Songs to "Keep On" Your Playlist - Third World, 2Pac, Curtis Mayfield and Sounds of Blackness

There are four (4) songs that will always stay in my playlist. These songs bring a positive message about keeping it together.

"Optimistic" - Sounds of Blackness
"You can win as long as you keep your head to the sky". Can you ask for a more positive message? This song was released in 1991 when I was still in high school and BET was the link to black music. I always loved how Sounds of Blackness performed in their videos with such a unified presence. "Be Optimistic!"

"Keep Your Head to the Sky" - Third World

Third World is a reggae band which is internationally known and has released countless hits. This song, which was released in 1991, is mellow and beautifully performed. The hook is simply the song title which reminds us that we should keep a positive mindset.

"Keep Your Head Up" - 2Pac
"Keep your head up ... and don't let up" is the hook on this powerful song, which is one of 2Pac's most positive songs. His lyrical finesse and passion for the people came out in this song. It was released in 1993 and samples Zapp's "Be Alright".

"Keep on Keeping On" - Curtis Mayfield
This song is two decades older than the others listed. Curtis Mayfield's talent was truly a gift to music. He has countless hits but beings that message of keeping the faith. This song was sampled by two artists, L.E.G.A.C.Y. and Freeway.

Anyone who knows me or reads this blog will know that I love music from different times and genres. I love music with a positive message and these four songs have that. Each song literally tells you to keep it together and these days, we need more of this type of music over the some of the stuff on the airwaves. Keep your head up!

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Music Video: Imo - "Life Line"

Coming out of the British Virgin Islands: "Life Line" by Imo! Enjoy!

Starting to write .... backspace ..... restart

More than once I have started writing a blog entry, and I would delete it. Sometimes I do not feel that it is the right timing, and other times, I just do not want to expound. There is a lot going on - locally, regionally and internationally - and it impacts us all in one way or the other.

The purpose of this blog is not to dwell on the negative, but to share poetry and personal experiences, inspire positive change, share tips and other noteworthy thoughts and to make you smile. There might be one or two vent moments in there too, because venting can be good for the soul!

This blog was actually started as an avenue for me to improve my writing and also to build a repertoire of work. I actually just spelled repertoire correctly on the first try! Proud Moment! 

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Giving and Taking Correction ... Not an Easy Road

On my Linette - Inspire VI Facebook page, I recently made a comment about taking correction. Giving correcting directives is not the easiest thing either. Sometimes, you have to build the courage to talk to loved ones, co-workers and friends to tell them that they are doing something wrong. It doesn't matter what level you are at because having to tell someone that what they have been doing for years is wrong can be daunting.

There's no easy way to do it. Sometimes, it comes out nice and other times it won't. The best thing is not to hold things in and try to speak about the behaviors or concerns early - regardless which team member it is - family, friend etc. I guess it's easier to speak to children but we have to be so careful because our behaviors better not reflect what the reprimand is about. The Lord knows I try!

I would want to scream sometimes but having a vent moment with a friend helps. What helps is to know that I am not the only one facing the problem. It's not that we are celebrating mediocrity or bad behavior, but it will be mutual discussion about solving the problem.

In terms of taking correction - take it. Of course, you have to first accept that you are wrong. I'm not always right - but I know when I am wrong and when I am right. It gets harder if you feel like you're getting thrown under the bus. Been there - Done that!!!!!! The bus runs permanently in my alley ... and that's ok. I want to be in leadership and these are some of the things that you have to deal with.

I am working on taking my correction without remorse. Of course, there's always that condescending person or the petty peever who is going to find ulterior motives in everything! My God - they are not the easiest people to deal with. As we Caribbean do....STRUPES! Give me faith, dear Lord!!!!

I am working on me daily! I am moving forward every day! I am improving me and my situations consistently!

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POEM: A New Page

At this stage

I'm ready to start a new page

A new phase

because in any case

you have to be ready to lead

you can't be afraid to win

cause winning

is not a sin

once you don't cheat

and even if you get beat

don't fall out of your seat

but keep your faith

and keep your pace

cause there will be other

times to take 

on the challenge

but you still have to

keep things in balance

so even with a new page

you have to

maintain

your stance

and take a chance

and take lead

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A Classic Reggae Album is The Best of Peter Tosh: Dread Don't Die

Peter Tosh was a brilliant reggae artist and his The Best of Peter Tosh: Dread Don't Die album was released in 1996 with "Crystal Ball" and "Fools Die."

Reggae music lost Winston Hubert McIntosh more formally known as the reggae artist Peter Tosh on September 11, 1987. Despite his death, Tosh's musical legacy still remains relevant and influential to the new reggae artists of the 21st century. Peter Tosh is well known for being a member of The Wailers with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer. A compilation of some of Peter Tosh's top songs can be found on The Best of Peter Tosh: Dread Don't Die.

 

Peter Tosh's Musical Legacy

The Wailers sang several songs written by Peter Tosh including "One Foundation," "400 Years" and "Stop That Train." Tosh also co-wrote "Get Up, Stand Up" with Bob Marley. According to Carol Cooper in the essay of The Best of Peter Tosh: Dread Don't Die, Tosh left The Wailers in 1974 and to pursue a solo career in reggae music. Tosh released several solo albums throughout his career including Equal Rights in 1977, Bush Doctor in 1978, Wanted Dread And Alive in 1981, Mama Africa in 1983 and The Toughest in 1986. His last album was No Nuclear War in 1987, just before he died.

The Songs ofThe Best of Peter Tosh: Dread Don't Die

Released in 1996, The Best of Peter Tosh: Dread Don't Die has twelve of Tosh's well known songs. From "Crystal Ball" to "Wanted Dread or Alive" to "Coming in Hot," this album contains some of Tosh's big hits. While this compilation does not include favorites like "Brand New Secondhand" and "African," it does include the duet with Mick Jagger - "(You Got to Walk And) Don't Look Back." There are two live songs from Tosh's 1984 Captured LIVE album: "Equal Rights" and "Downpresser Man" which were performed as one continuous song.

• "That's What They Will Do" is About Friendships Gone Bad: From the Wanted Dread And Alive album, Tosh sings about bad experiences with friends in "That's What They Will Do." With lyrics like "They will come with great pretence to gain your confidence" and "..dress up in your shoes and still carry false news," Tosh wrote this song to express the heartache that comes when someone is betrayed by a friend. "That What They Will Do" can even be considered as a warning about friendships.
• Tosh's Duet with Mick Jagger "(You Got to Walk And) Don't Look Back": "(You Got to Walk And) Don't Look Back" is written by Ronald White and William Robinson and comes of Tosh's Bush Doctor album. "So if you just put your hand in mine / we're gonna leave all our troubles behind / keep on walking / don't look back" is the hook of this catchy reggae song.
• "Glasshouse" is a Reggae Fable: This song comes from Tosh's Mama Africa album and starts off with the sound of broken glass and the chorus "If you live in a glasshouse / don't throw stones." Tosh sings "all behind I back you like to grumble / and before I face you always a fumble" to express his thoughts on this 'glasshouse' concept.
• Tosh Sings of the Love of Reggae in "Reggae Mylitis": "Woke up this morning / with a funny funny feeling / and that feeling / was an unusual feeling" start off this mellow reggae song. Tosh sings of this 'funny feeling' that ran all over his body and that a doctor diagnosed him with "Reggae Mylitis." This 'condition' can be considered the love of reggae music which any fan would concur that this type of music is infectious and highly contagious.

Peter Tosh was a gifted musician who sang in the reggae group The Wailers. The Best of Peter Tosh: Dread Don't Die includes some of his hit reggae songs including "Johnny B. Goode," "Where You Gonna Run" and "Coming In Hot. "This talented reggae artist also recorded with Mick Jagger. Tosh was killed in 1987, but his music remains socially conscious and inspiring.

1990s Reggae Music Album: 100% Silk by Garnett Silk

Garnett Silk released a lively and inspiring reggae album, 100% Silk, in 1993 with songs like "With Your Mercy" and "Zion in a Vision."

Garnett Damon Smith is known to reggae music fans as Garnett Silk. His music was calming, inspiring and very deep. Silk was a popular reggae artist but he tragically died in 1994 at age 28. Silk died on December 9, 1994. While his reggae music career was short, Silk gave a fresh flavor to the reggae music of the 1990s by using the popular riddims, also called instrumentals, to send positive messages to listeners. After his debut album in 1992, Silk released 100% Silk in 1993 and captured fans with tracks like "Oh Me Oh My," "Nothing Can Divide Us" and "Everything I Got."

Garnett Silk's Reggae Music Legacy

Garnett Silk released his debut album It's Growing in 1992 with the songs "It's Growing" and "I Am Vex." Then there was 100% Silk in 1993. Love is the Answer was released in 1994 shortly before

Silk's death. Popular songs from Love is the Answer are the title track "Love is the Answer" and "Friends And Lovers" which was originally sung by Carl Anderson & Gloria Loring. Silky Mood was released posthumously with "Let Them Talk" along with Nothing Can Divide Us in 1995 with "Man Is Just A Man" and the title track "Nothing Can Divide Us."

These albums were all released through VP Records. Compilations of Silk's music include Garnett Silk: The Definitive Collection CD which was released in 2000 with Atlantic. There is also the Reggae Anthology: Music Is the Rod with VP Records in 2004 which has "Splashing Dashing" as the first song on the CD. "Splashing Dashing" is sung on the "Death In the Arena Riddim" and was also released on Reggae Gold 1994.

The Songs from Garnett Silk's 100% Silk

The 100% Silk album provides mellow reggae music that has powerful messages about love and hope. Some of the songs fall on riddims that were powerful and popular during the 1990s. Of the thirteen songs on 100% Silk, Garnett Silk wrote eight of the songs. "Everything I Got" was written by P. Barnett and "Love Me Or Leave Me" was written by A. Rochester.

• Silk Saw "Zion in a Vision": Silk begins this song "I saw Zion in a vision / Jah was there amidst everyone." This song was written by Silk and shares his idea of what Zion or heaven would look like. Silk refers to unity, happiness and righteousness. He sings that "that there is no room for the ungodly / not for the workers of iniquity / only pure in heart..." "Zion in a Vision" is sung on the on the "Friends For Life Riddim," a riddim that Capleton (http://www.capletonmusic.com/) with Josie Mel sang "Youth Fi Big" and Anthony B. sang "Fire Man"
• "Oh Me Oh My" is Reggae Music for the Ladies: "Oh Me Oh My" was written by Silk and A. Rochester and sung on the "Love Bump Riddim." This riddim also features Don Campbell's "See It In Your Eyes" and Frankie Paul's "Stuck On You". In "Oh Me Oh My," Silk sings of how he is taken aback by a positive and beautiful woman. "For you they'll make vacancy / baby you've got your PHD" and "darling I'm so proud of you / your intentions are so true" are some of the lyrics.
• Reggae Lover's Anthem "Nothing Can Divide Us": The chorus in "Nothing Can Divide Us" is "Nothing can divide us / nothing separate us / nothing can divide us / no one can stop me from loving you." Silk wrote this song and sang it on the upbeat and re-mastered "Full Up Riddim." He sings this entire song in dedication to the love of his life.
• * "With Your Mercy" is Roots Reggae: "With Your Mercy" was written by Silk and A. Rochester and was sung with a passionate voice that recognized the shortcomings of the human race while giving praises to God. Silk quotes Matthew 4, Verse 4 in singing "Man shall not live by bread alone but by the words that proceedth from Jah Jah." This is a very spiritual song that is sung on the "Truly Riddim". Another reggae artist, Pam Hall, sang "Truly" on the "Truly Riddim."

Garnett Silk was an inspiring reggae artist who sang passionately about love and spirituality. He released his second album, 100% Silk, in 1993. 100% Silk gave listeners "Necessity" and "Blessed Be the Almighty." While Silk died in 1994, his music still sends a powerful message to anyone who is listens.

Caribbean Christmas Music: Christmas in Paradise by Lincoln Ward

Lincoln Ward is a musician from the Virgin Islands who released a Christmas album in 2009 featuring classic Christmas songs with a fresh twist.

Lincoln Ward is a talented musician from the Virgin Islands. He writes, produces, sings and arranges music for himself and several other artists. His Christmas in Paradise album was released in 2009 and its nine Christmas songs are performed with a fresh approach to traditional Christmas music. This album also features other artists who hail from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI).

Lincoln Ward is a Rising Star

Lincoln Ward has been featured in Core Magazine from the USVI and on Tempo Networks. According to his biography, Lincoln has performed in Nevis, Dominica, St. Vincent, St Croix and New York. He has released several albums including Me And You in 2006, Soakin Wet (Maxi Single) in 2007 and Four Seasons of Summer in 2010. His music videos, which have all appeared on Tempo Networks, include "Soakin Wet" shot in Nanny Cay in Tortola, "Poison", "Slowly Me and You" and "The One." This bright Virgin Islander holds a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science but his love is music. His parents both have a musical background and one of his uncles, Watts Pemberton, now deceased, was an acknowledged poet, musician and painter.

A Caribbean Christmas Album is Christmas in Paradise by Lincoln Ward

Lincoln Ward's Christmas in Paradise represents a Caribbean Christmas album with an international flavor. Lincoln collaborated with Virgin Islands' vocalists: Mckenzie Baltimore, Sandra Pemberton, Kirk Adams, Tamisha Georges and the Acappella Fellas. This album also features two popular DJs - DJ Poppy Pops from Isle 95 radio station in St. Croix and Gadiethz from ZROD radio station in Tortola. The saxophone showcased in two of the songs is played by Jeremy Vanterpool, another Virgin Islander.

• The Title Song "Christmas In Paradise": "Christmas In Paradise" by Lincloln and Mckenzie Baltimore begins with the chorus "This is the time of the year, when friends and family draw near, Christmas in Paradise." "Christmas In Paradise" urges the listener to want to spend Christmas in paradise as it refers to coconut water, guavaberry wine, the beaches, the pastries and the friendly people. "I invite you from far and near to come take a taste of our atmosphere, the Virgin Isles is the place to be so tell Santa Claus to be on the beach" are lyrics that call to the listener to visit the Caribbean for Christmas.
• "Oh Holy Night" Performed in a Fresh Way: Lincoln along with USVI Soca artist Rudy give a powerful performance to this traditional Christmas song. With the infusion of Beyonce's "Halo," "Oh Holy Night" comes alive. "You're everything I need and more and it's written all over your face, Jesus I can feel your halo, you know you're my saving grace" are the words that end this song.
• An Entertaining "Drummer Boy": Lincoln sings the traditional "Drummer Boy" lyrics with the addition of DJ Poppy Pops from St. Croix as the MC on the track. This song has a hip hop appeal with the mixture of drum beats which bring the literal drumming to the "Drummer Boy."
• The Bonus Track "Sweetest Drug": Although "Sweetest Drug" is not a Christmas song, this soothing and melodious song is itself like an addictive drug that keeps the listener wanting more. Produced by Alton Bertie, Lincoln sings in the chorus "She's the sweetest drug, I can't get enough of her...I can't help myself".

Christmas in Paradise Bonus DVD

Lincoln has also included a bonus DVD with the Christmas In Paradise album. The DVD includes the music video for "Give Love on Christmas Day" featuring Gadiethz. The video was produced by VI Lander Films. There is also an interview with Lincoln and excerpts from the studio sessions with the other artists on the album.

Lincoln Ward is a multi-talented musician, song-writer, producer and singer who continues to improve his musical repertoire. He released Christmas in Paradise in 2009 with nine Christmas songs that he performed with an artistic and fresh style. This album also features a bonus song, "Sweetest Drug" which is not a Christmas song but makes a great addition to Lincoln's album. Christmas in Paradise is an album for anyone who wants a Caribbean Christmas album that remakes the classic Christmas songs in an innovative and enjoyable way.

Update: Lincoln released, "The Reason for Christmas" in 2016 featuring twelve (12) songs including "Carol of the Bells," "Happy Christmas," and "Do You Hear What I Hear." This album also includes "Christmas in Paradise."

Classic R&B: The Best of Luther Vandross...The Best of Love

Luther Vandross remains a well-loved R&B singer and his The Best of Luther Vandross...The Best of Love album features his early hits like "Never Too Much."

Luther Vandross died in 2005 at age 54 but his music continues to spread the message of love. One of the earlier compilations of his greatest hits, The Best of Luther Vandross…The Best of Love, has the recognizable songs "Any Love," "Never Too Much," "Love Won't Let Me Wait" and "A House is Not a Home." This twenty song album was originally released in 1989 and later digitally re-mastered for distribution on compact disc (CD). 

Vandross wrote, arranged and produced many of the songs on this classic R&B album. Vandross' songs such as "Here and Now" and "So Amazing" are staples at weddings. His songs have also been sampled by other artists such as Janet Jackson's sample of the instrumental of "The Glow of Love" in her 2001 release, "All For You." Vandross has also sang duets with Gregory Hines, Cheryl Lynn, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé.

Music from the 1980s –The Best of Luther Vandross…The Best of Love

The CD version of The Best of Luther Vandross…The Best of Love has two discs spanning almost a decade with songs from 1980 to 1989. While some of Vandross' songs have been sampled by reggae, R&B and hip hop artists, his actual songs continue to play today and are enjoyed by his fans.

• The Hit of 1981 "Never Too Much": "I can't fool myself, I don't want nobody else to ever love me" is the opening line of this chart topping song which was written by Luther Vandross. Music fans will remember the beginning of the music video with a man scanting with the boombox. "Who needs to go to work to hustle for another dollar/ I'd rather be with you cause you make my heart scream and holler" are also lines in this song that express that the love from that special someone could never be too much for the singer to handle. "Never Too Much" was also sampled by reggae artist Beenie Man in his 1998 release of "Who Am I" in the bridge where Beenie repeats the opening line of the song.

• Vandross' "A House is Not a Home": "A House is Not a Home" was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David and released in 1981. Vandross opens the songs with "A chair is still a chair/ even when no one's sitting there/ but a chair is not a house and house is not a home when no one's there." Vandross expresses how he misses that special someone and that he is still in love with her. "A House is Not a Home" was also featured in Twista 's 2004 hit "Slow Jamz" featuring Kanye West and Jamie Foxx off his Kamikaze album. Jamie Foxx repeats Vandross' line "Say you're gonna be, are you gonna be" in "Slow Jamz." "A House is Not a Home" was also featured on the last episode of the sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. The characters jokingly shared that everyone in the neighborhood who appeared on Showtime at the Apollo sang this song and got booed off.

• R&B Hit of 1986 "I Really Didn't Mean It": Vandross sings of his jealousy and wanting to make his lady jealous in return. The chorus begins "I told my girl bye-bye/ but I really didn't mean it". He continues to sing that when he walked away, he cried and that his girl took him back because she knew he really didn't mean his actions. This song almost has a disco feel to it as it speaks of the ups and downs in relationships while making the listener nod his head in enjoyment and in agreement.

• Vandross' Top Wedding Song "Here and Now": This song is perfect for weddings because it expresses sentiments that a new couple getting married would feel. Written by Terry Steele and Dav-e! also known as David L. Elliot, the chorus states "Here and now/ I promise to love faithfully/ You're all I need/ Here and now/ I vow to be one with thee." It was originally released in 1989 and still remains a staple at weddings today.

Luther Vandross Released More Albums

Luther Vandross continued to release songs past 1989 including the Power of Love album in 1991 in which the songs "Power of Love" and "Don't Want to Be a Fool" are featured. In 2001, Vandross released a self-titled album featuring the hit "Take You Out" with Grace Beauvais as the leading lady in the music video. The Dance With My Father album was released in 2006 with the songs "Dance With My Father" and the Grammy award winning "The Closer I Get to You." Vandross' "eighth and final Grammy came for best R&B performance by a duo -- the remake of "The Closer I Get to You," sung with Beyonce Knowles."

Details of the other albums that Luther Vandross released can be found on his official website. Even though Luther Vandross has passed away, his music will never be forgotten. A talented writer, singer and producer, Vandross gave listeners an earful of lyrics about love. His album The Best of Luther Vandross...The Best of Love is a compilation of his top hits from 1980 to 1989 and an album that his fans will always enjoy.

Reggae Artist Gregory Isaacs is a Music Legend

Gregory Isaacs, the Jamaican reggae artist who sang "Night Nurse" and "Rumors" died in London on Monday, October 25, 2010 but his music will live on.

The BBC Caribbean Report announced on the morning of Monday, October 25, 2010 that reggae music legend Gregory Isaacs died at 59 after a bout with lung cancer. Isaacs is well known for his expressive lyrics about love and was also referred to as the 'Cool Ruler'. He has released countless songs and albums which are appreciated globally.

Gregory Isaacs - The 'Cool Ruler'

Isaacs' albums include Cool Ruler released by Frontline in 1978, Can't Stay Away released by VP Records in 1992, Mr. Isaacs by Blood & Fire Records in 1977 and Maximum Replay released by Gone Clear Music Distribution in 1996. His most recent release was Brand New Me in 2008 by African Museum. In August 2010, Isaacs performed at the British Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival.

The Popular Classic Reggae Songs of Gregory Isaacs

When anyone thinks of Gregory Isaacs, the first songs that come to mind are "Night Nurse," "Rumours" or "Red Rose for Gregory." Other classic songs include "Mind You Dis (Rude Boy)", "All I Need Is You" and "Too Good to Be True (Soul Jam)."

• "Night Nurse" Calls for Attention: "Tell her it's a case of emergency, there's a patient by the name of Gregory" sings Isaacs in the lyrics. His emergency or ache is a broken heart that needs to be mended by one special lady who can "quench dis ya thirst" because "the pain is getting worst." Gregory Isaacs released a remake of "Night Nurse" with Lady Saw (http://www.ladysaw.net/) on Reggae Gold 1996.
• Classic Isaacs in "All I Need is You": The songs starts with the lyrics "they can't get me with silver, they can't get me with gold, they wonder why I love you so." In the chorus, Isaacs sings the anthem "all I need is you and only you will do." This song shares the expression of love between lovers.
• "Red Rose for Gregory": In this song, Gregory Isaacs wonders about who may have sent him a red rose. This song has simple yet flowing lyrics with a paced reggae beat as Isaacs sings "somebody sent a rose for me and I don't know who could it be." Even as the song comes to an end, Isaacs leaves the listener wanting to know who really sent the red rose.
• Who Spread the "Rumours" about Gregory Isaacs: In "Rumours" Isaacs expresses his frustration about people spreading gossip about him planting marijuana or as he sings it "sensi me planting". Even though he sings of his aggravation, the lyrics do not insight any malice or bad intention towards the gossipers.
• Isaacs Sings "Mind You Dis (Rude Boy)": "Mind you dis, rudeboy, mind you disrespect me" is the repetitive hook on this song. While "Mind You Dis (Rude Boy)" is not the typical love music that Isaacs is known for, this song cannot be discounted. He sings to his opponent "take it easy, just calm, your battle is hot but my victory is sweeter, don't agitate my temper show respect to your elder."

Gregory Isaacs is simply asking the younger generation to show respect. Reggae music fans will miss Gregory Isaacs for his classic style and expressive lyrics. However, even with his passing on October 25, 2010, reggae music fans will always remember songs like "Night Nurse" and "Mind You Dis (Rude Boy)" which represent Isaacs' smooth style.

Caribbean Literature: The Saving Work by Tiphanie Yanique

Virgin Islander Tiphanie Yanique published The Saving Work in 2007. This chapbook tells the story of the life of two families in the Virgin Islands.
Tiphanie Yanique is a young writer and poet who hails from the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). She wrote the chapbook The Saving Work and published it in 2007 with Kore Press Inc. Although The Saving Work is under twenty pages, the story keeps the reader drawn to it with its twists and the eventual climax. Yanique has been published in several writing journals and since publishing this chap book, she has published her first novel.

Tiphanie Yanique is Versed in Creative Writing

Tiphanie Yanique writes fiction and poetry. I first met her at an open mic in 2007 held by the Rock Collective in St. Thomas, USVI where she shared very inspiring poetry. She is currently an assistant professor who teaches creative writing courses at Drew University. Yanique has won several prestigious awards for her writing including the 2007 Kore Press Short Fiction Award, the Boston Review Fiction Prize in 2007 and the Pushcart Prize in 2007. She was also recently listed in the The National Book Foundation's"5 Under 35" Fiction, 2010.

According to the 'About the Author' section in The Saving Work, her work has been published in Callaloo , The London Magazine, the Cream City Review and many other publications. In 2010, Yanique published her first novel, How to Escape from a Leper Colony: A Novella and Stories.

The Saving Work Tells a Virgin Islands' Story

In six short chapters, The Saving Work tells the story of two families in St. Thomas, USVI. The story starts "A church is burning down." The two women who witness the burning church are both white American women, Diedre Thompson and Violet de Flaubert. They migrated to St. Thomas and married local black men and became a part of the community, especially in the church. Unfortunately, both women could not get along and as the story continues as the writer discusses a friendship between Diedre's son, Thomas and Violet's daughter, Jasmine.

Religion is a Central Theme in The Saving Work

Religion stands as an underlying theme of The Saving Work. With both Diedre and Violet being heavily involved in the church, they raised their children to have strong faith in religion. This faith impacts the decisions that all the characters make in the story - the sexual choices, marriage and passing judgment. Of course the reminder of the burning church also falls within the religious theme.

The Saving Work is a Great Piece of Creative Writing

As the story continues, the relationship between Thomas and Jasmine becomes complicated and the story gets more intense. As the writer delves into the complexities of the de Flaubert and Thompson families, the images of the burning church is replayed. The Saving Work speaks of love, shame, the want of prestige and of the way families communicate. While the ending can be considered sad, the twists in the story and the imagery keep the reader enthused. Just as the story begins with the burning church, the true reason why the church is burning is revealed in chapter six.

Tiphanie Yanique, the author of The Saving Work and How to Escape from a Leper Colony, has had her work published in several publications. The winner of the Tufts University Africana Prize for Creativity, Yanique's poetry and creative writing continue to be recognized and are inspiring readers worldwide.

Caribbean Literature: Tanti at de Oval by Paul Keens-Douglas

Legendary Trinidadian story-teller, Paul Keens-Douglas, expresses with lively recitation the tale of Tanti Merle's visit to a cricket game at the Oval.

Paul Keens-Douglas wrote the short story Tanti at de Oval to give the readers a colorful example of life in the Caribbean. Tanti at de Oval is about the writer's aunt, Tanti Merle, and her first visit to The Queen's Park Oval (the 'Oval') in Trinidad to watch an important cricket match between Trinidad and the Combined Islands. Tanti Merle is a colorful character who likes to be in control. Some Caribbean natives would describe her as 'liking her own way.'

Paul Keens-Douglas is a Playwright, Writer and Performer

Paul Keens-Douglas is a Trinidadian-born playwright, writer and performer whose voice is well known in the Caribbean. A writer for over thirty years, Keens-Douglas' narratives have aired on several radio stations. His stories offer engaging colloquial language, vivid imagery and relatable tales. Keens-Douglas is also a motivational speaker and recently in 2008 was the keynote speaker at the Virgin Islands' Humanities Council's 'Virgin Voices: A Literary and Spoken Word Festival' in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

A Caribbean Story: Tanti at de Oval

Tanti at de Oval is written in first person as the narrator tells the tale of Tanti Merle's antics from her preparation for the trip to the match to her behavior at the game. With the aid of colorful illustrations by Joan Camps- Campin, Keens-Douglas shares how Tanti Merle embarrassed herself and her companion at the Oval. Her antics include her large basket of goodies, her selection of a taxi bus and her loud cheering at the match. The story hits a climax as the match concludes and Tanti nearly caused a riot among the spectators. Keens-Douglas writes "Dat same Tanti Merle dat look as if butter can't melt in she mout. It take me 'bout two hours to get she out de Oval. She lose de basket an' de Parasol mash-up."

Caribbean Language & Life

Aspects of Caribbean life highlighted in Tanti at de Oval are the significance of cricket, the dialectal language and the camaraderie and rivalry fostered by local sports. In relation to the language, Tanti at de Oval is written in dialect but a glossary is provided to describe such terms as "jook out" which according to the writer means "to dig out with (a) sharp object."

Paul Keens-Douglas is a well-known Caribbean storyteller who uses rich dialect and colorful expression to tell his stories of Caribbean Life. Tanti at de Oval is one of his published works that narrates the tale of Tanti Merle's visit to a significant cricket match at the Oval in Trinidad. This book offers a delightful view of Caribbean life through Tanti Merle with heartening humor, intense expression, colorful language and colorful illustrations.

11 Tips for Washing Clothes at the Laundromat

If you do not have a washing machine at home, these helpful tips will help you to survive your trips to the laundromat. Being organized is key to getting this chore done.

Doing laundry is a chore that some people hate because it can be time consuming. It gets more difficult when there is no washing machine or dryer at home because this means either paying someone to complete the laundry, washing by hand or making that fated trip to the laundromat. There is no need to fear trips to the laundromat because the time it takes to wash, rinse and dry four loads of clothes simultaneously is less than the time it will take to wash two loads at home. Washing clothes at the laundry is not difficult but some planning is needed to ensure that the money and time spent are used wisely.

Plan Ahead for the Laundry Chore

• Tip 1 - Have coins or money set aside: If the laundromat has coin-operated machines, have a roll of quarters ready to walk with. If there is a change machine available, walk with a ten or twenty-dollar bill and exchange for quarters. Do keep in mind that change machines can malfunction.
• Tip 2 - Check detergent, bleach and softener levels: Do not wait until arriving at the laundromat to realize that the softener bottle is empty. A good habit is to check the levels after completing the laundry so that if any detergent, bleach or softener is needed, it can be added to the shopping list early.
• Tip 3 - Sort clothing at home: Sorting clothes at the laundry wastes time. Sort clothing at home into manageable loads that can fit in the washing machines of the laundromat. E-How.com in " How to Do Laundry " describes this simply by stating "to do laundry, first sort your dirty clothes, making separate piles for whites, bright colors and darks". A helpful hint is to put loads into pillow cases.

Helpful Hints for the Laundry Rush

• Tip 4 - Secure washing machines: Never walk into the laundromat empty-handed. Always walk with at least two loads of clothes and on arrival place them in available washers thus securing the use of the machines. One load of clothing can be spread to secure as many washers as needed.
• Tip 5 - Follow washing machine instructions: Instructions are given to ease processes. Most commercial washers have instructions on the inside of the lid. It is helpful to review the instructions to ensure that clothing is washed properly. It is important to add bleach and softener as directed to avoid damaging garments.
• Tip 6 - Be aware of temperature settings: Always check garment labels for the washing instructions so that while sorting, clothes are placed in the correct pile and are washed at the appropriate temperature setting to avoid shrinkage, bleeding or other damage. It is suggested that all white clothes are washed in hot water and you can add bleach if desired. Clothing with color should generally be washed in warm water, however, be sure to read the tag for washing directions."
• Tip 7 - Never leave clothing unattended: It is always best to stay at the laundromat while clothes are washing and drying. Leaving clothing in the machines wastes the other users' time and causes unnecessary work for the laundry attendants who have to remove the clothing and find places to store them.

Maximizing Your Time at the Laundromat

• Tip 8 - Walk with an activity to occupy downtime: Walk with a novel, textbook, newspaper, bible or a hand-held video game to keep occupied. Re-connect with family and friends by calling while using a hands-free device. There is no need to sit and be bored while the washers or dryers are spinning.
• Tip 9 - Sort clothing for the dryer too: If all the washing machines have completed the cycle, ligher clothing and sheets can be dried together and heavier items such as jeans and/or towels, depending on how many, can be dried together. The lighter clothing dry faster than the heavier ones and spare change and energy can be saved by doing this.
• Tip 10 - Walk with hangers: If the laundromat has carts with the hanging bar at the top, then walk with hangers to hang shirts, pants and skirts to ease ironing after.
• Tip 11 - Fold as much as possible: Folding clothes helps to save time with ironing. If there is limited space, fold as soon as is convenient at home as this will reduce creases.

Use these 11 tips to ease visits to the laundry. There is no need to be frustrated with this chore. Plan ahead, use the helpful hints for the busy times and maximize the time and money spent at the laundromat so that the washing, drying, hanging and folding are lighter tasks.