First Poem of 2013: How I'm Living

I know what I want
and I know what I love
because I know who I am
and I'm not out there
looking for love

I have to be real
and I must be positive
because the way I move
and the way I groove
is just the way I live

I have nothing to prove
and I can accept defeat
for me, I am living
so every day is a challenge
but I'll keep getting on my feet

I may seem odd or weird
but I want to use my talents
I aim to make a difference
and yes, I aim to do great feats
and live a life of contentment


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A Great Hip Hop Album: 2Pac's Greatest Hits

Tupac Shakur was a talented poet and rapper. His most memorable songs like "Dear Mama" and "Changes" were released on his Greatest Hits album in 1998.

Tupac Shakur, also called 2Pac, was an extremely talented poet and lyricist who is considered as one of the greatest artist of the 1990's. His violent and untimely death in 1996 did not bring a halt to the release of his music and in 1998, his Greatest Hits album was released via Death Row Records Interscope Records. Some of the songs were released on 2Pac's earlier albums and others such as "Changes" were unreleased at that time. 2Pac's lyrics are sometimes explicit but his music tells his story. On Greatest Hits, this superb artist collaborates with Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, Shock G from Digital Underground, K-Ci & Jojo originally of Jodeci and other artists. 2Pac's music was definitely influenced by classic soul because several of the tracks on Greatest Hits contain samples from songs like the Zapp's "Computer Love" and Cameo's "Candy."

2Pac's 1990's Albums from 2Pacalypse Now to Makaveli

His first album was 2Pacalypse Now in 1991 with the popular songs being "Brenda's Got a Baby" and "Trapped." The next album Strictly 4 My N*** was released in 1993 and 2Pac's biggest tracks on this album were "Keep Your Head Up" and "Holla If You Hear Me." Thug Life was the next album is 1994 with the hit song "How Long will They Mourn Me." Me Against the World was the 1995 album and the title song was a big hit for 2Pac.

Then All Eyez On Me was released in 1996 with the hits "California Love," "Picture Me Rollin" and "Life Goes On." Makaveli was released after 2Pac's death and this album included songs like "Me and My Girlfriend," "To Live and Die in L.A." and "Hail Mary."**Songs on 2Pac'sGreatest Hits** Tupac Shakur's Greatest Hits album has twenty-six of this artist's best loved hits. Lyrically, the songs express pain and struggle while still conveying lighter and happier messages in some songs.

• "Brenda's Got a Baby": Hip Hop fans would remember this early release from 2Pac after seeing him perform with Digital Underground in that group's music videos. "Brenda's Got a Baby" conveyed strong messages about teenage pregnancy, child abuse and prostitution. "I hear Brenda's got a baby but Brenda's barely got a brain/ a damn shame/ the girl can't even spell her name" starts off 2Pac in this powerful track. He speaks of Brenda who was a young girl who fell in love and got pregnant by a man who did not care about her. After making the difficult decision to keep the baby, to feed her child, Brenda resorted to selling crack and eventually turned to prostitution. The song ends with 2Pac saying "prostitute found slain and Brenda's her name/ she's got a baby."
• An Anthem for the Women is "Keep Ya Head Up": Written by 2pac, Roger Troutman of Zapp, D. Anderson and Stan Vincent, this song shares positivity to women. "I wonder why we take from our women/ why we rape our women" are examples of the lyrics. The "ooh child" in the chorus is an interpolation from the original song "Ooh Child" written by Stan Vincent and the instrumental is sampled from Zapp's "Be Alright."
• "Changes" is a Powerful Song: 2pac poured his heart out in this song as he talks about different struggles and how people can unite to make positive change. His interpolation from Bruce Hornsby's "The Way It Is" rings in the chorus, "that's just the way it is, some things will never change." In this previously unreleased track, 2Pac makes the statement that he "wouldn't live to see a black president" and he did not live to see Barack Obama elected the President of the United States in 2008.
• Tupac's Ode to California is "To Live and Die in L.A.": This song begins with an interesting intro where a reporter is asking someone how he feels about 2Pac's new record. Although the interviewee shares that he likes 2pac's music, the reporter interrupts rehashing some of the more negative lyrics from previous albums. In this song, 2Pac raps about his love for California despite the hard times and difficult days. Val Young sings the hook in this song which was written by 2Pac, Q. Jones III and Miss Young. "I love Cali like I love women" and "we might fight amongst each other but I promise you this, we'll burn…if you get us pissed" are some of his emphatic lyrics on his love for his hometown.

The Greatest Hits album from Tupac Shakur has a title that speaks well for its content. The songs are raw poetry even though some are explicit. Tupac was killed in 1996, but his legacy lives on through the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation. His music remains socially and musically relevant because through his talent, he was able to share his life's story.

Listen to Classic Smooth R&B: Brown Sugar by D'Angelo

D'Angelo's debut album Brown Sugar is smooth R&B with a hint of hip hop and jazz. Written, arranged and performed by D'Angelo, it is a classic R&B album.

1995 was a spectacular year for R&B with top albums released such as History Past, Present and Future Book I by Michael Jackson, Candy Rain by Soul For Real, Reflections by After 7 and Miss Thang by Monica. D'Angelo also released his debut album Brown Sugar in 1995 with ten songs on varying themes of love. The songs that made it to the top of the charts were "Brown Sugar," "Cruisin," and "Lady" but the other six songs all have the chart- topping appeal and flavor.

R&B Singer D'Angelo

He was born Michael Eugene Archer on February 11, 1974 but the lovers of R&B music know him as D'Angelo. As a writer, composer and performer, D'Angelo's smooth voice and deep lyrics about love offer the listener a double dose of enjoyment. After Brown Sugar, D'Angelo released Voodoo in 2000. Then in 2008, The Best So Far was released which is a compilation of the singer's greatest hits.

The Songs on D'Angelo's Brown Sugar

The ten songs on this album all speak on the varied aspects of love while giving the listener an earful of soulful rhythms. Other than the songs that were released, songs like "Jonz In My Bonz," "When We Get By" and "Smooth" as well as the other tracks are all equally well-written and sung.

• The Title Song "Brown Sugar": This was the first song released by D'Angelo from this album. The music lovers in the 1990s can remember the "Brown Sugar" music video where D'Angelo sat at the piano in a smoke-filled room and started to croon those unforgettable lyrics "Let me tell you 'bout this girl/ maybe I shouldn't/ I met her in Philly and her name was Brown Sugar." Written and produced by D'Angelo and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, "Brown Sugar" provided the perfect debut song off the album.
• The Love Anthem "When We Get By": The first thought on listening to "When We Get By" is that D'Angelo penned this song for a special love interest. While having a jazzy feel, the song presents the characteristics of a classic R&B song. He sings "you're so fine and the day is fine, and we'll be fine/ When we make it by and we get by with love."
• The Remake of Smokey Robinson's "Cruisin": Many artists attempt to remake classic songs but some do not do a good job. However, D'Angelo's remake of William "Smokey" Robinson's "Cruisin" gives a fresh touch to the classic love song. D'Angelo sang all the vocals and arranged all the music for "Cruisin."
• "Jonz In My Bonz" Co-written by Angie Stone: Angela Stone more popularly known as the R&B artist Angie Stone co-wrote "Jonz In My Bonz" with D'Angelo. "Jonz In My Bonz" or 'Jones in my bones' sings of a feeling of longing. It is not clear what D'Angelo has the 'jones' for or is longing for but his voice makes longing for anything sound good.

Anyone who loves the music of the 1990s will appreciate D'Angelo's Brown Sugar. Hits like "Lady" and "Cruisin" are on this album along with sensual tracks like "Jonz In My Bonz" and "Smooth."

Polaris Enterprises Customs Brokers BVI

Polaris Enterprises Customs Brokers BVI is the featured British Virgin Islands' business on Words of Ribbon.

Polaris Enterprises is a local business that provides customs brokerage services for customers. They are well-versed with the new Customs Management & Duties Act No 6 of 2010 and the HMC12 Form. You can simply call 545-0681 or email uecustomsbrokers@gmail.com and get the assisted with all your clearances.

The Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/PolarisEnterprises. Please visit and click LIKE so that you can get regular updates.

Polaris Enterprises Customs Brokers BVI aims to make your life easier. If you can email the invoice, the HMC12 Form will be prepared and taken to the Customs Department. Then you will get a call when the process is completed to collect your goods.

Why wait in line and waste time, when Polaris Enterprises Customs Brokers BVI can make it happen for you!

Album Review: "Too Experienced: The Best of Barrington Levy"

Barrington Levy's compilation, "Too Experienced: The Best of Barrington Levy" encapsulates the brilliance of this renowned Jamaican reggae artist.

Barrington Levy is one of Caribbean reggae's most popular figures. His "Shine Eye Girl," "Vice Versa Love," "Prison Oval Rock" and "Living Dangerously" are songs familiar to both the old and the young in the Caribbean. In 1998, VP Records released Too Experienced: The Best of Barrington Levy, which features the popular songs mentioned and twelve of Levy's other biggest tracks.

Who is Barrington Levy?

Barrington Levy is a Jamaican reggae artist who started recording songs in 1975. Levy has recorded several albums, including Englishman (1979), Barrington (1993), Prison Oval Rock (1985), and Here I Come (1984). He writes many of his own lyrics and his songs are filled with positive messages. Levy was also featured on Hip Hop artist Shyne's "Bad Boyz" and "Bonnie & Shyne", which featured on Shyne's self-titled album, released in 2005. This collaboration gave Levy's voice a stronger presence on the airwaves in the United States.

Too Experienced: The Best of Barrington Levy - The Songs

Sixteen tracks make up this compilation of Levy's more popular songs. Released in 1998, the album comprises one of the best collections of any reggae artist's work. It includes collaborations with other reggae artists - "Work" featuring Jigsy King and "Dancehall Rock" featuring Cutty Ranks.

• Barrington Sings That He's "Too Experienced": In the title song "Too Experienced," originally released in 1989, Levy sings of jilted love, describing a lady who he wishes to woo giving him the run-a-around. He says that he's "Too experienced to be taken for stroll/ Too experienced for someone to rock and roll/ Too experienced to be taken for a ride."
• "My Time": Soulful but Serious Reggae: Originally released in 1991, on the album, Divine, "My Time" is a song about struggle. "My Time" was written by reggae artist, [Bob Andy](http://www.bobandy.com/), and has also been sung by Gregory Isaacs. The hook on this powerful song is "I need nothing to be a man, because I was born a man and I deserve the rights to live like any other man."
• "Shine Eye Girl": The Late '70s Hit: One of the older tracks on this album, "Shine Eye Girl" is about a girl whose eyes are glistening and seeking fame. In this ska-styled upbeat song, Levy keeps asking "Wha' you really want, girl?"
• "Living Dangerously" Featuring Bounty Killer: The title of this song offers a powerful statement and the lyrics match the title. Levy and Bounty Killer sing of a lady who can no longer be trusted because of her unscrupulous behavior. Bounty Killer sings "Gal, you living too dangerous, better if you give it up."

Barrington Levy is a well-known Jamaican reggae artist who has released several reggae albums and countless popular songs. The album Too Experienced: The Best of Barrington Levy is a compilation of songs from the 1970s to the 1990s, featuring Levy's smooth voice and realistic lyrics.

I am...

I'm not:
ugly
full of myself
pessimistic
a bore
hollow
lazy
predictable
a hater
spiteful
a pleaser

I am:
optimistic
real
a critical thinker
harsh
exciting
awake
decisive
a community leader
realistic
fun
crazy

I go with the flow yet I run against the tide....

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Stinkhorn Mushroom in Long Trench, Tortola BVI

Beauty Pageant Tips for Young Women

Taking part in a beauty pageant is hard work, but can be a fun and exciting experience. Contestants need to have support, confidence and training to win.

Women who want to take part in pageants must be hard working, confident, poised, well-read and eloquent. Today, there are pageants for everyone - teenagers, pre-teens, toddlers, seniors and married persons. For any female to be successful in a pageant, she should follow the pageant rules, have a good support system and get training to build her confidence up before the pageant.

Follow the Pageant Rules

Every contestant who wants to enter a pageant should carefully read the pageant rules. There may be age limits or stipulations about marriage that allow or deny permission to enter a pageant. It is also important to confirm the guidelines for each segment, appearances, prizes and reasons for dismissal. By following the rules, a contestant can gain the maximum number of points for each segment and avoid any embarrassing situations.

A Good Support Team - Chaperone, Stylists, Seamstress

A contestant needs to have a good team working to assist her with getting ready for a pageant. The chaperone, stylist, seamstress and designer have to work cohesively for the contestant to win. Some of these persons may charge a fee for assisting but contestants can also seek the help of family members or friends who have previously taken part in pageants.

• Chaperone: The chaperone is the person who works the most with the contestant. He or she offers advice and tips, edits speeches and recommends other professionals who can work on the team. According to Camille Merry, a former pageant contestant and the coordinator of the Miss Teen Diva Pageant in the British Virgin Islands, chaperones do play an important role but should not be given full authority to make all the decisions when it comes to design and talent. Contestants should always enter a show with some ideas for presentations and segments.
• Hair & Make-up: A competent hairstylist and a make-up artist who can work under pressure is necessary for appearances and more importantly on the night of the show. These persons should know the contestant's face, skin and hair so that they are prepared to work swiftly and efficiently.
• Seamstress: Even if costumes, outfits and gowns are pre-ordered, there is a chance that some alteration will be needed. A good seamstress can alter or if needed sew an outfit.

Contestants Need to Practice Speaking, Walking and Answering Questions

• Speech: A beauty queen needs to be eloquent, poised and intelligent. A participant can attend the local Toastmasters for tips on public speaking and also take every opportunity to speak in public - at church, at meetings to get comfortable in front of crowds. Speeches should be concise and follow the pageant guidelines.
• Walking: Walking in a pageant is different to modeling on the runway. In a pageant, a young lady must know the basic stance, stride and the turns. This takes a lot of training and practice so that on the night of the pageant, the contestant is graceful. According to Amy Post in her Suite 101 article, "How to Win a Beauty Pageant: Tips to Help Contestants Get the Crown", a poor pageant walk could cause loss of points. Therefore, she advises that contestants seek the assistance of past winners.
• Answering Questions: Every participant in a pageant must be able to answer questions and be interviewed. Contestants are encouraged to have their chaperone conduct mock interviews to increase the level of comfort and reduce nervousness.

Advice from a Pageant Winner

Raemona Maloney is the first ever Miss Teen Diva 2007, 1st Runner-Up in the Miss New Testament Church of God Pageant and she is the reigning Miss East End/Long Look. To ladies wanting to enter a pageant, she offers that "when it comes to pageants, you have to be yourself, but if there is room for improvement allow it to happen. Remember you're not just in it to win it, but also to make a difference in you, your community and country."

Contestants in a beauty pageant should focus on themselves from their inner being to the outer appearance. Chaperones and the rest of the support system help to encourage and build a young woman's confidence and skills. While following the pageant guidelines, working with her support team and undergoing the necessary training, a contestant is better prepared to take part in a pageant and to possibly win.