Gimme the Energy! Blaze a Good Fire

These days, we have to beg people to give some positive energy. As the young boys will say "VIBES". It's too much funny and bad vibes. We are not really progressing if we keep acting this way.

I'm not perfect but most days I try. At work, church or in any organization, you want to feel good vibes and good energy. You want to be a part of anything that has a good culture and comraderie.

I'm not going to pretend like life is perfect and there won't be obstacles, but we have to find ways to overcome these issues. It is just unacceptable for people to drag their foot in life and in turn drag you with them. We'll have to literally 'blaze fire' under their feet to get them running and moving forward.

We don't have to wait until 2012 or another milestone to get on the right foot. Let's just drop our dirty ways and run forward. The 'hamster in the wheel' mentality only kills any good intentions by a new person joining a group. That's when I go "GRRRRRRRRRR" because who really wants to be in a 'box' or a 'rut'.

GET UP and Let's JUMP FORWARD!

Gospel Music of 2000: Live in London and More by Donnie McClurkin

Donnie McClurkin brings gospel alive with his inspiring lyrics. His release of Live in London & More in 2000 features "Caribbean Medley" and "We Fall Down."

Live in London and More was recorded live at the Fairfield Hall in Croydon in London by Pastor Donnie McClurkin. There are thirteen songs on the album which went platinum. Churches, Christian radio stations and homes played and continue to play "We Fall Down" and "Lord I Lift Your Name on High" because these songs send powerful messages to listeners.

Pastor Donnie McClurkin Sings Popular Christian Music

Donnie McClurkin is the pastor of the Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, New York. His musical influences include Pastor Andrae Couch of the Christ Memorial Church. In the "Intro" of Live in London and More, it is shared that Donnie McClurkin sang "Stand" and "Speak to My Heart," both from his self-titled Donnie McClurkin album which was released in 1996. McClurkin also wrote and sang "I Am" from Prince of Egypt soundtrack which was released in 1998.

Donnie McClurkin's Grammy Award Winning Gospel Music

As of 2010, McClurkin has won three Grammy awards. According to the biography on his website, "in 2004, Again was named "Best Soul Contemporary Gospel Album" and in 2006, Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs received a "Best Traditional Gospel Album" award" at the Grammys. In 2010, his duet with Karen Clarke Sheard "Wait on the Lord" won the Grammy for "Best Gospel Performance" from the We Are All One: Live in Detroit album.

McClurkin's Live in London and More is Inspiring Gospel Music

Anyone who loves gospel music should have a copy of Live in London and More in their music collection. With songs like "Caribbean Medley", "Great is Your Mercy" and his rendition of "Psalm 27", McClurkin reminds listeners of the importance of praising God.

• "We Fall Down" is an Anthem: Donnie McClurkin sang "We Fall Down" on an emotional episode of the CW's Girlfriends. Written by Kyle Matthews, the lyrics are very simple, "We fall down but we get up for a saint is just a sinner who fell down and got up." These words are very inspiring especially for anyone is struggling as it reminds us that we can recover from any fall.
• Several Gospel Songs in "Caribbean Medley": McClurkin starts off with "I've Got My Mind Made Up" and then to "Goodbye World." The next songs are "Born, Born, Born Again", "I am Under the Rock" and "Jesus Name So Sweet." The finale of this medley is "Fire Fall on Me". These songs, not necessarily in order McClurkin sings them, are often sung in churches in the Virgin Islands.
• Donnie McClurkin Rewrites "Psalm 27": McClurkin re-wrote "Psalm 27" and focused on verses four and six of the scripture. McClurkin sings "I won't fear the enemy when they come at me they're gonna fall." The actual Psalm reads in verse six, "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."
• "Lord I Lift Your Name on High": Rick Founds originally wrote "Lord I Lift Your Name on High." However, McClurkin and his back-up singers sang this song lustily and in a prayerful manner that make the lyrics a sung prayer.

Pastor Donnie McClurkin, the pastor of the Perfecting Faith Church in New York, has released several albums and collaborated with Mary Mary, Karen Clarke Sheard and other gospel artists. His music has also been featured in the movie, Prince of Egypt, and in the sitcom, Girlfriends. Live in London and More offers prayerful and inspiring lyrics to uplift any listener.

Can't Hold Me Down - De Apostle (V.I. Soca)

R&B of the 1990s: Anytime by Brian McKnight

Anyone who enjoys R&B music is familiar with music from Brian McKnight. The album Anytime was his third album with songs like "Anytime" and "Hold Me."

Brian McKnight is an award winning R&B artist who has released several albums and hosts a talk show. He released his third album Anytime in 1997 with Mercury Records. Anytime has 12 songs including "The Only One for Me" and "Show Me the Way Back to Your Heart."

The Talented Brian McKnight - Singer and TV Show Host

Brian McKnight released his first album, the self-titled Brian McKnight in 1992 with songs like "One Last Cry" and "After the Love." Since his entry to the music industry, according to his official website, McKnight has released 11 albums to date, seven of them have gone platinum, with several going two and three times platinum, and has sold over 20 Million albums worldwide. Other albums include Back At One in 1999, Gemini in 2005, Ten in 2006 and I'll Be Home for Christmas in 2008. His success continues with his performances in theatre productions and with his The Brian McKnight Show television talk show.

Sweet R&B Music on McKnight's Anytime

Anytime has mostly love songs and one track that is a bit more of a gospel flavor, the last track "When the Chariot Comes". This album includes "Everytime We Say Goodbye", "Jam Knock" which contains an interpolation from "I Can't Wait" performed by Nu Shooz, "I Belong To You" and "You Got the Bomb".

• The Title Track "Anytime": "Do I ever cross your mind, anytime / do you ever wake up reaching out for me" begin the chorus on "Anytime" which was written by Brian McKnight and Brandon Barnes. This song is about the emptiness after a relationship breaks apart.
• "You Should Be Mine (Don't Waste Your Time)" with Mase: "You Should Be Mine (Don't Waste Your Time)" was produced by Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs who also co-wrote with McKnight, Mase, Ron Lawrence and other writers. This song also contains a sample from the legendary James Brown's "I Got Ants in My Pants" in the instrumental. McKnight sings "I'll never let you down, I'll always be around / and you should be mine." Mase chimes in the rap "And I know he ain't the cat that will stay in your life" to help McKnight express that the leading lady should leave her partner to date him.
• "Everytime We Say Goodbye": In "Everytime We Say Goodbye", McKnight sings of the heartache in long distance relationships. McKnight wrote this song with sample lyrics "This long distance has us living on the phone / every since you went away / I just can't get through a day."
• "The Only One For Me": This is one of McKnight's songs that shows his talent and vocal range. McKnight wrote "The Only One For Me" and it expresses love's infinite power. The first chorus begins "I want you now, I'll show you how / I can be the man you need me to be."
• "I Belong To You": Peter Black wrote, produced and arranged "I Belong To You." Black also played all the instruments. The touching hook captivates the listener with words like "Until I feel your heartbeat pounding next to mine / I got work to do / 'til every single star up in the sky / knows that I belong to you."
• "Hold Me": Mary J. Blige had lyrical input in "Hold Me" and the song contains an interpolation from Tupac's "I Get Around" and Zapp's "Computer Love". A sample of the lyrics is "is it lust or love, either one will do / 'cause I want you for myself, and nobody else."

Brian McKnight has been able to achieve success with his music since the early 1990s and now his talk show is also a success. His albums give R&B fans mellow music with touching lyrical content and an enjoyable flow. 

Reggae Love Songs for Valentine's Day or Any Day to Express Love

Express your feelings to your sweetheart through reggae music. Play music by Bob Marley, Tarrus Riley and other reggae greats to share your love.

Set the mood right for Valentine's Day by playing the right mix of music that your significant other can enjoy. Reggae music offers a number of artists who have varying styles and enjoyable music.

Legends like Bob Marley and Third World have songs that are great for expressing love. Newcomers like Tarrus Riley, Jah Cure, Busy Signal, Gyptian, Etana and Niyorah also sing quality music with touching lyrics and powerful instrumentals. Reggae artists and producers call these love songs 'Lovers'

Rock'.

Old School Reggae for Valentine's Day

Reggae artists like Bob Marley, Garnett Silk and Steel Pulse paved the way for the reggae artists of the today. Their sound gave reggae international recognition and will be enjoyed by future generations.

•  "Is This Love" by Bob Marley: "Is This Love" is one of Bob Marley and The Wailers' most popular songs from their 1978 Kaya album. Bob's crisp voice starts the song off with "I wanna love you and treat you right..." and the song continues with lyrics that capture the theme of love.

• "Nothing Can Divide Us" by Garnett Silk: "Nothing Can Divide Us" comes from Garnett Silk's 1993 100% Silk album. This song is on the "Full Up Riddim" and echoes the words "Nothing can divide us...noone can stop me from loving you."

• "Throne of Gold" by Steel Pulse: Steel Pulse released "Throne of Gold" on their 1984 Earth Crisis album. A sample of the lyrics is "Mother Nature, Father Time, from beginning said she was mine."

• "Committed" by Third World: In 1992, Third World released the album Committed with a title track that can express love every day. In "Committed," the band sings repeats in the chorus "I'm committed to keeping this love alive / I'm committed to staying in love with you."

• "All I Need Is You" by Gregory Isaacs: Known as The 'Cool Ruler,' Gregory Isaacs was well known for his smooth style and way with words. "All I need Is You" is a great song to play for Valentine's Day or as background music for a proposal. "If I never get the chance to show / I want you to always know it / all I need is you...." are part of the lyrics.

• "In This Together" by Richie Spice: Richie Spice sings "In This Together" on the "Dream Riddim" which was released in 2010. Other artists who sing on this riddim include Jah Cure and Ras Penco. Richie Spice sings "me and you together, no matter what the weather" and "this little love was from creation...this love from the root to the stem."

• "Never Find" by Jah Cure: "Never Find" is one of Jah Cure's biggest songs to date. He sings it on the "Changes Riddim" which also features artists like Alaine, Morgan Heritage and Tarrus Riley. "You'll never find no one in this lifetime to love you like I do" is a taste of the lyrics of this reggae love song.

• "Far Away" by Tarrus Riley: "What Jah put together, make no man put asunder," "with you I'll share my world" and "with you, there's noone else - you can't be replaced" are some of the lyrics from Tarrus Riley's "Far Away." This song is sung on the "Love Potion Riddim" and was released in 2009.

• "Love and Affection" by Pressure: Pressure  is a United States Virgin Islands reggae artist whose music is appreciated worldwide. "Love and Affection" is his biggest hit thus far and it garnered over one million views on YouTube since its release in 2007. Lyrics include "the first time we kissed was breathtaking and girl, we got a bright future in the making."

• "Beautiful Lady" by Gyptian: "Beautiful Lady" was one of first songs that got Gyptian noticed in the Caribbean. "I'm the happiest man in the world / because I have you for my girl" are some of the lyrics.

• "Comfort Zone" by Busy Signal: Jamaican reggae artist Busy Signal brings a sweet melody with the song "Comfort Zone" which was released in 2010. He sings "I believe that love is a powerful thing / this feeling deep within / and if you believe in love / free up your mind, let this flow within."

• "Blessing" by Etana and Alborosie: Etana released "Blessing" on Strong One in 2008 featuring Alborosie. They sing in the chorus "When a man love a woman and woman love man - a Jah-Jah blessing."

• "Beautiful" by Damien Marley and Bobby Brown: Damien Marley released "Beautiful" in 2005 on his Welcome to Jamrock album. This song features the mellow voice of Bobby Brown and powerful chants by Damien Marley. Marley sings "Every morning she shampoos my locks / always have my back" and "she keeps herself clean, me na go catch no rash."

• "No Ordinary Love" by Alaine: "My heart's racing / I'm shaking / caught up in the love we're making / this is no, no ordinary love" is the first part of the chorus of Alaine's "No Ordinary Love." This song was released on her Sacrifice album in 2007 and she sings it on the "Seasons Riddim."

• "Always" by Niyorah: Niyorah is another reggae artist who hails from the United States Virgin Islands. He released "Always" on the "New Day Riddim" in 2006. "When I'm hungry, she feeds the Rastaman" and "Come caress and love me up my sweet empress, woman I know you deserve that" are some of the lyrics.

More Contemporary Reggae Artists with Great Love Songs

More recent reggae artists like Richie Spice, Jah Cure, Pressure, Tarrus Riley and Etana are keeping the reggae music legacy alive by bringing listeners fresh reggae music that also sing about love.

Reggae music offers melodious instrumentals with powerful lyrics. There are many more reggae love songs that could be added to this list. Artists such as Buju Banton, Barrington Levy, TOK, Sanchez, Christopher Martin, Wayne Wonder and many others have songs that express love.

Add some reggae music to your playlist for Valentine's Day or other special occasion to make the time with your sweetheart more enjoyable.

Getting Organized at Home with Time-saving Tips

Clothes need to be washed along with other household chores. Being organized by using simple tips can definitely improve time management in the home.

Today single persons, single parents and nuclear families are involved in many different activities and time always seems to be slipping away. These tips are designed to share some familiar and some fresh ideas for making it through the weekdays. 

Iron All Clothing at Same Time

Save time by ironing the family's clothing at the same time. It becomes hectic to iron an outfit just before it is needed to be worn. If the family large, then clothing may have to be ironed in intervals. This tip works well once the closet is organized so that clothing is not easily crumpled. For persons with young children, it may advisable to iron when the young ones are sleeping or on a play date to avoid them getting burned.

Wash Dishes After Use

Washing dishes after using them not only saves time but reduces the presence of roaches in the home. If dishes are cleaned after cooking or eating, it makes it easier to pack away prepared and also pre-pack lunches.

Pre-Pack Purses, School Bags & Briefcases

Children should set their school bags from the night before so that assignments or note books will not be forgotten. Adults should also double check to make sure that their cellular phones, wallets, sanitary napkins etc are packed in their choice of tote. On days where bills are to be paid or on doctor visits, it is very important to ensure that all necessary documentation is ready for the upcoming appointment to avoid wasting time and fuel to turn back for a missing document.

Lay Out Clothing and Shoes from the Night Before

This tip works for adults and children to ease getting out of the house especially if running late. While some persons like spontaneity in choosing and changing outfits, being on time for regular work, school or an appointment means being able to use new techniques to be on time. Shoes can be cleaned and also laid out from the night before.

Do Laundry Wisely

Organize a day or days to do laundry at home. Washing when underwear or uniforms run out means that things have gone out of control. If all the clothing cannot be washed in one day, set days according to the family member or the color of the clothing. If you need tips on doing your laundry at the laundromat, please read this article on my blog.

Help Children to Help Themselves

Young children as small as three years old can aid in getting themselves ready in the morning. They can put on their underwear, shorts, sandals and some shoes. They can also feed themselves which is a big plus especially if there are younger siblings in the home. Empowering children from a young age to be independent helps the kids to be more organized adolescents and then adults.

Time management is very important in personal and professional life. At home, there are many simple things that a family can do to manage time more wisely. It is important that when chores are completed in the most time efficient manner. This also means that the person doing the task should be dedicated and work with the effort of completing the chore in the best possible manner so that the work does not have be repeated.

What to Consider When Joining a Club, Group or Organization

Read more at Suite101: What to Consider When Joining a Club, Group or Organization.

Dutty Rock by Sean Paul is a Great Dancehall Music Album

Sean Paul released Dutty Rock in 2002 and this dancehall album launched into the international music scene with songs like "Gimme The Light" and "Get Busy."

Sean Paul (http://www.allseanpaul.com/) released Dutty Rock in 2002 and its success garnered him multi-platinum status and a Grammy (http://www.grammy.com/), according to his official website. While established reggae artists like Bob Marley (http://www.bobmarley.com/), Gregory Isaacs, Third World, Buju Banton and others took reggae music beyond the shores of the Caribbean, Sean Paul's Dutty Rock took it to another level. This album features collaborations with artists like Busta Rhymes (http://www.bustarhymes.com/) and carried dancehall music that could keep everyone dancing.

Sean Paul's Music in the Late 1990s

Reggae and dancehall fans remember Sean Paul in the late 1990s collaborating with Mr. Vegas on songs like "Haffi Git Da Gal Yah" which is also called "Hot Gal Today." In those days, Sean Paul was bald and Mr. Vegas has short plaits. Today, Mr. Vegas is the bald one and Sean Paul sports long plaits. Sean Paul and Mr. Vegas had a disagreement about that song, but both have continued on their separate paths to success. Sean first released his Stage One album in 2000 with other songs that were popular in the Caribbean like "Tiger Bone" and then "Infiltrate" on the Playground Riddim. The Playground Riddim was popular as Beenie Man sang the popular "Who Am I" on this instrumental.

The Multi-platinum Dutty Rock

Sean Paul's Dutty Rock album, after it was released in 2002, reached an international level with collaborations with artists like Busta Rhymes (http://www.bustarhymes.com/) in "Gimme The Light (Pass the Dro-Voiser Remix)", Rahzel in "Top of the Game," Debbie Nova in "International Affair," Ce'Cile in "Can You Do The Work" and Sasha in "I'm Still In Love With You." The top songs on this album include "Gimme The Light," "Get Busy," "Punkie" and "I'm Still In Love With You." Music videos for "Gimme The Light" and "I'm Still In Love With You" aired worldwide and propelled Sean Paul to international stardom. There are 22 tracks on Dutty Rock including an intro track titled "Dutty Rock Intro" and a "Police Skit."

Sean Paul has creative lyrical input in all the tracks with co-writers like Buju Banton in "Concrete." "International Affair" was co-written by Debbie Nova and M. Ronson and contains a sample of the words "with a record that was mixed a long time ago" from Eric B. and Rakim's "I Know You Got Soul" at the beginning of the song. "International Affair" also included a sample of the instrumental of Althea and Donna's "Up Town Top Rankin."

"Gimme The Light" was the biggest track on this album and was sung on the Buzz Riddim on which Beenie Man sang "Toy Friend" and Capelton performed "I Luv to See." The Sweet Lady Riddim was also featured on Dutty Rock in "Punkie" and "Punkie (Espanol)." Tony Curtis also sang "Sweet Lady" and Brian and Tony Gold sang "Must Be a Sign" on this riddim. Sean Paul teamed with Ce'Cile to record "Can You Do The Work" on the Liquid Riddim on which Elephant Man recorded his song "Log On."

Sean Paul after Dutty Rock

Since the release of Dutty Rock, Sean Paul has continued to release albums and has collaborated many with R&B superstars like Estelle in "Come Over," Beyonce in "Baby Boy" and Keisha Cole in "Give It Up to Me (When You Gonna)" on Step Up (2006) soundtrack. He released The Trinity in 2005 and gave fans songs like "Temperature," "Ever Blazing" and "We Be Burning." Sean Paul then released Imperial Blaze in 2009 with "So Fine," "She Want Me" and "Hold My Hand (I'll Be There)" featuring Keri Hilson.

With four albums released, Sean Paul just needs to keep bringing his special brand of dancehall music to his fans to remain successful. His release of Dutty Rock in 2002 brought the dance back in to the dancehalls not only in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean but in clubs in the US and in Europe. With songs like "Gimme The Light" and "Shake That Thing," Dutty Rock cemented its place in the hearts of fans worldwide sending it to multi-platinum sales.

Taking it one day at a time

What is in me will be hard to break away from. My habits that have lived for years and my goodness which is easy to take advantage of are all a part of me.

I am the only one that can change me. I have to want to change and improve myself so that I can progress. As Jesus said "Let him without sin cast the first stone." I am full of sin and I am no one to call down another. I, however, can learn from others in their tough situations. In my sinful state, I can still offer a positive word with the hope that the positive that I resonate will permeate my soul and change me.

It's about making things happen in whatever simple you can affect change. Lean on someone for help or to talk to if the need is there. Don't take it on all on your own. Pray but let the prayer be earnest so that good things can happen. It all won't turn around in one day but step by step, things can improve.

Put yourself in a better place. Change those negative friends if need be but make something happen. Let's go!

It's 2011 and tomorrow it's 2012. Do something to change your life for the best.

Caribbean Styled Food: Easy Pink Beans and Rice Recipe

Pinks beans are tasty and go well with rice. For a quick and easy way to prepare pink beans, try this easy Pink Beans and Rice recipe.

This easy Pink Beans and Rice recipe offers a novice cook a nice alternative to plain white rice or pasta. Pink beans have a small amount of protein, dietary fiber, iron and calcium. People in the Caribbean love peas and rice and every island has its own way of preparing the recipe. Jamaicans add coconut milk and use either kidney beans or pigeon peas for the legume. Today, this dish as prepared in the BVI is likely to have kidney beans in it. This easy Pink Beans and Rice Recipe uses pink beans instead of the usual pigeon peas or kidney beans. Canned beans are used for easy and quick cooking. If dried beans are to be used, they will have to be soaked to avoid excessive boiling.

Ingredients:

• 1 10.5 ounce can of Goya Pink Beans
• 4 cups of water
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• 1 sprig of chive
• 1 clove of garlic (minced)
• 1 dash of dried oregano
• 1/2 of a small sweet pepper (sliced or diced)
• 3 slices of a whole onion (whole or diced)
• 1 teaspoon salt / seasoning salt
• 3 cups of rice
• 1/2 tablespoon of butter (can be substituted with olive oil)

Directions:

1. Rinse the rice and dice the garlic, onions and sweet pepper, (if desired to be minced), and set aside.
2. Open the can of pink beans and add to an uncovered medium-sized saucepan or pot with salt and water. Boil with medium heat until peas are broken or easy to rend apart with a spoon.
3. When the peas are broken, add all the other ingredients to the pot and stir so that the peas, seasonings and rice are mixed well. Turn the stove to low heat.
4. Cook covered until all the water has evaporated. If the rice needs to be cooked more, add some boiling water and one teaspoon of butter and cover tightly until cooked.

This Easy Pink Beans and Rice Recipe should take less than one-half hour to prepare. It is an excellent side dish that can be served with meat, fish, veggie burger or tofu. This recipe is tasty and works well for a single person who packs lunch or for busy parents who need to make a quick and nutritious side dish.