Friday, May 30, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
She's Here
And it happened...just like that
You searched those eyes deeply
Brown on brown, so intense
And it flowed
You gave yourself to Him, and were thrilled
You were victorious, life was forever changed
Happiness and excitement came through a multiplicity of experiences
Fabulous new schools
Prizes galore, smarter than they said, blowing past their limits
Full of hope, great plans to conquer the world
Smiling, laughing, cartwheeling
Blessed
Revelling in life and His goodness
You keep looking into the brown, holding out for truth
And it flowed
And it hurt
Slave to so many masters
Feelings, him, their words, their standards, lust of the eyes, quick fixes
The brown gets wet, you hold a steady gaze
The light never left
She's been fighting to remind you
Brown connects with brown
Brown smiles and dazzles
She's here
Keri S. Smith
You searched those eyes deeply
Brown on brown, so intense
And it flowed
You gave yourself to Him, and were thrilled
You were victorious, life was forever changed
Happiness and excitement came through a multiplicity of experiences
Fabulous new schools
Prizes galore, smarter than they said, blowing past their limits
Full of hope, great plans to conquer the world
Smiling, laughing, cartwheeling
Blessed
Revelling in life and His goodness
You keep looking into the brown, holding out for truth
And it flowed
And it hurt
Slave to so many masters
Feelings, him, their words, their standards, lust of the eyes, quick fixes
The brown gets wet, you hold a steady gaze
The light never left
She's been fighting to remind you
Brown connects with brown
Brown smiles and dazzles
She's here
Keri S. Smith
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Keri Thinks She's Seen Her Mojo
Woaah! It's been a while since I posted.
Well, I have a lot of over due stuff to write about and I am thrilled that I see my mojo in the distance so that I can get it all out and posted. The long weekend is coming up and I look forward to finally sharing about:
*My wonderful, superfantastic experiences in Dubai
*The highlights from the Lords of the West Indies concert, starring Monty Alexander
*Why I am happy that the same old rhetoric and scare tactics seem to be losing their power in the U.S. elections
*A great N.Y. play experience and drugs
*A yummy vegan restaurant that I have to go back to
*What He's done for me lately
Mojo, I see you!! We'll be together again soon :). Finally!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
The Time is Now and It is Great
Anyone who is among the living has hope —even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!
For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even the memory of them is forgotten.
Their love, their hate and their jealousy have long since vanished; never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun.
Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do.
Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil.
Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun— all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 9: 4-10
For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even the memory of them is forgotten.
Their love, their hate and their jealousy have long since vanished; never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun.
Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do.
Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil.
Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun— all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 9: 4-10
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The Clinton Machine: Victory at Any Cost
The recent rumblings don't sound good.
Clinton had a resurge coming out of Pennsylvania. She pushed hard and kept hope alive for North Carolina and Indiana. Then came her crushing defeat in North Carolina (14-point loss) and a 2-point narrow win in Indiana; making her nomination a mathematical impossibility, and even less likely if you factor in that she continues to lose on the popular vote. Clear signals for a withdrawal one would think. Never says Hilary as she pulls a Huckabee, ignores the obvious, and continues to push on.
Fine. Let's be charitable and acknowledge that perseverance is a great trait and that much has been accomplished by persons who ignored the naysayers and went on to achieve great success. That is not so much the issue, the increasingly scary part, is the tactics used by the Cs to achieve the coveted prize of the White House.
Senator Clinton has again come out swinging. She is no longer talking about war against Iran, this time it's about race and the fact that Obama can't win because he doesn't attract the white vote (!). According to Clinton, Obama's support within this group of "hard-working Americans, white Americans, is weakening again", and she Clinton "has a much broader base to build a winning coalition on". Racially divisive? Not according to Clinton, who says that as everyone already knows "these are the people you have to win if you're a Democrat in sufficient numbers to actually win the election."Obama's camp felt that Clinton's comments were, "not true and frankly disappointing".
Not the smartest move for Clinton to pull the race card at this point. No surprise though given her (and Bill's) reputation of winning at any cost. However, it gets worse. Much worse. A recent news report strongly hints that the C-Machine has now embraced blackmailing.
According to CNN, Harvey Weinstein, a big Clinton backer, has threatened Nancy Pelosi. He allegedly told Pelosi that if she did not accept his proposal to fund revotes in Florida and Michigan, he would no longer contribute to any congressional Democrat. (Clinton believes that with revotes she would become the clear nominee.) In addition, Weinstein apparently has pressured Pelosi to rescind her earlier comments where she stated that superdelegates should support the candidate who was ahead in pledged delegates, i.e. Obama.
How can this not backfire on the Clintons? This is not perseverance. This is desperation and it is ugly.
Clinton had a resurge coming out of Pennsylvania. She pushed hard and kept hope alive for North Carolina and Indiana. Then came her crushing defeat in North Carolina (14-point loss) and a 2-point narrow win in Indiana; making her nomination a mathematical impossibility, and even less likely if you factor in that she continues to lose on the popular vote. Clear signals for a withdrawal one would think. Never says Hilary as she pulls a Huckabee, ignores the obvious, and continues to push on.
Fine. Let's be charitable and acknowledge that perseverance is a great trait and that much has been accomplished by persons who ignored the naysayers and went on to achieve great success. That is not so much the issue, the increasingly scary part, is the tactics used by the Cs to achieve the coveted prize of the White House.
Senator Clinton has again come out swinging. She is no longer talking about war against Iran, this time it's about race and the fact that Obama can't win because he doesn't attract the white vote (!). According to Clinton, Obama's support within this group of "hard-working Americans, white Americans, is weakening again", and she Clinton "has a much broader base to build a winning coalition on". Racially divisive? Not according to Clinton, who says that as everyone already knows "these are the people you have to win if you're a Democrat in sufficient numbers to actually win the election."Obama's camp felt that Clinton's comments were, "not true and frankly disappointing".
Not the smartest move for Clinton to pull the race card at this point. No surprise though given her (and Bill's) reputation of winning at any cost. However, it gets worse. Much worse. A recent news report strongly hints that the C-Machine has now embraced blackmailing.
According to CNN, Harvey Weinstein, a big Clinton backer, has threatened Nancy Pelosi. He allegedly told Pelosi that if she did not accept his proposal to fund revotes in Florida and Michigan, he would no longer contribute to any congressional Democrat. (Clinton believes that with revotes she would become the clear nominee.) In addition, Weinstein apparently has pressured Pelosi to rescind her earlier comments where she stated that superdelegates should support the candidate who was ahead in pledged delegates, i.e. Obama.
How can this not backfire on the Clintons? This is not perseverance. This is desperation and it is ugly.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Remembering
Grief clings to you
He was special - one of the first to shape your view of the world
He was there, a constant presence
Now we cry
And we celebrate his life...his contributions to ours
It is painful
Yet in each moment, we find comfort in memories...
...in the simple touch, smile and warmth of the extended family
and God's love engulfs us
cleanses us
soothes us
and we remember, that in everything, we are truly blessed
Keri S. Smith
*In memory of Mr. Walker
Gentlemen, It’s Quite Simple Really (The Secret’s Out)
Dude, it’s actually so easy
There’s no mystery
Fine you’re from Mars, I am from Venus, or I’m from Mars and you’re from Venus
Whatever
Doesn’t matter, it’s simple really
Just pay attention
We need it all the time
You want to experience unfathomable bliss?
Then pay attention
On Mars or Venus – wherever we are from, we were used to nurturing
We were used to feeling special
The more we were showered with it, the more we blossomed
The more we gave
The more we loved
We already want to love you, jerk
We already want to make you happy
We already want to be your best-friend
That’s how we are hard-wired
But, we will fade, we will shrink, if we are not exposed to the sun and water, if we are not nourished
NO! This doesn’t mean shelling out the dough, cheapie
This doesn’t mean we are high maintenance
This is about your time
Your listening
Your caring
Your understanding
Your not taking us for granted
Simple really
So the key to this unfathomable bliss, hard head, is that
A woman needs attention all of the time
Don’t fight it
Marinate in it, and then act on it
And prepare for a reward that will transform your world…forever
Caliente!
Keri S Smith
There’s no mystery
Fine you’re from Mars, I am from Venus, or I’m from Mars and you’re from Venus
Whatever
Doesn’t matter, it’s simple really
Just pay attention
We need it all the time
You want to experience unfathomable bliss?
Then pay attention
On Mars or Venus – wherever we are from, we were used to nurturing
We were used to feeling special
The more we were showered with it, the more we blossomed
The more we gave
The more we loved
We already want to love you, jerk
We already want to make you happy
We already want to be your best-friend
That’s how we are hard-wired
But, we will fade, we will shrink, if we are not exposed to the sun and water, if we are not nourished
NO! This doesn’t mean shelling out the dough, cheapie
This doesn’t mean we are high maintenance
This is about your time
Your listening
Your caring
Your understanding
Your not taking us for granted
Simple really
So the key to this unfathomable bliss, hard head, is that
A woman needs attention all of the time
Don’t fight it
Marinate in it, and then act on it
And prepare for a reward that will transform your world…forever
Caliente!
Keri S Smith
Running Away
It’s so bad you have to create another reality
So bad that you flirt with darkness and former enemies
You cannot coexist and remain sane
And so you fool yourself, and it disappears
It takes a stupor to drown it out
Another persona emerges
Slothful, wallowing in grime
The Anti-Action
Anti-Responsibility
Anti-You-Telling-Me-What-The-$@#%-To-Do
The Anger eventually gives way to loathing…depression…sadness…pity
The bright, fluffiness of the Box helps cover much of the ugliness
You allow the pretty colors and noises to dazzle you and delay the inevitable
This idiocy is somehow better than the reality you are running away from
You know that’s a lie, but you have to play it out
The funk is confusing; it’s hard to remember reason
Something shouts out antidotes – you know the cure – but you block that out too
You are just so entrenched
It goes on like this for a mind-numbing eternity
And then something clicks
You are sick of yourself or you are forced to return or both
You cleanse yourself with the cold, refreshing water
Fresh air flows
You are mobile
The True persona is pissed at the time that was wasted
So pissed
Much else could have been done – remember those transformational plans?!
Back in reality, you now feel robbed
The childishness of it all kills you
Hindsight shows you how you gave all of that stuff – the stuff that caused you to run – way too much importance
You’re pissed again because that funk was so darn pre-school and you have been at the graduate level for a while
You’ve already learnt this lesson!
OK! Leave it alone
You’re back
You’re ready
You’re free of it
AND
You still have to clean up the mess you created while you vacationed in that other realm
Keri S Smith
So bad that you flirt with darkness and former enemies
You cannot coexist and remain sane
And so you fool yourself, and it disappears
It takes a stupor to drown it out
Another persona emerges
Slothful, wallowing in grime
The Anti-Action
Anti-Responsibility
Anti-You-Telling-Me-What-The-$@#%-To-Do
The Anger eventually gives way to loathing…depression…sadness…pity
The bright, fluffiness of the Box helps cover much of the ugliness
You allow the pretty colors and noises to dazzle you and delay the inevitable
This idiocy is somehow better than the reality you are running away from
You know that’s a lie, but you have to play it out
The funk is confusing; it’s hard to remember reason
Something shouts out antidotes – you know the cure – but you block that out too
You are just so entrenched
It goes on like this for a mind-numbing eternity
And then something clicks
You are sick of yourself or you are forced to return or both
You cleanse yourself with the cold, refreshing water
Fresh air flows
You are mobile
The True persona is pissed at the time that was wasted
So pissed
Much else could have been done – remember those transformational plans?!
Back in reality, you now feel robbed
The childishness of it all kills you
Hindsight shows you how you gave all of that stuff – the stuff that caused you to run – way too much importance
You’re pissed again because that funk was so darn pre-school and you have been at the graduate level for a while
You’ve already learnt this lesson!
OK! Leave it alone
You’re back
You’re ready
You’re free of it
AND
You still have to clean up the mess you created while you vacationed in that other realm
Keri S Smith
Ticking
It is hard to know just what will make you detonate
You seem so high strung, so on edge, so full of doubt
And you think we must pay the price
We all tip-toe around you, no one knows what the trigger is or will be
How can we?
Sometimes you misinterpret a “Please” or a “Thank you”!
Until you, no one yelled at us for being kind
People weren’t threatened when we achieved, when we went after success
You thwart progress
We empathize somewhat
Because we know that in your world, there lives only you
The others are inconsequential, except for their role in your survival
You thrive on their downfall; you support it or make it happen
You feed on glory, we must know our place with you; a subservient tremble makes you shine
No one else can have any authority; they will never be worthy
Sadly, in our world, it’s not only us
You are there too
We are frantically working on how to deactivate this you
You cannot truly enjoy being this way and more importantly
We have to spare those other lives
Keri S. Smith
You seem so high strung, so on edge, so full of doubt
And you think we must pay the price
We all tip-toe around you, no one knows what the trigger is or will be
How can we?
Sometimes you misinterpret a “Please” or a “Thank you”!
Until you, no one yelled at us for being kind
People weren’t threatened when we achieved, when we went after success
You thwart progress
We empathize somewhat
Because we know that in your world, there lives only you
The others are inconsequential, except for their role in your survival
You thrive on their downfall; you support it or make it happen
You feed on glory, we must know our place with you; a subservient tremble makes you shine
No one else can have any authority; they will never be worthy
Sadly, in our world, it’s not only us
You are there too
We are frantically working on how to deactivate this you
You cannot truly enjoy being this way and more importantly
We have to spare those other lives
Keri S. Smith
This Smarts
Yes, we got the memo
It said you’re the smartest person on planet earth
Sure, we believed it
Nah, our knees hurt, so we can’t bow down today
Yes, yes, you’re the greatest
Uh huh – everyone knows it
You have to be, right?
Who else could come out blasting, accidentally (intentionally?) kill the ally and still maintain power?
Who else could spin such a beautiful tale out of nothing and convince many that facts should take a back seat to bluster?
Who else could demand one thing, and repeatedly do another, and still curry favor?
We’ve seen it only with you
Shucks, there’s no question about it – you’re by far the smartest person we know
Keri S. Smith
It said you’re the smartest person on planet earth
Sure, we believed it
Nah, our knees hurt, so we can’t bow down today
Yes, yes, you’re the greatest
Uh huh – everyone knows it
You have to be, right?
Who else could come out blasting, accidentally (intentionally?) kill the ally and still maintain power?
Who else could spin such a beautiful tale out of nothing and convince many that facts should take a back seat to bluster?
Who else could demand one thing, and repeatedly do another, and still curry favor?
We’ve seen it only with you
Shucks, there’s no question about it – you’re by far the smartest person we know
Keri S. Smith
Game Over
I dunno what I will do if I have to play one more darn game
We’re hot
We’re cold
We’re the best of friends, talking all of the time
There’s radio silence for a week
Great – you’re now in a bad mood – and the entire planet must acknowledge, empathize and chant “woe is me”
Yippee! Today, is Mr. Happy Day, let’s laugh and play, and sure, today I am the one who should “lighten up”…Ha – Ha – Ha (!)
Does someone have the stupid instruction manual?
Forget it! I don’t want to know how this ends
Reset
Game Over
Next!
Keri S. Smith
We’re hot
We’re cold
We’re the best of friends, talking all of the time
There’s radio silence for a week
Great – you’re now in a bad mood – and the entire planet must acknowledge, empathize and chant “woe is me”
Yippee! Today, is Mr. Happy Day, let’s laugh and play, and sure, today I am the one who should “lighten up”…Ha – Ha – Ha (!)
Does someone have the stupid instruction manual?
Forget it! I don’t want to know how this ends
Reset
Game Over
Next!
Keri S. Smith
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon Married (Allegedly)!
According to some media outlets, Mariah Carey, 38, and her boyfriend of a few months, Nick Cannon, 27, have eloped! The wedding ceremony is said to have taken place on Wednesday, April 30 on an island, with rapper DaBrat in attendance. Nick apparently loves "everything" about Mariah.
Embarrassing news about the couple came out earlier this week regarding Mariah's engagement ring. The dazzler, that Mariah was seen flashing at paparazzi, is the exact same ring that Nick used to propose to his former fiancee, Victoria Secret model Selita Ebanks. Nasty case of re-gifting - although the ring is beautiful.
Tell me this isn't all a publicity stunt to drive album sales, partially understandable given the top notch competition coming from Madonna.
Update
The wedding happened at Mariah's home in Eleuthera, Bahamas and there was no prenuptial agreement.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever
On the surface, an appropriate term would be “bleak”
Tension eats you and your lunch
You listen to the whispers of doubt
You don’t exhale – the confidence bulldozers are revving their engines
Of course you return to pre-school antics: woe is me, not good enough, not my fault, victim
You search for release
An anchor to pull you way, way above this mess
It’s the same source as always
Duh
He reminds you that if you crumble in hard times, then who were you really?
He’s training you; He disciplines those He loves
Faith is about the unseen
Be encouraged and wait
He’s never failed you yet
Keri S. Smith
Just Have Faith
Psalm 27
Of David.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.
13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Of David.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.
13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Remember Him...No One Does it Better
Jeremiah 2
1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem: " 'I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me and followed me through the desert, through a land not sown.
3 Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of his harvest; all who devoured her were held guilty, and disaster overtook them,' " declares the LORD.
4 Hear the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, all you clans of the house of Israel.
5 This is what the LORD says: "What fault did your fathers find in me, that they strayed so far from me? They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves. 6 They did not ask, 'Where is the LORD, who brought us up out of Egypt and led us through the barren wilderness, through a land of deserts and rifts, a land of drought and darkness, a land where no one travels and no one lives?'
7 I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable.
8 The priests did not ask, 'Where is the LORD ?' Those who deal with the law did not know me; the leaders rebelled against me. The prophets prophesied by Baal, following worthless idols.
9 "Therefore I bring charges against you again," declares the LORD. "And I will bring charges against your children's children.
10 Cross over to the coasts of Kittim and look, send to Kedar and observe closely; see if there has ever been anything like this:
11 Has a nation ever changed its gods? (Yet they are not gods at all.) But my people have exchanged their Glory for worthless idols.
12 Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror," declares the LORD.
13 "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
19 Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you. Consider then and realize how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the LORD your God and have no awe of me," declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty.
20 "Long ago you broke off your yoke and tore off your bonds; you said, 'I will not serve you!' Indeed, on every high hill and under every spreading tree you lay down as a prostitute.
21 I had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock. How then did you turn against me into a corrupt, wild vine?
22 Although you wash yourself with soda and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me," declares the Sovereign LORD.
23 "How can you say, 'I am not defiled; I have not run after the Baals'? See how you behaved in the valley; consider what you have done. You are a swift she-camel running here and there,
24 a wild donkey accustomed to the desert, sniffing the wind in her craving— in her heat who can restrain her? Any males that pursue her need not tire themselves; at mating time they will find her.
-------
27 They say to wood, 'You are my father,' and to stone, 'You gave me birth.' They have turned their backs to me and not their faces; yet when they are in trouble, they say,'Come and save us!'
28 Where then are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them come if they can save you when you are in trouble! For you have as many gods as you have towns, O Judah.
29 "Why do you bring charges against me? You have all rebelled against me,"declares the LORD.
30 "In vain I punished your people; they did not respond to correction. Your sword has devoured your prophets like a ravening lion.
31 "You of this generation, consider the word of the LORD : "Have I been a desert to Israel or a land of great darkness? Why do my people say, 'We are free to roam; we will come to you no more'?
32 Does a maiden forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me, days without number.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Congrats to Hillary Clinton on Winning PA!
Senator Hillary Clinton was the victor in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, April 22. Hillary previously won other big states such as Ohio, New York and California. Last night's win adds great momentum to the Clinton machine that her campaign will surely leverage to raise doubts about Obama's ability to beat McCain. Hillary gains most of the 158 delegates in P.A., however, Obama still retains the overall lead (and popular vote) with 1,694 in delegates to Clinton's 1,556.
Congrats to Clinton. Sigh. I was really hoping for a different birthday present yesterday.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Be Ye Grateful
I wonder if you will ever be happy
We have been in near perfect states together
The glorious high five moments
and you always seem to find something wrong
I cringe when I see you sometimes
I am sorry
My mind associates you with downer moments
Why so miserable?
It's not attractive
We feel pity and frustration
and a need to get the heck out of your presence
I want to grab you by the arms and shake a smile
through you system
Grow up and be happy
Keri S. Smith
We have been in near perfect states together
The glorious high five moments
and you always seem to find something wrong
I cringe when I see you sometimes
I am sorry
My mind associates you with downer moments
Why so miserable?
It's not attractive
We feel pity and frustration
and a need to get the heck out of your presence
I want to grab you by the arms and shake a smile
through you system
Grow up and be happy
Keri S. Smith
Circular Logic
It's a circle, it's round, it's perfect
We like the circle, we decided it's all about the circle
We wake up and you're screaming at us because the circle
isn't rectangular enough
What were we thinking?
We thought circle
Remember?
We breathed circles for days as you requested
OK! We get it...the circles need edges
We'll make them rectangular
We like rectangles
We're eating and breathing them...for now
Keri S. Smith
We like the circle, we decided it's all about the circle
We wake up and you're screaming at us because the circle
isn't rectangular enough
What were we thinking?
We thought circle
Remember?
We breathed circles for days as you requested
OK! We get it...the circles need edges
We'll make them rectangular
We like rectangles
We're eating and breathing them...for now
Keri S. Smith
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Live a Little
Euphoria expressed as a frown
As if acknowledging success, and
momentarily basking in shared joy was weakness
You always seem to miss the point
It is these moments of joy that sustain us and propel us forward
Your stance is so draning
Give us some reprieve
We long for a tinge of silver in your permanent cloud
We CAN smile and achieve much
We CAN laugh and be great
We beg you to let the biterness go
Lighten up
We guarantee you much better results
Keri S. Smith
As if acknowledging success, and
momentarily basking in shared joy was weakness
You always seem to miss the point
It is these moments of joy that sustain us and propel us forward
Your stance is so draning
Give us some reprieve
We long for a tinge of silver in your permanent cloud
We CAN smile and achieve much
We CAN laugh and be great
We beg you to let the biterness go
Lighten up
We guarantee you much better results
Keri S. Smith
Friday, April 11, 2008
Some Kind of Wonderful
It's still a classic.
I have lost count of how many times I have seen this movie over the years. I am yet to tire of it. Currently, I am basking in high heaven after having stumbled upon it again on cable TV.
Absolute cheese fest. Memories. Siiigh. Join me.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
The Real Deal
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31: 24-31
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31: 24-31
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Just Shuffling
Shuffling papers
Lip service
Portfolio of well-practiced, intent gazes
Overheard comments borrowed to look smart
First in, last out
Much ado about absolutely nothing
Posturing
Name dropping
Each day angering the hard-working masses
who are powerless to do anything
As you live happily ensconced in powerful relationships
Keri S. Smith
Lip service
Portfolio of well-practiced, intent gazes
Overheard comments borrowed to look smart
First in, last out
Much ado about absolutely nothing
Posturing
Name dropping
Each day angering the hard-working masses
who are powerless to do anything
As you live happily ensconced in powerful relationships
Keri S. Smith
Empty Shell
This cannot be true
Such darkness, such depravity
and no remorse
I can hardly watch, but I do
Shutting it out would dishonor the victims
You smile as you recount your misdeeds
You dare to justify such cruelty
Your justifications are fantastical
But you cling to them, you repeat them, you make others believe
You have to, in order to continue to live with what you have done
I know you face hardships
Your journey has been painful
But, should the innocent pay the price?
You acknowledge you have wronged many
You can hardly remember the number you have harmed
You say you would kill, if anyone ever repeated your acts on those you love
Yet, it continues
You are now a slave to a horrifying habit
and the victims pile up
The stench is great
You have harmed too many
with no remorse
Something must change
The world cannot handle such evil
The innocent continue to scream out for justice
Their stories are being told
Hearts are pricked
Change is on the horizon
Please Repent
Keri S. Smith
Such darkness, such depravity
and no remorse
I can hardly watch, but I do
Shutting it out would dishonor the victims
You smile as you recount your misdeeds
You dare to justify such cruelty
Your justifications are fantastical
But you cling to them, you repeat them, you make others believe
You have to, in order to continue to live with what you have done
I know you face hardships
Your journey has been painful
But, should the innocent pay the price?
You acknowledge you have wronged many
You can hardly remember the number you have harmed
You say you would kill, if anyone ever repeated your acts on those you love
Yet, it continues
You are now a slave to a horrifying habit
and the victims pile up
The stench is great
You have harmed too many
with no remorse
Something must change
The world cannot handle such evil
The innocent continue to scream out for justice
Their stories are being told
Hearts are pricked
Change is on the horizon
Please Repent
Keri S. Smith
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Congratulations to Beyonce' and Jay-Z on their Marriage!
Beyonce' and Jay-Z filed for a marriage license in NY on April 1st. With a potential wedding on the horizon, media outlets chased the story and rumours of an April 4th wedding gained significant momentum. Some felt that April 4 was a credible date because it held special significance for the couple: Beyonce's birthday is on September 4 and Jay-Z's on December 4.
Now word comes that the happy couple of 6 years were married yesterday at Jay-Z's Tribeca penthouse. It was a small affair, with about 30 in attendance, including Beyonce's immediate family, Destiny Child members Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland, and celebrity couple Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow, who all wore white.
Celebrity blogger, Perez Hilton, was the first to report the wedding date and associated details. He also went so far as to share the location of the event with his millions of readers (and the world) before the actual ceremony, and encouraged people to go to the location and say hi on his behalf. Playing fair?
Congratulations Beyonce' and Jay-Z! Cheers to a lifetime of wedded bliss.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Nipple Rings Raise Alarm @ Lubbock Airport in Texas
Imagine for a second that you have nipple rings. (Ouch!) After you pierce your nipples, the skin can heal around the piercing making subsequent removal of the rings very painful. Also, after you remove the rings, the holes in the skin can close up immediately, making reinsertion difficult.
Now imagine that you have a nipple piercing and that you are going to visit your great-uncle, and instead of driving you decided to fly. On your return trip from Lubbock, you walk successfully through the metal detector at the airport, but are pulled aside for additional screening. The hand wand beeps when the TSA Officer waves it over your breasts.
No problem. You calmly tell the officer that you have nipple piercings. That officer must be confused because the officer calls over another TSA agent, who tells you that you need to remove the nipple piercings. You probably cringe, because you know how painful removal is going to be.
You look around and see that you have now drawn a crowd. More officers come over, until the group includes four male and 2 female officers. In addition, there is a small group of interested parties peering over at you. You start to cry. Through your tears, you ask if you can show the piercings instead of removing them. You are told that you have to remove them or else you will not get on a plane. Although you are legally entitled to get a pat down instead of being forced to remove the nipple rings, no one tells you that, and so you begin the painful process.
In a private area, behind a curtain, you start to remove the piercings. One is easy, the other won't budge. You ask an officer for help and you are handed a large pair of pliers. As you cry, and struggle to remove the second piercing, you hear the male TSA officers snickering outside of the curtain. You probably want to brain them with the pliers, but you are focused on getting on that flight.
You finally are piercing free and re-enter the scan. You realize you forgot to remove your navel ring. You offer to remove it, but are told it is OK, since the officer can see it. You wonder why a similar inspection of the nipple rings couldn't have worked.
You get through the ordeal. You think about the pain, and humiliation that you would not wish on anyone else and then you call Gloria Allred, renown celebrity attorney.
Mandi Hamlin, 37, went through this experience on February 24, 2008. She is now demanding an apology from the TSA, and if one is not forthcoming she will plan to pursue legal options. Gloria Allred, Mandi's attorney, told reporters at a news conference that, "the conduct of TSA was cruel and unnecessary. Last time that I checked, a nipple was not a dangerous weapon. People who are pierced should not be snickered at, should not become the object of ridicule, should not be singled out for special and uneven and unequal treatment. They should be respected just like everybody else." Mandi told the reporters that "I wouldn't wish this experience upon anyone. I felt surprised, embarrassed, humiliated and scared. No one deserves to go through this."
The TSA released a statement admitting that "our procedures caused difficulty for the passenger involved and regrets (the) situation in which she found herself. We appreciate her raising awareness on this issue and we are changing the procedures to ensure that this does not happen again." The TSA also added that it was "well aware of terrorists' interest in hiding dangerous items in sensitive areas of the body. Therefore, we have a duty to the American public to resolve any alarm that we discover."
Apparently the TSA's Public Affairs office reached out to Mandi on Friday and she is open to giving them an opportunity to "do the right thing now."
As for flying again, Mandi says she will fly, but never from the Lubbock airport in Texas.
Source: CNN
LeBron James - Gisele Bundchen's Vogue Cover: Racist?
I looked at the cover and thought it was striking. Attention grabbing. Apparently some people looked at it and thought it was racist. Whaaat?! Someone please educate me.
Some say that the picture of LeBron is stereotypical, in that it shows James as the dangerous black man. LeBron, according to complaints, looks like King Kong and Gisele is the helpless Fay Wray. Also, the picture allegedly hits on another stereotype: the black man wanting the white woman.
Overly sensitive, are we?
I see a famous athlete - looking all powerful and like the champ he is. As a sign of his power and charisma, he just happens to be hanging out with one of the hottest models around. End of story.
Vogue, through spokesman Patrick O'Connell said that the magazine "sought to celebrate two superstars at the top of their game" in their once a year issue devoted to size and shape. He continued to say that "We think LeBron James and Gisele Bundchen look beautiful together and we are honored to have them on the cover."
Even if I stretch my imagination, I see no racism. The only complaint I could have is that Vogue is way, way behind the times, because it took them until 2008 to have their first black man on the magazine cover, when there have been so many viable candidates over the decades. If I think about that, maybe I will get upset.
Some say that the picture of LeBron is stereotypical, in that it shows James as the dangerous black man. LeBron, according to complaints, looks like King Kong and Gisele is the helpless Fay Wray. Also, the picture allegedly hits on another stereotype: the black man wanting the white woman.
Overly sensitive, are we?
I see a famous athlete - looking all powerful and like the champ he is. As a sign of his power and charisma, he just happens to be hanging out with one of the hottest models around. End of story.
Vogue, through spokesman Patrick O'Connell said that the magazine "sought to celebrate two superstars at the top of their game" in their once a year issue devoted to size and shape. He continued to say that "We think LeBron James and Gisele Bundchen look beautiful together and we are honored to have them on the cover."
Even if I stretch my imagination, I see no racism. The only complaint I could have is that Vogue is way, way behind the times, because it took them until 2008 to have their first black man on the magazine cover, when there have been so many viable candidates over the decades. If I think about that, maybe I will get upset.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Hillary Clinton Caught in a Lie - Sniper Fabrication
Embellishment can be dangerous. Who hasn't been there? You spice up the story to make it more intriguing, you exaggerate to add more colour. Well, Hillary took it a bit too far and now her credibility is suffering.
Hillary Clinton has been lambasted in the press for lying about being at risk under sniper fire during a trip to Bosnia she made as first lady. Last Monday, during a speech on Iraq, Hillary waxed poetic about her Bosnia trip. Clinton said, "I remember landing under sniper fire. There was supposed to be some kind of a greeting ceremony at the airport, but instead, we just ran with our heads down to get into the vehicles to get to our base." In December 2007, she had a similar dramatic version of events, "We landed in one of those corkscrew landings and ran out because they said there might be sniper fire. I don't remember anybody offering me tea on the tarmac when that was happening." Sounds exciting and also bolsters your run for president...except if you made it all up.
Videos of Clinton's trip to Bosnia reveal that she was greeted by a local school girl who read her a poem, along with a group of other children. No violence is seen on any of the footage.
The military is strongly condemning Hillary's fabrication, because of course it makes them look bad. Imagine that you are in charge of protecting the first lady and you allow her to be at risk of losing her life? You shouldn't bother showing up for work the next day. Retired General Walter Stewart said that Clinton's claims were insulting and noted that "heads would have rolled all over" if the military ever put the first lady at such levels of risk.
Clinton is also being criticized for making light of a very serious issue. A former Army analyst, quoted in the NY Post said, "You know, we have soldiers overseas now who are getting shot at by real bullets from real enemies who really want to kill them. Getting shot at by snipers is not something you forget - or make light of. If getting shot at by sniper fire qualifies you to be president, then there are thousands of guys in the military right now who are way more qualified than Hillary Clinton to be our next president."
Hillary has responded to the backlash by saying that she misspoke and admitting that the military did take good care of her. Clinton speaking on a Pittsburgh radio station yesterday said, "I have written about it in my book and talked about it on many other occasions and last week, you know, for the first time in 12 or so years, I misspoke."
First time you "misspoke" in 12 years? You know the Obama camp was not going to let Hillary get away that easily. Obama's campaign quickly identified at least 3 other times over the past several months where Clinton had shared her "under sniper fire" story.
Currently labelled a serial liar, it will be interesting to see how Hillary bounces back. I predict a few attacks on Obama's character coming from the Clinton campaign very soon and/or pictures of Clinton attending a church service or volunteering.
Hillary Clinton has been lambasted in the press for lying about being at risk under sniper fire during a trip to Bosnia she made as first lady. Last Monday, during a speech on Iraq, Hillary waxed poetic about her Bosnia trip. Clinton said, "I remember landing under sniper fire. There was supposed to be some kind of a greeting ceremony at the airport, but instead, we just ran with our heads down to get into the vehicles to get to our base." In December 2007, she had a similar dramatic version of events, "We landed in one of those corkscrew landings and ran out because they said there might be sniper fire. I don't remember anybody offering me tea on the tarmac when that was happening." Sounds exciting and also bolsters your run for president...except if you made it all up.
Videos of Clinton's trip to Bosnia reveal that she was greeted by a local school girl who read her a poem, along with a group of other children. No violence is seen on any of the footage.
The military is strongly condemning Hillary's fabrication, because of course it makes them look bad. Imagine that you are in charge of protecting the first lady and you allow her to be at risk of losing her life? You shouldn't bother showing up for work the next day. Retired General Walter Stewart said that Clinton's claims were insulting and noted that "heads would have rolled all over" if the military ever put the first lady at such levels of risk.
Clinton is also being criticized for making light of a very serious issue. A former Army analyst, quoted in the NY Post said, "You know, we have soldiers overseas now who are getting shot at by real bullets from real enemies who really want to kill them. Getting shot at by snipers is not something you forget - or make light of. If getting shot at by sniper fire qualifies you to be president, then there are thousands of guys in the military right now who are way more qualified than Hillary Clinton to be our next president."
Hillary has responded to the backlash by saying that she misspoke and admitting that the military did take good care of her. Clinton speaking on a Pittsburgh radio station yesterday said, "I have written about it in my book and talked about it on many other occasions and last week, you know, for the first time in 12 or so years, I misspoke."
First time you "misspoke" in 12 years? You know the Obama camp was not going to let Hillary get away that easily. Obama's campaign quickly identified at least 3 other times over the past several months where Clinton had shared her "under sniper fire" story.
Currently labelled a serial liar, it will be interesting to see how Hillary bounces back. I predict a few attacks on Obama's character coming from the Clinton campaign very soon and/or pictures of Clinton attending a church service or volunteering.
Thanksgiving
Thank you Lord
Thank you Lord
Thank you Lord
I just want to thank you Lord
For giving me one more day
For giving me one more day
For giving me one more day
I just want to thank you Lord
Thank you Lord
Thank you Lord
Thank you Lord
I just want to thank you Lord
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Laundry Day - I just want clean clothes!
Got enough quarters for 2 loads, have all the clothes to be washed in the laundry basket, it's early enough that I should find available washing machines. Feeling good.
Whoah, the machines don't accept quarters anymore. You now need to use money cards. The machine to purchase money cards only accepts $5, $10 an $20 bills. Sigh. Head back up to see if I have any cash. Really don't want to have to go to ATM just to get laundry done. Eureka! I found a $5 bill. Head back down to laundry room.
Sigh. The machine accepts the $5 and then spits it back out. I read the instructions closely and see minimum purchase is $10. I need a break from laundry, it's lunch time.
Post-lunch, I head outside to the ATM. I walk back and re-enter the laundry room with $20s in my pocket. I place a $20 bill into the money card machine. The machine accepts it and then spits it back out. Siiiiigh!! The stupid machine will only accept $10 bills! False advertising!
I head back outside, go to the corner store and swap a $20 for 2 $10s. I then head back to the laundry room...and...I am finally able to purchase the stupid money card!
Wow. Who knew it would be this hard to get clean clothes?
(N.B. Despite the rigmarole, I think the idea of money cards, vs. quarters, is actually more convenient.)
Whoah, the machines don't accept quarters anymore. You now need to use money cards. The machine to purchase money cards only accepts $5, $10 an $20 bills. Sigh. Head back up to see if I have any cash. Really don't want to have to go to ATM just to get laundry done. Eureka! I found a $5 bill. Head back down to laundry room.
Sigh. The machine accepts the $5 and then spits it back out. I read the instructions closely and see minimum purchase is $10. I need a break from laundry, it's lunch time.
Post-lunch, I head outside to the ATM. I walk back and re-enter the laundry room with $20s in my pocket. I place a $20 bill into the money card machine. The machine accepts it and then spits it back out. Siiiiigh!! The stupid machine will only accept $10 bills! False advertising!
I head back outside, go to the corner store and swap a $20 for 2 $10s. I then head back to the laundry room...and...I am finally able to purchase the stupid money card!
Wow. Who knew it would be this hard to get clean clothes?
(N.B. Despite the rigmarole, I think the idea of money cards, vs. quarters, is actually more convenient.)
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Entwined with Patience
Talking to you sometimes feels like
I am violently scrubbing my skin with Scotch-Brite
shuddering as the jagged green edges grate continuously over my tender skin
At other times, it is as if I were a
wounded dog, desperately limping for shelter
just about to get to the sanctuary, and then having you
kick me sharply in the gut, more than once,
and the extreme pain just never dissolves into numbness
You make me want to fight
You make me want to rage
You make me want to forget my love for humanity
To forget what I know, and strive to be
Which is a wise person, who is
quick to listen
slow to respond
ready to forgive
But, then I hold on to sanity
I realize who you are
and that having you control anything about me
especially my emotions
is absolute madness
I fight for control
I get angry and sin not
I put you in your place or
I let it slide
I forgive
Ultimately, I am not my own,
but called for a greater purpose
No one said it would be easy
but it is a must,
with unbelievable benefits
Keri S. Smith
I am violently scrubbing my skin with Scotch-Brite
shuddering as the jagged green edges grate continuously over my tender skin
At other times, it is as if I were a
wounded dog, desperately limping for shelter
just about to get to the sanctuary, and then having you
kick me sharply in the gut, more than once,
and the extreme pain just never dissolves into numbness
You make me want to fight
You make me want to rage
You make me want to forget my love for humanity
To forget what I know, and strive to be
Which is a wise person, who is
quick to listen
slow to respond
ready to forgive
But, then I hold on to sanity
I realize who you are
and that having you control anything about me
especially my emotions
is absolute madness
I fight for control
I get angry and sin not
I put you in your place or
I let it slide
I forgive
Ultimately, I am not my own,
but called for a greater purpose
No one said it would be easy
but it is a must,
with unbelievable benefits
Keri S. Smith
Halle Berry Gives Birth to First Child: A Baby Girl
Halle Berry gave birth to her first child on Sunday in Los Angeles. Halle, 41, and model Gabriel Aubry, 32, are the proud parents of a baby girl.
Halle has wanted to be a mother for a long time, and according to CNN, she told Oprah that she was convinced that motherhood was for her after playing a mother in "Things We Lost in the Fire." "I think it validated that I was meant to be a mother because every day I dealt with the character as a mother and thinking as a mother," Berry said. "It let me know that I must be a mother."
Halle has been married twice before, and has no immediate plans to wed Gabriel. The couple met in November 2005 during a Versace photo shoot. Halle says that they both feel fully committed to each other.
Their daughter is yet to be named, but Berry confirmed that their child would take on Gabriel's last name.
Update - March 19th - Baby's Name
The baby's name is Nahla Ariela Aubrey. Nahla is an Arabic-based name that means, "drink of water." Nahla weighed 7lbs 4oz.
Halle has wanted to be a mother for a long time, and according to CNN, she told Oprah that she was convinced that motherhood was for her after playing a mother in "Things We Lost in the Fire." "I think it validated that I was meant to be a mother because every day I dealt with the character as a mother and thinking as a mother," Berry said. "It let me know that I must be a mother."
Halle has been married twice before, and has no immediate plans to wed Gabriel. The couple met in November 2005 during a Versace photo shoot. Halle says that they both feel fully committed to each other.
Their daughter is yet to be named, but Berry confirmed that their child would take on Gabriel's last name.
Update - March 19th - Baby's Name
The baby's name is Nahla Ariela Aubrey. Nahla is an Arabic-based name that means, "drink of water." Nahla weighed 7lbs 4oz.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
LOL of the Day - Friends with Benefits
"We're just friends"
"You know what that means, right? Friends with benefits. That is, medical, dental and a $25 co-pay"
Source: Comedian on E! making fun of the typical celebrity answer, 'No, we're just friends', when they are asked about their romantic relationships
"You know what that means, right? Friends with benefits. That is, medical, dental and a $25 co-pay"
Source: Comedian on E! making fun of the typical celebrity answer, 'No, we're just friends', when they are asked about their romantic relationships
7 Month-Old Baby Girl Dies Accidentally - Forgotten in Back Seat of Dad's Car
Sad news.
A father in Houston,Texas, accidentally left his baby daughter in the back seat of his car, where she died from the heat.
Normally, the girl and her brother would be dropped off at day care together in the morning, but on Friday, the mother carried the brother to day care separately because of swim practice. This change in routine proved deadly. The father, forgetting to drop his daughter at day care, left her in his parked car at Rice University, where he works. He realized his error when he arrived at day care in the evening to pick up his children and found his dead daughter in the back seat of his car.
A father in Houston,Texas, accidentally left his baby daughter in the back seat of his car, where she died from the heat.
Normally, the girl and her brother would be dropped off at day care together in the morning, but on Friday, the mother carried the brother to day care separately because of swim practice. This change in routine proved deadly. The father, forgetting to drop his daughter at day care, left her in his parked car at Rice University, where he works. He realized his error when he arrived at day care in the evening to pick up his children and found his dead daughter in the back seat of his car.
Good Friends with a Liar
Recently I realized how easy lying was for you
I saw you lie to save face
Was OK with you lying to justify a greater good
Heard you lie to get your own way
Was with you when you lied for convenience
You always lie...
maybe because it is the only tool you have honed
and because it seems to work so well
so far, I have let it slide
But doubts have surfaced
and while I believe I am in your inner circle,
As I sit here with you and examine your beautiful, smiling face
As I am again enraptured by your pleasing words
I wonder, how much of us is a lie too
Keri S. Smith
I saw you lie to save face
Was OK with you lying to justify a greater good
Heard you lie to get your own way
Was with you when you lied for convenience
You always lie...
maybe because it is the only tool you have honed
and because it seems to work so well
so far, I have let it slide
But doubts have surfaced
and while I believe I am in your inner circle,
As I sit here with you and examine your beautiful, smiling face
As I am again enraptured by your pleasing words
I wonder, how much of us is a lie too
Keri S. Smith
Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood in Concert at Madison Square Gardens
Night 1: February 25th
Together again after ~40 years.
Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood initially collaborated in the late 60s through the formation of a group called Blind Faith. While highly successful, the band stayed together only for a short time, long enough to launch one album and a tour and to create an appetite for a new sound: the fusion of blues and rock music.
As an audience, we were then starved for years, until we received another taste of the duo during the 2007 Clapton and Winwood collaboration at the Chicago Crossroads Guitar festival. And now, in 2008, there is finally more food to satisfy the craving. The superstars granted us a spectacular 3-night showdown at the Gardens in New York in late February.
Despite all the anticipation, the night started out on a slightly embarrassing note. Steve Winwood was on the piano and another guy was playing back up guitar. The guy on the guitar was really good. A few of us commented that said guy looked a lot like Eric Clapton. But of course it could not have been him…nobody puts Eric in the corner (shameless quote stealing from Dirty Dancing)! A while later, when this guy on the guitar started doing solo pieces, someone said that the backup guitarist got a great promotion. We all chuckled. How embarrassing for us, self-proclaimed fans, to realize that the guitarist was indeed Eric Clapton. Oops. We quickly and quietly got over our gaffe, and enjoyed the superb show.
It was wonderful to see such talented musicians, in no-frills attire, completely relaxed, sharing stories, and laughing, as they alternated between solo and combined segments. Clapton and Winwood performed hit songs from their own repertoire as well as from other greats. Winwood, on the piano, rendered a powerful vocal performance of “Georgia on My Mind”, and if you closed your eyes, you could almost think that you were listening to Ray Charles. Clapton displayed his skills on the guitar across many songs, including, “Presence of the Lord” and “Kind Hearted Woman Blues.” The Clapton/Winwood duo continued to rock the house for several hours, and we left the concert well-fed that night.
Today though, we are again hungry, and longing for the date and time of the next meal. Eric, Steve – we hope it will be soon.
Together again after ~40 years.
Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood initially collaborated in the late 60s through the formation of a group called Blind Faith. While highly successful, the band stayed together only for a short time, long enough to launch one album and a tour and to create an appetite for a new sound: the fusion of blues and rock music.
As an audience, we were then starved for years, until we received another taste of the duo during the 2007 Clapton and Winwood collaboration at the Chicago Crossroads Guitar festival. And now, in 2008, there is finally more food to satisfy the craving. The superstars granted us a spectacular 3-night showdown at the Gardens in New York in late February.
Despite all the anticipation, the night started out on a slightly embarrassing note. Steve Winwood was on the piano and another guy was playing back up guitar. The guy on the guitar was really good. A few of us commented that said guy looked a lot like Eric Clapton. But of course it could not have been him…nobody puts Eric in the corner (shameless quote stealing from Dirty Dancing)! A while later, when this guy on the guitar started doing solo pieces, someone said that the backup guitarist got a great promotion. We all chuckled. How embarrassing for us, self-proclaimed fans, to realize that the guitarist was indeed Eric Clapton. Oops. We quickly and quietly got over our gaffe, and enjoyed the superb show.
It was wonderful to see such talented musicians, in no-frills attire, completely relaxed, sharing stories, and laughing, as they alternated between solo and combined segments. Clapton and Winwood performed hit songs from their own repertoire as well as from other greats. Winwood, on the piano, rendered a powerful vocal performance of “Georgia on My Mind”, and if you closed your eyes, you could almost think that you were listening to Ray Charles. Clapton displayed his skills on the guitar across many songs, including, “Presence of the Lord” and “Kind Hearted Woman Blues.” The Clapton/Winwood duo continued to rock the house for several hours, and we left the concert well-fed that night.
Today though, we are again hungry, and longing for the date and time of the next meal. Eric, Steve – we hope it will be soon.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Surprisingly Poor Track Record for Clarence Thomas
I was stunned to read about Supreme Court Justice, Clarence Thomas' performance over the past 2 years.
According to Time magazine, Thomas has NEVER asked a question during any of the court's oral arguments over the past two years. To put this in context, there have been 144 cases brought before the court since Thomas last commented on February 22, 2006, during a death-penalty case.
That is just ridiculous.
http://kerijam.blogspot.com/2008/01/anita-hill-clarence-thomas-17-years.html
According to Time magazine, Thomas has NEVER asked a question during any of the court's oral arguments over the past two years. To put this in context, there have been 144 cases brought before the court since Thomas last commented on February 22, 2006, during a death-penalty case.
That is just ridiculous.
http://kerijam.blogspot.com/2008/01/anita-hill-clarence-thomas-17-years.html
Things that make you go "huh??!"
Sitting at a social hour with some folks. Crowded room. Loud music. I had a box of cards on the table, wrapped in plastic. Great evening. Towards the end of the evening, I see my box of cards in their plastic wrapper, being lifted from the table by a woman at an adjacent booth. I stare in shock. What's she doing with my stuff?
The woman then proceeds to rub the plastic (my plastic!) all over her face. I ask the people with me, who are closer to the woman, to get my box of cards back ASAP. At the same time, the woman's date grabs the box from her and places it back on my table.
Huh????!!
The woman then proceeds to rub the plastic (my plastic!) all over her face. I ask the people with me, who are closer to the woman, to get my box of cards back ASAP. At the same time, the woman's date grabs the box from her and places it back on my table.
Huh????!!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
The Democrats and John McCain are Lapping up President Bush's McCain Endorsement
Embraced by President George Bush...is that really the look to go for if you want to become the next President?
John McCain certainly thinks so. He is ecstatic that he received Bush's endorsement today. Bush has said that he will do whatever McCain asks, because he wants John to win. McCain said that he appreciated Bush's endorsement and "service to our country." McCain went further to say that he wanted Bush at his side as much as possible on the campaign trail.
Given Bush's track record, it seems a bit odd that McCain is doing cartwheels about the current President's endorsement. However, there may be some method to the seeming madness. A current official states that Bush will help McCain raise a lot of money. Also, according to this official, Bush is extremely popular with the GOP base and can influence them at election time. Really?
Back in Democratsville, the Democrats are high-fiving over McCains bullish support of President Bush and Bush's bullish support of McCain. They feel that they couldn't have received a better gift. According to Paul Begala, a Democratic strategist and CNN contributor, McCain has "now become Bush's third term." Why? Begala feels that McCain has "embraced the Bush tax cuts that he voted against. He was against them being temporary; now he wants them being permanent. That's like marrying a girl you didn't want to date. He is rushed to Bush's Social Security plan, even disavowing his own Social Security plan on his own Web site." Ouch.
Given Bush's reputation on the global stage, as well as in the U.S., McCain should carefully manage his need for money and influence in the Republican party, with other potentially negative ramifications of highly visible support from President Bush.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/05/mccain.bush/index.html
John McCain certainly thinks so. He is ecstatic that he received Bush's endorsement today. Bush has said that he will do whatever McCain asks, because he wants John to win. McCain said that he appreciated Bush's endorsement and "service to our country." McCain went further to say that he wanted Bush at his side as much as possible on the campaign trail.
Given Bush's track record, it seems a bit odd that McCain is doing cartwheels about the current President's endorsement. However, there may be some method to the seeming madness. A current official states that Bush will help McCain raise a lot of money. Also, according to this official, Bush is extremely popular with the GOP base and can influence them at election time. Really?
Back in Democratsville, the Democrats are high-fiving over McCains bullish support of President Bush and Bush's bullish support of McCain. They feel that they couldn't have received a better gift. According to Paul Begala, a Democratic strategist and CNN contributor, McCain has "now become Bush's third term." Why? Begala feels that McCain has "embraced the Bush tax cuts that he voted against. He was against them being temporary; now he wants them being permanent. That's like marrying a girl you didn't want to date. He is rushed to Bush's Social Security plan, even disavowing his own Social Security plan on his own Web site." Ouch.
Given Bush's reputation on the global stage, as well as in the U.S., McCain should carefully manage his need for money and influence in the Republican party, with other potentially negative ramifications of highly visible support from President Bush.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/05/mccain.bush/index.html
Nicole Ritchie Beats Aguilera...by a long shot
In the battle of magazine covers - covers of celebrity baby pictures to be precise - we have J. Lo at one end of the spectrum with $6.4 Million from People magazine, and Christina Aguilera falling more mid-tier, with $1.5 Million from People. Sales success for these editions can vary wildly. Christina Aguilera's cover didn't fare well, and Ms. Aguilera was not pleased and apparently revamped her management team in response to the poor sales. Nicole Ritchie, Lionel's daughter, ex-heroin addict, and Joel Madden's baby mama, apparently had a relatively smaller payout from People than Aguilera, but her baby pics are doing a lot better.
Nicole is expected to sell over 1.8 Million copies, much more than Aguilera. The reason? Nicole is more interesting - she is dating a tattooed rock-star, she has a famous dad, she was once a wild and crazy Paris Hilton BFF, who apparently has seen the light...and has calmed down. Who wouldn't pay to read about that?
http://kerijam.blogspot.com/2008/02/jlos-6million-dollar-babies.html
Nicole is expected to sell over 1.8 Million copies, much more than Aguilera. The reason? Nicole is more interesting - she is dating a tattooed rock-star, she has a famous dad, she was once a wild and crazy Paris Hilton BFF, who apparently has seen the light...and has calmed down. Who wouldn't pay to read about that?
http://kerijam.blogspot.com/2008/02/jlos-6million-dollar-babies.html
OMG - Hillary is suggesting a Clinton-Obama Dream Ticket!
Fresh off of her big wins in Ohio and Texas yesterday, and likely giddy with confidence and excitement, Senator Clinton is strongly hinting at a Clinton-Obama Democratic ticket, with her, of course at the top.
Clinton said, "that may be where this is headed. But of course we have to decide who is on the top of the ticket. I think the people of Ohio very clearly said it should be me. I really think that now that Senator John McCain is going to be the nominee, Democratic voters have begun to take their decision very seriously, and that works to my benefit. This campaign is evolving. New questions are being raised. New challenges are being put to my opponent."
Someone should alert Obama about this potential shared ticket. He still views himself as the front runner and felt that Clinton's recent victories had minimal impact on his lead. Obama shared that, he and his team would "continue to win delegates. We will continue to campaign in every state and, by taking that approach, I am pretty confident we will have won more states, won more delegates and won more of the popular vote...we are going to be in a stronger position."
Source: CNN, Newsday.com
Clinton said, "that may be where this is headed. But of course we have to decide who is on the top of the ticket. I think the people of Ohio very clearly said it should be me. I really think that now that Senator John McCain is going to be the nominee, Democratic voters have begun to take their decision very seriously, and that works to my benefit. This campaign is evolving. New questions are being raised. New challenges are being put to my opponent."
Someone should alert Obama about this potential shared ticket. He still views himself as the front runner and felt that Clinton's recent victories had minimal impact on his lead. Obama shared that, he and his team would "continue to win delegates. We will continue to campaign in every state and, by taking that approach, I am pretty confident we will have won more states, won more delegates and won more of the popular vote...we are going to be in a stronger position."
Source: CNN, Newsday.com
Hillary Did It - Texas, Ohio and Rhode Island are Hers
Obama had great momentum. He attained 12 consecutive wins since Super Tuesday. There were high hopes for him for the next primaries. He won Vermont. Was he a sure thing for the Democratic nomination? Not yet. Senator Clinton resurges.
To remain competitive, Hillary had to win in Ohio and Texas - delegate rich states. She won both contests as well as Rhode Island. According to her husband, that makes her a sure thing for the Democratic nomination. The reality is that neither Barack nor Hillary have enough pledged delegates in order to win - Obama is in the lead with 1,378 and Clinton has 1,269; candidates will need 2,025 to gain the nomination.
Obama continued to do well with the youth vote, while Clinton had greater success with the over 60 crowd. As expected, Clinton received strong support from the Hispanics - 64% vs. Obama's 32% - and Obama held on to the Black vote - 83% compared to Clinton's 16%.
The drama continues on the Democratic front, with no clear winner in sight. On the Republican side, Huckabee finally got the message and dropped out of the race, in light of McCain's wins in Ohio, Texas and Rhode Island. McCain has more than the 1,191 delegates needed for the Republican nomination and is expected to receive President Bush's endorsement today.
To remain competitive, Hillary had to win in Ohio and Texas - delegate rich states. She won both contests as well as Rhode Island. According to her husband, that makes her a sure thing for the Democratic nomination. The reality is that neither Barack nor Hillary have enough pledged delegates in order to win - Obama is in the lead with 1,378 and Clinton has 1,269; candidates will need 2,025 to gain the nomination.
Obama continued to do well with the youth vote, while Clinton had greater success with the over 60 crowd. As expected, Clinton received strong support from the Hispanics - 64% vs. Obama's 32% - and Obama held on to the Black vote - 83% compared to Clinton's 16%.
The drama continues on the Democratic front, with no clear winner in sight. On the Republican side, Huckabee finally got the message and dropped out of the race, in light of McCain's wins in Ohio, Texas and Rhode Island. McCain has more than the 1,191 delegates needed for the Republican nomination and is expected to receive President Bush's endorsement today.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Encouragement - Excerpts from Proverbs 10
3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
8 The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
9 The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.
19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
21 The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.
22 The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.
25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.
8 The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
9 The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.
19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
21 The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.
22 The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.
25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.
Barack Obama's US Weekly Interview
So how familiar are you with US Weekly?
My wife reads it.
What's your preferred reading material, then?
The books I never tire of are the ones I read with my daughters. Malia and I recently finished reading the Harry Potter series out loud to each other.
Do Malia or Sasha ever ask about Britney Spears?
Actually, yeah. But they're very sensible. They're pretty down on Britney and Paris and all of that. They think that's very "yuck". They're way more into Hannah Montana and Beyonce'. They got to go backstage and meet Beyonce', and they just love her to death.
What if they wanted to become actresses?
I would support any decision they make, but my instinct is that my 9-year-old will shy away from the limelight. My 6-year-old on the other hand, is a ham! I don't know if this will continue or not, but that's their temperament right now.
Are you a cool dad?
I think I'm pretty cool. I'm sure I could embarrass my girls, but I choose not to. [Even when I danced with Ellen DeGeneres], I thought [my moves] were pretty sweet. That's why my 9-year-old isn't embarrassed - because I can "bust a move," as they say.
Your supporters include Oprah Winfrey. Ever been starstruck?
I don't really get starstruck. Everyone I've met has been very nice and friendly, like Kal Penn. During the writers' strike, he was like a staffer! And Scarlett Johansson has been traveling a lot. George Clooney is a good friend. He and I worked on Darfur issues together. I'm always impressed by people who do their homework...and use their celebrity to advocate for issues. George does that just about as well as anyone I know.
Does Michelle have a celebrity crush?
She loves Stevie Wonder. I've been teasing her because Stevie fell off the stage at one of our events. I said to her, "This is your favorite performer, and you push him off the stage?" Fortunately, he was OK.
Name the songs for your campaign soundtrack.
I'm pretty partial to the "Yes We Can" song made by a group of talented supporters. A couple of others we play at rallies are "Think" by Aretha Franklin and "City of Blinding Lights" by U2.
What do you do in your free time?
I'll take a look at the sports pages to see how the White Sox or the Bulls are doing. Michelle loves Sudoku.
Your favourite foods?
I like a good chili, and cobbler. [According to Michelle, he "makes a mean chili!"] But in a rush, I snack on trail mix.
So, boxers or briefs?
I don't answer those humiliating questions. But, whichever one it is, I look good in 'em!
Source: US Weekly, Issue 682, March 10, 2008
My wife reads it.
What's your preferred reading material, then?
The books I never tire of are the ones I read with my daughters. Malia and I recently finished reading the Harry Potter series out loud to each other.
Do Malia or Sasha ever ask about Britney Spears?
Actually, yeah. But they're very sensible. They're pretty down on Britney and Paris and all of that. They think that's very "yuck". They're way more into Hannah Montana and Beyonce'. They got to go backstage and meet Beyonce', and they just love her to death.
What if they wanted to become actresses?
I would support any decision they make, but my instinct is that my 9-year-old will shy away from the limelight. My 6-year-old on the other hand, is a ham! I don't know if this will continue or not, but that's their temperament right now.
Are you a cool dad?
I think I'm pretty cool. I'm sure I could embarrass my girls, but I choose not to. [Even when I danced with Ellen DeGeneres], I thought [my moves] were pretty sweet. That's why my 9-year-old isn't embarrassed - because I can "bust a move," as they say.
Your supporters include Oprah Winfrey. Ever been starstruck?
I don't really get starstruck. Everyone I've met has been very nice and friendly, like Kal Penn. During the writers' strike, he was like a staffer! And Scarlett Johansson has been traveling a lot. George Clooney is a good friend. He and I worked on Darfur issues together. I'm always impressed by people who do their homework...and use their celebrity to advocate for issues. George does that just about as well as anyone I know.
Does Michelle have a celebrity crush?
She loves Stevie Wonder. I've been teasing her because Stevie fell off the stage at one of our events. I said to her, "This is your favorite performer, and you push him off the stage?" Fortunately, he was OK.
Name the songs for your campaign soundtrack.
I'm pretty partial to the "Yes We Can" song made by a group of talented supporters. A couple of others we play at rallies are "Think" by Aretha Franklin and "City of Blinding Lights" by U2.
What do you do in your free time?
I'll take a look at the sports pages to see how the White Sox or the Bulls are doing. Michelle loves Sudoku.
Your favourite foods?
I like a good chili, and cobbler. [According to Michelle, he "makes a mean chili!"] But in a rush, I snack on trail mix.
So, boxers or briefs?
I don't answer those humiliating questions. But, whichever one it is, I look good in 'em!
Source: US Weekly, Issue 682, March 10, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
Nobility Rocks!
A noble woman is
- invaluable
- enterprising
- a leader
- well-respected
- financially independent
- proactive
- wise
- industrious
- well-loved
- generous
- sacrificial
- confident
- fearless
- unshakable
- successful
- praise worthy
- blessed
The Wife of Noble Character (Proverbs 31: 10 - 31)
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Wally Refuses to Stay Fired!
I knew Wally would fight back! Nobody fires him!
Must Read - Proverbs (Old Testament)
I am loving the book of Proverbs. It is so chockful of wisdom. Right now, I am reading chapters in the mid-20s and here are some samples of verses that I really like:
Proverbs 24: 10
If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!
Proverbs 24: 16-18
For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity. Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.
Proverbs 24: 29
Do not say, "I'll do to him as he has done to me; I'll pay that man back for what he did."
Proverbs 24: 33-34
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.
Proverbs 25: 6-7
Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among great men; it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here," than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman.
Proverbs 25: 9-10
If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man's confidence, or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation.
Proverbs 25: 15
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
Proverbs 25: 19
Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.
Proverbs 25: 21-22
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
Proverbs 26: 11
As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
Proverbs 26: 12
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 26: 14
As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.
Proverbs 26: 17
Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own.
Proverbs 27: 2
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.
Proverbs 24: 10
If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!
Proverbs 24: 16-18
For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity. Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.
Proverbs 24: 29
Do not say, "I'll do to him as he has done to me; I'll pay that man back for what he did."
Proverbs 24: 33-34
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.
Proverbs 25: 6-7
Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among great men; it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here," than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman.
Proverbs 25: 9-10
If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man's confidence, or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation.
Proverbs 25: 15
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
Proverbs 25: 19
Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.
Proverbs 25: 21-22
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
Proverbs 26: 11
As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
Proverbs 26: 12
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 26: 14
As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.
Proverbs 26: 17
Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own.
Proverbs 27: 2
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.
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