Get SMART Today!

As 2012 comes to a close, what have you done to make it a fulfilling year for yourself? What have you accomplished? Have you been able to achieve any of your goals? Or have you been afraid to take risks?

I guess I am very spontaneous because I was able to find new 'adventures' that can take me closer to one of my goals. Financially it is still a struggle but I can't give up. I just have to work with what I have.

Even before 2012 closes out, set some SMART goals to get rolling ahead for 2013. Try to save more money but still have fun along the way. Is there something you want to accomplish like an Associates Degree or to join a non-profit organization? Well, do it! Just don't overdo and take it in strides.

Are you tired because you can't say 'no'? Well this is your time to practice...no, No, NO! Don't let people use you. You should help others yes; but you have to be considerate of yourself.

Whatever your plans are for 2013, don't wait until then to start. Start from this moment, this today.

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Great R&B of 2002: Still Ghetto by Jaheim

Great R&B of 2002: "Still Ghetto" by Jaheim

Jaheim released his sophomore album Still Ghetto in 2002 with songs like "Put That Woman First" and "Fabulous" as a follow-up to the album Ghetto Love.

Born in 1976, Jaheim Hoagland has earned his place in music history. R&B fans know this singer as Jaheim and have enjoyed his music since his debut album in 2001. Jaheim is the grandson of Vic Hoagland who sang with the Drifters. His family's musical background no doubt would have influenced his choice to pursue a career in music. Jahiem released Ghetto Love in 2001 featuring the hits that got him noticed, "Could It Be" and "Just In Case." Still Ghetto was released after in 2002.

R&B Fans Love "Still Ghetto"

While several years have passed since the release of Still Ghetto, songs from this album still keep the ladies singing along. Still Ghetto spoke of the thoughts everyday people were thinking and of the issues people were facing in relationships. The artist may have titled the album Still Ghetto but it was real and relevant to anyone who listened.

The Songs on "Still Ghetto"

Still Ghetto featured sixteen songs including the "Intro" featuring Duganz and the "Interlude". The songs that everyone recognizes are "Put That Woman First" and "Fabulous" as these songs were played on the radio and Jaheim released music videos for them. Other notable songs on this album include "Diamond In Da Ruff," "Tight Jeans," "Special Day" and "Beauty and a Thug" featuring Mary J. Blige.

• The R&B Hit "Put That Woman First": "Silly me, silly me baby, I forgot to be your lover" are part of the lyrics of "Put That Woman First." This song has elements of William Bell's "I Forgot To Be Your Lover" and it speaks of a man who put basketball games, other women, his jewelry and his friends in front of his girlfriend. Women loved this song because many felt what Jaheim was expressing in the lyrics.
• Jaheim's "Diamond In Da Ruff": This song speaks about a relationship that could be considered a 'diamond in the rough' where Jaheim expresses how he lost the 'diamond' and continued to reminisce about her. The music for this song was inspired by the Fantastic Four's "My Love Won't Stop At Nothing" but has a more upbeat and modern flavor.
• "Tight Jeans" is an Interesting Song: "Tight Jeans" is a song with a simple melody and catchy hook. However, the lyrics talk about a man and woman who were 'just friends' but his feelings grew stronger than just friendship. Part of the lyrics read "you can't be coming round me in tight jeans.. I think you really trust me too much."

Jaheim Has Released More Albums

Since the release of Ghetto Love and Still Ghetto, according to the artist's page, Jaheim has released Classic Jaheim Vol 1 (2004) and Ghetto Classics (2006). More recently Jaheim released The Makings of a Man (2007) and Another Round (2010). Jaheim's released his second R&B album Still Ghetto in 2002.

Still Ghetto featured the hits "Put That Woman First" and "Fabulous" as well as other good songs. Since this album, Jaheim has continued his musical journey releasing several albums and is surely an R&B singer to keep listening to.

POEM: Purpose

I am
your daughter
I am
your son
Yet I am the one
who stands alone
I do not fear
I do not stop
even though my heart
has got a grey spot
I need to rise
I need to smile
I need to walk a mile
in pilgrim style
My ears are tuned
My soul is hurt
but I can't stop
because
while I am alone
I still have a purpose
to fulfill

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Our Various Journeys

The last few week were interesting. The BVI saw deaths of several well-known men including the Superintendent of Prisons. I do offer my condolences to the families that are mourning at this time. I know it can be tough especially if the death was unforseen.

We also saw happy moments like the crowning of Miss Shaemore Smith as the 2012 Miss Teen Diva and the successful saxophone performances by Kamau Georges and Dalan Vanterpool. I like to know that there are good news and that positive things are happening for our people.

I love to see progress and we all have to be responsible for our movement forward. Everyone has their strongpoint and we have to know how best to use our talents to help ourselves and others. Don't let anyone discourage you. Instead focus on what you want and keep aiming higher.

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We Are UVI: Linette Rabsatt - 1999

Congratulations to the University of the Virgin Islands on the 50 th anniversary! I am a proud graduduate of the Class of 1999! Read my contribution at We Are UVI: Linette Rabsatt - 1999: Linette Rabsatt. I have many fond memories of my time at UVI including fencing, my Marketing classes, Advertising Club and begin my poetic journey.

Read More about other almuni at the We Are UVI blog.

Miss Teen Diva Pageant on Saturday, November 24, 2012

I'm giving you a blog post in the morning on a work day! Wow! These days you've been getting them in the night.

This is a fantastic weekend coming up in the BVI because there are events galore. I am part of the Miss Teen Diva Committee and I'll be at our fifth Miss Teen Diva Pageant on Saturday starting at 8pm at the East End Long Look Community Center.

We have three great contestants who truly are articulate, bright and beautiful and I know they will do well. They have worked hard and I'm hoping that the community will suppport them. They are Shaemore Smith, Diedrah Samuel and Chelsea Hodge. I wish them all an eary congratulations because I know they will do well.

I also would like to wish all the other event coordinators good luck with their events.

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This Time of the Year.....holidays

This is a happy time of the year for many people. The holiday spirit has everyone hopping and shopping. I can keeping it low key this year as I have been doing for a while. Things are tight and I have a lot to do with little. I am taking it in strides and going forward with a grateful heart, loving spirit and joy.

I want to encourage everyone to be financially wise during this time. Give your time if you cannot give money. See who you can help in your community. If you are in a position to give, then give smart gifts that people will appreciate. If you know you cannot afford to give, then don't. You are not obligated to do so. People have to be able to understand. If they can't, then you need to give them some more love and maybe even a little space.

If you're a grinch and can't be bothered, then don't be. Just live your life as you see fit. However, if you can, do give your time to worthy cause this season. Some needy person will appreciate the gesture.

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