What to Consider When Joining a Club, Group or Organization

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

Dutty Rock by Sean Paul is a Great Dancehall Music Album

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

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

Sean Paul's Music in the Late 1990s

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

The Multi-platinum Dutty Rock

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

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

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

Sean Paul after Dutty Rock

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

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

Taking it one day at a time

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

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

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

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

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

Caribbean Styled Food: Easy Pink Beans and Rice Recipe

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

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

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

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

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

Job Satisfaction - A Myth

Have you ever worked in an organization where the climate is always stormy? Ask yourself these questions about your job.

1. Do you feel you are well liked or respected or both?
2. Are you the one who never says "NO"?
3. Are you motivated - in general?
4. Are there opportunities for training?
5. Are there avenues for promotion?
6. Do you feel challenged?
7. Are you stressed?
8. Are you bombarded with work?
9. Are you bored?
10. Do you get along with your boss?

There's no magic formula that if you answer 'yes to ten questions, then...", you will be rewarded or deflated. We just have to evaluate our situation and decide to move on. Unless you are in the tightest contract ever made, you can always go on study leave, get a transfer if possible or leave.

I am tired of seeing nepotism and other underhanded behavior. I hate seeing people lazing and procrastinating. I can't stand when an organization is held back because people are resistant to change.

Another side of it is when the people who are rude, judgemnental, crooked etc. Who really wants to work with a bukky? Notice people's behavior and be mindful of their critism.

POEM: Obstacles by Linette

Weary and teary eyes
from weeping and no sleeping
up all day yet wide all night
in such a fit
that it's such a sight
with daylight soon approaching
what obstacle will come next
will the reaction be fumingly vexed
upset - say something to regret
why is love an object
rather than a concept
is it so complex
that we regress
just thinking about love
it's another obstacle, isn't it?
just like people are
so crafty, so tardy
and so full of complacency
what a mix!
did you think
that I wasn't planning ahead too
do you know I can see through you
timing is slight
but I will not fight
I will express
I will address
I will speak wisely but not to regret
because it's not my fire to burn
some obstacles make an upturn
or a u-turn
whatever the deal
time will heal
cause life is too hip and too real
to be wasting time
eating sour limes
all day
regrouping is what to do
for the Father will see me through


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ORIGINAL MATERIAL COMPOSED 1/12/2011
DO NOT REPRODUCE WITHOUT PERMISSION

People suck - don't they sometimes?

I am having a bad day. I am pissed with the world. Thank God for some Tarrus Riley, Niyorah, Richie Spice, Abijah and other reggae artists to keep me calm.

If it was not for the music, I think the wrong person may have mashed my corn today and ohhhhhhhh it would not have been pleasant.

Lord, help me because they are pushing my buttons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are not supposed to let situations change us but so help me - I am becoming a grump. Of course, I'm still cracking jokes, singing and chatting with my friends but I really want to scrabble the offenders who keep pushing my buttons.

Everybody wants to be sensitive but yet they don't care about others. Everybody knows every thing but yet they really know NOTHING. Everybody has the best ideas yet they can't execute a thing.

As the young people say in conversations "LOL LOL." I guess I should try to be the bigger person, but I'm really not - I'm only 5 feet tall so I don't mind being petite (pun intended).

I am controversial and I tend to let ones know when I am not pleased about things because they like to pick at me. Unfortunately sometimes, I like to pick back with a smile.

Someone sang "better must come one day." I'm still waiting on that day but I hope tomorrow meets me in a better mood.

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BET's Programs: The Game, Let's Stay Together, Mo'Nique and More

The Game and Let's Stay Together will be airing tonight on BET. Read more at: BET's Programs: The Game, Let's Stay Together, Mo'Nique and More.

POEM: Miss Independent by Linette Rabsatt

Pyramid Schemes - A Matrix of Financial Ruin

Pyramid Schemes are not a way to improve your finances. Instead, these plans defraud many people of their money because the returns can never be realized.

In these harsh economic times, persons seeking a quick and high return on their money can be easily swayed to invest. Many people worldwide have lost money in pyramid schemes because of the promise of huge payouts on the initial investments. In recent days, investors in the Virgin Islands have suffered losses in a pyramid scheme. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that persons remain cognizant of fraudulent schemes when investing.

What is a Pyramid Scheme

A pyramid scheme entices investors by offering a huge and quick return on the initial investment with money earned from recruiting more persons to invest. Each new investor is also promised the same high returns once he brings more persons on-board. 

A Live Pyramid Scheme Example

John joins an investment plan where he invests $100 and once he can find four persons to join, he will get $20 for each one that joins. So John can make $80 if he recruits four friends while there is actually $400 being paid in by his four recruits. When each of the four persons, John's second level, invites four more persons, John gets $10 for each of the new investors, now John's third level, and he reaps $160. At John's third level, $1,600 would have been paid in by these new investors.

At John's fourth level, there will be 64 people investing with $6,400 paid in and John will make $320 if his cut is $5 per investor. At a sixth level, the investors increase to 1,024 and at John's seventh level, the numbers soar to 16,384. When the number of investors under John is totaled, it is 21,844 persons and they would have invested $218,440 ($100 from each person) through John's pyramid if there were enough new recruits. This cycle continues because every new investor to the scheme becomes a 'John' starting his own pyramid inviting new recruits.

Why Pyramid Schemes Fail

In the example above, the chances of John being able to increase to the seventh level are slim and an

eighth level would require 87,376 new persons. Problems with recruitment may begin at John's third level because difficulties may have already begun with gathering the 256 investors and as the pyramid grows, it gets worse. According to the Security and Exchanges Commission, "at some point the schemes get too big, the promoter cannot raise enough money from new investors to pay earlier investors, and many people lose their money". After a lower level investor makes his payment and can not find new recruits because of over-saturation, lack of interest or negative feedback, the scheme begins to collapse.

In the Prepared Statement of Debra A. Valentine, General Counsel for the U.S. Federal Trade Commission on "Pyramid Schemes", she considered this latest recruit's perspective as they would have started their pyramid of investors but with being unable to gather recruits, would be unable to recoup their investment.

Virgin Islanders are Defrauded

Janice Dorette Rey, an Anguillan who resided in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) at some point and also the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), was arrested in Dade County, Florida on charges of Obtaining Money by False Pretense, Drawing and Delivering Worthless Checks, Securities Fraud, and Being an Unregistered Broker-Dealer. Rey, according to the USVI Department of Justice and the St. Thomas Source online news, defrauded investors in the USVI and in the BVI of over three million dollars with her pyramid scheme "Global Cohesive Economics (GCE)". She promised high returns on the investments and in the end was unable to maintain the promises and was eventually caught by authorities.

Errol George of the BVI Financial Investigation Agency Speaks

Rey's scheme caused the Financial Investigation Agency of the British Virgin Islands (FIA) to remind the territory of the danger of investing without researching first. FIA's Director, Errol George issued a press release about Rey's fraud advising people to be more vigilant because such fraudulent schemes are marketed well and lack of understanding and ease of trust make for easy targets.

The Director, when interviewed, suggested that persons interested in investing should be extremely careful before entering any investment and they should research, investigate and ask questions if there are any doubts. He noted that it is very prudent to seek advice from the general business community and the financial regulatory body in the country, such as the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in the BVI. George also suggested that persons should go with their gut feelings especially if the aura is negative. Everyone wants to make large sums of money in the fastest and easiest way. This makes it easy for thieves to come up with ways to defraud investors who are not investment or business savvy.

Pyramid and Ponzi schemes sound good to the listener but really do cause monetary losses and potential financial ruin depending on the level of investment since there is no way for the scheme to maintain the promised returns. Investors are reminded that they need to think carefully and choose wisely about the type of investment they want to pursue to avoid such schemes. Research, consultation and investigation are key to avoiding financial ruin from pyramid schemes.