ST. LOUIS (KMOX Radio) — Three months after the punches were thrown,  a prosecutor in St. Louis County has filed charges against six people in connection with fights outside a congressional forum on health care.

In honor of the racist bigots posting on several blogs, such as Sue, Black Lion, brygenon over on the Right Side of Life, who call anyone that has anything to say against “their” Obama a racist. I have decided to have a little fun and make the following illustration poking fun at their inabilty to see facts. Mind you that unlike them, I do not revert and call people racists. I for one, standby Alan Keyes and Pastor Mannin, who also question the illegal undocumented alien, Barack Hussein Obama’s eligibility as POTUS.

So here’s to you Sue, Black Lion, and brygenon

Lani Hall – Corrida
Sangam – Citylife
Eddie Russ – See the Light
EW Wainright – The Healer
Harris Simon – Swishhhh
Prime Element – Aldebaran
SFA – Carvin’
EW Wainright – Ayoka
Tony Scott/Sabu Martinez – Manteca
QTB – Kubaha
Kamal and the Brothers – Dance
Jef Gilson – Blubiz

Somewhere over here…

Nyama Choma - crispy fatty meat roasted to a perfect combination and seasoned with sassy curry flavour.

In Swahili, it literally means “grilled meat”. Using curry powder to marinate the meat, its wobbly fats are further flavored with a sizzling taste.

Back in those days as a volunteer in Bomang’ombe,  Tanzania, I would spend Friday evenings with my local friends munching on Nyama Choma, coupled with ice cold Serengeti beer. They would bring us to the best in town, where the beef was roasted just before we arrived.

Nyama Choma is usually eaten with ugali, boiled cornmeal mush,  the primary staple of the entire Sub-Saharan African continent. Ugali is eaten with almost every other thing, especially soup, stew or sauce, or other dishes with sauce or gravy. As a side dish, ugali is served in a big bowl that everyone eats from.

Where to find it:

Nyama Choma is not available everywhere, and you need to know which ones are good. Always ask a local – they’ll always know the best. Remember to order in advance before you go.

Are you looking for an exceptional and unique holiday experience? Would you like to become one with nature and experience close encounters with wildlife? There is a place in the South African Desert that offers guest’s unforgettable horseback safaris either for the family or as a romantic getaway for two.

Horse rides take place across picturesque grassy plains and rolling Kalahari dunes with views across the desert landscape. Most guests are novice riders, and therefore there are horses that are suitable for riders with no previous riding experience. Children are welcome on all horse rides and this offers a very special African family safari experience. For children and adults alike, there is nothing like seeing animals in the wild or watching the sun set over a never ending horizon. It is truly unforgettable experience to do this on horseback, part of nature and completely out of sight of anything man-made.

Visitors can ride out to the rolling sand dunes and find a beautiful picnic lunch or a splendid candle lit dune dinner awaiting them. A dune dinner is an enchanting experience, offering the vastness of the “diamond studded” Kalahari night sky, Relais & Chateaux rated culinary delights and the sounds of silence penetrated occasionally with the roars and cries of the African bush.

The Kalahari Desert has a variety of horses that includes the following breeds: Percheron X, Boerperd, Boerperd X, Quarter Horse X, Thoroughbred , Appaloosa, and Arab X. An experienced horse guide and backup rider accompany all rides. Horses are schooled in the Western style of reining and trained for trail riding. Riders need only bring jodhpurs or can ride with comfortable trousers. Gloves, boots, hard hats as well as short and long chaps will all be supplied.

Surrounding the rugged Korannaberg Mountains in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, this Kalahari Desert Reserve covers 1000km2 (100 000 ha) of land on the edge of the mysterious desert wilderness that is the Kalahari. You will be able the find over 70 species of mammal which will include the Kalahari lion, cheetah, and desert black rhino, sable and roan antelope in this Reserve. More than 200 species of bird can also be found.

Horseback riding on safari gives riders an up close and natural experience of timeless Africa. Riders become part of the African landscape, becoming one with nature and their surroundings. On a more conventional vehicle safari you might miss out on some of the wildlife. The game viewing opportunities are unmatched in terms of South African safaris at this Kalahari Desert Reserve. Horse riding across the savannah alongside various wild animals, immersed in the sights, smells and sounds of Africa is a unique experience. Don’t miss out!

African writer asks if football is too big for its boots?… From BBC News. Full story

This site may contain information about: english football league. For a different topic see sentence example. The blog is also related to: liga soccer.

How to say Merry Christmas in different languages. Send these to your friends around the world.

Afrikaans: Gesëende Kersfees

Afrikander: Een Plesierige Kerfees

African/ Eritrean/ Tigrinja: Rehus-Beal-Ledeats

Albanian:Gezur Krislinjden

Arabic: Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah

Argentine: Feliz Navidad

Armenian: Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand

Azeri: Tezze Iliniz Yahsi Olsun

Bahasa Malaysia: Selamat Hari Natal

Basque: Zorionak eta Urte Berri On!

Bengali: Shuvo Naba Barsha

Bohemian: Vesele Vanoce

Brazilian: Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo

Breton: Nedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat

Bulgarian: Tchestita Koleda; Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo

Catalan: Bon Nadal i un Bon Any Nou!

Chile: Feliz Navidad

Chinese: (Cantonese) Gun Tso Sun Tan’Gung Haw Sun

Chinese: (Mandarin) Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan

Choctaw: Yukpa, Nitak Hollo Chito

Columbia: Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo

Cornish: Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth

Corsian: Pace e salute

Crazanian: Rot Yikji Dol La Roo

Cree: Mitho Makosi Kesikansi

Croatian: Sretan Bozic

Czech: Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok

Danish: Glædelig Jul

Duri: Christmas-e- Shoma Mobarak

Dutch: Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!
or Zalig Kerstfeest

English: Merry Christmas

Eskimo: (inupik) Jutdlime pivdluarit ukiortame pivdluaritlo!

Esperanto: Gajan Kristnaskon

Estonian: Ruumsaid juulup|hi

Faeroese: Gledhilig jol og eydnurikt nyggjar!

Farsi: Cristmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad

Finnish: Hyvaa joulua

Flemish: Zalig Kerstfeest en Gelukkig nieuw jaar

French: Joyeux Noel

Frisian: Noflike Krystdagen en in protte Lok en Seine yn it Nije Jier!

Galician: Bo Nada

Gaelic: Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ùr!

German: Froehliche Weihnachten

Greek: Kala Christouyenna!

Hausa: Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara!

Hawaiian: Mele Kalikimaka

Hebrew: Mo’adim Lesimkha. Chena tova

Hindi: Shub Naya Baras

Hausa: Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara!

Hawaian: Mele Kalikimaka ame Hauoli Makahiki Hou!

Hungarian: Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket

Icelandic: Gledileg Jol

Indonesian: Selamat Hari Natal

Iraqi: Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah

Irish: Nollaig Shona Dhuit, or Nodlaig mhaith chugnat

Iroquois: Ojenyunyat Sungwiyadeson honungradon nagwutut. Ojenyunyat osrasay.

Italian: Buone Feste Natalizie

Japanese: Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto

Jiberish: Mithag Crithagsigathmithags

Korean: Sung Tan Chuk Ha

Latin: Natale hilare et Annum Faustum!

Latvian: Prieci’gus Ziemsve’tkus un Laimi’gu Jauno Gadu!

Lausitzian:Wjesole hody a strowe nowe leto

Lettish: Priecigus Ziemassvetkus

Lithuanian: Linksmu Kaledu

Low Saxon: Heughliche Winachten un ‘n moi Nijaar

Macedonian: Sreken Bozhik

Maltese: LL Milied Lt-tajjeb

Manx: Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa

Maori: Meri Kirihimete

Marathi: Shub Naya Varsh

Navajo: Merry Keshmish

Norwegian: God Jul, or Gledelig Jul

Occitan: Pulit nadal e bona annado

Papiamento: Bon Pasco

Papua New Guinea: Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas na Nupela yia i go long yu

Pennsylvania German: En frehlicher Grischtdaag un en hallich Nei Yaahr!

Peru: Feliz Navidad y un Venturoso Año Nuevo

Philipines: Maligayan Pasko!

Polish: Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia or Boze Narodzenie

Portuguese:Feliz Natal

Pushto: Christmas Aao Ne-way Kaal Mo Mobarak Sha

Rapa-Nui (Easter Island): Mata-Ki-Te-Rangi. Te-Pito-O-Te-Henua

Rhetian: Bellas festas da nadal e bun onn

Romanche: (sursilvan dialect): Legreivlas fiastas da Nadal e bien niev onn!

Rumanian: Sarbatori vesele

Russian: Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom

Sami: Buorrit Juovllat

Samoan: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou

Sardinian: Bonu nadale e prosperu annu nou

Serbian: Hristos se rodi

Slovakian: Sretan Bozic or Vesele vianoce

Sami: Buorrit Juovllat

Samoan: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou

Scots Gaelic: Nollaig chridheil huibh

Serb-Croatian: Sretam Bozic. Vesela Nova Godina

Serbian: Hristos se rodi. Singhalese: Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa

Slovak: Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok

Slovene: Vesele Bozicne. Screcno Novo Leto

Spanish: Feliz Navidad

Swedish: God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt År

Tagalog: Maligayamg Pasko!

Tami: Nathar Puthu Varuda Valthukkal

Trukeese: (Micronesian) Neekiriisimas annim oo iyer seefe feyiyeech!

Thai: Sawadee Pee Mai

Turkish: Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun

Ukrainian: Srozhdestvom Kristovym

Urdu: Naya Saal Mubarak Ho

Vietnamese: Chung Mung Giang Sinh

Welsh: Nadolig Llawen

Yugoslavian: Cestitamo Bozic

Yoruba: E ku odun, e ku iye’dun!

We Give Thanks!!

1Timothy 1:12 I thank Christ, who hath enabled me, in that he accounted me faithful, having put me into the ministry.

My latest blessing was to return 3 yr old David Larty to his family in Ghana.

David had been in the USA for surgery to repair bilateral hip displacement suffered at his breech birth. He also needed a bone to be shortened in his left leg. After all these donated procedures being completed it was time for his foster family to part with this sweet courageous boy. David not being able to walk, crawl, sit or scoot since birth; now after 12 months in the USA he was able to run to his family who met us at the airport in Ghana. God is so Good!

October was a month of blessing for another boy we have in the USA for medical attention. 10 yr old, Wisdom received a heart catheterization to correct a birth defect. The large patent ductus arteriosus; a vessel failed to close after birth causing abnormal blood circulation between heart and lungs was corrected at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. He also received hearing aid devices that allow him to hear at 100%. After a few months of speech therapy he will be returning to his family in Gomoa Fetteh. I know Wisdom’s foster parents will miss him dearly but are excited that he will be re united with his mother and live a productive life in West Africa.

The National Missionary Convention was held just last week and we met with friends from all over the world. African Hope is continually asked to speak through out the USA and has also been petitioned to visit several additional African nations. Invitations to share include the 4 corners of the USA any many cities in between;

Seattle Washington Portland Maine

Longbeach, California Naples, Florida

The previous 5 months have been invested in speaking and sharing in the USA. African Hope will continue fund raising as time allows for traveling in the USA. Please contact us through our website www.africanhope.com to request speaking dates. Plans being made for African Hope in 2010 include traveling to multiple African nations; Malawi, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ghana. Invites to Kenya, Ivory Coast and Nigeria are also being considered. It will be a year of invitation and multiplication as we visit to share and expand African Hope through;

Evangelical crusades and revivals

Youth Rally

Participating in Pastor Conferences

Development of rural schools and orphanages

Development of rural libraries

Assisting children with extreme medical needs

As we look forward we are truly excited what God gas done through this ministry in 2009. Many rural churches have been planted, hundreds of baptisms, several pastors in Ghana are now matured and training others in Kingdom Building. On July 1, Youth Rally 2009 saw over 10,000 attending and over 1,000 first time decisions. The church in Ghana is growing! Praise God!

Thanksgiving is a daily practice for this ministry; we pray you will begin daily prayers of thanks for the miracle of living this life. We also thank you for your continued prayerful support of this ministry. Please consider a year end tax deductible donation to this ministry of Hope.

Keep praying,

Pastor Charlie

African Safari Club recently received two nominations for the prestigious World Travel Awards.

The tour operator was nominated for the World’s Leading Cruise Travel Agent, as well as being nominated in the category of Africa’s Leading Cruise Line, for their popular cruise services along the River Nile.

Although African Safari Club ultimately lost out in the grand final, held at the Marriot hotel in London’s Mayfair earlier this month, the nominations themselves prove that the tour operator continues to go from strength to strength, and is building up a sterling reputation amongst their peers within the travel industry.

The 16th World Travel Awards is the biggest award ceremony of its kind, and is voted for by travel agents worldwide. The awards aim to acknowledge and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.

African Safari Club’s cruise programmes have proven to be incredibly popular amongst customers, with many River Nile cruises aboard the M.S. Da Vinci or M.S. Fleurette starting from just £449 per person. Cruises can be booked online at the African Safari Club website, and as the tour operator is a member of the Association of British Travel Agents, as well as holding an Air Travel Organisers Licence, customers can book their cruises with complete peace of mind.

For more information about African Safari Club’s cruises in the River Nile, or any of their other services including safari holidays to Kenya, visit the African Safari Club website at http://www.africansafariclub.com/.

For over 40 years African Safari Club, has specialised in arranging holidays to Kenya and today proudly boast an excellent reputation as international market leaders. Nothing is left to others, or indeed to chance, as all aspects of our cruises and holidays are managed and personally controlled by our own well trained and highly motivated staff.

Elephants on the Masai Mara

African Safari Club recently received two nominations for the prestigious World Travel Awards.

The tour operator was nominated for the World’s Leading Cruise Travel Agent, as well as being nominated in the category of Africa’s Leading Cruise Line, for their popular cruise services along the River Nile.

Although African Safari Club ultimately lost out in the grand final, held at the Marriot hotel in London’s Mayfair earlier this month, the nominations themselves prove that the tour operator continues to go from strength to strength, and is building up a sterling reputation amongst their peers within the travel industry.

The 16th World Travel Awards is the biggest award ceremony of its kind, and is voted for by travel agents worldwide. The awards aim to acknowledge and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.

African Safari Club’s cruise programmes have proven to be incredibly popular amongst customers, with many River Nile cruises aboard the M.S. Da Vinci or M.S. Fleurette starting from just £449 per person. Cruises can be booked online at the African Safari Club website, and as the tour operator is a member of the Association of British Travel Agents, as well as holding an Air Travel Organisers Licence, customers can book their cruises with complete peace of mind.

For more information about African Safari Club’s cruises in the River Nile, or any of their other services including safari holidays to Kenya, visit the African Safari Club website at http://www.africansafariclub.com/.

For over 40 years African Safari Club, has specialised in arranging holidays to Kenya and today proudly boast an excellent reputation as international market leaders. Nothing is left to others, or indeed to chance, as all aspects of our cruises and holidays are managed and personally controlled by our own well trained and highly motivated staff.

Elephants on the Masai Mara

African Safari Club recently received two nominations for the prestigious World Travel Awards.

The tour operator was nominated for the World’s Leading Cruise Travel Agent, as well as being nominated in the category of Africa’s Leading Cruise Line, for their popular cruise services along the River Nile.

Although African Safari Club ultimately lost out in the grand final, held at the Marriot hotel in London’s Mayfair earlier this month, the nominations themselves prove that the tour operator continues to go from strength to strength, and is building up a sterling reputation amongst their peers within the travel industry.

The 16th World Travel Awards is the biggest award ceremony of its kind, and is voted for by travel agents worldwide. The awards aim to acknowledge and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.

African Safari Club’s cruise programmes have proven to be incredibly popular amongst customers, with many River Nile cruises aboard the M.S. Da Vinci or M.S. Fleurette starting from just £449 per person. Cruises can be booked online at the African Safari Club website, and as the tour operator is a member of the Association of British Travel Agents, as well as holding an Air Travel Organisers Licence, customers can book their cruises with complete peace of mind.

For more information about African Safari Club’s cruises in the River Nile, or any of their other services including safari holidays to Kenya, visit the African Safari Club website at http://www.africansafariclub.com/.

Through DNA testing, I learned that my Y-DNA haplogroup is E1b1a/M2 (formerly known as E3a).

Y-DNA, or Y-chromosome DNA, is patrilineal (male-lineage).

After I took my mtDNA test, I followed up with a Y-DNA test.  Once again, the process was as follows: I used the same DNA company as with my mtDNA test. There are numerous ones to choose from (Family Tree DNA, National Genographic, etc.). I paid for the test and received a package that contained testing materials. I swabbed the inside of my mouth and returned the testing materials to the DNA company.

Weeks later, I had my results.

My haplogroup E1b1a/M2 is approximately 30,000 years old, and descends from the paternal father clade PN2/P2. PN2/E is an African clade and approx 35k years old. PN2 is also the father of M35 (approx. 22,000 years old) and M78 (approx. 17,000 years old) (Source: Cruciani et al., p. 1018, 2004). E1b1b (formerly E3b) falls from the branch of M35, which The Jewish Virtual Library attributes as a major founding lineage among Ashkenazi Jews.

In a study that presented frequencies of haplogroups J and E among various groups, including both Ashkenazi and Sephardic populations, researchers found 14 out of 77 Ashkenazim (18.2%) were E3b, while 12 out of 40 Sephardim were E3b (30%) (Semino et al. 2004).

“The Y-chromosome clade defined by the PN2 transtion (PN2/M35, PN2/M2) shatters the boundaries of the phenotypically defined races” (Source: Keita, 2004, p. S18-19).

 M78 gave birth to V12 and V13, both found in populations in Greece and Italy.

M2 is found at high frequencies in West Africa. M2 is found in approximately 58-60% of African Americans as well.

M2 can be found among 8.4% of Sephardic Jews.  (Source: “Hisory in the Interpretation of the Patten of p49a, f RFLP Y-Chromosome Variation in Egypt: A Consideration of Multiple Lines of Evidence TaqI” Keita, 2005)

M2 is found at 80% among the Tutsis of Eastern Central Africa who are thought to be originally eastern Ethiopians or Egyptian/Nile Valley people. Tutsis are said to be related to Jews. Tutsis are 100% of African origin. (Source)

M2 is one of the three prevalent groups among the Nubians: M2, M35, and M78.

In a study of the three common variants in Egypt, M2 was found at 67% (Source: “Hisory in the Interpretation of the Patten of p49a, f RFLP Y-Chromosome Variation in Egypt: A Consideration of Multiple Lines of Evidence TaqI” Keita, 2005).

Bantu Migration Map

 (Source)

“The Bantu expansion was a millennia-long series of migrations of speakers of the original proto-Bantu language group. This group is hypothesized to have originated from modern day Cameroon. A diffusion of language and knowledge spread among neighbouring populations, and a creation of new societal groups involving inter-marriage spread to new areas and communities. The expansion is taken to have begun after the introduction of agriculture, which would indicate a date of ca. 3000-2500 BC for the early expansion within West Africa, followed by first eastwards and southwards migrations beyond West Africa from about 1500 to 1000 BC.” (Source)

“Haplotype IV has substantial frequencies in upper Egypt and Nubia, greater than VI and VII. Sometimes haplotype IV is seen as being associated with “Bantu expansion” but this does not mean that it is not much older. Bantu languages were never spoken in these regions or Senegal, where M2 is greater than 90% in some studies. (Keita, 2004, p. 229).

*M2 is represented by Haplogroup IV* 

Senegal is represented by the Western Atlantic family group of the Niger-Congo (A) language family.

The Igbo language of Nigeria falls into the West Benue-Congo family group of the Niger-Congo (A) language family.

“Haplotypes XI and IV, called ‘‘southern,’’ with IV labeled ‘‘sub-Saharan,’’ have their lowest frequencies in lower (northern) Egypt, but increase in upper (southern) Egypt and lower Nubia.” (Source: Keita, 2005).

“Early Afro-Asiatic Speakers, along with those of Nilo-Saharan, were likely drawn into the Sahara which was less arid in the late pleistocene in the early holocene after the last glacial maximum.” (Source: Keita, 2004)

“Haplotype IV, designating the M2 subclade as noted is found in high frequency in West, Central and sub-equatorial Africa in speakers of Niger-Congo — which may have a special relationship with Nilo-Saharan — spoken by Nubians.” (Source: Keita, 2004).

The Afro-Asiatic Language groups consists of Chadic, Egpytian, Berber, Omotic, Cushitic, and Semitic languages.

“The Nilo-Saharan languages are African languages spoken mainly in the upper parts of the Chari and Nile rivers (hence the term “Nilo-”), including historic Nubia, north of where the two tributaries of Nile meet. The languages extend through 17 nations in the northern half of Africa: from Algeria and Mali in the northwest; to Benin, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the south; and Sudan to Tanzania in the east (excluding the Horn of Africa). The largest part of its major subfamilies are found in the modern nation of Sudan, through which the Nile River flows in all its incarnations: the White and Blue Nile, which join to form the main Nile at Khartoum. As seen in the hyphenated name (compare map at right), Nilo-Saharan is primarily a family of the African interior, including the greater Nile basin and its tributaries as well as the central Sahara desert.” (Source)

“Recently Roger Blench has proposed that Niger-Congo is simply a branch of Nilo-Saharan, most closely related to the Central Sudanic family of Nilo-Saharan in the centre of the African continent. If this view is correct, Niger-Congo would have originated farther east than is us ually assumed, perhaps to the northwest of the present-day central Sudan. The Congo family, in Sudan, is assumed to have moved eastwards. The other families of Niger-Congo presumably were gradually compressed into West Africa as a result of the desiccation of the Sahara. As Western Africa became more crowded, Adamawa-Ubangi and Bantu expanded southwards into central Africa and later, in the case of Bantu, into eastern and southern Africa….Two relatively small families, Dogon and Ijoid, are thought to have split off next. Dogon with little internal differentiation, remained on land, south of the bend in the Niger, while Ijoid, with somewhat more internal differentiation into Defaka and the Ijo group, moved down the Niger to its confluence with the Benue and then either directly along the Niger or via the Benue and Cross River to the Niger Delta and associated waterways where it is found today….” (Source)

“So-called Saharo-Sudanese or Aqualithic speakers are found from Nile to Niger rivers in the Sahara and Sahel, and south into Kenya.” (Source: Keita, 2004).

*Hausas who reside mainly in northern Nigeria  speak Hausa, which is a Chadic language from the Afro-Asiatic language family.

My family

Hausa-Fulani Girl

Wolof (Senegal) Griot

Genevieve Nnaji (Igbo)

Chiwetel Ejiofor (Igbo)

Somali Woman

Lemar Obika (Igbo)

First of all, my apologies for being absent for so long. I really like blogging here but sometimes just lack the time to do it. Anyway now we got that out of the way, here’s something I came across this week. From November 22nd until December 1st the East African Safari Classic is going on in Kenya and look who’s in the lead…

Photo by McKlein

Indeed, a Mustang. Day 3 of the rally just passed and Ian Duncan is currently leading this rally with his classic Mustang, proving once more the versatile quality of the car I suppose If you want to find out some more about Ian’s 400 bhp Mustang, check this out.

Go Ian!

Ijorere designs modern hand-made specialties using embellishments from Africa and the eastern worlds of Asia & India. We will speak with owner Ola-Tokumbo, as she tells us more about this beautifully created cards.

Originally aired on 8/8/09

Listen now

South Africa exits a nine-month recession after its economy returned to growth between July and September…. From BBC News. Full story

This site may contain information about: recession graph. For a different topic see crowd level. The blog is also related to: stock market recession.

Picture this: a dimly lit room, very high ceiling, the decor is Eastern (think Turkish), with some Moroccan and Indian influences; Music is exotic; Curtains and candles divide and light the room. Sit civilly downstairs at a table or at the bar, or take a group upstairs for the low tables and beds, for the real middle eastern experience. For me, it brings back memories of dining out in Morocco while I travelled there. It’s not styled like other restaurants in Vancouver, this one has a theme.

So, when I am asked to suggest something different – I mention Sanafir. Located on Granville Street downtown at Nelson, the front of this exotic eatery looks more like a business. So watch out, it’s easy to miss.

The cuisine has a global focus from North Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Expect to order tapas trios from the menu, which means: Each dish has one meat prepared 3 ways – representing the flavours of 3 different countries. It’s like taking a culinary journey. They are made to share or keep to yourself. There are entrees as well, however the fun and experience of this restaurant is sharing different trio dishes.

To begin, order some naan and hummus – with a drizzle of a balsamic reduction it won’t last long. The Fattoush salad is very plentiful for two but full of exotic spices.

Their menu changes often, but I have enjoyed their Chicken trio: grilled kabobs, butter chicken and with a spicy sauce. The beef is really tasty: Oxtail ravioli, Indian spiced short ribs and grilled ribs. Also, the calamari done three different ways was a nice accompaniment to the dishes we ordered.

Platters can also be ordered with a pre-set menu for groups or for a group of friends who just don’t have a clue what to get. It will arrive family style, one dish at a time, which will stretch out your dining experience.

Dessert. Mmmmmm. Burnt orange baklava, Persian rice pudding, Banana and mango spring rolls. No explanation needed.

The wine list is pretty good, decent beer selection, but it’s the signature cocktails that really made an impression. Try the Latika – fresh mango, cardamom with vodka or the Khira – gin with muddled cucumber, lime and ginger beer.

Sanafir
www.sanafir.ca

Today’s interview features Susan L. Taylor, discussing her profoundly inspirational and thought-provoking book, All About Love: Favorite Selections from ‘In The Spirit’ on Living Fearlessly.

All About Love is a gathering of Susan’s favorite In the Spirit essays, as well as the favorites of many Essence readers. Several themes reoccur ~ finding harmony with ourselves and others; shedding the old skin of anger and bitterness; opening the heart and soul fully to love; wealth building and abundance; commitment to personal and social change; strengthening our families and communities; and primarily, keeping faith and finding the face of God in all our challenges. These are the principals and values that embody the wisdom Susan tries to live each day.

Susan L. Taylor is synonymous with Essence magazine, the brand she built—as its fashion and beauty editor, as editor-in-chief and editorial director. For 27 years she authored of one of the magazine’s most popular columns, In the Spirit. For nearly three decades, as the driving force behind one of the most celebrated Black-owned businesses of our time, Susan Taylor is a legend in the magazine publishing world.

She was the first and only African-American Woman to be recognized by the Magazine Publishers of America with the Henry Johnson Fisher Award—the industry’s highest honor—and the first to be inducted into the American Society of Magazine Editors Hall of Fame. She is the recipient of the NAACP President’s Award for visionary leadership and has honorary degrees from more than a dozen colleges and universities.

A fourth-generation entrepreneur, Susan grew up in Harlem working with her father in his women’s clothing store. She founded her own cosmetics company, a first for Black women, which led to the beauty editor’s position at Essence. She is the author of four books: In the Spirit: The Inspirational Writings of Susan L. Taylor; Lessons in Living; Confirmation: The Spiritual Wisdom That Has Shaped Our Lives, which she coauthored with her husband, Khephra Burns; and her most recent, All About Love, Favorite Selections from In the Spirit on Living Fearlessly. She is a much sought-after speaker, inspiring hope and encouraging us to reclaim our lives and create sustainable communities.

AG: Susan, start by telling our readers about All About Love.

ST: These writings are my and Essence readers favorite “In the Spirit” columns, which I have rewritten and deepened. Essentially, they are to help us remember that we are not weak or incomplete, but more than enough. We are human and divine and with our mind, we can create the joyful, peaceful and prosperous life God created us to have. All About Love is our encouragement to cast off negativity, doubt or fear–they grow when we give them power–and keep on stepping toward our goals and plans with walk-on-water faith.

AG: What inspired you to create this collection of essays?

ST: For years, Essence readers have been asking me to compile the ones that have been most helpful to them in a single volume. I also wanted to be able to read the ones that are most meaningful to me, the truths that have saved my life and that I must remember and practice to keep balance and inner peace at the center of my crazy-busy life.

AG: You founded a mentoring program called National CARES Mentoring Movement. Can you tell us about this project and what motivated you to create it?

ST: This is the painful truth we can no longer avoid addressing: Of all African-American births, 6.6 percent are to girls under the age of 18. Among our children, 58 percent of Black 4th graders are functionally illiterate. In some cities, nearly 80 percent of Black boys aren’t finishing high school.

Everyday more than a thousand Black children are arrested. One in every eight Black men between the ages of 25 and 29 is incarcerated, and the leading cause of death for our Black boys is homicide. What I and people all over the country are saying is, “Hell no! Not on our watch.” Millions of our young are in peril and the negative forces claiming them–the mothers and fathers of our tomorrows–are more powerful than our community’s or country’s effort to secure them. The goal of the National Cares Mentoring Movement is to put a caring and loving adult in the life of every vulnerable child and to increase the rate of high school graduation among Black youngsters by 10 percent annually. Now there are 22 cities at various stages of launching local movements. Already in operation are Atlanta Cares Mentoring Movement, Chicago Cares, Memphis Cares, Baltimore Cares, and the fearless brothers of MADD DADS are organizing the state of Florida.

AG: Being the “face” of Essence magazine for a number of years, you left the magazine to work on building the National Cares Mentoring Movement. Was this a difficult decision for you?

ST: It’s time for the next generation to take the reigns of Essence. They are energized, well trained and hard working. At times we older ones hold on too long. I did what I came to Essence to do; my 37 years there have seasoned me well. Now I’m ready for the heavy lifting, for even tougher, mightier work–linking arms and aims with the many caring people throughout the nation who have a passion for justice and understand that neither public policy nor political will is going to rescue our young and that this is our call to commitment, Black people’s work to do.

AG: What are your long-term goals for the National CARES Mentoring Movement?

ST: Oprah Winfrey put out the call for one million people to sign on to mentor. She devoted a show to the National CARES Mentoring Movement and ran it twice within a month. This gave the movement a tremendous life. Mentoring costs nothing and saves lives. We asking every able, stable Black person to devote four hours a month in a one-to-one mentoring relationship, or to with a group of friends mentor a number of youngsters–say those in a group home. Not only do mentees benefit, mentors grow in ways that are immeasurable.

The long-term goal, is ending the carnage in our communities, the over-incarceration of our young and turning every failing public school into a top-tier, safe learning environment that young people want to be a part of. Also, the leaders of the four national Baptist convention, that together have over 16 million congregants, have agreed to encourage churches to open their doors after school and enlist retired teachers to offer homework help, and on Saturdays for the accurate teaching of our history. We need our women and men to organize their congregations in churches, temples and mosques to do this critical work. This is the overarching goal.

AG: Where can our readers find more information on joining this movement?

ST: Readers can log on to National CARES Mentoring Movement for more information and to sign up to mentor. Just enter your zip code and a list of mentoring opportunities in your area will appear on the screen. Select one that appeals to you, investigate it and sign on.

AG: Are you working on any other upcoming projects?

ST: I am working on a healing and stress-reducing meditation CD. And a book about how we sisters and brothers can build solid lasting relationships is in my heart. All of my work is in synergy. We need inner peace and we need to get along with one another in order to secure the children and rebuild our communities. Peace and love begin in our individual hearts and homes, then we can live and build together well. We have to practice forgiveness and non-judgment every day. This is the most difficult and most necessary walk we humans must take. The most revolutionary thing we Black folks can do is learn to love one another.

AG: Name one thing that the world does not know about Susan L. Taylor~the person?

ST: Many folks think I have it all together all the time. Life is a school room, and I am learning how to listen to my life and my own intuition. When I don’t, things fall apart, I get depressed, lose faith and suffer. Them I turn to a wisdom book, or someone who helps me remember this: Magnify God, not the perceived obstacle. We combine with whatever we focus on. “God’s ways are ingenious; God’s methods are sure.” Each day I’m learning to trust God more and more.

Please visit the National CARES Mentoring Movement website and watch Susan and Oprah discuss the movements inspirational success stories.

LETTING IT ALL GO: tUnE-yArDs is singer Merrill Garbus, and her weapons of choice are voice and ukulele. She attacks her singing the way she attacks her instrument, which is probably why it’s got a little bandage on it. Garbus’ newest album “BiRd-BrAiNs” may not be something you listen to consistently, but it’s a fascinating blend of noise, strumming, picking, African vocal intonations, crooning and downright yelling. Here’s a video for “Hatari” (posted one day ago) where she sings her song for you in a passport office. Not sure where she’s traveling to, but I bet it will be quite a ride. Grabus uses the recently popular technique of looping to create a variety of rhythms — much like Juana Molina, Emily Wells, Andrew Bird and Theresa Andersson — who all use it to suit their own unique sounds. Take a listen.

Central Florida Future – http://bit.ly/8KleHL

By Cassie Turner

Print this article

Share this article

Published: Friday, November 20, 2009

Updated: Friday, November 20, 2009

Caitlin Bush

"Most Americans do not know slavery not only exists in the world today, it flourishes," said Ron Soodalter, co-author of The Slave Next Door, in his presentation in the Pegasus Ballroom Monday morning.

"Somewhere around 27 million people are in bondage in the world today. Now, that’s over twice the number as were trafficked in chains in the entire 350 years of the African slave trade."

Soodalter, an active abolitionist and historian, kicked off International Education Week at UCF as the keynote speaker for the Second Annual International Breakfast. The Slave Next Door presentation concluded the three-part series on "Slavery’s Resurgence" facilitated by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Global Perspectives and the International Services Center.

The series began with Somaly Mam, a Cambodian human rights activist, former slave and author of The Road of Lost Innocence: The True Story of a Cambodian Heroine, when she shared her experiences in September.

In October, Micheline Slattery, a human-rights activist and former restavek, or domestic child slave, in both Haiti and the United States, addressed about 300 attendees.

Modern-day slavery includes around 800,000 men, women and children trafficked each year around the world. According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Web site, about 17,500 of them end up in the United States, with a high percentage received in Florida.

Soodalter suggests a simple Google search on human trafficking for astounding results.

In spite of major federal legislation and anti-trafficking laws passed in 43 states, 103 human-trafficking convictions have resulted, Soodalter said.

Trafficking remains hidden, is largely unreported and difficult to identify. According to the 2009 Trafficking in Persons, or TIP, report, published by the U.S. Department of State, forced labor/involuntary servitude represents the majority of human-trafficking cases in the world. The co-author of Soodalter’s book,  Kevin Bales, wrote the original 156-page TIP report, titled “Trafficking Persons in the United States — A Report to the National Institute of Justice.”

“The whole thing is disserving and extending,” said retired UCF foreign language professor David Gurney. “It contributes to the antagonism from people in underdeveloped countries to Western civilizations or Western countries.”

In the 1850s, purchasing a slave ran roughly $1,200, the equivalent of around $40,000 in today’s money. The reality is purchasing a slave today costs as little as $100, which makes them affordable and disposable, Soodalter said.

A trafficking victim lives in fear of violence or the threat of violence daily, he said.

Shawn Cox, victim witness coordinator and licensed clinical social worker with the United States Attorney’s Office, advocates that trafficking is a crime of absolute power over someone. According to the report Cox co-authored, “Victims of Human Trafficking and Trauma,” the psychological consequences of a victim are similar to the consequences of severe or chronic child abuse or experiencing acts of terrorism.

"In case you thought slavery doesn’t touch you, guess again," Soodalter said. "Chances are, the clothes you wear, the food you eat, has been touched by slavery."

The good news is there have been some inroads made recently in the area of agricultural servitude, Soodalter said. When Taco Bell refused to stop buying produce picked by enslaved workers in an effort known as the "Ban the Bell" campaign, it set a precedent that several other companies, including McDonalds, A&W, Long John Silver’s, Pizza Hut, Whole Foods, Chipotle and Burger King, have followed, Soodalter said.

"The message is clear," Soodalter said. "Slavery and worker abuse will not be tolerated. Not here, not now, not ever."

Mark Freeman, public affairs coordinator for the Global Perspectives Office, said they are hoping to continue the series next spring since response has been incredible. Because of the series last spring, students on campus were so spurred into action they formed the unofficial student group “Students Against Slavery @ UCF,” Freeman said. “Students Against Slavery @ UCF” has a Facebook page, and Harry Coverston serves as the faculty advisor for the group.

"Spreading the word is the most important thing," said Frank Hegedus, a senior political science and international relations major. "There is only right now."

http://www.centralfloridafuture.com/abolitionist-historian-wraps-up-global-perspectives-series-1.2093273

(Selectism.com)

On Sunday afternoon in  a Fayetteville, North Carolina church, Manna Church, the world,family and friends said goodbye to Shaniya Davis. Shaniya had captured the heart of the world, after it was discovered that her own mother had sold her into bondage as a sex slave,to Mario McNeill, who brutally raped and murdered the little child.

More than 2000 people were inside the church to support Bradley Lockhart, Shaniyas dad, and the man who made the decision to send Shaniya back to her mother,after having raised the child for the full 5 years of her life,which directly led to her death.

“Don’t let God’s words and don’t let his actions get you down,” Lockhart told the packed congregation. “He did this for a reason.”

Shaniya Davis funeral was open to the public and was standing room only.Lockhart urged the 1,500 crowded into Manna Church and another 500 watching the service from an adjacent building to help the community’s needy, according to press reports.

As mourners filled the church, a photo display of Shaniya Davis was streamed on the overhead projector. Never before released photos of Shaniya were displayed. These photos showed Shaniya with her father, Bradley Lockhart and her siblings.

Lockhart said, “Shaniya, Daddy love you honey. And I know you’re gonna’ be waiting for me … I’ll see you when I get there.”

White doves were released at her graveside as the little child Shaniya was laid to her eternal resting place.

Click on the link below to view a comprehensive sideshow of pictures covering the Shaniya Davis funeral…

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/10/01/crimesider/entry5356401.shtml