It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.
~W. Somerset Maugham
Monday, July 28, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Prices at Parkington Pharmacy, Kingston, Jamaica
Persons have come to me in outrage over some of the prices at Parkington Pharmacy in Kingston, Jamaica. For example, customers were shocked to find that a package of wheat biscuits, which cost J$12 at the local supermarket, were being sold for J$30 at the pharmacy. Held hostage by hunger, some patrons still bought the biscuits, but were steaming mad as they chewed their expensive cuisine.
Jamaica Observer Website Down
The Jamaica Observer website is down. It appears parties may have hacked the website earlier. Stay tuned.
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/
Update:
The website earlier showed a link stating "hacked by Adanali" in the Related Articles section of the page. Here's the page view that was up:
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20080723T020000-0500_138189_OBS__DAVID_SMITH_ALIVE_AND_KICKING_.asp
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/
Update:
The website earlier showed a link stating "hacked by Adanali" in the Related Articles section of the page. Here's the page view that was up:
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20080723T020000-0500_138189_OBS__DAVID_SMITH_ALIVE_AND_KICKING_.asp
The website is now back up and running.
Quote of the Day: Willpower
"Willpower by itself is not enough. If we want to achieve lasting change, we must have an effective strategy."
~Anthony Robbins
~Anthony Robbins
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
When the Brat Attack is Justified...
*Almost every week for several months, you travel with the same carry-on luggage. You stow it with no problems in the overhead compartment of the plane. This week...this week!...they decide to tell you that the bag is too big to go on the plane and that they have started charging people for bags. You politely explain that you have been travelling with their airline for what seems like forever with no issues. They still ask you to put your bag into the silver grilled case to test if it can actually fit on the plane.
DOES ANYONE'S roller bag EVER PERFECTLY fit into those things?
You are obedient and proceed to put your bag - yes, the same one you carry every week - into that silver thing. It fits half-way. They start to tell you that you need to check your bag. That if you force your bag into the overhead compartment on the plane the same way you are forcing it into that silver thing, you will scratch the plane. You look at them - long and hard. You mumble something about never scratching their plane.
You check your bag and the inner brat THREATENS to come out. But you are silent and play it cool. You are just so annoyed with these jokers and their policy and wonder to yourself what on earth is the value of the elite status you hold on their airline, if you can't even carry a simple roller bag onto their plane.
------
*You browse the store and select 2 magazines. You hear a noise from the cashier that sounds something like $11.95. You look up at the register. You heard right. $11.95 for 2 magazines. You return one of them. That day has come. You can no longer casually buy magazines. Rationing is in effect.
DOES ANYONE'S roller bag EVER PERFECTLY fit into those things?
You are obedient and proceed to put your bag - yes, the same one you carry every week - into that silver thing. It fits half-way. They start to tell you that you need to check your bag. That if you force your bag into the overhead compartment on the plane the same way you are forcing it into that silver thing, you will scratch the plane. You look at them - long and hard. You mumble something about never scratching their plane.
You check your bag and the inner brat THREATENS to come out. But you are silent and play it cool. You are just so annoyed with these jokers and their policy and wonder to yourself what on earth is the value of the elite status you hold on their airline, if you can't even carry a simple roller bag onto their plane.
------
*You browse the store and select 2 magazines. You hear a noise from the cashier that sounds something like $11.95. You look up at the register. You heard right. $11.95 for 2 magazines. You return one of them. That day has come. You can no longer casually buy magazines. Rationing is in effect.
Paging A Barf Bag: Juici's Vegetarian Patties Contain Kidney Fat!!
Someone I know was happily chowing down on their Juici Vegetarian Patty when they were asked, "Why are you eating beef suet?". I am not sure what happened immediately after the question was asked, but I assume shocked expressions and some gagging ensued. A little while later a call was made to Juici to find out if beef suet was indeed included in patties that catered to the vegetarian/vegan crowd. The surprising answer was that all Juici Patties contain beef suet.
Oh no they didn't!
Hordes of us have been innocently licking our lips after many a Juici veggie patty and now we are racing to the loo as we imagine how much kidney fat we have unwillingly ingested over the years.
I am queasy as I type this, but I must go on.
So, as the story continues, a complaint was then made to Jamaica's Consumer Affairs office, asking them to contact Juici and have the company make it clear for all customers that even their veggie patties contained non-veggie items. As of the time of this report, the CAC has stated that
1) the Juici patty crust does have kidney fat, and that this ingredient is noted if you purchase a box of patties, but not a bag
2) Juici tried using non-animal materials in the crust, but the taste was not up to par
3) Vegetables and soy are the only fillings
4) Customers should buy the veggie loaf if they don't want any animal fat
First, thanks to the CAC for following up and for their timely response. Secondly - LOL! Who buys a box of patties for lunch? Most consumers use the bag. Most vegans/vegetarians do not want to consume meat, and would like to be told if a vegetarian meal includes meat, because that would never be the expectation. Finally, buy the veggie loaf instead? LOL! Seriously? I bought a patty, because I wanted a patty.
Discussions are still underway. Resolution is quite simple though - Juici, just let your consumers know about the kidney fat. And please, please, find a non-animal alternative - it can be done and still taste yummy.
What a sad day it is. No more Juici veggie patties for now - until the meat is removed. *Sob* Come on, Juici. Do better for your loyal customers. We know you can!
Oh no they didn't!
Hordes of us have been innocently licking our lips after many a Juici veggie patty and now we are racing to the loo as we imagine how much kidney fat we have unwillingly ingested over the years.
I am queasy as I type this, but I must go on.
So, as the story continues, a complaint was then made to Jamaica's Consumer Affairs office, asking them to contact Juici and have the company make it clear for all customers that even their veggie patties contained non-veggie items. As of the time of this report, the CAC has stated that
1) the Juici patty crust does have kidney fat, and that this ingredient is noted if you purchase a box of patties, but not a bag
2) Juici tried using non-animal materials in the crust, but the taste was not up to par
3) Vegetables and soy are the only fillings
4) Customers should buy the veggie loaf if they don't want any animal fat
First, thanks to the CAC for following up and for their timely response. Secondly - LOL! Who buys a box of patties for lunch? Most consumers use the bag. Most vegans/vegetarians do not want to consume meat, and would like to be told if a vegetarian meal includes meat, because that would never be the expectation. Finally, buy the veggie loaf instead? LOL! Seriously? I bought a patty, because I wanted a patty.
Discussions are still underway. Resolution is quite simple though - Juici, just let your consumers know about the kidney fat. And please, please, find a non-animal alternative - it can be done and still taste yummy.
What a sad day it is. No more Juici veggie patties for now - until the meat is removed. *Sob* Come on, Juici. Do better for your loyal customers. We know you can!
Update - July 23, 2008
The Management of Juici Patties, based on conversations with the CAC, has decided to put up signs in their branches advising customers about the ingredients contained in their veggie and soy patties.
Yay-progress. Let's see how soon these signs will be posted. I also hope the company tries to find a non-meat alternative for the crust, because those patties - and the customers - are worth it!
LOL Comment of the Day: Matthew McConaughey's kid
"McConaughey baby born wearing more clothes than Daddy"
~Pop Chart, Time Magazine
Gov. David Paterson is not Feeling Spitzer
NY Gov. Paterson was at Russell Simmons' Art for Life Benefit at Simmons' home in the Hamptons last Saturday when he took a couple of jabs at dah Spitz.
Here's what went down according to the NY Post:
GOV. David Paterson has little love for his predecessor, Eliot Spitzer - and isn't above taking a few pot shots at him. At Russell Simmons' Art for Life Benefit at Simmons' Hamptons home Saturday night, Paterson received a standing ovation when he was introduced. He cracked, "You can slow it down; I get paid by the hour" - an obvious dig at Spitzer's call-girl fiasco. He later highlighted the importance of art education and said, "I'm not sure if you all got the memo, but there's a new sheriff in town," again bringing the crowd to its feet.
Here's what went down according to the NY Post:
GOV. David Paterson has little love for his predecessor, Eliot Spitzer - and isn't above taking a few pot shots at him. At Russell Simmons' Art for Life Benefit at Simmons' Hamptons home Saturday night, Paterson received a standing ovation when he was introduced. He cracked, "You can slow it down; I get paid by the hour" - an obvious dig at Spitzer's call-girl fiasco. He later highlighted the importance of art education and said, "I'm not sure if you all got the memo, but there's a new sheriff in town," again bringing the crowd to its feet.
10 Questions with Tim Gunn via Time Magazine
Tim Gunn is the host of Tim Gunn's Guide to Style. He currently mentors designers on Project Runway. Here are his answers to 10 Questions courtesy of Time Magazine.
---------
With which designer, dead or alive, would you like to spend a lunch dishing fashion ideas?
Oh, the first really seminal designer of the 20th century: Coco Chanel. That would be some lunch. If it were a living designer, there's no one more fabulous to have lunch with than Diane von Furstenberg.
Michelle Obama or Cindy McCain?
Michelle Obama. Absolutely. She looks so comfortable and relaxed in her style, in her fashion, and she exudes that. She has a presence that gives you confidence in her.
What's the worst fashion trend you've ever seen?
Well, sandals with socks are certainly up there. Generally speaking, it's footwear trends. I mean, the Croc - it looks like a plastic hoof. How can you take that seriously? I know it's comfortable; I understand that. But if you want to dress to feel as though you never got out of bed, don't get out of bed.
How can I look as stylish as you on what is probably a lower budget?
The key to getting your fashion right is the same for men and women. First of all, know who you are and how you want the world to perceive you. Understand what colors, what patterns look good on you and the whole interaction of silhouette, proportion and fit. If you can get that right, you'll look great in anything.
What would be the most important pieces to invest in now that won't go out of style?
A classic blazer or jacket would be a wonderful purchase. I have my 10-essentials list for getting your wardrobe right. It's the blazer, the classic white shirt, a skirt, a day dress, a basic black dress, black pants, jeans, a sweater of some kind and a trench coat - you can wear it to the grocery store or the opera. The last one is a sweat-suit alternative - something that you feel good in and look good in and that you can go out and walk the dog in.
Is there anyone whose fashion choices you always love?
Angelina Jolie. She knows what's occasion-appropriate. She knows what she looks good in. She's sexy without ever being remotely vulgar. I think she has a fabulous sense of style and a fabulous sense of who she is.
What is your favorite decade of fashion?
The '60s. I don't think we've ever seen in any decade as much of a transition in how people dress. From the Kennedy years - very polished, very sophisticated - we go to Woodstock and hippie-dom and Carnaby Street and Twiggy and the mini. Quite a lot of drama happened.
What factors help determine tomorrow's fashions?
I'm frequently asked where fashion is going, and my response is, if I knew or if the industry knew, we'd already be there. There are so many things that can trigger a trend. It may be something from the street - witness hip-hop. It may be something from a fashion show.
What movie or TV cast has had the biggest impact on fashion?
Sex and the City. Absolutely, hands down. Thank you, Sarah Jessica Parker.
What is your favorite thing to wear?
There is no better feeling for me than to go to a black-tie event in a classic tuxedo. Every man looks great in a tux.
---------
With which designer, dead or alive, would you like to spend a lunch dishing fashion ideas?
Oh, the first really seminal designer of the 20th century: Coco Chanel. That would be some lunch. If it were a living designer, there's no one more fabulous to have lunch with than Diane von Furstenberg.
Michelle Obama or Cindy McCain?
Michelle Obama. Absolutely. She looks so comfortable and relaxed in her style, in her fashion, and she exudes that. She has a presence that gives you confidence in her.
What's the worst fashion trend you've ever seen?
Well, sandals with socks are certainly up there. Generally speaking, it's footwear trends. I mean, the Croc - it looks like a plastic hoof. How can you take that seriously? I know it's comfortable; I understand that. But if you want to dress to feel as though you never got out of bed, don't get out of bed.
How can I look as stylish as you on what is probably a lower budget?
The key to getting your fashion right is the same for men and women. First of all, know who you are and how you want the world to perceive you. Understand what colors, what patterns look good on you and the whole interaction of silhouette, proportion and fit. If you can get that right, you'll look great in anything.
What would be the most important pieces to invest in now that won't go out of style?
A classic blazer or jacket would be a wonderful purchase. I have my 10-essentials list for getting your wardrobe right. It's the blazer, the classic white shirt, a skirt, a day dress, a basic black dress, black pants, jeans, a sweater of some kind and a trench coat - you can wear it to the grocery store or the opera. The last one is a sweat-suit alternative - something that you feel good in and look good in and that you can go out and walk the dog in.
Is there anyone whose fashion choices you always love?
Angelina Jolie. She knows what's occasion-appropriate. She knows what she looks good in. She's sexy without ever being remotely vulgar. I think she has a fabulous sense of style and a fabulous sense of who she is.
What is your favorite decade of fashion?
The '60s. I don't think we've ever seen in any decade as much of a transition in how people dress. From the Kennedy years - very polished, very sophisticated - we go to Woodstock and hippie-dom and Carnaby Street and Twiggy and the mini. Quite a lot of drama happened.
What factors help determine tomorrow's fashions?
I'm frequently asked where fashion is going, and my response is, if I knew or if the industry knew, we'd already be there. There are so many things that can trigger a trend. It may be something from the street - witness hip-hop. It may be something from a fashion show.
What movie or TV cast has had the biggest impact on fashion?
Sex and the City. Absolutely, hands down. Thank you, Sarah Jessica Parker.
What is your favorite thing to wear?
There is no better feeling for me than to go to a black-tie event in a classic tuxedo. Every man looks great in a tux.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Quote of the Night: The Key To Mandela
"Ultimately, the key to understanding Mandela is those 27 years in prison. The man who walked onto Robben Island in 1964 was emotional, headstrong, easily stung. The man who emerged was balanced and disciplined. "
~Richard Stengel
Source: Mandela - His 8 Lessons of Leadership, Robert Stengel, Time Magazine
~Richard Stengel
Source: Mandela - His 8 Lessons of Leadership, Robert Stengel, Time Magazine
Quote of the Day: Mandela on Fear
"I can't pretend that I'm brave and that I can beat the whole world." But as a leader, you cannot let people know. "You must put up a front."
~Nelson Mandela
Source: Mandela - His 8 Lessons of Leadership, Richard Stengel, Time Magazine
~Nelson Mandela
Source: Mandela - His 8 Lessons of Leadership, Richard Stengel, Time Magazine
Quote of the Hour: Nelson Mandela's Light
"In the 1990s I worked with Mandela for almost two years on his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. After all that time spent in his company, I felt a terrible sense of withdrawal when the book was done; it was like the sun going out of one's life."
~Richard Stengel on Nelson Mandela
Source: Mandela - His 8 Lessons of Leadership, Time Magazine
~Richard Stengel on Nelson Mandela
Source: Mandela - His 8 Lessons of Leadership, Time Magazine
Friday, July 18, 2008
OMG - Can I get a tissue? How inspiring. I still have the chills...WOW
I was touched after I viewed the following:
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513
Here's the transcript that accompanied the video:
A Father's Love
A son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?' The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'. They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Ironman together.'To which, his father said 'Yes' .For those who didn't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island
Father and son went on to complete the race together. View this
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513
Here's the transcript that accompanied the video:
A Father's Love
A son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?' The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'. They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Ironman together.'To which, his father said 'Yes' .For those who didn't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island
Father and son went on to complete the race together. View this
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The View: Discussion on the "N" Word
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwFUY3s-w-s&feature=email
What say you?
I thought Elisabeth Hasselbeck was brave to speak her mind without being intimidated. While she did come across as defensive, young and could definitely work on her listening skills, overall I give her major brownie points for sticking it out.
What say you?
I thought Elisabeth Hasselbeck was brave to speak her mind without being intimidated. While she did come across as defensive, young and could definitely work on her listening skills, overall I give her major brownie points for sticking it out.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Using Hello as an Attack
Yo!
I know you know me
I know you saw me
I know you are trying to avoid me
FORGET THAT - "Hello! YOU HEARD ME?! HELLLLO!"
Your mama or someone taught you manners
Whatever is bugging you
If you have ought against me
If you just don't feel in the mood
Doesn't matter
Open your mouth and say something - doesn't even have to be "Hello"...I'll take a "Hi"
You know what? You can even shut your mouth and just nod in my general direction
BUT don't act like you didn't see me
Especially since you almost knocked me over in your hurry to look the other way
Consider yourself notified
Malice and bad manners are just so last season
I promise you this
I will see you
AND I will tell you "Hello"...as loudly as is required
Keri S. Smith
I know you know me
I know you saw me
I know you are trying to avoid me
FORGET THAT - "Hello! YOU HEARD ME?! HELLLLO!"
Your mama or someone taught you manners
Whatever is bugging you
If you have ought against me
If you just don't feel in the mood
Doesn't matter
Open your mouth and say something - doesn't even have to be "Hello"...I'll take a "Hi"
You know what? You can even shut your mouth and just nod in my general direction
BUT don't act like you didn't see me
Especially since you almost knocked me over in your hurry to look the other way
Consider yourself notified
Malice and bad manners are just so last season
I promise you this
I will see you
AND I will tell you "Hello"...as loudly as is required
Keri S. Smith
That Place
It doesn't really qualify as a happy place
But it is where you sometimes go when you want to suspend reality, to be comforted, to pretend
You created the oasis
The different scenes, multiple plots
Characters change with the seasons of your emotions and experiences
And overtly or not, you always have one of the starring roles
This place is not for kids
It is never illegal
It is a bit of wishful thinking
And in some cases, it is something you hope never, ever comes true
Can't call it ugly
But when you are honest, you admit that sometimes it is not truly good
The place serves some purpose...it continues to exist
And every now and then
You re-enter, play your part, and play it well
Keri S. Smith
But it is where you sometimes go when you want to suspend reality, to be comforted, to pretend
You created the oasis
The different scenes, multiple plots
Characters change with the seasons of your emotions and experiences
And overtly or not, you always have one of the starring roles
This place is not for kids
It is never illegal
It is a bit of wishful thinking
And in some cases, it is something you hope never, ever comes true
Can't call it ugly
But when you are honest, you admit that sometimes it is not truly good
The place serves some purpose...it continues to exist
And every now and then
You re-enter, play your part, and play it well
Keri S. Smith
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Stay True to the Purple, Darling
It's part of the process
The yucky part?
Wading through the seas until you again find that special magic
Self-coaching is involved
Because you remember that whenever you shut that door, or ignored it
Life was good
You had fun
You conquered
You were satisfied
But you are an all-rounder, and want to experience all He put out there
So, you self-coach to make it a big party
To smile through the mistakes, the unknowns, the disappointments, the smacks
And you stay open, remembering your core
and living it all like there was no tomorrow
Sans resentment
Sans fear
NEXT-ing quickly through the toxic thems
And just being you - bright, lively and loving, purple brilliance
Keri S. Smith
The yucky part?
Wading through the seas until you again find that special magic
Self-coaching is involved
Because you remember that whenever you shut that door, or ignored it
Life was good
You had fun
You conquered
You were satisfied
But you are an all-rounder, and want to experience all He put out there
So, you self-coach to make it a big party
To smile through the mistakes, the unknowns, the disappointments, the smacks
And you stay open, remembering your core
and living it all like there was no tomorrow
Sans resentment
Sans fear
NEXT-ing quickly through the toxic thems
And just being you - bright, lively and loving, purple brilliance
Keri S. Smith
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Jesse to Obama: I want to cut your %%$ off!!
Ouch! *Cringe*
This one won't die down for a while.
Reverend Jesse Jackson made the mistake of voicing some very crude comments about Obama into a hot mic, before he was set to be interviewed on health care on Fox News. Jesse, very upset with Obama for "talking down" to black people, whispered "see, Barack [has] been talking down to black people . . . I wanna cut his nuts off", accompanying his statement with a cutting motion using his hand.
Goodness gracious! Jesse - really?
When the Reverend heard that Fox News planned to air his comments on Bill O'Reilly's "The Factor" show, he came out quickly apologizing and reiterating his support for the Obama campaign during a news conference yesterday.
Jesse's son is more than embarrassed - he's a key Obama supporter and had this to say about the controversy surrounding his dad: "I'm deeply outraged and disappointed in Reverend Jackson's reckless statements about Senator Barack Obama."
This one won't die down for a while.
Reverend Jesse Jackson made the mistake of voicing some very crude comments about Obama into a hot mic, before he was set to be interviewed on health care on Fox News. Jesse, very upset with Obama for "talking down" to black people, whispered "see, Barack [has] been talking down to black people . . . I wanna cut his nuts off", accompanying his statement with a cutting motion using his hand.
Goodness gracious! Jesse - really?
When the Reverend heard that Fox News planned to air his comments on Bill O'Reilly's "The Factor" show, he came out quickly apologizing and reiterating his support for the Obama campaign during a news conference yesterday.
Jesse's son is more than embarrassed - he's a key Obama supporter and had this to say about the controversy surrounding his dad: "I'm deeply outraged and disappointed in Reverend Jackson's reckless statements about Senator Barack Obama."
The Obama camp was gracious as usual. Bill Burton, Obama's spokesman, said that Obama, "of course accepts Reverend Jackson's apology."
I think Al Sharpton's reaction summarized it all very well. Al said that Obama "is running for president of all Americans, not just African-Americans. We must be careful not to segregate Senator Obama and impose some litmus test that is unfair and unproductive."
Reverend Jesse is now apologizing all over the place. I am sure he's also a bit nervous. Fox News said that they decided not to air all of Jesse's comments, because that would have been even more damaging to Jackson. Even more damaging that what we heard? Oh, Jesse!
Did Mr. Taxi Read My Mind and Punish Me For It?
Man, I really didn't want to sit in a sauna, especially not in a business suit. I guess the taxi driver doesn't get that it is summer, and that a little AC could help the situation tremendously. Well, I for sure won't be asking him for anything. He has been scowling all night and is built like the Incredible Hulk.
A few minutes post-this thought, magic happens and the AC is turned on. Yay! Or so I thought. I then felt like a penguin lounging near the Arctic circle. Who me? No way, I am not asking him to make it warmer - Incredible Hulk with a scowl, remember? I really hope that he doesn't hear my teeth chattering or see that my window is still sort of open, even though he has the AC blasting. Oops.
You know what? I am pretty sure that Mr. Taxi read my mind and decided to freeze me out. Sorry, sir. I will try not to be so mentally sarcastic next time. Just please, give us passengers a little coolness in the summer heat. Thanks so much!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Brunching it at the Sacred Chow
Long, long ago (i.e. Memorial Day weekend), in a town not so far away (i.e. Manhattan), Sejal and I had a lovely brunch at the Sacred Chow. We were the only guests in the tiny restaurant and enjoyed a sumptuous vegan meal. Great taste, variety and oh yeh, it's healthy to boot!
The Sacred Chow opened in 1995, and focuses on kosher-vegan food. The restaurant is located in Greenwich Village and is pretty popular with veggies and non-veggies alike.
Here are some examples of the delicious fare:
**Toasted Sunflower Lentil Pate'
**Root Vegetable Latkes (Pancakes)
**Korean Tofu Cutlets
**Roasted Indonesian Tempeh
**Mama's Soy Meatballs
**Hummus Salad
**Banana Bread French Toast
**Soy Buttermilk Biscuit
**Gym Body Frozen Smoothie (Bananas, toasted almonds, cinnamon, flax oil, soymilk or apple juice)
OK, let me stop...drooling is just not attractive or appropriate for me right now.
Check out da Chow when you have a chance.
http://www.sacredchow.com/
Clingster
You start to think that only surgery will work
That the sharp edges of the knife will finally free you
Oh the things that so easily beset us!
This one is strong
It comes back when you least expect it
When you thought you had finally conquered it
And what a struggle it is to suppress it!
There is no knocking with this thing, just brutish entry
And then your thoughts are held captive
The Yous struggle for supremacy
and you desperately try anything to get the invader off of you , out of you, away from you
The mental warfare is exhausting...disappointing...frustrating
Oh, to be able to live, think and be without the dreaded Clingster
All you want is to stay focused on what you had
To sustain the momentum
To finally step into that future which beckons so loudly
To partake of that magnificent world that you know is promised to you
And in the end, that is always what helps you, what propels you forward
The future that wants to be realized, pulls you away from the deathly embrace
and for a while, the true You, the better, dominates
Keri S. Smith
That the sharp edges of the knife will finally free you
Oh the things that so easily beset us!
This one is strong
It comes back when you least expect it
When you thought you had finally conquered it
And what a struggle it is to suppress it!
There is no knocking with this thing, just brutish entry
And then your thoughts are held captive
The Yous struggle for supremacy
and you desperately try anything to get the invader off of you , out of you, away from you
The mental warfare is exhausting...disappointing...frustrating
Oh, to be able to live, think and be without the dreaded Clingster
All you want is to stay focused on what you had
To sustain the momentum
To finally step into that future which beckons so loudly
To partake of that magnificent world that you know is promised to you
And in the end, that is always what helps you, what propels you forward
The future that wants to be realized, pulls you away from the deathly embrace
and for a while, the true You, the better, dominates
Keri S. Smith
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Quote of the Day: Help Others
You can have everything in life that you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.
~Zig Ziglar
~Zig Ziglar
Congrats David Wilson on 12 and 40!
David Wilson, Minister of the Kings Church of Christ, recently celebrated two milestone anniversaries:
*12 Years as a preacher of God's word
AND
*40 Years on Planet Earth
Congrats, David!
May God continue to bless you as you go forward on your journey to significantly enhance the lives of so many.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
(Seems like David realllly enjoyed his big days: see http://expalot.blogspot.com/2008/07/thank-god-for-forty.html for details)
Congrats Angel on 10 Years!!
Angel Brown recently celebrated his 10-year anniversary at Air Jamaica. Angel has an excellent work ethic and has been diligently serving the national airline for a decade.
Congrats, Brother-in-Law!!!
Enjoy your anniversary!
Congrats, Brother-in-Law!!!
Enjoy your anniversary!
Be Comforted, Be Happy...He Wants To Bless You and Protect You...He's Forever Your Rock
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalm 34:10
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Isaiah 55: 6-7
6 Seek the LORD while he may be found;call on him while he is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
Romans 8: 31-39
31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
LOL News Item of the Day: Nelson Mandela removed from the U.S. Terrorism Watchlists!
Celebrate! The great day has finally arrived!
Nelson Mandela will officially be removed from the U.S. terrorism watch lists. On Tuesday, President George Bush signed a bill - H.R. 5690 - enabling this to happen.
How on earth did Mandela get on these lists in the first place?
Well, during the time that the South African government enforced racial segregation (between 1948 and 1994), the government chose to classify the African National Congress (ANC) as a terrorist group because of the ANC's continual protest against the country's system of white-only rule. The U.S. followed suit and deemed Mr. Mandela and other members of the ANC as potential terrorists, denying them access to U.S. visas without special permission.
Years, and years later, a bill has been signed to reverse this decision. Now, the U.S. State and Homeland Security Departments are able to waive restrictions against ANC members. Specifically, the bill, "authorizes the Departments of State and Homeland Security to determine that provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act that render aliens inadmissible due to terrorist or criminal activities would not apply with respect to activities undertaken in association with the African National Congress in opposition to apartheid rule in South Africa."
I guess the legal process really does take time. I wonder what the great freedom fighter/27-year prison veteran/Nobel Peace Prize Winner/former President, Mr. Nelson Mandela, now 90-years old, thinks about all of this.
Source: CNN
Nelson Mandela will officially be removed from the U.S. terrorism watch lists. On Tuesday, President George Bush signed a bill - H.R. 5690 - enabling this to happen.
How on earth did Mandela get on these lists in the first place?
Well, during the time that the South African government enforced racial segregation (between 1948 and 1994), the government chose to classify the African National Congress (ANC) as a terrorist group because of the ANC's continual protest against the country's system of white-only rule. The U.S. followed suit and deemed Mr. Mandela and other members of the ANC as potential terrorists, denying them access to U.S. visas without special permission.
Years, and years later, a bill has been signed to reverse this decision. Now, the U.S. State and Homeland Security Departments are able to waive restrictions against ANC members. Specifically, the bill, "authorizes the Departments of State and Homeland Security to determine that provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act that render aliens inadmissible due to terrorist or criminal activities would not apply with respect to activities undertaken in association with the African National Congress in opposition to apartheid rule in South Africa."
I guess the legal process really does take time. I wonder what the great freedom fighter/27-year prison veteran/Nobel Peace Prize Winner/former President, Mr. Nelson Mandela, now 90-years old, thinks about all of this.
Source: CNN
Quote of the Day: Action, Baby!
All that is necessary to break the spell of inertia and frustration is this: act as if it were impossible to fail. That is the talisman, the formula, the command of right-about-face that turns us from failure toward success.
~Dorothea Brande
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