POEM: Bottled Up

Is my love locked down?
cause if it is
please lock me up
for holding back love
cause lusting won't get you anywhere
expressing your feelings will
even when you get turned down
cause turned down is still
better than locked down
locked up feelings
suppressed in a
heart-shaped bottle

I started this poem a long time ago and only God knows if I did finish it. I do like its length and simplicity so it will stay as is.

COPYRIGHT RIBBON 2011

Saying NO When It Needs To Be Said

Humans seem to want to always please each other. However, there are days when we need to say "no" to a request. This must happen at home, on the job, in the church and just in life in general.

Don't be a patsy or pushover
If you are headed to Sea Cows Bay from Road Town at 1:00pm for a 1:30pm appointment, should you agree to take someone to East End? You can offer to find them a taxi but you really can't be in two places at one time.

What about those situations on the job where you know that your co-workers like to set you up to do the grunge work? You can offer assistance but you must say "no" at some point or you will be labelled the office pushover who takes on everyone's task.

Get a spine!
I have had to say "no" on several occassions starting from last year. I am simply tired of being taken for granted. of course on the job, you have to weigh decisions out wisely. Sometimes a conversation with a supervisor can help when you see everyone pulling at you for help. When you are a new employee, they try to orient you to become their slave in some organizations. Sometimes, supervisors are guilty of this because they just want someone to make them look good.

It is very sad to know that coworkers just want to know your strengths so that they can in some cases make you weak. If you find yourself handling personal errands daily, you may want to address this. "Any other duties as assigned" still mean duties that relate specifically to the job or organization. Of course, in a lot of cases, the more you assist in other units, the more well-rounded you can become. The setback to that is when you work in an organization rife with corruption and nepotism, you will see others rising and rewarded and there is no recognition for you. For me, that's when it's time to speak with the supervisor and management about opportunities for you to be promoted or have your pay increased.

You must tell them YES but they tell you NO
If you feel that your needs, work and accomplishments are being ignored, it's time to find another job. Don't stay in an organization where you are unhappy or uncomfortable. Work towards getting situations resolved, but if the effort is futile, it's time to move on.

You can still stay "yes" when others ask for help but do not overdraw on your personal time and energy if you know you are not able to or if you are busy. So when your sister calls two minutes for her date asking for you to babysit and you have plans to study, kindly ask her if she can ask someone else to help or let her bring the children later in the evening when they are already sleeping.

Many of us have to learn to balance our time and fulfil our personal duties as well as getting adequate rest. You can't say "yes" to everyone and "no" to your health, family and professional obligations and to yourself!

What Makes You Shine?

Some people can only shine on a job where they can use the talents of others to make them look good. How is your personality? How do you interact with people? Are you an idea giver and an implementer or both? What are you strengths and weaknesses?

Answer these questions honestly and decide how best you can shine daily at your job, in your church and in the community. While I say 'shine', I do not mean overshadowing others or taking credit for what others do. If you are a shy person, I am not expecting you to host an event to give yourself high blood pressure.

Shine with a giving and loving heart. Shine in what you do best. Don't worry about others not seeing how meaningful your contribution is. Your contribution is positive, important and appreciated. Today, many of us face tough situations in the workplace. There's always the co-worker who gives orders but never lifts a finger. There's always someone who never understands anything. There's always the person who gets the promotions and does poor work.

I shine through my personality, my talents and my abilities. There is no one position, organization or another person that can determine how I shine bcause I shine all the time. Wherever the road of life leads you, you are supposed to shine all the time. It may seem cliche but it is the truth. You have to define yourself as a person.

What do you want your eulogy to read? Everyone wants to shine - be brilliant - illuminate - radiate. So let' do it! Set your SMART goals and aim for better. Situations and conflict will always arise but try your best to SHINE!


Ribbon's words for today:

If you have to rely on one or two persons to shine, you may get dusty, rusted and busted. Thank God many of us can think on our feet, see opportunity and make the best of bad situations. Keep moving forward!

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) in the Virgin Islands

UVI is my alma mater!

The University of the Virgin Islands is a four-year university that offers diverse programs and is located on two campuses in the US Virgin Islands.

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) (http://www.uvi.edu) is located on two campuses in St. Thomas and St. Croix in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). Both campuses offer programs for students interested in pursuing Associate, Bachelor and Master Degrees. This university's tagline is

"Historically American... Uniquely Caribbean... Globally Interactive..." People worldwide became more familiar with UVI after the St. Thomas campus was chosen for the locale of the fourth season of BET's College Hill program.

UVI is an American Institution in the Caribbean

The university "was chartered on March 16, 1962, as the College of the Virgin Islands - a publicly   funded, coeducational, liberal arts institution - by Act No. 862 of the Fourth Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands." The St. Thomas campus opened for classes in 1963 and in 1964, the St. Croix campus was founded. In 1986, the institution was officially renamed the University of the Virgin Islands, as it is called today. UVI is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools.

The University of the Virgin Islands is a Historically Black College and University

UVI is also listed as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). According to US Department of Education via The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, the definition of HBCU is "...any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans...."

Student Life at the University of the Virgin Islands

The University of the Virgin Islands serves students from the US and British Virgin Islands, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Martin/St. Marteen, Dominica and other Caribbean islands as well as the USA and other countries. Between the two campuses, UVI has over 2,500 students. Both islands have on-campus student housing, libraries and computer labs.

Students who are first-time visitors to the US Virgin Islands should take advantage of living in the territory while studying. St. Thomas and St. Croix have rich history and culture and offer annual carnival celebrations, diverse religious activities, great shopping and pristine beaches. It is also affordable to travel to the other US Virgin - St. John and the neighboring British Virgin Islands.

UVI Provides a Strong Academic Program

Students who have a keen interest in studying Business, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Nursing, and Science and Mathematics will do well at UVI. The previously named fields of study comprise UVI's five academic divisions or schools. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available to students in these different schools.

Students in the Virgin Islands, Caribbean, USA or anywhere in the world attend the University of the Virgin Islands because it is an American institution that offers attractive programs and student activities. Nestled in the US Virgins of St. Thomas and St. Croix, UVI offers a great experience for students.

Requirements for Getting Married in the British Virgin Islands

If you are planning to get married in the British Virgin Islands, you should know about the fees, the rules and the time frame for planning the ceremony.

Do you want to have your wedding in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)? Then you will need to know about requirements for obtaining a marriage license and for organizing your ceremony. There are two steps to the process. The first step is to make your application to the Attorney General's Chambers in the British Virgin Islands. The next step takes you to the Civil Registry and Passport Office (Civil Registry) to finalize the ceremony.

Basic Requirements for a Marriage License in the BVI

If you want to get married in the British Virgin Islands, your application for a marriage license must be submitted with proper identification, proof of a prior marriage and the applicable fees to the Attorney General's Chambers. The fiances must be present along with two witnesses of their choosing. All parties must be over eighteen years of age. Couple who are younger than eighteen years must have the  presence and consent of both parents. According to the brochure, "Getting Married in the Virgin Islands" from the Civil Registry and Passport Office, "a marriage license takes three working days to process" and "it remains valid for three months from the date it is signed" by the Governor.

Bigamy is a Crime in the BVI

Proof of a prior marriage is important because bigamy is a crime in the Virgin Islands. If any of the applicants was previously married, they should submit an original or certified copy of their Decree Absolute or a death certificate of the prior spouse.

Fiances Who Visit the BVI to Get Married

Persons who are visiting the BVI and are resident in the territory for less than fifteen days must apply for a Special License at a cost of US$110. The applicants must show their passports which will reflect the number of days that they have been in the BVI.

Normal Residents of the Virgin Islands Applying for a Marriage License

 Couples who normally live in the Virgin Islands apply for an Ordinary License at a cost of US$50 and this is also submitted with a postage stamp. Although you may live in the Virgin Islands for over fifteen days, please walk with your passport to show proof of residency.

Paying Fees for the Marriage License

According to the brochure "Requirements for Obtaining a Marriage License in the British Virgin Islands" produced by the Attorney General's Chambers, fees are paid via the purchase of postage stamps from the Post Office. As of 2010, the BVI Post is located Port Purcell.

Planning Your Marriage Ceremony in the BVI

Upon the application for the marriage license at the Attorney General's Chambers, contact the

Registrar-General's Office in Civil Registry and Passport Office in Road Town to set an appointment for the wedding date. More importantly, the couple needs to decide the location and type of wedding they wish to have. Two witnesses are also required and couples can select the persons listed on their marriage license or other persons.

Planning a Religious Wedding in the BVI

Couples should speak to their clergy, obtain the necessary counseling before applying for the license and have a date in mind for the wedding. Upon making the application for the marriage license, a letter from your recognized religious leader should be forwarded to the Civil Registry. When couples choose to have a religious wedding ceremony, they can hold the event in a church or another location of their choice. If they want to get married in a church, "Getting Married in the Virgin Islands" shares that wedding banns are then "published on three consecutive Saturdays or Sundays in that church." MSN Encarta Dictionary shares that banns are "an announcement of a forthcoming marriage, proclaimed in the church of the engaged couple on three successive Sundays."

Planning a Civil Wedding in the BVI

In a civil wedding ceremony, the Registrar-General or another appointed Marriage Officer performs the ceremony without any reference to religion. The vows are read, the license is signed and the marriage is solemnized.

• Fees for the Registrar General: The cost is US$35 for the Registrar-General to marry a couple in her office at the Civil Registry. A ceremony outside of the office costs US$100. For any ceremonies outside of Tortola, such as in Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, Peter Islands or the other islands, the Registrar-General's travel to that location has to be paid.
• Prayers Allowed After Civil Wedding: If the couple wishes for prayer, they set the prayers to come after the Registrar-General declares them married and after they have signed the official documents.

After the applications for the marriage license is applied for and approved, the couple confirm their wedding date and plan for the civil or religious ceremony of their choice. After all the processes are complete, the final product is the marriage certificate, which can be further authenticated by Apostille. This document is the proof that the marriage officially occurred in the British Virgin Islands.

February 6 is Bob Marley's Birthday

Robert Nesta Marley, more popularly known as the reggae artist Bob Marley, was born on February 6, 1945. Celebrate his birthday by enjoying his music.

On February 6, people all over the world celebrate Bob Marley's birthday. Marley, formally named Robert Nesta Marley, is a reggae legend and pioneer whose music is recognized worldwide. He was born on February 6, 1945. According to Marley's official website, "he died in a Miami hospital on Monday, May 11, 1981" at 36 years old. Many radio stations, including in the Virgin Islands, play Marley's songs to commemorate his birthday on February 6.

Bob Marley Worked with Other Jamaican Musicians

Bob Marley worked with other notable reggae greats such as  Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer who were at some point members of the group, Bob Marley and the Wailers. Tosh, who died on September 11, 1987, composed some of the Wailers songs including "Slave Driver", "Stop That Train" and "One Foundation". Tosh also co-wrote "Get Up, Stand Up" with Marley. Marley also worked with other notable persons in Jamaica such as Lee Perry, Anthony Davis, Ashton "Family Man" Barrett and Carlton Barrett. Marley's widow, Rita  Marley also was a part of Bob's music as she sang background vocals on several albums with Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt. Those three ladies called themselves the I-Threes.

Bob Marley's Birthday on February 6

 Many radio stations especially those in the Caribbean will be playing reggae music to commemorate Marley's birthday on February 6. A search on the internet shows that events are planned in Australia, the United Kingdom, United States and of course, in Jamaica.

Bob Marley's Great Music

Any lover of reggae music is sure to have one album by Bob Marley and the Wailers. Marley's official site gives a full listing of the albums. If you are not familiar with this reggae legend's music, be sure to visit the official website or any music site to hear a sample of his music. With more than 10 albums of great reggae music, Bob Marley is truly the front runner in reggae music history with his charismatic flow, engaging voice and lyrical genius. 

All of the albums, those released during his lifetime and those  posthumously, have a special message. Exodus (1977), Catch A Fire (1973), Natty Dread (1975), Confrontation (1983) and Natural Mystic (1995) are only a few of Marley's albums. Legend was released in 1984 and according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), this album remains on the RIAA Top 100 Album list. 

Gimme the Energy! Blaze a Good Fire

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

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

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

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

GET UP and Let's JUMP FORWARD!

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

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

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

Pastor Donnie McClurkin Sings Popular Christian Music

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

Donnie McClurkin's Grammy Award Winning Gospel Music

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Talented Brian McKnight - Singer and TV Show Host

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

Sweet R&B Music on McKnight's Anytime

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

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

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