. It is team work and I (and most of your fans, I believe) expect this level of commitment from every member of the Bears team. If you notice above, your opponent's name is in small caps and that is proof of how much I believe in you. You can BE better than your opponents.

Jay Cutler, you need to improve your game. Match your strong arms and quick feet with clearer vision. Caleb Hanie, thank you for showing up when you did and I'm sure the coaches are thinking they should've had you in the game after the first quarter. If you'd shown up earlier and made them believe, they'd have called on you to replace the *first seed.* Todd Collins, you need to make up your mind on whether you want to continue in NFL or retire. If you decide on coming back, you need to be ever prepared to go in and play whenever called. The rest of the team (here I include coaching staff too), you all know your duties. So, take this off season to re-evaluate and come back next season better than you were this season. You already proved you can do it from this season's run but, much improvement is needed.

Once again, good job on coming as far as you did and making liars out of the naysayers! See you all in 2011/12!

Once City! One Goal! Chicago BEARS!!!!

Poem: Words

2010-12-02T18:22:00.000-06:00

Words, how easily they often come

When I am hardly thinking about anything

One word emerges from deep within

Sparking so many others and then starts to grow

Word fusion, connecting with each other

Forming phrases, compound words, incomplete sentences

All to draw my attention, to the ever growing flow

Then I start to pick them apart, and intertwine them

Forming complete sentences, where before there were none

Words, I love words. I love how they come to me

Like good friends out to play and keep each other company

Never intrusive, never demanding, never evasive,

When I am not absolutely sure, a phrase is formed

Shedding light on the particular word unknown

Words are good to me, and words are my friends

We work well together and never disappoint each other

"Problema" - Asking The Questions To Spark Global Dialogue

2010-10-19T15:18:00.006-05:00

I saw a documentary at the Chicago Film Festival on Saturday that has inspired today's post. It was a class project because the Director was to be at my class on Monday to talk to us about his movie but, I got a lot more than knowing the movie to know a little bit about the movie-maker.

There are global issues for which everyone has questions but, no one dares ask in public. Many reasons can be given in answer to why people do not ask these questions: fear that no one will listen, no idea who to ask, what will happen if the question is asked, and so on.
Ralf Schmerberg found himself asking some of those universal questions eight years ago ("What is my voice? What is free speech? What is free media?") and feeling "discriminated against by the world power." He also wondered if "the government can make the right decisions" for him.

Seeing the futility in his own efforts to make sense of the world events that gave rise to these questions, and catapulted by his feeling of immense "anger and powerlessness," he decided to use his talents as a filmmaker to create a medium where ordinary people can pose their questions. Thus, Dropping Knowledge was born. Unprecedentedly, people from all over the world and all works of life posted thousands of questions from which 100 were chosen to be answered on September 9, 2006, by individuals from different countries of the world in what was called, The Table Of Free Voices.

Ironically, the event was held at Bebelplatz in Berlin, the same place where an attempt was made to stiffle knowledge and thought by the burning of books. The ensuing documentary of the event was titled, "Problema" with 17 of the questions posed to the panel. It was very profound and got me to listen to my own questions because like many people on this planet, I took the "oh, what's the use" route and silenced them. With questions like, "are you scared?" and "does everyone have the same definition of freedom?", the global dialogue has begun.

Now, some may say that this movie is one-sided. Remember that the auteur is a filmmaker and was inspired by his own questions to himself about world issues. And may be, part of the problem is that we do not voice our questions when they arise. Schmerberg said he made the documentary to get people to start talking, and one can see why after watching it. Then may be one day, the world leaders will see our questions and try to answer many, if not all of them. It will be interesting to see how they will react and if these questions will affect some of the decisions they make.

This planet is ours and we are all created with the spirit of perception, independent of other people's. Let's come together as one and use them, let's start with talking with one another, not at each other, then somehow, and somewhere in there, will the answers we seek emerge.

So, let the dialogue begin. You can go here to register and post your questions or you can gather your peers and make it a party. Schmerberg also said the documentary will be available for free download on Dropping Knowledge website on December 6, 2010.

Peace to all HUMANITY!!!

Update: The Tablet Game

2010-10-14T10:20:00.002-05:00

Ok, here's the latest on the tablet game. According to a post by Mashable, Apple will be offering the iPad through Verizon wireless starting October 28th. So, the game is definitely on and I await patiently to see the move Blackberry will make. Liking this game to a game of chess, Apple has made the first move, it's Blackberry's turn to reciprocate to stay in the game.

Bearing in mind that this is only just beginning, my advise to each player is "expansion." Widen the territory as best you can (not a smart move in an actual game of chess), but in this case, it will ensure each players chance of winning. Remember, you're not only playing for your companies, you're also playing for your customers or would-be customers.

I admit I am beginning to have a lot of fun with this. So, play on guys and play fair! I'll see you all at checkmate!

Review: Blackhawks Season Opener

2010-10-08T12:17:00.002-05:00

Blackhawks kicked off their NHL season opener last night in Colorado against the Avalanche. It was an intense game, fast, and sometimes chaotic. Brian Bickell scored the first goal for Blackhawks within the first four minutes of the game, putting Hawks up one to nothing.

However, it all went down hill as Colorado came back to tie the game and go up by 2 goals. The Blackhawks rallied back to tie the game at 3 all which led to overtime, and ended with Colorado scoring the sudden death goal that gave them the victory.

Notable in this game is the fact that the Blackhawks did not give up the victory that easily. I love the fact that it was driven to overtime and don't be surprised when I say this, I also love the fact that the Avalanche defended their turf for their home opener.

I would also commend my Blackhawks for staying classy above all else and not committing numerous penalties in the game (Avalanche had many of those.) And, if you were like me who panicked when most of the "Stanley Cup" team were cut for new ones, fear no more!

The present class possess the same skills we've grown to love and are hungry to take us through another city-wide parade. I'd only add that they need to get a lot more comfortable with each other. I'll grade them at B+ for coordination.

So, the season has begun and with Marty Tuck The Puck Away Turco at the goal post, I think we're in for a fun and exciting ride this season. So, are you ready, Chicago?! I am.

One city, one team, ONE GOAL!!! Go Blackhawks!!!

Blackberry Playbook vs iPad: Let The Game Begin, Again!

2010-09-29T12:10:00.004-05:00

Before we set down the rules for this game, I'd like to commend Blackberry for their endeavor in keeping me from moving on to Apple, yet. With Blackberry's announcement of the Playbook, the game begins again.

I have been patient and my patience, it appears, is beginning to pay off! The game started with the iPad knocking out E-Readers in what I believe was a fair game. It's a gadgets world after all.

I visited WIRED news website to read the comparison between the two tablets and must agree with the reviewer that the playbook measures up. Having reviewed the Playbook's functionality and re-reviewed that of the iPad, we need a tie-breaker for a new winner.

Blackberry Playbook


Versus

Apple Ipad

So, what will determine the tie-breaker? Availability! And by that I mean, widely distributed through different phone service providers. I would like to make the decision of which provider to purchase my devices from rather than having it made for me by the manufacturer. Not fair? Well, Apple has until the launch date of the Playbook (sometime in 2011) and remember, Blackberry is also guilty of selling certain devices through one phone service provider (Torch?)

So, let the game begin!!! Good luck to all!

Never Underestimate a Team; Especially my Team, Chicago Bears

2010-09-21T13:32:00.001-05:00

So, I was patiently waiting for the game between my Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys to start on Fox channel when the commentators picked the team they expected to win. It baffled me (I mean it) that professionals like they are supposed to be, would make what I call "MYOPIC" choices as they did. Needless to say, DA BEARS proved them wrong. Check out the highlights below.

On a final note, never, ever, go into any game underestimating your opponent. That is fool-hardy and may I say again, myopic because in the end, you may stand to LOSE like the Dallas Cowboys did on Sunday.

"Perfidus" - huh?!

2010-09-16T13:08:00.002-05:00

It is a quiet evening and I am alone at home. I am moving about my apartment picking up stuff that are in wrong places and my mind drifts to my college schedule, and how quickly I want it to be over so I can move on to other things. My thoughts go deeper into what the next step will be, and then,the word...

"Perfidus!"
"Excuse me?"
"Yes, perfidus and you know what I mean."

Faint idea of what the word means and hoping the conversation isn't going the way I think it is.

"Even if I do, what has that got to do with me?" [Heart pounding]
"We could do this the whole day...why don't you grab your dictionary?"

Slowly walks to the bookshelf and grabs the dictionary, leafs through the pages to the word and starts to read. "Perfidus" - Faithless

"Need I say more?"
"No."
"And there lies the problem, darling."

Feeling like I'd been punched in the stomach, I sit down on the sofa trying to catch my breadth. It isn't just the word and it's meaning, it's the mystery behind the conversation.

Here's what this tells me: the answers we seek lie within us if only we'd stop to listen. It also shows me that when things are not working out or moving as fast as we would like, all we need is a little Faith.

The "Gift" of Delivery

2010-09-14T13:05:00.004-05:00

Wondering about the headline for this post? Well, trouble not thyself. Here's what it means: it's not just about the gift you give, it's also about the delivery of that gift. "Delivery" itself is not about the platform you use, no, by delivery I mean the grace and joy that emanates from the giver of the gift during the process. When grace and joy are present in the process, both the giver and the recepient share the same level of satisfaction from it. Anyone on the sidelines watching also feels it, which is why you see laughter and tears on the faces of on-lookers.

Like Art, the ability to have this profound effect on people during the delivery process is a "gift" that few people possess. For some, it's a learned process (you have to get ready and shift your mind-set to the delivery moment), while for others, it comes naturally (no scheduling necessary - it is done automatically and can be done at anytime or day).

I saw the "natural" delivery yesterday when I watched the Oprah Show. If you didn't watch it, then you missed something quite extraordinary! It literally blew my mind. So, I guess the question is, to which category do you belong? Is it a learned process or does it come naturally? Or, do you fall into the group that don't care as long as it's done and over with? I'll leave that answer up to you and hope that it's a good one. However, if it isn't, the good news is that you can do something about it.

This is Oprah's farewell season as they call it but, I decided to call it Oprah's transitional season. Why? Well, the end of the show does not mean Oprah's going away forever and "farewell" has a sort of finality to it that doesn't quite sit well with me (that's my take).

Think I'm in denial? Check this out! OWN - The Oprah Winfrey Network. So, as one of the millions of viewers sad to see the end of the show, I am glad that I can still watch Miss O do what she does best. For now, the new season is here and I couldn't be happier!

Complaining Out Loud? Please Don't! - Here's Why

2010-08-27T12:24:00.001-05:00

What do you do when you wake up one day to the sudden death of a parent? No known sickness on record and no indication that death may be around the corner. How do you then reconcile the death of the remaining parent at the time you're preparing for the wake of the other parent? Confusion!

"Confusion" is the only word reverberating in my brain as I try to make sense of the news I heard this morning. What was I thinking when I tweeted that I be excused from wearing white colored outfit to the wake today? What was I complaining about again?! How wearing white would take away from my normal comfort dressing on Fridays?! How *STUPID!!!* I am very sorry and ashamed of myself for being so insensitive when I've had to go through the same sorrow (though not in the same capacity) not too long ago.

My heart is breaking not just for my insensitivity, but for the family whose lives have been thrown into utter confusion by the sudden departure of both parents within one month of each other. Your grief today is one I can only imagine. I pray that God will give you the fortitude to bear this loss and that God will fill you with joyful memories of your parents.

With today's occurence, here are the things I am being reminded:

1. Stop complaining about frivolous things when there are others going through much worse.

2. Never let a day go by without telling the people around you how much you love and appreciate them.

3. In the words of Tim McGraw, "remember to live like you were dying" because death does not send ETA memos.

May the souls of the departed, rest in perfect PEACE! Amen!

"Forever Young" - Jay-Z feat. Mr. Hudson

2010-08-15T22:15:00.001-05:00

I heard this song for the first time on Wednesday or Thursday last week, and it has stayed with me since then. This song clearly voices the cries of all the children who have been killed due to violence in their communities. It saddens me greatly to know that these kids do not stand a chance of protecting themselves against such violence.

Lately, I haven't gone a day without hearing a story of a child getting caught in a gang related crossfire. These defenseless kids have no voices of their own, at least not the ones that are dead. However, we can speak for them as responsible adults and citizens of this planet. Parents, talk to your teenagers and please, keep your guns out of reach of your kids! Violence has never been, and NEVER will BE, the answer.

So, if you should come across this blog even accidentally, stop and take a listen or watch the video above. I hope that you will hear the voices of these kids crying from the grave, begging to be allowed to live, "Forever Young."

Moody People: a.k.a Debbie Downers

2010-07-31T22:59:00.001-05:00

I won't get down hard on you if you belong in this category because that would only make it worse. Do me a BIG favor. Look around you, REALLY look around you and you'll find at least one reason to be grateful and smile. Yes, it's that simple, SMILE. Happiness begins with a smile. Smile at complete strangers, and smile at everyone around you. Instead of a sigh, LAUGH. Try it, will you? See? It doesn't hurt now, does it?

Here's something about being a "Debbie Downer." You not only make yourself miserable but, your mood affects those around you and sooner or later, they stop caring. You know why? The truth is that everyone wants to be happy including you, my dear. No one wants to be down in the dumps all the time, therefore, no one wants to be close to someone who is always down.

Sure "shit" happens every now and then. Learn to grieve it when it does or when the sadness hits you, depending on the degree of "shit" that happens. After that and I insist, a brief period of grieving, move on to the SMILE zone. Smile, even if you don't feel like it because it opens the door for others to bring their energy to you.

So sweetheart, shed the "Debbie Downer" apparel because it goes out of style really quickly!

the Wild Hunt: My take

2010-06-18T22:08:00.000-05:00

For a while now I've had the least attention span to movies as I can remember. Can't say exactly why but, I think it has to do with the fact that I haven't been challenged enough by any movie recently.

However, I saw a feature last night in school that wasn't challenging but, rather surprising. Set in medieval times, the Wild Hunt is a movie about love and the length one would go to hold on to it or save it. I can't say enough about this movie. So I'll say, go see it wherever it is showing. If you're in Chicago, you can see it at the Gene Siskel Film Center during the annual underground film festival. Check out the website for dates.

Enjoy the trailer below.

To Nigerian Super Eagles: From Me, With Love

2010-06-13T15:42:00.001-05:00

Here's the deal my beloved SUPER EAGLES, I am sick and tired...I'll let little Joshua finish the rest of this speech for me.

In every world stage, there are teams that are there to assist the rest in the quest for the cup and that is not you. Every team and player makes mistakes and I hope you learnt from the first game in this competition. I learnt from following my dream team - The Nigerian Eagles group of all levels - that no team is unbeatable. Now's the time to prove it again.

Remember when you used to play for the love of the game? Remember the passion that used to drive your skills? Remember that this is not just about you and for you? It is time to wake up! It is time to play Nigerian Football. It is time to reclaim your place in the World Football Stage. It is time!

Now, go out there and play with oneness and a sense of purpose! Just DO IT!!!

Blackhawks Win the Stanley Cup in Game 6

2010-06-10T16:08:00.000-05:00

So, here's what happened last night in Philly as the Chicago Blackhawks battled for the Stanley Cup. The series ended in overtime with a Kaner (Patrick Kane) goal, making the final score 4-3 in favor of Blackhawks. Even now, I can't express clearly the joy this brings.

So, you can only imagine how happy the entire Blackhawks team must feel at being able to close out the series last night.

The celebrations have begun with the arrival of the Stanley Cup in Chicago early this morning and will continue with a parade in downtown Chicago tomorrow.

Congratulations to the BEST NHL Team of 2010 - Chicago BLACKHAWKS!!! Enjoy the highlights below.

Blackhawks vs Flyers in Stanley Cup Finals: Game 6

2010-06-09T15:09:00.005-05:00

As the Chicago Blackhawks are preparing for tonight's game, I can only imagine what's going through their minds. It has been a great finals show-down between Hawks and Philadelphia Flyers and I commend the Flyers for putting up a good fight so far.

However, it is Chicago Blackhawks and ever since I started watching hockey games, I've grown to love how this team take every defeat in stride and bounce back with such determination that leaves their opponents confused. Game 5 was one proof of that fact.

After loosing 2 consecutive games to the flyers in Philadelphia, the Chicago Blackhawks returned in game 5 as if it was the last game in the series with a 7-4 win over the Flyers. May be it was the last game considering that a win tonight by the Hawks will mean bringing home the Stanley Cup. I pray they do.

If you missed Blackhawks' Game 5 against flyers, here it is:

So, good luck tonight Blackhawks! I'll be watching and cheering, laughing at any comic plays, and screaming at the opponents tonight on your behalf. You boys have been great and in my not so humble opinion, the most skilled and classiest team in the NHL.

Go Blackhawks! One Goal!!!

Blackberry Anxiety a.k.a Crackberry Withdrawal

2010-05-13T15:29:00.005-05:00

I don't drive all the time and since I stopped texting in the car whenever I do get to drive, I never really knew what it felt like to have a blackberry anxiety (guess this is why the term "crackberry" was coined a long time ago.) I also rarely leave my phone behind anywhere. If I have given you that as an excuse, it just means I was pissed and didn't want to talk you at that time (passive made good.)

When I woke up this morning, my phone was completely drained of power and needed to be charged. I also realized that I didn't have enough time to get at least 2 bars on the power grid no thanks to twitter app for BB, in order to take it with me as I drove my cousin to school (she'd have had a fit too because she is a stickler for being early to school.) So, I took a deep breath and walked out the door without a phone.

Then the anxiety slowly crept in (did someone really say "crackberry?"). I kept thinking that I should have a phone in case my older cousin who didn't need to be at school so early called to request something - no, the anxiety wasn't because I'll need to text, bbms, chat, tweet, facebook message, read emails, or send emails. It was just that feeling that I am leaving one child at home and she wouldn't reach me if she needed to do so. I debated with myself on whether I should take my cousin's phone and have her call me from the house phone if she had to, then gave that up. Taking another deep breath, I pulled out of the garage pushing the thought out of my mind. I came back and still did not feel the need to go to my phone. Then it hit me!

During the airing of the No Phone Zone on The Oprah Show, I heard some mothers say that they text and drive. Now I understand that while some do it because it's one of the few chances they get to socialize in between their heavily packed daily to-do list, some probably do it because of the reason I gave myself for having a phone with me. In this instance, I also mean talking on the phone while driving. Genuine reasons except, the act of texting and driving is dangerous. Follow the Oprah show link above to see what I mean.

May be there was a reason for all that and I am grateful that I didn't dwell on it. I am really proud of myself for not giving in to the urge to carry a phone with me this morning. There is a great need to get rid of the "crackberry" disease that is plaguing us and this time I am talking about all smart phones. If I did it, so can you. Two deep breaths are all you need and then, sign the pledge. You know, that gadget on the left that's staring at you while you're reading this?

Another Year Gone By

2010-05-05T22:21:00.003-05:00

Slept with that all too familiar hollow feeling
My eyes slowly opened with the knowing
That you are still not here
I tried not to cry because I knew
That as always, you’ll not approve
My heart so sore I tried not to show
I pushed through my activities today
With a smile and gratitude in my heart
I made a resolution to be
Strong, joyful, and happy
Laughing at my friends’ jokes
Making a few of mine
For what today really is
A day for me not to pine
But a day to rejoice
For all the love I found in you
My Gladdie Harbor.

I love you grandma. Sing on!

Kid Zone! Stop! Rated Decent!

2010-04-26T02:01:00.008-05:00

"Teach not thy lip such Scorn, for it is made for Kissing, lady, not for such Contempt."

-William Shakespeare

I love mothers and I have had the best in my life. From my grandma, to my mum, to my aunts, and their friends. Even at my age, the ones left here on this earth are still setting the best examples for me, my sibblings, and my countless relations. Between all of them, I have had the greatest experience of being mothered and know that there are many out there like them. It is true that no one has the go-to guide book for this precious and holy role on earth, and that every mother is doing the best they can to raise kids in these uncertain times but, there are certain things that are "No-Nos" when it comes to mothering.

This is what I mean; a mum on the CTA redline mouthing off to her daughter with words such as "f$%#ing hit you on the head." Really?! Lady?! Are you "effing" kidding me?! The most notable fact of this encounter for me was the child's demeanor. Calm, albeit embarrassed. Cool tone, respectful of the fact that you are, dare I say it? "Mum." This kid scores A+ for the way she handled your tirade, though you tried to lower your voice. Stop! "Mum!" This is no way to treat your child in public!

I am aware that kids can be exasperating to the point where mothers are pushed to kill their kids, literally, and statistics show that these things happen. I also acknowledge the fact that I do not know the whole story of what brings this about but, I do know that in this particular moment, your language was uncalled for. So you paid over $100.00 for the "stupid" head-phones for your daughter's iPod and now it's broken. Nothing she said indicated that she took it for granted you had to buy her another one. All she said was, "I don't know what's wrong with my head-set, I can't hear anything." Then off you went on her as if she made a demand on you for a new one.

Sure you took a look at it and couldn't figure it out. You are not supposed to, you know why? If your daughter who is a teenager and knows more about these devices than you would ever know in the next 10 years doesn't know what happened to her head-set? Then you, dearest "mum," have no chance of having the slightest clue about the problem. Why go off on her the way you did, and in a public place? I am not writing this to judge you, or to tell you how to talk to your kid. I am writing this to let you know that the language you used to express your frustration in knowing the defective device means buying another one is socially unacceptable, even in your home.

I could go on and on but, here's a well known fact relayed last night on ABC's Desperate Housewives, "it takes a monster to raise a monster." You may say that this line has to do with extreme circumstances and has no correlation with your actions towards your kid but, think about this for a minute. Do you want your child to grow up to be that person that uses such foul language when interacting with her friends, her own kids, and everyone else she comes in contact with in her life? No, I don't think so because I believe you want the "best" for your child and that the "best," also includes her relationships with others.

So, "mum," do me a favor will you? Change your language and make it decent not just for your kid but , for other relationships you have going on because kids learn from everything you do. Kids observe with such keen interest and everything you do sets examples for how they conduct themselves in the future; only the lucky few are able to step away from the bad and the ugly, and stay with the good. I repeat, you want the very "best" for your kid.

In honor of the upcoming Mothers' Day, Happy Mothers' Day to you, and all the great "mums" out there! God Bless you and may He continue to guide you, strenghten you, and hold you as you continue to do your very "best" in this "self-assigned" role as Mothers!

E-Readers: And The Winner Is...

2010-04-21T12:52:00.001-05:00

First it was the Kindle, then the Nook, and the Sony, all competing for my attention. Decisions, decisions, decisions! It was a tie between the Kindle and the Nook. Due to size and functionality, the Sony was almost never in the competition. So, bearing in mind what my purpose is for wanting one of these devices, I decided to wait awhile before deciding which one to purchase. After all, technology keeps getting updated right?

Here I am, patiently waiting for the moment when I'd finally make up my mind (remember that the decision to buy one has been made, the question was which one to buy), then rumors of an Apple iPad begin to swirl and on it went until it was no longer a rumor. The competition began anew and I found myself carefully reviewing each device all over again. I narrowed it down to the Kindle and the iPad (my preference - nothing to do with product performance or any such thing.)

Now that I've got two left to pick from, I was happy to wait and see what upgrades will be made between them and what do you know? Kindle decides to build an app for iPad which already has a book-shelf app in it. I didn't know that until this morning when I watched @TheOprahShow and saw her talking about it with her guest.

For someone that doesn't have the kindle yet, I asked myself, isn't it better to just get the iPad? The answer is YES and that brings this competition to a head. We now have a winner - Apple iPad!!!

Thank you to all the other devices for participating in this mundane competition. Good game all!

"Life" On Discovery - Plants and Primates

2010-04-21T01:06:00.003-05:00

The Life series ended last night with a three hour finale. I think it is fitting that it ended with Plants and Primates, laying emphasis on the relationship between plants and animals.

Plants were the first of Sunday's episodes. As it turns out, plants can survive and thrive in various temperatures and conditions. Like mammals, plants have deviced skills and abilities that allow them to feed,reproduce, and minimize total destruction. There were creepy plants (Passion Flower and Alsomitra Vine), plants that survive in very dry surfaces (Dragon's Blood Tree and Candelabra Flowers), and some predator plants (Sundew and Venus Flytrap.)

It was quite interesting to see the growth process of these plants but, the most striking to me was the predatory habits of the Sundew and the Venus Flytrap. These two plants embody that saying, "if Mohammed cannot go to the mountain, then mountain will go to Mohammed." These plants have tentacles filled with nectar that attract flies which become entrapped in their leaves and provide nitrogen nourishment for the plants.

I would also say that it was fascinating to see that the birds and insects that fed from the plants were put to work, and made to carry pollen from plant to plant.

The second episode was about Primates. There were small primates (Hamadryas Baboon and The Snow Monkey) and large ones (Gorilla and Chimpanzee.) There were even smaller primates that only came out at night to hunt for food (The Spectral Tarsier and Lemurs.) The remarkable thing about primates is their social and cultural behaviors that are akin to man.

The third and final episode was a behind the scenes of how "Life" was documented. It was a well documented and beautifully narrated series. I found it to be very fascinating and for someone that wouldn't touch even a dead animal, I trully enjoyed "Life" and would miss it.

If you missed the series, don't worry. You can pre-order the Blu-ray disc and dvd set at the Discovery Store. There is also a re-run on Thursday April 22, from 6:00p.m to 2:00a.m CST on Discovery Channel.

Mum Zone! Stop! Speech Limit: 25 words per minute!

2010-04-17T21:23:00.008-05:00

It was a beautiful day today in Chicago. The sun was shinning, the wind was high, and in typical Chicago fashion, the Magnificent Mile was packed with pedestrians and motorists. It is also the time of year when the boats slowly make their way to the docks. Therefore, the bridges went up today for the first time this year to let the boats through. We don't mind the delays this creates, whether one is on the way to church or like today, just hanging out. It is always something interesting for which people stand and watch with glee.

I put my phone down to really look around me and this infrequent act opened my eyes to a couple of things about human interactions in present times. Do you remember the days when we had no cell phones or ipods? Well, for me it's a distant memory as I think it is for you. Do you remember when listening to your friend's conversation meant looking him/her straight in the eyes and making occasional mindful interjections? I do, and this principle still holds true today because it tells the person speaking that you are actually paying attention.

Looking around and observing other people's communication with one another, I found that a majority of us have completely tuned out. We are listening to conversations absent-mindedly while reading and responding to messages on our phones, making the odd grunt here and there so the other person doesn't stop talking. How sad! Our friends may not mind because let's face it, they do it too and we're mostly used to it. But, how about the adults and parents who are not used to this speedy mode of communication and multi-tasking, wondering what the heck their kids are talking about?

So, in honor of the upcoming mothers' day, I have this to say. First, I'd like to express that this part is borne out of a phone conversation by a female on the bus with someone at the other end of the line whom she called "mum." Here's the deal, young lady! She is "mum," not your college room mate or buddy or best female friend (though she would like to hold the bff title.) Firing away at her at 100wpm is a bit much. Slow down, for her sake.

Remember those days when she was the only one you talked to in a voice and language that only she, and God understood? Yes, even your big brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, grandparents, and older cousins didn't know what the heck you were yapping about? Mhm, "mum" listened for every alien syllable that came out of your mouth, and she understood it all. Then you, angelic creature went off to school and started making friends. Your language went from alien to human and everyone was happy. "Mum" didn't have to work so hard or listen so intently to hear and understand you. It became easier.

So, what happened along the way? You, dearest child went to high school in an age of numerous technological devices and at a time when written words no longer require vowels to make sense to anyone in your generation. As "mum" is trying to wrap her head around that and learn your new ways of communication, you go off to college and your language and mode of delivery becomes even more alien to her.

Do me a favor, bearing in mind that "mum" is not bff though you make her believe she is, fine tune your language and enunciate properly so she can understand you the first time you speak. Letting the words roll off your tongue that even I, standing next to you did not immediately understand, brings frustration and exasperation. I can imagine she felt the same way you did when she had to make you repeat where you were and where your stop was going to be. Try to make it easier on her ok, after all she took the time to hang out with you today in spite of the traffic.

And "mum", this one's for you: "bff" you are not no matter what she says because part of being the owner of that title is being up to speed with language and delivery. Doubt me? Watch old episodes of Gilmore Girls. It didn't work out for Lorelai either. I would say be patient and listen, pick out the keywords from the never-ending clutter of words and you'll have it. For instance, "...across the bridge from tribune tower...stopping at chicago--which way to walk..." This was in answer to the question asked and I agree with you that the delivery made it sound almost extra-terrestrial. When you've selected the keywords, run them by her to clarify and everyone will be happy.

To all you "MUMS" out there, diligently doing a great job with patience and love, God bless you all and early Happy Mothers' Day to you!

The Voice Of Silence

2010-04-13T15:38:00.006-05:00

The first four lines of William Wordsworth's poem titled, “The World Is Too Much With Us," holds true even more today as we speed through our daily activities without a moment’s pause to see, listen, and appreciate the beauty of our environment. In the poem Wordsworth writes,

The world is too much with us; late and soon,
Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers:
Little we see in the nature that is ours;
We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!
- W. Wordsworth (1770 - 1850)

Never has a truer word been spoken. It's about 12:30pm and I am sitting here in my living room, television volume turned down so low that I can barely hear it. I close my eyes for a brief moment and take a deep breath. As I exhale, I am amazed at the sound of my own breath; soft, whispery, whoosh that seems to go on forever.

As I open my eyes, I begin to notice and feel the silence. It is almost as if I am hearing it for the first time. I begin to realize that silence has its own unique sound, and that it actually speaks which makes me wonder why we do not pay attention to it. For a few minutes I hear nothing but my own breath, and then individually, other sounds begin to emerge from the silence. The beauty of these sounds is their unobtrusive nature, emerging as if in unity with the silence, here to tell me that they are one and are here, always have been.

Listening to all these sounds I realize its harmonious nature in my environment; the soft April wind, the flutter of my window blinds, the soft buzz from my refrigerator, the sound of the train stopping and departing the station, the thud-thud footsteps outside my door as my neighbors retire to their different apartments, the burst of laughter, the car horns, and the wheezy sound of cars driving by, each sound unique and distinct, not to be missed.

So why do we miss these beautiful sounds? Why do we ignore them? The sudden burst of the siren from an emergency vehicle as it rushes past either on its way to an incident or transporting someone to a hospital, gives me the clue.

We are too “busy!” Too "busy"to notice, too “busy” to see the beauty in our environment, too “busy” to hear the voices of our environment beckoning on us to stop, even for a moment, to listen and hear the melody that only nature can make.

"Life" on Discovery Channel - Hunters and Hunted

2010-04-12T00:59:00.002-05:00

Another intriguing episode of "Life" aired tonight. As the title of the first episode goes, I am grateful I do not have to exist in the world of the animals featured tonight, especially the ones that serve as food for other animals.

There were large hunters (Grizzly Brown Bears, Gray Wolf, and Bengal Tigers), and small hunters (Stoats - weasels, Great Bulldog Bats, and Star-nosed Mole.) Each hunter possesses a unique ability and strategy for successfully catching its prey, no matter what the odds may turn out to be. Some even go as far as banding together to bring down preys larger than they are (The cheetahs.)

Of all the hunters, I was quite taken with the Stoats. Small in size and weighing only ten ounces, this tiny weasel is able to take down a rabbit much larger than it is. Stoats have the ability to run for a long time without getting tired, and with this skill, a tiny stoat can wear out a rabbit by chasing it around until the rabbit slows down and becomes food. Quite impressive! I wonder why the kindred rabbits just sat there and watched as a lone weasel preyed on their kind. Permit me to say, "big for nothing" rabbits!

The second episode featured insects and according to the documentary, they make up 90% of all animal species. There were large insects (male Darwin's Stag Beetle), and small insects (Dawson's Bees.)These two insects made the most impression on me due to their unique and somewhat deadly mating rituals among males to get the females of their respective species.

That, at least, is familiar to man. The strongest male beetle tosses off other males en route to the female at the top of a tree and after mating with the female, tosses her off the tree top too. This may be because the female plays hard to get before mating with him (some human female species will tell this as their stories too.) In the case of the male Dawson's bees, they fight and kill their male opponents until most of them die, lending credence to the phrase, "dog eat dog" world. I almost felt sorry for them until I remembered how badly their sting hurts.

However, for the many animals who are hunted, the different species still find a way to reproduce and hang on to their dangerous environment for many years. I would confess that it wasn't fun watching some of them get eaten. My human instinct wanted to reach out and save them from their enemies.

May be this is why we have “The Humane Society” in the United States but, as I watched and my heart ached for some of the helpless prey, I realized that all of this fall within the divine order of events which the animals go through daily.

The final episode of "Life" will air same time on Sunday. For more information, go here.

"LIFE" on Discovery Channel - Birds

2010-04-04T22:31:00.008-05:00

Do you love birds? I do, very much. I love birds, not only because they soar above us as if they're watching over us, but also because they sing, and exhibit such beauty and grace as they flap their wings in the sky or even when they glide. I also love to hear birds chirp in the morning (one of the things I miss about home), waking me up with their sonnets. If I were to become an animal, I'd chose to be a bird.

The first of tonight's episodes of "Life" featured birds. I learned that birds are creative and inventive creatures, doing whatever is necessary to feed and reproduce. There were large birds (vultures and pelicans), small and colorful birds (humming birds and birds of paradise), birds that don't fly ( penguins), and there were some that were not so good looking (vogelkop bowerbird). Don't count the later out yet because they turned out to be the birds with the most exciting and intriguing characteristics of all.

What the male vogelkorp bowerbird lacks in beauty and size, it makes up for in talent and skills. It is the most inventive of all birds with superior interior design techniques that would put some men, and some women, to shame.

By carefully crafting its nest or according to the documentary, its love nest with colorful flower petals which are strategically placed, and shiny bugs, the male vogelkorp bowerbird creates a nest no female of its specie can ignore. Different strokes for different folks they say. As skilled and talented as all the male vogelkorp bowerbirds are, some need a little more education in what pleases the females and that deer dung and fungi doesn't cut it.

Worth mentioning is the fact that it takes minutes to complete the mating process after weeks of hardwork to create the magnificent love nest. I guess it's all worth it in the end for the male and from what I've seen from past episodes of "Life", I can safely say that most females of different mammalian species are really difficult to impress.

In addition, the second episode of tonight's installment featured creatures deep under the ocean (marine invertebrates like red star fish, sea urchins, & nemertine worms). What is remarkable about these invertebrates is their ability to adapt in places within the vast ocean where other oceanic creatures cannot. I especially loved the formation of coral reefs. Guess I'm a true aquatic after all!

Until next Sunday when new episodes of "Life" will air on the discovery channel, you can check out the documentary on http://dsc.discovery.com/

Have a great week!

"Life" on Discovery Channel: My take

2010-03-28T23:50:00.007-05:00

I saw the second installment of "Life" tonight on Discovery Channel and have become quite taken by it. It is an 11 part documentary on various species of creatures that inhabit this planet and narrated by Ms. Oprah Winfrey.

It is quite intriguing to see the similarities between the social behaviors of these creatures and those of humans who by the way, are considered the most intelligent of all species. That may be true but, the complexity of intelligence exhibited by these creatures had me in equally complex emotions.

"Life" is fascinating, leaving me in awe of the grace, strength, tenacity, and bravery exhibited by some of the creatures. One minute I am rooting for an animal to escape (the baby Ibex), the next minute I have the creeps (the Snakes & the Bats), then I find myself laughing (the baby Meerkats), and another minute I am cheering for creatures with exquisite courtship dancing exhibition in preparation for mating (the Grebes & the Sea Dragons.)

There is an old African adage that I heard when I was a child and the gist of it is that when morning comes, you’d better hit the ground running. What does it mean? Exactly what the documentary is about. You’re either the predator or the prey in the jungle of life and everyone runs as fast as they can to avoid being eaten, or to get food to survive. I’d conclude by saying “Life” gave me a visual for the adage and made it clearer.

Additionally, when someone next to me exhales or sighs and utters the word “life,“ I usually respond with “or what you make of it.“ Like all the creatures in the documentary, humans have the ability to adapt to different circumstances and changes within their immediate environment. We wake up everyday and we hit the ground running the race of “Life.“ Good luck and God speed to all.

There are seven more episodes left and I will be watching all of them. I am not only watching, I am also saving the episodes on my digital recorder. I also love the fact that it is shown in 2 hour segments.

New episodes of "Life" air on Discovery channel Sundays at 7:00p.m central standard time, 8:00p.m eastern standard time. It is also out on dvd in stores or online at http://dsc.discovery.com/

Looking Beyond The Ordinary

2010-02-14T20:16:00.005-06:00

When I have a lot going on at work or when it's slow and I need a little inspiration to keep me going, I sign on to Pandora internet radio for my Enigma station. Pandora mixes it up so well that I not only get Enigma, but every related artist in this genre which is very cool. When I listen to a song I'd like to play over and over at home, I sign on to blip.fm where I blip it and the song stays on my music list.

So, on one of those slow days at work where nothing's happening, I logged on to pandora for my favorite music that gets me through the day. After a few minutes, the office became busy and then came this next song that I had to listen to again. So, I quickly turned to blip.fm and blipped it. I went back to blip to review the music video after I was done and well, a minute and half into it came the "Oooops!" moment. Why? Because I was at work, and off the bat anyone will judge the video by what's on screen. I also thought of what my supervisor would have said had she seen it. So, I deleted it without seeing it in it's entirety.

As a lover of art in any form, I knew that I had judged the video unfairly though I kept going back to the excuse that it was inappropriate for a work environment. I promised myself to look at it again and judge it accordingly. When I did, I found that like all Enigma songs, the video was beyond ordinary sexual fulfillment. Even as I watched the video, the music spoke to me differently which caused me to play it again as I opened another page while the music blared out of my speakers.

I felt hunger for success, Faith in God, genuine relationships, and closeness to something very unique and extraordinary. Words reverberated in my brain and I started writing immediately. So, this is the lesson I learned for myself that day - avoid music videos at work and take notes to play them at home later.

With that said, here's "Touchness" - Enigma. I hope you do not judge it like I did and let it fill your senses to surge the creativity in you. Enjoy!

Raison D'Etre

2010-01-24T17:50:00.007-06:00

I signed up for a writing class this quarter where I was to write a poem titled "Why I am." I dropped the class later due to schedule overlap but, haven't stopped thinking about this poem. I said to myself that there are many reasons "Why I am." My family, my friends, my society, my environment, school, and different circumstances at different points in my life. One thing I know that has been constant through all the different phases, has been my ability to take the best out of each factor and carry on without distractions. So, instead of "Why I am", I started dwelling on "Raison D'Etre" (The reason to be/of being.) Looking at the cloudy skies with silver edges in the distance while on the bus ride home from school today, I found the answer summarized in these short lines...

My horizon is immeasurable

And knowing that I'm able

I can be who or what I want to be

The only limitation is me

The journey may be long

I'll hold on strong

There may be spikes along the road

I will not fold

Until I come to that place

Not too far in the distance

Where it all comes together

My Raison D'Etre

C.R.A.Z.Y

2010-01-23T16:54:00.001-06:00

I have watched this movie 3 times and don't think I will get tired of watching it soon. C.R.A.Z.Y is a movie about a child (Zachary) born on Christmas day, and his struggles to be accepted by his father. In his journey to walk away from who he really is, Zachary found and came to complete acceptance of who he was born to be.

The movie is well crafted so much that I found myself embarking on the journey with Zac. When he waded his way through the blizzard, praying he'll be healed if he made it home, I found myself believing that he was healed because he made it home through the storm. Was he really healed? Zac's struggles & journeys were not made any easier with a father who refused to accept that his son is gay, and siblings who made fun of him every chance they got.

Another moving, and probably the most interesting and eye-opening part of this movie is the inability of Zac's father (Gervais) to see that Zac was not the only child in the family that had a "problem." Gerard was not aware that Raymond was knee deep in drugs and needed help more than anyone else in his family.

C.R.A.Z.Y raises the questions: How do you love your kids? Enough to accept them for who they are and are meant to be? Accepting of their dreams for themselves parallel to your dreams of who or what you want them to be?

Though this movie is in French, these are universal questions that parents should answer clearly for themselves and find ways to love their children, unconditionally without suffocating them.

Enjoy part one of the movie below. The entire movie can be found on Youtube.

Love or hate them, Chicago Bears is my team!

2009-12-29T15:50:00.007-06:00

Say what you may about the Chicago Bears, most of which I guarantee are true considering this season's performance check list, there's no denying that the talent is there and that the team could do better. I have always said, and believe that no team is unbeatable. The question is which team is willing to do what it takes to bring down the "giants." (I still maintain that no one team holds that title and if you doubt me, ask the New York Giants).

In one of the two remaining games for the Bears this season played in Chicago last night, this time against the Minnesota Vikings, the Chicago Bears came out with all the tricks of the trade and shut down the "giants" in a 30 - 36 win in overtime. This performance not only proves that even Favre and team are prone to defeats, it also goes to show that the Chicago Bears team is not a lost cause in the NFL. Additionally, it sheds light on what this team can do in the next season after suffering embarrassments and the wrath of their fans, who by the way, do not quit.

With a packed stadium, filled bars, and screams of joy bursting through the walls of peoples homes, the Bears played what wound up to be their most exciting and near perfect game of the season, to the amazement of the nay sayers who've been propounding a complete shut-out by the Vikings.

Too little too late for NFL season 2009 and that is okay. As the Chicago Bears play their final game on Sunday, I am certain that even if that game results in a loss, it would not dampen the hope and confidence in this team that was rebuilt last night with Cutler and group going all out to show what they are capable of on a football field.

Until next season, in 2010, the Bears and all of their Chicago fans will arise as one City and one Team to fight the battle for NFC!

If you missed the game, here are the highlights.

Sharing The Joy of Christmas - Kantorei Group

2009-12-21T22:16:00.004-06:00

A youth group from Wheaton's Academy in Wheaton, Illinois is still bursting with the joys of the season that after the concert held at their school two weeks ago, they continue to share their music within the city of Chicago. I was standing outside DePaul Central building in Chicago's downtown when this group formed right in front of me and began to sing. I immediately shifted my cup of Dunkin Donuts to my left hand and pulled out my blackberry phone. Their faces expressed their joy at having someone not only stand to listen to their music, but actually record it which does nothing to show the gorgeous voices of this group. With their permission, I give you, Wheaton's Kantorei Music Group. Enjoy!

Embracing the power within

2009-09-23T21:35:00.005-05:00

These words came to my mind as I read the first two pages of Audre Lorde's essay titled, “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic Power.”

“Fear of that which we are, and possess, diminishes the power within us, and makes us less of who we are, and are meant to be. Embrace the power within you today!” – Amy Akomas (Note to self).

The above essay by Lorde resonated with me in a very profound way. I also understand how her opinions will be viewed as feminist, especially by the men-folk. However, I will say to the men who would dismiss this essay as feminist to remove the word “Erotic” out of the essay, and replace it with words like courage, truth, knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and so on, to see that this essay applies to all human beings on this planet.

Lorde affirms this fact when she asked the question, “How often do we truly love our work even at its most difficult?” (P 55) This question I know can be answered by both men and women. I recently met a man who is now retired but hated his job for thirty years and does not miss working in the corporate world.

What this essay is trying to convey is that, when we stick with that which is safe and considered “normal” by the society, we not only live in mediocrity, but remove ourselves from that which brings us pure joy and a sense of fulfillment even when things get difficult for us.

The above message by Lorde I know too well, having abandoned Pharmacy School after completing a two year Pre-Pharmacy program, and transferring to DePaul for a degree in Journalism instead. Why did I do this? After a full year’s struggle with the question of what really made me happy, if I wanted to live the rest of my life doing something that paid me well which I was sure I was not going to enjoy doing no matter how book smart I might be, and my brain literally freezing for a whole quarter, I realized I had to move forward to that which I knew would make me happy. The moment I made the decision to go into Journalism, I felt a renewed sense of power and freedom which I hadn’t felt for a long time.

The words that came to my mind as I read this article also apply to another essay by Lorde, “Man Child: A Black Lesbian Feminist’s Response.” Stepping away from the norms and rules demanded by society, and staying true to ourselves and who we truly are, will not only bring freedom and joy to each human being, but would also empower children to navigate their ways through society with confidence and be able to stand up for themselves.

Truthfulness and openness with one another should be the light that guide our way in our communication with one another in the society. I also believe that this will make us more authentic human beings, and relieve us of fears and regrets.

Audrey Lorde's full essay on the uses of the erotic may be found here: http://bit.ly/zNR6x

I Found the "One" I love.

2009-09-02T11:32:00.004-05:00

I remember the first time I saw it, so ordinary, yet it caught my attention in a way none other like it ever has in the past. I looked on in admiration and thought to myself that it was a piece of beauty. It went away from my sight and I stood still, pondering on it, and then it happened! Another one, same like the first came by. I looked on in complete awe until it went away. Then another, and yet another! All the same, leaving me captivated, as one beholding her true love. My heart began to skip, my lips became dry, and my voice got caught in my throat. I was speechless as I tried to make sense of what had just happened. Was it a mere coincidence or was it the answer to the question I had asked myself earlier that day?

Even now, I do not know the real answer to the question. However, I do know that I haven’t stopped thinking about it, or stopped feeling it's closeness since that first day. Like one ponders and dreams of a love far away, I ponder and dream about it. Like a divine occurrence, my heart skips to let me know when one is close by, and I look up to behold it again. No day passes by without my thinking about it, and how it will not be long before my love and I are finally together.

If you haven’t guessed it by now, I am talking about a CAR!!!

Ode to a Grandma, Unlike Any!

2009-05-27T21:29:00.010-05:00

I remember your voice, belting out melodies like an organ

Even the nightingale, your sweet voice has not

I remember your eyes, very expressive, as they light up when you sing

I remember the swift, yet gentle movements of your hands as your voice

Rises to reach the crescendo of the piece you are singing

I remember the joy that fills your heart, because in that very moment

A light glows around you. I only now understand what it means

I remember how with a big smile on your face, you end the song

I remember the sigh of satisfaction that escapes your lips when the song is over

I remember how the tune carries you, and makes you sing the refrain over, and over, and over again

I only now understand that when the spirit of God is present, and in your song, it goes on and on

I remember how, with a slight movement of the upper body, you burst into another tune

As if the new one was a continuation of the previous

I remember, and still marvel, at how you are able to sing, piece after piece

Not missing a beat, even at your young advanced age

As I remember on this day Ma, I know you are still singing

Making melody in heaven, along side the angels

Isn’t that what you strove for on this earth!

Pastor Erwin Lutzer, you know who he is, confirmed it today when he said

“Those who sing praises fill their hearts with faith, lift up others in faith to God, and go on ahead of others to the throne of mercy.”

Pastor Gerald Edmonds said to say “thank you” to the mothers who made us practice and sing as children, even when we hated it

I thanked you Ma, and I am sure you heard it

I visualize the echo of joyous sounds, as the angels cheer you for a job well-done

Once again, THANK YOU for making me go to rehearsals, even when all I wanted to do was stay home and play

Premiere Post! A Dedication to my #1 Hero.

2009-05-27T19:11:00.021-05:00

I am dedicating my first post to my number one hero: my grandma! Since today is one filled with loving and sweet memories of her, it is only right that I start with a little reflection of who she was and how much she meant to me and my family.

To the Loving Memory of a Peaceful and Fair “Rose”

It is four years today that my grandma transitioned into heaven. I wondered why I felt a little weepy close to midnight last night, and then realized it was the eve of the anniversary of her transition. I am sure she is resting easy now knowing that it doesn’t hurt so much when we remember that she is no longer here on earth. No, I don’t hurt deeply anymore; instead I am filled with sweet memories of the times we shared. I am thankful to God for the opportunity to have known her and the chance to have seen her happiest moments.

My grandma was always cheerful, constantly singing, even through her worries and turbulent times. Speaking of the latter, she had many of those after my grandpa died. That is a story for a different time and place, but in retrospect, she loved unconditionally, giving love and material things to those that’d rather have seen her gone. Boy, did God prove Himself strong to them! As it is written in the bible, “they that trust in the Lord are like mount Zion that can never be removed…” God proved that her life was in His hands and He would call her home when He(God) was ready. Halleluyah!!! So, on this very day in 2005, God called His daughter home, no stress, no fuss, and at the very time she completed her work on this earth. I am sure my grandma sang her way straight to the throne of God.

It can never be said enough, my grandma loved peace and quiet, in her environment, her space, but most importantly, peace among mankind. She never crossed a courtyard or entered a homestead without calling out; “k’udo di n’ebe a O!” (Peace be unto this house.) She diligently pursued peace on behalf of those who needed it, sometimes even in the most impossible situations. I remember asking her once, “why bother grandma? It is obvious that one party in this group does not desire peace.” Her answer, “then I wouldn’t have done that which I am meant to do.” When it turned out that this particular case was a lost cause, she did not give up, instead she kept them in her prayers knowing that the story will not end well. Sad to say that it didn’t.

My grandpa called her Rose, and I have had a beautiful yellow rose as her emblem. Today, I added the sign of universal peace to that, and titled it, “A Peaceful and Fair Rose.” That is very befitting of my grandma’s fair skin, the name her husband gave her, and the work that was fore-front in her life among several other things. Looking back, I realize that I am more tolerant of others and can deal with any kind of personality type due to the fact that I saw my grandma do it for a major part of my early years. Her popular saying comes to mind, “I maghi onwe gi, or, o maghi onwe ya.” What does it mean? Simply that the person acting out or making trouble is not acting of his or her own volition, but something within driving the actions and taking over the personality of the being.

Such was her view on people and second chances. No one is a lost cause, no relationship is irreparable, there is no problem that can’t be solved, there is always a better tomorrow, Believe in God, Trust in God and do the right, and my favorite; o bughi n’ike m nwam (it is not by my strength, my child.)

So, as I remember on this day ma, I am thankful to God for all the times we shared and all the songs you taught me that I sometimes couldn’t remember all the words. It’s no surprise to you though, remember how you had to stop me and guide me through the tunes and lines all over? How did you do it? I mean remember all those songs from your youth, and I could have sworn the Sanky was written on your heart. Amazing! I miss the sing along moments, and it is even harder now knowing that uncle Nnanna will not be there either to lend his baritone. Oh, Well! I will take solace in the fact that you are both holding the fort in heaven, awaiting the day we will all be together. I am looking forward to it because if it was so joyful here on earth, I can only imagine how immeasurable the joy in heaven will be.

Thank you ma for being such a wonderful and amazing mum, grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunt, and friend to all those who had the privilege of meeting you. For the many lives you touched, healed, and directed to God, Thank you. For the hungry mouths you fed, even when it was not convenient for you, Thank you. For the love you gave, expecting nothing in return, Thank you. We are all blessed because of you, and the inexhaustible prayers you showered on us.

Sing on Ma, Sing on!