An Essential R&B and Soul Album is Essence Men

In 1999, Essence released a compilation album of love songs called Essence Men: The Love Songs featuring Barry White, Dru Hill, Al Green, Joe and others.

Essence has been a household name for decades because of the Essence printed magazine and since the evolution of the internet, for its website. In 1999, Essence with Universal Records, Inc. released Essence Men: The Love Songs. This album featured fifteen love tunes that according to the album case total the "soundtrack to love".

The Songs of Essence Men: The Love Songs

Legendary musicians like LTD, Barry White and Al Green have songs on this album. Newer artists like Eric Bennet, Chico Debarge and Tommy Sims also share some inspiring love songs on this album.

• "Let Me Make Luv 2 U": The first track is sung by the Transitions and is a remake of the O'Jay's' "Let Me Make Love to You" which was written by Bunny Sigler and Allan Felder. One of the verses sings "I promise that I'll never hurt you, I'll do everything that a man in love is supposed to do". The Transitions were Charles "Gator" Moore, Balewa "Bilal" Mohammed and Rashawn Morten and according to Amazon.com, they released one album, Back in Da Days in 2001.

• "Love & Happiness": Performed by Al Green and written by Green and Mabon "Teenie" Hodges, "Love & Happiness" is a classic love track. Originally released in 1977, this song has powerful lyrics like "happiness is when you really feel good with somebody, nothing's wrong with being in love with someone". Green is also known for hits like "Let's Stay Together" and "I'm So Tired of Being Alone".

• "All the Things (Your Man Won't Do)": Joe Thomas, formally known as the R&B artist Joe, sings this sultry song which was co-written by him, Michelle Williams and Joshua Thompson. He starts off "Tell me what kind of man would treat his woman so cold, treat you like you're nothing, when you worth more than gold". As he continues, the song promises a love-filled evening of romance and total enjoyment. "All the Things (Your Man Won't Do)" came from Joe's All That I Am album which was released in 1997.

• "Lady": D'Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer, had everyone singing along in 1995 with his hit, "Lady". Penned by this talented artist and an equally talented counterpart, Rafael Saadiq, "Lady" came from the Brown Sugar album. Sample lyrics are "you're the talk of the town, everybody wants to know what's going down" and "I know I love you and you love me."

• "Ms. Wonderful": "I can't believe inside what I am feeling baby, everytime I see you my heart starts beating crazy" are a short sample of the sexy lyrics of Chico DeBarge's "Ms. Wonderful". Chico DeBarge, the son of Al Debrage wrote "Ms. Wonderful" with Anthony Scott. Chico also arranged and produced this song which was first released on Long Time No See in 1997.

• "Kissing You": Written by Keith Washington, Marsha Jenkins and Rodney Shelton, Keith Washington performs "Kissing You" with intense emotion. Washington sings "Tell me it's not just a dream, cause if it is, my heart believes". "Kissing You" comes from Washington's Make Time for Love album released in 1991.

• "Femininity":  The sexy heart throb, Eric Benet, also an ex-husband of Halle Berry, has a voice that mirrors his appearance. "Femininity" comes from Benet's True to Myself released in 1996. Benet wrote "Femininity" with C. Warren and expressed lyrics such as "a childhood innocence is how you look at me, but it's the warming touch that makes it feel so right".

• "Love Ballad":  Anyone who enjoys old school soul music has a copy of LTD's "Love Ballad". Skip Scarborough is credited from these romantic lyrics. "I have never been so much in love before, what a difference true love's made in my life" are the lyrics that start this song. Although this song is from 1976, the expressions of love can transcend to the 22nd century.

• "5 Steps": "5  Steps" is the last song on Dru Hill's 1996 Dru Hill album. J. Green, Tory Ruffin and W. Miller wrote this song. "I don't know how much longer, you're gonna be here, so I say my prayers every night, one for my mother, one for my father and one for the love of my life; so if you decide to leave today, then leave tomorrow at the door" are the beginning lyrics.

• "I'll Make Love to You": The title of this Boyz II Men song clearly states what the intentions are - to "make love to you, like you want me to and I'll hold you tight, all through the night". "I'll Make Love to You" was written and produced by Babyface. Boyz II Men, Wanya Morris, Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman and Marc Nelson, released "I'll Make Love to You" on their 1994 album titled II.

• "The Only One For Me": Anyone who loves R&B and Soul will enjoy Brian McKnight's songs. "The Only One For Me" was written and produced by McKnight and came from his 1997 album Anytime. "Looking out on the rest of our lives, if we're gonna be together or apart, about the only way that I know how to come is right straight from my heart" are some of the lyrics.

• "For You": "For You" is song by two Kennys. It was written by Kenny Lerum and performed by Kenny Lattimore. Released on his 1996 self-titled Kenny Lattimore album, "For You" is a perfect wedding song. Lattimore sings "cause this life is no good alone, since we've become one, I've made a change, everything I do now makes sense".

• "True Love": Calvin Richardson sang "True Love", a song featuring, written by and produced by Chico DeBarge. Although, Richardson never really achieved a high level of stardom, "True Love" is a great song. He sings "true love is hard to find, someone to treat you kind, and if true love you need, then you will find it in me".

• "Ecstasy (When You Lay Down Next to Me)":  Barry White with his extra-ordinary and sexy voice sang "Ecstasy (When You Lay Down Next to Me)" which was written by Ekundayo Paris and Nelson Pigford and released in 1977. "Ecstasy (When You Lay Down Next to Me)" is the longest track on Essence Men: The Love Songs. Although White passed in 2003, lovers worldwide will continue to enjoy his music.

• "New Jam": Tommy Sims sang, wrote and produced "New Jam" which came from his 2000 Peace & Love album. Although Simms is not a household name and "New Jam" is not really a love song, the song has a nice instrumental and his voice is smooth.

Essence Men: The Love Songs is an exceptional compilation of love songs performed by some of the greatest R&B and Soul artists of all time. The music comes from the 1970s and the 1990s and is great for a romantic evening.

It Feels Good

I know what I like. I guess we all do. Even if it's not what everybody else likes, once you can be satisfied, then run with it and enjoy it. Everyone will have their opinion and personal choice.

I like chocolate, I like music and I like to dance. I love my family and my close friends and I love poetry. I respect what everyone likes even though I may not support it. I am not a sports fan nor a fan of 'liming' any more but many people feel like that they are missing the world if they can't go to a jam.

I guess I have become quite satisfied with myself and and am able to entertain myself to the point where I don't demand much to be happy.

It's Hurricane Season

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30. We recited a poem in school to help us to remember the months of this season:

"June- too soon.
July-- stand by!
August-- look out you must.
September-- remember.
October, all over."

It is claimed to be an old mariner's poem. Since the season ends in November, we know that it is really not all over in October. 2011's Hurricane Otto that flooded many Caribbean islands including the BVI and USVI came in October.

I can remember some of the hurricanes that devasted the Caribbean. I remember Hurricane Gilbert which destroyed Jamaica in 1988. I had just entered the BVI High School (now Elmore Stoutt High School). I never remembered the BVI flooding back then. Lovindeer sang "Wild Gilbert" about the storm.

The next hurricane that I remember is Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Hugo did not trouble the BVI too much but it made a mess of St. Thomas and even more St. Croix. The late Nicholas "Daddy Friday" Friday of the Awesome Jamband sang "Hugo Make Me A Don" and of course this was a hit for the carnivals and the festivals in 1990 in the Virgin Islands.

I think the most notable year for storms that I can remember was in 1995. The Caribbean had Iris, Luis and then Marilyn. Each storm had its own punch. Marilyn was the one that hit the Virgin Islands the hardest. The effects of Marilyn are still evident in St. Thomas to this day where houses still sit roofless. Of course there was a Marilyn song, again by the Awesome Jamband.

We had a story about these three major hurricanes. Iris passed through first on her mission. Apparently, she and Luis had a fling and he was missing her so he tried to follow her path to find. However, Marilyn really loved him and she heard he went to St. Thomas so she rooted the island to find him - but to no avail. I guess we come up with these stories after being months without cable.

Marilyn affected me because it was my first semester at UVI and classes were on hold because of the damage to the school and the island as a whole. So imagine, I resign from my job, pack up and head to school and then school is on hold. I travelled back to Tortola and sought a job in a supermarket because I still needed to be occupied. UVI opened shortly and I was back in class and today I stand a proud graduate of the Class of 1999.

Hurricane Bertha hit the islands in 1996 and I can remember her lifting off a piece of the roof from my home. It's been stormy since and climate change experts have determined that Atlantic Hurricane Season continues to get deadlier. Hurricane Katrina did her fair share to the US in 2005, just 10 years after Marilyn.

The latest cause of misery has been Hurricane Otto who threw lots of water on the Caribbean in October 2011. We saw water coming from places that we never thought to be channels.

We know what this season can bring. All we can do is pray and be prepared as best we can. Canned food, flashlights, a packed bag, first aid items and drinking water are the basic items to keep at hand. Hurricane shutters or wood for barring up should be close at hand.

By 2015, we may need to alter the last line of the mariner's poem and add another line:
October--it's not done yet
November--hope it's over

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The BVI's 2011 Festival is from July 22 to August 6

The British Virgin Islands will be celebrating its annual festival celebrations on Tortola from July 22 to August 6, 2011 with a variety of activities.

The British VirginIslands (BVI) will be celebrating its annual emancipation festival from July 22 to August 6, 2011. This festival commemorates the emancipation of the slaves in British Virgin Islands on August 1, 1834. The first festival celebration was held in 1954, so 2011 marks 57 years. Every year, the first Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are public holidays and are significant days in the festival activities. The body that coordinates the entire activity is the Festival and Fairs Committee. The members of this committee work with the Minister for Education and Culture, now Honorable Andrew Fahie and the current Director of Culture, Mrs. Luce Hodge-Smith. Virgin Gorda has its own festival during Easter.

Official Naming of Festival

 The BVI has been naming the festival after persons who have always contributed positively towards the upholding of the BVI culture in festival. This year, the honoree is Titus (Rockey) Crabbe, a popular BVI calypsonian called the Mighty Rockey. The festival is appropriately named "The Mighty Rockey Calypso Festiville".

Theme and Slogan

Every year, the Festival and Fairs Committee asks the community to submit their ideas for the theme and slogan for the festival. The 2011 theme is "A Hearty and Glorious 177, Emancipation Age 2011" submitted by Simeon Pope. "Come and Play Mass with Class like we did in the Past" was the chosen slogan and this was submitted by Courtney Donovan.

Festival Events

The festival offers various fun-filled and entertaining activities that show the BVI's culture. Horseracing, a Calypso show, Rise and Shine tramp, the various pageants, a dance contest, Coney Island rides and games, Water Sports, a soap box competition, a Food Fair and exciting entertainers are some of the activities that the festival has to offer. The parades are also an important part of festival and brings out thousands of people to see the majorettes, mocko jumbies, dancers, favorite bands and floats. Since 1954, the festival hasincreased in the number of days and events. There are events in Road Town, East End and more recently in Carrot Bay. At every event, there is cultural food such as fried patties with conch, whelk or saltfish, fried fish, fried chicken and johnny cake, goat water or bull foot soup among other delicacies.

• BVI's 2011 Prince and Princess: The first event of the festival celebrations was the Prince and Princess show on July 17 and John Gomez and Rhekaaya Merry emerged as the big winners at the show. The couple was able to secure the awards for "Most Photogenic, Best Introduction Dance, Best Introduction, Best Futurestic Wear, Best Cultural Wear, Best Talent and Best Evening Wear".
• Gospel Fest: The Gospel Fest was held on the day before the official opening of the festival village. Local groups and artistes performed and the headlining acts were Papa San from Jamaica and Susan Best-Richardson from Anguilla.
• Village Opening: The festival village, locally called the 'village' was officially opened on July 22 with an opening ceremony. Local bands performing that evening included fungi band, the Razor Blades and Calypso bands, Xtreme and Showtime.
• Kiddies Fiesta: On Saturday, July 23, there was the Kiddies Fiesta, a Rotary Club of Road Town sponsored event where children have a fun day with a mini parade.
• Calypso Competition: Later that evening, the festival committee held the finals of the annual Calypso Show. Contenders compete with tight lyrics and engaging performance and at the end of the night, the Calypso King or Queen is crowned. The 2011 Calypso King is Luther Butler, known to his fans as Luther B. Luther B also won the competition in 2010.

Upcoming Events

Every night, the village will have live bands and fresh local food. No festival would be complete without a dance competition, so for the first time, there will be a "BVI Can Dance" competition on Thursday, July 28. The Miss East End/Long Look Queen Show will also be held on this night where the reigning Aneika Blyden will give up her crown. The annual Food Fair is set for Friday, July 29 and there will be lots of local food to enjoy. On Saturday, July 30, the BVI Motor Sports Association (BMSA) will host a soap box competition. Then, that evening, the International Calypso Show is set to happen with artists like the Sweeter Band, Ziggy Rankin and Sanelle Dempster.

• Sunday, July 31: This is a packed day because there will be the Freedom March and Emancipation Service in the morning at the Sunday Moning Well in Road Town. The day continues with boat racing at Fish Bay. The evening is set to be thrilling because there will be the Miss BVI pageant. This pageant is much anticipated and this year, there are five contestants. Riiva Williams, Ciara Christian, Abigail Hyndman, Shanett Browne and Washeema Guishard are the young ladies who are vying for the title that Sheroma Hodge currently holds.
• August Monday: The great August Monday falls on August 1, 2011. The day begins with the Rise and Shine Tramp which is slated to begin at 4AM. Revelers will dance through the streets to calypso and soca until 9 - 10AM. After the tramp is the annual August Monday Parade. Later that evening the East End/Look Look Festival Village will be officially opened.
• August Tuesday: On Tuesday, August 2, the BVI will wake up to another Rise and Shine Tramp in Road Town. Although the party-goers may be tired, they will head to the water sports activities and then the horseracing at the Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay. The action then heads back to the East End/Long Look Village.
• August Wednesday: British Virgin Islanders truly love to "Rise and Shine" because on Wednesday, August 3, they have another tramp in East End. The tramp is then followed with the August Wednesday Parade in East End.

Winding Down of Festival - Off to Carrot Bay

On Thursday, life goes back to normal because everyone goes back to work. However, activities continue from August 4 to 6 in Carrot Bay. On Thursday, August 6, the Winston Molyneaux Fisherman's Tournament, the annual Torchlight Procession and the evening entertainment are some of the activities. On Friday, there will be the Cultural Fiesta with Donkey Races and other traditional games. Saturday, August 6 marks the finale of the BVI's 2011 Festival Celebrations. Carrot Bay will host another Cultural Fiesta and plans to culminate the grand celebration with Poizon Band, Showtime Band, Tarrus Riley and Krosfyah from Barbados.

The British Virgin Islands has planned for an exciting and entertaining festival. Since the celebration is for 177 years of emancipation from slavery, the chosen slogan "Come and Play Mass with Class like we did in the Past" is fitting and we can be sure that the festival's participants will live up to this theme.

Why I Go to Church

It is sad that sometimes I think negatively about going to church. Church is a sanctuary in every sense of the word. However, sometimes it is the lack of decorum of the church members that turns some people off.

However, I will say that I do not go to church to impress, repress or depress anyone. I am there to praise God. I went to my home church on Sunday after a long absence. I have been visiting a nearby church in the neighborhood I moved to because it is simple, nice and in walking distance. I realize that a coldness came from a few members in my home church - one family.

It makes me want to go back next Sunday to give a testimony on love. I just want to simply say that "I love my church family and even though they may not see me often, I still love them." I am a woman of few words.

Whatever, I have done or have not done to or for these people, my only comment is "they will be fine". I guess that's my tagline now. "You will be fine". Don't think saying "Praise God" or singing in the choir is all it takes to make it to heaven. I'm not saying that I am closer than anyone else nor am I juding anyone's actions. However, those negative beahviors are what keeps the sinners away. Then we wonder why the membership is decreasing.

Positive and live is where we need to take our churches too. Nothing will be perfect and we know this. If they persecuted Jesus, imagine you or I. Why would there be Beatitudes if life was perfect? Humbleness, patience, merciful and a giving spirit are characteristics that Christians work hard to keep. They have to work harder because Satan attacks those that love God.

So I will say that maybe that day, Satan was working hard on those people and they have gotten over it. Afterall, Christians are human too and will make mistakes and sin. I have to still love them and continue to seek God for my betterment.

Quick Thoughts: To the Troublemakers

 To the Troublemakers:

Tell the troublemakers to trouble themselves
muddy their own waters
and put stumbling blocks in their own way.
ACTUALLY
that's what they do
when they mess with God's annointed
So why am I worried!
Blessings!

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Some Tough Decisions....You Never Know

While I wish to see a positive changed realized in my country, I know that there will be challenges and many bumps along the way. Everyone seems to have a solution but I still feel that with all the solutions, the mindset has to change first.

I watched "Speak You Mind" last night on BVI's JTV on Channel 55 and enjoyed the commentary from hosts Edmund Maduro and Courtney deCastro and the persons who called and sent text messages. A few major issues were discussed but one thing kept coming up. It was the 'mental slavery' of our people.

While we may want tax reform and more economic incentives for new businesses, the people have to first be ready for these changes. For a population that can boast a high number of persons with Associate's and Bachelor's Degrees, it is hard to believe that we are unable to unite for the same good cause.

I feel that the BVI has to come to this dilemma because we are afraid to make tough decisions that will help the people in the long run. An over-bloated public service which is still unable to fill key posts, a broken down infrastructure which the country has spent millions with the wrong people to rehabilitate, a flailing agricultural sector and an education system that has been under reform for so many years yet the drop-out rate is rising: these are just some of the issues.

Strong leaders make tough decisions:

• Festival will have to be scaled down to just one big event in Road Town. All villages/districts will be encouraged to participate.
• Sorry family members and friends, there will be no contracts for you unless your bid is the best and you are competent to do the work.
• Workers who are inefficient will have a chance to pull up their socks otherwise, pay cuts will be instituted and eventual early retirement or termination.
• Accountability will be first priority so if you waste it, you will pay for it or replace it.
• Technical personnel will have the final say on how infrastructural projects are to be handled.
• There will be no more arbitrary paving of ghuts or road paving. It must be properly researched and carried out - see previous bullet.
• Car owners will be billed for the removal of derelict vehicles. The Govt should not have to foot this bill. So if you have a new car, it won't get licenced until the old one is off the derelict list. If you have moved away, we will see your car for parts.
• Property owners will have land forfeited for non-payment of property taxes. For those who live on great-great uncle's land, we can send you to a pro-bono attorney to sort that out but the taxes must be paid.
• The one that sticks out to me the most is that if any person or business owes money to the Govt, then the Govt. should not be writing them any checks.

 The people are very reliant of the Govt for everything so it’s time to change the pace but only strong leaders will make these decisions.

I am for compassionate leadership but you can not be wasteful with the resources. At some point, better earlier than later, such decisions will become reality. There will need to be a balance. I know some will not agree with me but I do feel it’s time for some real action to get us back on track.

Let’s see.

"We From De VI" - words from Nick Daddy Friday

The Awesome Jam Band was lead by Nick "Daddy" Friday who died on October 4, 2005. Jam Band sang a Calypso songs that had us bouncing, shaking, rumbling, tumbling and even indicating like a car.

Although it has been close to six years since his passing, his voice is missed and his songs are still played. I can remember attending several jouverts in Tortola for East End Festival and also in Road Town. I sweated, I jammed and I enjoyed that music from Daddy Friday. I can remember when there was tension with the other local bands throughout the united Virgin Islands - Imaginations Brass, Seventeen Plus, Prime Time, Adjik, Violators and later on Showtime and Extreme Band.

Our Calypso has come a long way but the oldies are still great. I play "Horse Chip" and "Inspection Lane" for my children and they love that. We dance just as if we were in the jouvert live.

Rest In Peace Daddy Friday. Your legacy makes the young soca and calypso artists work even harder.

Favorite TV Sitcoms

These sitcoms are not in any particular order:
"The Cosby Show" - Loved the family vibe and the clean content which still touched serious issues. Reruns are still enjoyed.

"Frasier" - Frasier, Niles, Roz, Daphne and Daddy Crane brought me many laughs. I still enjoy the show in syndication because this was not the typical sitcom but the laughs did come.

"Everybody Hates Chris" - I do love this show and wished that it had another season. My children have grown to love the reruns of this show. This sitcom is much different to other sitcoms because it is narrated by Chris Rock who is hilarious. The comedy is not forced and the actors played their roles well.

"Girlfriends" - The theme song begins "my girlfriends - there through thick and thin" and the episodes show that Joan, Maya, Lynn and Toni were really there for each other. The girls went through divorce, break-ups, pregnant and birth, career changes, issues with parents and so much more.  The show was very relatable because the issues were real.

"The Game" - I do love this show and tried to follow up with it religious. It was one of the few remaining sitcoms on network television that featured African Americans. Although I am a Caribbean-African American, I was still understand the inferences made and love the humor. I enjoyed Season 4 on BET and look forward to Season 5.

"Let's Stay Together" - The first season of this show aired in 2011 but I am surely looking for new episodes for the next season.

This list is not exhaustive but if I sit watching all of these I will be exhausted from laughing.

Those Tough Decisions

We don't always make the right decisions but most of us mean well. Our choice of action may be too hasty, may be biased or may be deceitful. While these choices may have been stuffed with ill-will, good things can come out of any bad situation  - a blessing in disguise.

This goes back to the 'throwing under the bus' post. There are days when we are thrown and days when we do the throwing. Some times, it's just that we need to stand up for ourselves and the unfortunate person in the way get trampled or run over.

However, we always want good will extended to us. Therefore, we have to send good will to be able to receive same. We can't seek to set traps for our brother and expect to prosper. If we say we are trying to be like Jesus, which is a very tall order, we have to seek to do right to our brothers and sisters.

I have been repeating for a while that strong leaders make have to make tough decisions that can alter the culture of an organization, business or a nation. They can't be thinking about harvesting negative behavior to be successful. If we want positive outcomes, we have to give positive input. So instead of willfully making a bad decision, like to trip your brother, take that energy to do something that will uplift your situation, your attitude and the same brother.

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POEM: It's The Crook!!!!!!!!!

When I hear some people talking, one word comes to mind:
"CROOK"!!!!!!!
The crook that cooked the books
who does watch me with funny looks
never sorry for the freedom they took
However, let the truth be the quake that shook
cause now they out of the crannies and nooks
mouth running like a babbling brook
playing me like a chess rook
when they see my eyes - they play 'jook'
Look!
It's the crooooooooook!

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Oh Snap! Why I'm Online?

There is a lot to learn in this world. Access to the internet makes learning even easier. We can now take online courses or read 'how-to' manuals online. We can learn how to weave hair, ride a bike or change our car's oil.

Many people use the internet for mischief like forwarding stupid emails, make absurd comments on Facebook or minding each other's business on Facebook. It is tempting when certain people put all their business out there but it really is still their business. It makes me wonder what content the new seasons of Snapped - Complete Seasons 1 & 2 - The Killer Collection - As Seen on Oxygen! would include in five years. "Well, the trouble started when Susie commented negatively on Jane's page", the narrator announced...

Social networking works well once it is used for the right purposes. Politician, musicians, poets, photographers and visual artists surely have been benefiting postively through these media. I personally take advantage of these to promote my writing or upcoming events.

I also find great recipes and helpful articles online. I am also hoping that my online articles will be just as helpful and insightful to readers.

Remember, use the internet for the right reasons!

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Dynamics of a Team - The 'me' in there

There is no 'I' in team, but the 'me' has to be industrious to make the team successful. We are only as strong as our weakest link, but we all have weaknesses that decrease the team's strength.

The dynamics of a team is what makes it work well. Unity is a big factor because we all have to strive for the same goal. We also have to look at the talents that people have and utilize same for the best of the group.

The groups that I have worked with have always been interesting because there is always a slacker, an unskilled person and know-it-all. I've been the unskilled person before but once I can catch on - I'll be a work horse.

I typically prefer to work by myself but the latest project that I worked on was a yearbook project and my partner was AWESOME! She made things happen that kept the load balanced. Kudos to Andrea!

In reality, it is hard to find perfect matches or all dynamic minds to work on a project or to work with on a job. We have to really conduct a SWOT analysis so that groups can function better.

So instead of calling out the weakest link, let's find a way to get that link straightened, tightened and ready to work.

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What does a boss gain from holding back his employees?

What does a boss gain from holding back his employees? Do you really want to hold other human beings back from excelling? Do you enjoy manipulating others to the point that they want to scream at you?

We have a tendency to be threatened by people who think differently to us. In relation to me, go ahead and feel threatened because I will not always agree with you. I like when you push my buttons because I am 'the easy dog that bites hard'.

It's hard to believe that a country that has invested millions into educating its workforce still appoints managers who are not willing to promote their own. Who can change this? I am not sure how we can change this mind set. Politicians, by law, can't - only in relation to the Private Secretaries and Permanent Secertaries (for those with Ministerial posts).

It has always been my hope that supervisors would seek the best from their employees. To think that someone would set a road block on your highway to success is almost unimagineable. However, this is real!

What can we do in those sitations? I like to focus on other things that I can use my pent-up energy on rather than dwelling on the negativity. I like to know that I can excel because when I do, it still makes the others (yes - the hypocrites too) look good. They may still want to take the credit for the good I do but I do other good elsewhere so that will always permeate, saturate and dominate my character.

Let them think that they are holding you back because the time it takes them to plot against you, they are only setting traps for themselves.

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POEM: One, Two, Three

One, Two, Three
Some words are coming to me
Big, Small or Free
I want to chart my destiny
I want to live in honesty
I want to scream very loudly
It's all in me
It's all I see
It's all I want to be
One, Two, Three
Happiness is around me
Peace can be a reality
Joy makes it a trilogy
We can take it to the next layer
with the game of all the players
ignoring the naysayers
One, Two, Three
These words that came to be
were put together simply
with the love from within me

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STRESS = Strain. Trials. Resistance. Emptiness. Slothfullness. Shame.

Strain
Trials
Resistance
Emptiness
Slothfullness
Shame

I deal with stress by focusing my energy on other things. I play games, I write, I dance or I sing. i find a project to keep me occupied.

What is your way of dealing with stress? Do you eat or do you starve yourself? Stress can be very harmful. I've never planned to be bald or go grey early.

I have fun and I dance with my children and let that negative engery turn into positive fun and exercise. I do get bogged down sometimes and it's hard to cope, but we have to move forward. Reach out to someone - a family member, a church friend, a mentor, a counsellor or anyone who can help.

Don't let STRESS keep you down or make you unhealthy!

Let's turn the stress into:

Smiles
Triumphs
Resilience
Excellence
Satisfaction
Sanity

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What I want from the leaders

What I want from the leaders

Honesty:
If you can't support my endeavor, if you don't have the funding or can't make it to my event, tell me that. Too many times, the leaders make promises that they know that they cannot fulfill. Stop doing that. That's why we call it politricks!

Commitment:
I am committed to what I believe. If you seek to be a leader of people, you should be committed to the people, just as a shepherd commits to his sheep. When we call on you, we expect a response, even if it's two weeks later. Follow-up even when you have to say no (see point #1). Sometimes, people need a gentle hand to lead them forward, and a push in the right direction may be the push they need - not the white envelope.

Strength:
As you step into the arena seeking public support, there will be barbs thrown in your direction. All your dirty deeds will be unearthed, and your family's secrets will be shared. During this time, you have no choice but to be resilient. Pray and ask others to pray for you because there will be long days and longer nights.

Passion:
If you don't have passion, then leadership is not for you. You have to be willing to stand out and disagree with the masses. You have to be able to fight for your position even when it is not popular. You have to be able to take a firm hand and update and change situations.

Caring:
People who are leaders must first have a love for their fellow man before they can lead us. We don't want a pushover (see #3&4). However, we expect that the country's greatest asset will be the priority. We expect that our health, education, and food security will be priorities. We do not need anyone to baby us but to lead us in the right direction.

Visionary:
Leaders must have a vision. In recent days, we are trying to determine the character and the vision of the persons who are in present leadership. We expect that leaders can determine our needs and after consulting with us, will take the necessary steps to ensure that ideas come to fruition.

There are many more qualities, but these are what comes to mind now.

Ribbon

"Per Capita" in the BVI - many numbers

The term 'Per Capita' means "A Latin term that translates into 'by head,' basically meaning 'average per person'" according to http://www.investopedia.com.

Our estimated population is about 30,000. We have 5 or 6 radio stations, 3 print newspapers (of which 2 have websites), 2 TV stations and 4 online news publication (not printed). We have 5 ferry companies - four of which travel to the USVI at some point. There are three mobile phone companies, over 10 insurance companies, countless heavy equipment companies and construction companies. We have five commercial banks and one private bank.

We have three major supermarkets who also have outlets. However every week, the four ferry companies carry thousands to the USVI to shop.

We don't have enough farmers to provide meat and vegetables to ensure our food security. Of the farmers we do have, many produce the same crop so it's a constant competition and overflood of the market.

It's election time and everyone wants to be a leader.  I must say that the people need good shepherds who can lead this willing flock. There are 4 announced political parties and another one that is supposed to launch. 30,000 people and 5 political parties! There are also several independent persons who are running. This is a subject I have to delve into further in a future post.

We see where we are over-saturated but as the people say "everybody got to eat." We are at a pivotal moment in our country. We will need to look at our brother for inspiration but we have to come up with fresh and new business opportunities. We have to start doing for ourselves. When we get proactive, we ease up the load off the Government. We like the atmosphere where 'every one can eat' but to whose expense? We are the Government!

As for the would-be politicians, come good!

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Ribbon's Thoughts on July 7, 2011

To all the people who prayed,
I thank you.
To the people who murmurred nasty words,
God Bless you.
To those who wish to see me down,
It's OK.
To those who give me fake smiles,
that's alright.

To those who are under pesecution right now,
I'll pray for you.
To those who I thought bad of,
I am sorry.
To you who I have envied,
please forgive me.
To you who I have wronged,
pray for me.

It's not all about
who's wrong or right
because in the overall sight
God is the only right
and none of us want to be left
behind in this world
so we ought to do right
live right
and treat our brothers
with respect

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Do For Love..Caldwell and then Tupac

The song that just popped in my head is Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do For Love". It wasn't so much the lyrics but the instrumental. It is very soothing, romantic and mellow. The instruments seem to come alive! Bobby's lyrics are great too - "you tried everything but you won't give up" and "my friends wonder what is wrong with me...cause I'm in a daze from your loving scene".

Tupac's "Do For Love" is also smooth too as it samples the instrumental and the chorus. I am not sure who sang the hook 2pac but the voice is very similar to Caldwell's and this is a nice touch. 2pac's version has additional modern sounds but the essence is there especially in the hook.

With this instrumental, it's really about the energy from the musicians so the singer/rappers just have to perform and make the song a total package.

New artists, take note. Learn from the greats.......

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Soca & Calypso - Feel Good Music

I love my Soca and Calypso music. It's such a great energy and if you really feel like dancing, then you can burn some calories too. I was listening to some older soca and calypso tonight and I burst a sweat. My children enjoyed it too and were dancing with me.

We didn't go far back with ou listening choices tonight. There was no "Inspection Lane" by the Awesome Jamband and there wasn't any "Horse Chip" either. Instead, we had a little Flaunt It by Claudette Peters and some Pumpin' by Peter Ram.

I took a little closer home with some "Circles" by Showtime from the BVI and "Drop It Like It's Hot" by Pantha Vibes from Anguilla. Usually we have some "Push It" or "Stiff Wuk Up" by the JDPP Jammers out of St. Thomas but I will give the kids that another night. I love my St. Kitts bands too and the Trinidadian massive too.

I like for my kids to hear and appreciate this music because it is a part of our culture. And as I stated earlier, dancing to soca can get you to break a sweat!

I don't know what your feel good music is but mine for sure is sweet sweet soca and calypso!

Mind you - I love my reggae, hip hop and R&B too but it's easier to dance to soca and calypso!

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POEM: No Sight

It's always a blast
a hard word
or a push
when there is no foresight
hindsight
or insight
but until we act right
then there'll never be delight
just fright
blight
not a unite
but a fist fight
for both black and white
want their future to be bright
sigh
sight is blinded

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Lend a Helping Hand

If you ever get into a position to help others, it is a blessing to do so. You may feel that noone helps you when you ask for it but God is always there for us.

There are always ways for problems to be solved. Sometimes, we just have to persevere and struggle through the turmoil. However, we don't want to be regarded as pushovers so be mindful of those who try to use and abuse you.

Despite the users, offering a helping hand is good. It's a great fulfillment in knowing that your small input may have made someone's day.

One while I was driving, I saw a little boy with his father walking. A bottle dropped from the boy's hand and somehow he got cut on his hand. I immediately stopped and bid them to come in my car so I could take them to the hospital. I can't fathom seeing things like that happen in front of me. I have children of my own and would hope that other people would not leave them to suffer.

Afterall, none of us would want our sins to fall on our children. We all want to live in peace and harmony. We all want the best for our familes. However, it can't be only about the 'we' in a small group - it has to be about the entire community.

Please take care of each other and help anyone that you see in need.

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Happiness on the Job

Happiness on the job does not mean a perfect job. It may be the job that's outside your field, that you may be overqualified for or are underpaid and underappreciated.

However, going past the basic needs of a clean work environment, water and basic tools, employees need to know that they contributions are appreciated even if their suggestions are not always implemented. Supervisors need to listen to the people in the trenches and sometimes walk in the trenches to understand the day-to-day runnings.

Gossip is a killer on the job and so is micro-management and backbiting. I have worked in the midst of all of this and it is no pleasant. I will never tell anyone to be the 'yes man' and never refuse an assignment. You have to say no and stand up to your peers and supervisors when needed. People are always looking for a scapegoat, a gossip partner, a news carrier or work horse. Living as one of those person does not bring happiness on the job. Instead it brings misery.

Lack of teamwork brings a lot of negativity. However, the team can only be strong if the manager has that motivating and inspiring attitude that can get diverse people to work together. When we focus on differences we can't get any work done.

Happiness on the job for me means that the team has each other's back and can achieve success amongst conflicts. There will be conflicts and challenges everywhere in life. Never feel that happiness means that nothing can go wrong. Only babies are allowed to live that way because parents or other adults are there to foster their needs.

Try to avoid or sidestep the negative on the job. Focus on getting the job done and even if you are not treated well, still perform to the best of your ability until you are able to solve your troubles or move on to another position. Afterall, we are only set to be in one place for a time. At some point we will be moving on - preferably forward!

Poem: Unwilling Prey

Enticing
It calls my name...silently
I try to never look its way
but yet it always seems to find me
'Take me home'
it says with emphasis
but I never want to go near
Many times I run away
from its pull
but I never can run far away
because its attraction
defeats me
although I am unwilling prey
this captor graciously
takes me into its den
knowing that my fortitude
will soon dissolve
and I will take a dip
into the sea which draws me in

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Writing Poems About Children

Poems about children can be written to speak from a child's perspective or can be written about childhood experiences to convey strong messages.

Poetry is a great art-form to express feelings about nature, people, life, inanimate objects and the world as a whole. Writing poems about children is a great way to reminisce about childhood or to convey a message from a child's perspective. The message may not always be positive as sometimes it becomes necessary for an important message which has negative undertones to be shared.

Compose the Poem for the Intended Audience

Writing for the intended audience is very important regardless of the topic or type of writing. While a poem may be written about children, the poem can be catered for children to read or for adults.

• Poems written for children: If the poem is written to be shared with children, then be mindful of the message being conveyed. Avoid any inappropriate words and very unpleasant references. Simple words with a simple tone can bring across the inspiration. Keep a simple rhyme scheme especially if the poem is to be performed for children. An example of lines could be "A pretty red ribbon/ sits in Diane's hair/ her happiness is shown/in the colors she wears"
• Poems for adult readers: While any theme can be written to be shared with an adult audience, be mindful of religion, gender and other topics that can cause discomfort of controversy. This can affect book sales and requested performances at schools, churches and events.

Poems from a Child's Perspective

Writing from another perspective entails some brainstorming and creative thought. Think of how active and lucid a child's imagination is. Write using colors, vivid scenes and simple words and phrases. Also, write in the first person. Although the message may have negative undertones such as child abuse, it is important to keep the message coming from a child's viewpoint. An example is: "I don't know why you hit me I was a good boy I didn't mean to break the toy".

Poems about Childhood Experiences

Poems about children can speak in any voice about childhood events. Again, tailoring the writing for audience is very important. These types of poems if written for an adult audience can share messages about divorce, abuse, assault and any other vice. Regardless of the speaker, "I, you or she", be sure to convey the poem with an imaginative flair and with vivid description. Be creative by using imagery and vivid descriptions. An example is: "You have grown. You have elapsed from the angel that everyone believed that you were. From sleeping in the den and then tasting the jams and jellies - licking your fingers as you run and hide".

Composing poems about children requires innovation and creativity because the writing can bring back memories of childhood experiences. However, while some childhood experiences may be negative, the message should still be shared because it may impact positively on the readers. Write for the audience and incorporate writing that appeals to the senses so that the readers or listeners can understand the poem.