Make room for the New!

With the festive season and joy of Christmas coming to a close, we wish all our readers a wealthy and thriving 2008. May the blessings of Christ surround you!

"You will still be eating last year's harvest when you will have to move it out to make room for the new." - Leviticus 26:10

Nice Read!

I have just been reading the book by Robert Fulghum called All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: uncommon thoughts on common things (1986). I had, as many of you I am sure, seen the article of the same title circulated on email. Remember this?
Things I learnt;
* Share everything.
* Play fair.
* Don't hit people.
* Put things back where you found them.
* Clean up your own mess.
* Don't take things that aren't yours.
* Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
* Wash your hands before you eat.
* Flush.
* Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
* Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
* Take a nap every afternoon.
* When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
First of all I was surprised to know that this book was first written over 20 years ago! But the stories there read like present, real life blogs! I think this book could be the precursor of present day blogs. He talks about the most ordinary mundane things that happen in his life (and in all our lives really) but he has a wonderful twist to it. His language and his observations are so captivating. Here is one profound statement that he makes at the end of one of the stories… “Why is it that love and life so often have to be carried forth with so much pain and strain and mess? …..Why isn’t love easy?” The greatest thing about this book is that it made me begin to look at my everyday life and living experiences in a different way. You would have to read it to know what I am talking about…

The other day, for example, I was driving down the parkway and the sun was casting a glare and a slight haze that is not normal for this time of the year. Somehow, as I consciously thought about that glare, it took me to another continent, another time – distant lands and wonderful memories that were somehow buried in the recess of my mind and enshrouded by the glaring sun on a hazy day. I reminiscenced about another normal day like this one…..really, one of a thousand similar days that I would be on a bus sitting next to the open window going down Kenyatta Avenue being almost lulled to sleep by the engine noise (the engine which by the way was above the floor of the bus next to the driver with a wire sticking out that would be used to rev up the bus). I think of this ride which unlike the bus or train rides here were anything but quiet. People would be talking – even strangers and if you really wanted, you could tune in to any one of the louder interesting stories. This made me think of the sights and smells that just seemed in place in the bus at times like these – the sack of potatoes being transported by the vegetable stall owner “Mama wa Mboga” – that sack or sacks would be sitting right in the middle of the aisle and you would have to find a way to step and jump. If it happens that a holiday was coming up then you might be sharing the bus with chicken too – on the same aisle in readiness for the celebrations……see how far my mind went? It is like all of a sudden one present mundane experience can bring up thoughts and memories that give a new meaning to living in the present.

So I have slowed down my reading of this book that I have thoroughly enjoyed so that I can have some delightful stories to read when I need it - maybe just to savour the book for longer. Now I see why this book was a best seller those many years ago – And no, I have not been paid, coerced or otherwise influenced by anyone to write about this book!

Shopping Mania

So the dreaded season is here – the shopping mania season, the season to spend, spend and spend some more on gifts that might never be used and some that you have to give because it is expected (and because it somehow feels funny to receive gifts without reciprocating). It is the season when shopping and the frustrations that accompany it become a necessary evil!

Black Friday, Cyber Monday – these were the terms that seemed to offer hope this season or were they just some sugar coated terms to find another way to separate the willing masses from their money? So this year, I decided that I would be an active participant of this crazy phenomenon and actually try and nab some of these much touted deals (if they are for real) in the computer and electronics departments. So I psyched myself up that come Friday morning I would be up at the crack of dawn, all bundled up and ready to battle the masses for a hot deal!

Come Friday morning and my bed would not let me go! (at least that is the excuse that I gave myself) or was it because common sense took over and reminded me that I have a budget to keep and that all these is hype……anyway, I had come in late from a Thanksgiving Dinner out of State at an old dear family friend’s house so it was hard to get out of bed especially on a cold morning when I did not have to go to work! I am definitely not that crazy about shopping! When I finally got up and watched the news, I knew that for sure I would have been trampled on by the surging, crashing and crushing masses rushing into the malls at 5am in the morning to spend their money at the promise of saving some money in the process. So, I decided to restrategize - I went online to check and see which stores still had deals on items that I needed. It seemed to me that opinion was varied on whether or not there are any major savings though this did not deter people from going to shop. By afternoon, I had convinced myself that I could still get all that I needed online during the “Cyber Monday” sales.

Well, I did go to the mall finally in the evening (courtesy of my roommates) and I must say that I am proud of myself, I only spent minimally and only on some essential stuff that I have been looking for (and they were not on sale, sigh!). As for Cyber Monday, it has come and gone and I did not see any deal online that I cannot still go and get at the stores – minus the shipping and handling and the long wait for the item. Also I am still an old-fashioned shopper at heart – I need to see, feel and even test the item first!

So here I am as usual, no shopping done, waiting for Dec. 24th to rush in and fight with other last minute shoppers. And a fight it is - in the parking lot for a spot, in the stores for the left over items and then to make the long queue toward a tired, irate cashier for a very, very last minute deal! (if any).

Cash or Credit?

It took me four minutes to get to Kinnelon Bagels, a small Deli, off 23 North in Butler. I was hungry. Usually I don’t eat lunch until I get home but having scheduled back to back meetings my stomach begun rambling and the brain chemicals sent IM (Instant Messaging) asking for relief. I lined up tagged along and ordered a Grilled Chicken hot sub and some coffee. When I reached for my wallet I realized I didn't have enough cash. Since the store had a MasterCard and Visa Logos I opted to pay with my debit card. The young lady asked whether I had cash instead of using the card and wallah! The question “cash or credit?” popped up in my head.

Many small businesses prefer cash rather than credit. In fact some gas station marts will post notice of minimum purchases for credit card use. Part of the reason for this restriction is merchant fees that store owners pay for billing credit card companies. Fees range from per transaction fees (usually a percentage or a few cents on each card processed) to monthly or annual maintenance fees that can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars.

If you have watched a recent TV commercial for Visa “when the saints go marching in” it expounds that Life takes Visa. So here I was doing lunch and life needed cash! The young lady at the cashier turned to her father and asked whether she could swipe my debit card. That’s when we discussed merchant fees. I agonized with him over the dilemma of accepting plastic.

So next time you do lunch or make purchases under $10.00 be considerate of small business owners. Carry cash because no matter what you want to do in life, life doesn’t always take Visa.

This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD's time for canceling debts has been proclaimed. Deut 15:2

Destination 5

With all the reading that you can do online, it becomes overwhelming to sort and sift through hundreds of newsletters. One such newsletter I get everyday is the Forbes.com Ecommerce Newsletter. I normally browse through it and if it doesn’t make an appeal I cut it!

In a recent Men’s Breakfast meeting we acknowledged the need to begin investing wisely - Destination 5 (“Savings are put into risky investments that turn sour… the man who speculates is soon back to where he began – with nothing.” Ecclesiastes 5:13-15). With that said sift through the following 10 African stocks and invest wisely. Oh! If you need to read the complete article, mouse here

Top 10 African Stocks
MTN Group
South African Cellular Phone Company provides phone services to more than 40 million subscribers in Africa and the Middle East, though about half are in South Africa and a third in Nigeria. MTN Group (other-otc: MTNOY) was cited as one of Forbes.com's "exotic growth bargains" in 2005. Since then, the stock has more than doubled to around $17. Its American Depositary Receipts, which are 1:1, can by bought through the Bank of New York or a broker.

Murray & Roberts Engineering Holdings
This South African construction company has annual sales of $1.4 billion and a market capitalization of $4.4 billion. In early October the American fund manager Capital Group Companies bought 15.8% of the company. Murray & Roberts (NASDAQ: MURSF) shares have risen more than 180% in the last year, but they only trade in Johannesburg

Standard Bank Group
The South African lender operates in 17 African countries and provides banking, insurance broking, mutual fund management, and property fund management services. Levitt recently hired a portfolio manager from Standard Bank (other-otc: SBGOF) to work for him in Florida. It has ADRs and trades primarily in Johannesburg. The shares have risen 366% since 2002.

Naspers
Based in Cape Town, this media company operates primarily in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, but also does business in Asia, Europe, and North and South America. Naspers (other-otc: NPSNY) produces newspapers, but its Internet division, which includes instant messaging in China, generates the bulk of sales. The company has ADRs and the stock is up 19% since year to date.

Guaranty Trust Bank
A Nigerian financial institution for which Fitch Ratings upgraded its outlook to "positive" from "stable" in August, citing its growing franchise and enhanced earnings capacity. The company also has a global depository receipts (GDRs) listed in London under the symbol GRTB LI, and its local symbol is GRTB NL.

United Bank For Africa
The largest financial services company in Nigeria and West Africa trades on Nigerian Stock Exchange and also through an unlisted GDRs program currently administered by the Bank of New York. It merged with South Africa's Standard Trust Bank in August 2005 and sales have risen 350% since then.

Zenith Bank
This is Levitt's third and final Nigerian financial institution, offering deposit and fund transfer services, trade finance and foreign exchange payments. The company is the most capitalized on the Nigerian stock exchange and works with JPMorgan to act as global custodian for Nigeria's foreign reserves of $46.7 billion. Profits rose 24.1% in 2006. The local symbol is ZNBK NL.

Orascom Construction Industries
Cairo-based Orascom Construction (other-otc: ORSDF - news - people) is a leading cement maker and construction contractor in North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. It takes advantage of the low cost of natural gas in Egypt for producing cement and fertilizer. It has ADRs and an active London listing under the symbol ORSD LI. Its London shares have risen more than 9,000% since October 2002.

First Quantum Minerals
First Quantum (other-otc: FQVLF) is a copper company with operations primarily in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The primary market is Canada, though it does have ADRs and is also traded in London under FQM LN. Its shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange have nearly doubled year to date.

Ridge Mining
This London-listed mining company has operations in South Africa and has also seen its shares double since January 2007. Ridge Mining (other-otc: RDGMF) has substantial equity investments and assistance from Chinese companies. The stock trades primarily in London, though it also has ADRs.

Classic Cars

I love antique cars. Call them classic cars, antique cars, vintage cars, hot rods etc, I think they have a timeless beauty. There is such a dignity and poise in some of these old regal cars that is almost seems to take on a personal character. Well, I would not say that for the muscle cars because to me that is what they are, just muscle cars. I know I will incur the wrath of the muscle car lover but I think they lack the beauty and class that say the old Fords and Chevy's of the '1920s, 30s and 40s.

One to the things I have come to realize is that the owners of these cars are crazy about them! It is almost like a cult! See, these cars have been babied – the owners buy a frame/ skeleton and then look for all the other parts from all over the country (some of which are not available) then they start the work of restoring the car and remodeling. This is usually a time and money consuming project that can take years to complete. No wonder some of these cars are just for show, they are never driven- lest they get scratched or something.

There is usually an antique car show every Friday evening during the summer in the main street of downtown Somerville, New Jersey. Here are some pictures that I took at one of these. The camera was acting up but you can still appreciate the beauty of these cars! You will also note that there is a picture of a beautiful dog that had come car-watching…it is not there by mistake. That dog was as huge as a lamb and she had the whitest fur and was very friendly! She was all groomed with a hair clip too! She just seemed to fit right in with those beautiful cars.

Like I keep saying, when I become rich and famous (ok, scratch the famous part, just give me rich!) I will splurge on at least one or two beautiful red or maybe white antique classic cars. The only thing is that my hot rods will be fun ride cars and not just for show. OK enjoy the pictures.

Where Does The Time Go?

Where does the time go? The last blog entry was made on 9/11 – a month ago! With two authors you would think that entries to this journal would be more frequent. Just the other day we raked leaves, ate Thanksgiving, opened Christmas gifts… Now we get to do all this all over again. And that’s the subject of today’s blog.

We probably are too busy and we aren’t making the best use of the spare time we have. According to Professor John Robinson, University of Maryland, the average American spends:
7.9 hrs each day sleeping 5.5 hrs working 2.3 hrs watching TV
1 hr eating 49 minutes washing & grooming 47 minutes visiting (by phone and in person) 10 minutes relaxing and thinking 7 minutes on religious practice

Okay, now that I have your attention let’s review. The 5.5 hours we use working pays for everything else! Could it be that’s why we can’t make ends meet? It seems that we are generally lazy! 2.3 hours watching TV? Yeah! I think he is right – I had to complete Monday Night Football between Cowboys and Bills – a 3 hr game!

What is more troubling is the 10 minutes we spend relaxing and thinking and the 7 minutes on religious practice! No wonder only very few people are featured in CNBC’s the Big Idea and our commitment to the Great Commission (Matt 28:19) has dwindled.

So, What (Am I) are you going to do to free up more time?

“When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future”. Ecc 7:14

9/11 Good Deeds

Today is the 6th anniversary of 9/11 and as I was driving to work on this rainy and dull morning, I was listening to different radio stations programming on this day. One significant thing is that this is the first time the anniversary has fallen on a Tuesday just like on D-day in 2001. So much has been said and is still being said today as we look back on the events of that fateful day, honor the memory of those that died and think of lessons learnt in terms of disaster preparedness and response. And with the release of video recordings from Osama Bin Laden (whether real or not), we are still being constantly reminded that the perpetrators of that evil are still out there and still plotting.

On a positive note, I came across a website that encourages people to do good deeds today to commemorate the day. These good deeds are a tribute to the many heroes who lost their lives in the bid to save others. The firefighters, the volunteers, police officers or even co-workers at the towers who helped others out of the building at the cost of their own lives. Some of the good deeds listed on the site range from deeds as simple as just smiling at other people today to make their day cheery or hugging someone to donating blood or supporting a charitable organization. Check it out - http://www.mygooddeed.org

My good deed for today and the month onwards is to support the Children Hunger Fund. I am joining a small team working to raise donations for the Children's Hunger Fund ("CHF"), a nonprofit organization that exists to alleviate the suffering in children here in the US, and all around the world. Whether it is hunger, malnutrition, poor medical care, abandonment or abuse, CHF works to provide products to assist in the care of children. To do so, Children's Hunger Fund solicits donations of food, clothing, personal hygiene items, medicines, medical supplies, USANA's Usanimals vitamins to children and other relief materials from American companies. The best part about this organization is its efficiency - Forbes.com reports Children's Hunger Fund as holding a 100% rating in all three of their rating categories for charitable organizations. More than 99% of revenue goes to programs serving children in need. ... that's $.99 on every $1.

Formed in 1991, CHF as distributed more than $500 million in aid, bringing hope to children in more than 70 countries worldwide. CHF feeds nearly 30,000 people per week around the world and serves 38 states in the U.S. from more than 200 distribution centers in California. Check this link to see their work in Uganda and other places.

We are three teams and our goal is to raise $10,000 by September 28, 2007 for CHF, and to raise awareness about the good works that can be done by a small, focused group. If you want this to be your good deed then, you can contact me through my website www. blessedforlife.usana.com. It's a tax write off for you, and deserving kids can get a healthy start on life.

I have to remind myself that though a good deed on this day is very significant and memorable, I should not limit my good deeds to one day or a few days of the year. I should try and make this a lifestyle. I wish you a peaceful day.

Do the right thing

I know I haven't blogged for awhile. It goes without saying that sometimes we get busy. With summer almost gone and schools opening soon, the inner-man is not too happy. The only reason I broke my silence is to have you blog your comments on a column that's mandatory reading for me when I get my Money magazine. It's called do the right thing by J. Fleming and L. Schwarz. Just blog your comments.
Q
After my 84-year old father died, his two brothers told me they'd each lent him $1000 to help pay his property taxes a couple of years ago. There's enough in Dad's estate to repay them, and I have no reason to believe my uncles are dishonest. But I was close to my dad, and he never mentioned these loans. Moreover, they have nothing in writing, not even a canceled check (my uncles say they gave him cash). Should I give them the money?

Quotes to live by

They are increasingly becoming popular- quotes as part of one’s signature on their emails. Maybe you even have one or two yourself. These are quotes that one has decided they hold some truth or some motivation or some inspiration. Usually they are quotes by famous people. However some of them are original - nuggets of truth that one has come up with. My email signature quote is "Work hard, play hard and pray hard..... and enjoy yourself while at it!" This was inspired by the wise King Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes where he talks about enjoying your labor/toils. Here are the verses that inspired me:
Ecc 3:22- So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?
Ecc 3:13 - That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.
Ecc 2:24-25 - A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?
Here are some examples of quotes I have picked from some of the emails sent to me.
Name of email owner: Kim Njoroge
Quote: “At some point a thinker must think!”
Name of email owner: Muthoni Njage
Quote: "There is nothing we can do to make God love us more. There is nothing we can do to make God love us less."
Name of email owner: Josephine Njambi Fuller
Quote: “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
Name of email owner: Joash Okore
Quote: "The Only Limitation Is Your Imagination"
Name of email owner: Eileen Nduko
Quote: ".......whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely...meditate on these things (from Phillipians 4:8)
Name of email owner: Susan Wutete (don’t know her personally)
Quote: "In times of change, learners inherit the Earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists" Anon
Name of email owner: Judy Mwango
Quote: "A true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good" Ann landers
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character give him power" Abraham Lincoln

I have been wondering if we believe these quotes or live by them. I have also wondered whether these quotes are meant for the owner of the email account or it is for the consumption of the general masses or should I say readership. Do we have these quotes because it is a trend or do we really believe that nugget of truth or inspiration that seems to mean so much to us. Can our lives or actions be seen in the light of that quote…OK….OK….I am going too deep into something that is just for fun….right? OK let us have some fun, can you put in some quotes that you have come across in the email signatures? Maybe even your own here….and if you do not have one then this could be a good time to come up with one.

Bride Collapse(d)

We ended up going to Twin Cities - Minnesota after most of the cousins ditched San Diego's expensive flight tickets. That means if we start planning early we'll ended up in San Diego next year. That's not how I should have begun this highly anticipated blog. Let me try again..

I mentioned earlier that I would post some pictures from St. Paul, MN. The only way I would post them, is if I actually went there; I did, a day after the Bridge Collapse. If you were me, perhaps you would have called off the entire trip for fear of another bridge collapsing, but let me tell you somethin' even after a major catastrophe, life continues, cows have to be milked, the animals fed, food prepared etc.

We chose to visit only the major attractions in MN. MOA (Mall of America) was one of `em. Normally your trip to your local mall is less than 3 hrs. We had planned to give it about these many hours, but Lo and Behold! We got there at 11 a.m. and ended up leaving at 9:30 (when they finally announced that it was over) This is not your typical mall. It has more than 500 specialty stores, 50 restaurants and 14 movie theaters. Consider this fun facts:

• Mall of America is the largest, fully enclosed retail and family entertainment complex in the U.S.
• Seven Yankee Stadiums would fit inside Mall of America.
• Mall of America’s 13,300 short tons of steel is nearly twice the amount in the Eiffel Tower.
• Walking distance around one level of Mall of America is .57 of a mile.
• Spending 10 minutes in every store would take a shopper more than 86 hours to complete their visit to Mall of America.
• More than 4,200 couples have been married at Mall of America since opening in August of 1992.
• Mall of America is located on the former Metropolitan Sports Stadium which was home to the Minnesota Vikings and Twins. Home plate can be found in Camp Snoopy.
• There are 30,000 live plants and 400 live trees planted in The Park at MOA.

I drank lots and lots of Chai Tea Latte at Caribou and Starbucks.
Next we hit Minnesota Childrens' Museam, Minnesota Zoo, Minehaha Falls, Dontown St. Paul, Downtown Minneapolis, Tamtams restaurant, Famous Dave, Rochester City, Collapsed Bridge, Lori Art Festival and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
A few highlights:
@ Tam-Tam's African Restaurant we met the owner/chef, Steven Kaggwa who inspired us with his passion for cooking. You can read a review of background here. I can't tell you enough how tasty the Nyama Kyoma, Sambosas, Tilapia and Ka-Chai was, (note the Ugandan accent)
@ Minneapolis Sculpture Garden we were marveled by the Spoonbridge and Cherry which weighs more than 7000 pounds
@ Minehaha Falls no water was running. A local told us that it dries up every 50 years. How odd could it be that we there on the 50th year? You can believe that?
@ the collapsed bridge we worshiped the Lord.

When the wall collapses, will people not ask you, "Where is the whitewash you covered it with?" Ezekiel 13:12

Here are the photos

Fake Pastors

By now, you'll have noted that I blog on almost any interesting topic from East African Media. The other day I ran into this article posted in Uganda's New Vision Newspaper. It would be easier for me to provide you with a link and send you there but I know you value having a discussion. So let go through it: My comments in red.

By Herbert Ssempogo
THE Police have opened a general inquiry file on fake pastors countrywide. Announcing the move, Police spokesman Asan Kasingye on Friday called on people to use the opportunity to report dubious pastors. Every person with a complaint against a particular pastor can come to us and give us information, he appealed, while addressing a news conference at the Police headquarters in Kampala. The Police open a general inquiry file when there are several complaints about an issue from members of the public. We open the file in absence of a particular complainant so that we can confirm the allegations and also find a way forward, Kasingye explained. The Acting Commissioner (crime), Elly Womanya, who is stationed at the CID headquarters at Kibuli in Kampala, will receive all complaints.

Since there are no standards for establishing a church, anyone can start one. And once you start a church, the benefits are tangible. It is not surprising therefore that some pastors are not real pastors, but petty con men abusing the special privileges afforded to the clergy. I don't know of any other profession which is quite easy to fake as pastor-hood. By adopting a reverential demeanor, cultivating a spiritual voice, slipping occasional words like "eschatology" into conversation....they become trusted, without any questions asked, as stewards of the mysteries. It takes only a hint here and a gesture there, an empathetic sigh, or a compassionate touch to convey that they are at home and expert in these deep matters.

The media has lately been awash with reports about the activities of pastors, many of which border on crime. The Sunday Vision over three weeks this month serialised the activities of pastors who coerce their flock into sowing their valuables in exchange for blessings from God. Several people have alleged that pastors take their vehicles and land titles with promises that they will cure them of HIV/AIDS, among other miracles.

Nobody wants God's wrath on them! One would rather comply with the said promises. The self-made "Pastors" trying to sound spiritual, claim they are led by God to tell you what you want to hear.

If someone reports to us that they have been threatened or intimidated, we shall take action, Kasingye warned. He cited embattled Pastor Obiri Yeboah Kojo, who last week asked Pastor Samuel Kakande of the Synagogue Church Of All Nations to apologise to him or face God's power within 60 days. The Police are investigating Kojo over allegations of importing a device designed to give electric shocks, but Kojo accuses Kakande of framing him.

A device designed to give electric shocks? Come on! Oh! that's why many fall by the power? Can you imagine at what lengths fake pastors will go to lure you in?

Kasingye also said Pastor Grace Kitaka, who is accused of sodomising Julius Lukyamuzi, had been interrogated. Meanwhile, it emerged that Kojo is not wanted by the police in Ghana. The Police had early in the week warned that Kojo would be extradited over allegedly defrauding a woman of the equivalent of sh17m. Kasigye said the man Ghanian police seek is Alex Yeboah.

Nuff said! I guess you fake it until you make it!
Published on: Saturday, 28th July, 2007

It is very unfortunate that in today's world the use of the title "Pastor" "Mchungaji," "Mtu wa Mungu'" has become a means for ego recognition, income, medical insurance, retirement fund, second marriages, parsonages, and ungodly lifestyles.

Let me also point out that there are real pastors who make our life's journey much like Christ's. To them may the blessings of our Lord be with you, always.

Systems Overload!

There is this little restaurant in my town that I have been curious about for a long time. The name of the place is “Beana’s ” and the décor outside the place - brightly colored watering cans, a big flower box with huge fake sunflower plants, a huge cactus plant cut-out, some multi-colored flags and some neon lights - have always fascinated me. So I decided the other day to feed my curiosity and go in. This was an experience and a half! I think I have moved up a notch in my multi-cultural education.

Now the moment I walked in my eyes were overwhelmed! I did not know where to look or even when and where to sit. It was a small place with two seating areas and the whole place was crammed with stuff! There was stuff hanging on the walls and from the ceiling that made it look like an overloaded Christmas tree. The place looked like a bird’s nest (some birds, like magpies and crows, love collecting stuff especially shiny things). There were different types of Crosses hanging on the wall, many religious pictures and a few portraits of some guys in some traditional garb, there were shiny Christmas-like décor hanging off the ceiling. It just seemed to me like the there was not an empty space on the walls and the ceiling. Many small tables filled the place – each of these tables had a different colored and flowery tablecloth! The chairs were mismatched too. Two Mexican flags hung proudly in the room as were the sombreros on the wall. On top of the half-wall partition that divided the two seating areas, there were vases of plastic dark blue flowers and multicolored animal figurines. There were glasses and mugs hanging from a lowered part of the ceiling that ended at what look like the entrance to the kitchen. On the floor near a table at the entrance of the restaurant, sat the top sewing part of an old “Singer” sewing machine. This was fascinating to me because my mother had one those a long time ago – they usually came with a specially designed table that had a foot pedal for sewing. I wondered what it was doing on the floor, almost under the table – was this part of the décor? Was it deliberately placed there? Did it have some cultural significance or was it a sentimental one?

In this restaurant, you just walk in and seat yourself wherever you fancy. Now, then, just as if this was a movie set, in walks a gentleman… (Senor) to be precise! Coming from the kitchen area. He has on a sombrero, a bandana, a moustache and some cowboy boots (for lack of a better description here). The old man fit in perfectly with the whole atmosphere. Now honestly, I expected him to speak to the waiter in Spanish but he spoke in English, with no trace of an accent whatsoever! I concluded that he was part of the establishment there….maybe even the manager. There was no clearly designated place for a sales counter. The only thing that made me realize where it was, was the phone hanging on the wall and the papers near an old cupboard with distressed paint with a lone padlock in the middle (the kind that we used to call “Kabati” at my great grandmother’s). This ambiance was topped off with some mellow Mexican music that seemed out of place in this setting of clashing, loud colors, millions of hanging paraphernalia and mismatched furniture.

What about the food you ask? I wish I could say that it was as unique as fascinating as the place but alas, it was disappointing! The chicken quesadilla that I ordered looked like some left over chicken that had been shredded, with a hint of bean soup – salsa and sour cream together with Doritos chips came on the side. Honestly I have eaten better quesadillas at Taco Bell and Baja Fresh – and cheaper too. My impression of the food there was not helped by the fact that I had noticed when I came in that one of the tables had a Dunkin Donut paper bag on it. I concluded that it most probably had brought in a donut, maybe by one of the workers there (I doubt they would allow a customer to bring in food from outside). So if someone working there buys food from elsewhere, would that inspire a lot of confidence in the food there for me?

So would I go there again? Maybe for the appreciation of the cultural décor or to take pictures if they would allow me……

Windshield Larger than Rear View Mirror

This is my fourth windshield replacement on my Xterra. I know some of you readers have not had an auto glass repair or replacement in years! You can't even remember when you ever did it. So I keep asking myself, why me? The only little consolation I have is the fact that Over 11000000 windshields are damaged in the U.S. each year.

I can hear your advice; keep of the dirt roads, why do you follow the trucks (some of them have signs reading DO NOT FOLLOW), buy extra insurance ... and so on. You know what you should be doing? - feeling my pain. Now that some of you have never experienced this part of owning a car here is a quick lesson;

(a) Auto glass is an important structural component of your vehicle, so a quality installation is important to your safety. A Urethane adhesive is applied to the vehicle frame. The vehicle is safe to drive in and about one hour for most installations.
(b) It really doesn't take long to have a windshield repaired or replaced. My appointment was for 12:00 Noon and I was done by 12:45. That means a repair shop can make $250.00 every 45 mins. I can see dollar signs hanging over your head. Please get back to understanding my woes.

(c) Windshield replacement falls under the comprehensive portion of your insurance rather than the collision portion. Therefore the repair or replacement of your windshield will not influence your insurance premiums. Double check with your insurance carrier for payments.

(d) Beware of Windshield Scams. Unfortunately it seems there is always someone who is looking for a way to take advantage of the naïve. It's no different in the auto glass world. Be wary of any someone that suggests: To replace the entire window when you have a small chip in the glass; Offers to give you cash in return for letting them do your insurance glass job; They are unwilling to give you a written estimate before the work is started; To let them do the job "off the books"; That you must use their service because they are the authorized shop for "Big Insurance Corp" insurance.

Well, there you have it. My windshield is replaced. Using this pen and paper I tell it - Do not crack or chip ever, not with this Xterra.

The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass - Rev 21:18

Summer Visits

What places have you visited this Summer?

Ecstatic Worship!

If you have attended a charismatic or Pentecostal church, you must have seen this one person (or more) who was so enraptured in their praise, adoration and worship of God that they were crying or kneeling or even lying prostrate. Or maybe, as a friend of mine who is unfamiliar with this church phenomenon describes it “… they were so into it that they passed out!” ……hey, maybe that was you in that state of Spiritual ecstasy. And then you may have also noticed other members of the congregation (maybe you) sitting or standing quietly by sometimes also worshipping quietly and sometimes watching the ones whose inward worship is being manifested in outwardly. These people who do not seem “into it” might actually also be deep in prayer and worship but without the emotion or the physical excitement. Now, having attended church a great portion of my life, I have been both an observer and a participant of this phenomenon at different times.

See, I have been listening to this particular song of worship to God – essentially a love song to God. The Singer tells God He is worthy of praise and He goes on to praise the attributes of God! Now, I don’t know whether it is the music or the lyrics or the fact that this song is in KiSwahili (I think that will be one of the languages spoken in heaven!), but this song seems to transport me to another place and another time! A place of ecstasy and love where the sweetness of the love of God almost becomes tangible…..ooohh, I cannot describe it but it is a place where everything and everyone else ceases to exist and the moment seems frozen in time. Now, worship songs and music seem to do this to me. However not all songs do and even the same song might not elicit such a reaction all the time. I started wondering how it is that some people experience such depths of feeling while some do not. This is definitely not a measure of one’s love for God or commitment to God since even secular music can affect one’s emotions or composure. How two people could be worshiping God and in the same place, with the same atmosphere and yet one seemingly gets so “into it” and the other one stands quietly by. And this has led me to thinking about how and why this happens. Of course, I cannot not go into any theological or doctrinal discussions as those are too lofty for me.

OK so here are my thoughts;
1. Could it be because of their emotional make-up? So people are very expressive and some are not. A good example in the Bibles is when David danced so hard as the Ark of the Covenant was coming back, that all his clothes fell off. Now, his wife Michal was very embarrassed by his un-kingly behavior and she rebuked him for that outward show of emotion. So for some, this is by nature and some by upbringing. For example I know that many African men were brought up to believe that real men do not cry! And especially not in public! So maybe this extends to public worship.

2. Could it be because of their religious background? – some people were brought up in churches where any show of outward emotion was frowned upon, or even not allowed and an usher would quickly whisk away such a person. For these, true worship is a personal and quiet meditation. Some people however grew up in churches that were loud and full of action. (I have attended a church where worship time seemed chaotic – people shouting and laughing, jumping up and down and running all over the sanctuary, with the drum and the organ playing). Of course this would be totally distracting to the one who worships silently.

3. Could it be because of their Spiritual standing (and I am not in any way suggesting that anyone who has a relationship with God must show it in a physically expressive way). But maybe there might be someone who is not moved because they do not know the one that they are worshipping. How can you worship one whom you do not know? How can you get into it if you do not have a relationship with God in the first place? One could try to force themselves or even work themselves into a frenzy but if they have do not believe in Him whom they are worshipping then they are just playing games and that brings me to another thought…

4. Could it also be that some of us are just going through the motions, doing what we think should happen in a service….think of the times that you have lifted you hands in Church when the preacher told you to and you did it – not knowing or asking why? Could it be because of lack of knowledge? Some people have no clue what is happening! So they become puzzled and somewhat fearful observers.

5. Could it be a product of the moment or the time and the atmosphere of the service or fellowship? Or maybe it is a result of something else, something greater than the human mind can comprehend. I like to think of it as in individual touch by God in a personal way…..

Whatever it is my friend and however you experience and express your worship of God, I wish you a touch of ecstasy by and in the love of God.

Ok, I know that I may have gone in way over my head in this blog - but that is what happens when you have an overload! I attended a great Christian Conference in VA early this month (same one Kim attended – see the previous blog) and it was wonderful….can’t even begin to write of all the things that I learnt and the social aspect of it. I was overfed in every sense of the word!

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Rom 12:1

Harrisonburg, VA

It has become a tradition now that every year, right before Independence Day (July 4th) we attend the KCFA Annual Conference. It's a 5-hrs drive to the beautiful campus of JMU in Harrisonburg, VA so we pack lots of drinks (non-alcoholic, of course), enough Mandazis, CDs/DVDs, chewing gum and a good cheer. Apart from meeting new friends, catching up with old ones and making peace with the not-so-friendly ones, we thoroughly enjoy ourselves. This year's theme was - "A believer Armored" you can imagine how many bullet-proof vests we now have (I mean spiritually). The workshops had good information too. For instance, at the Men's Workshop, all men learned that burnt nyama choma (roasted meat) is not good for their DNA, that annual physicals are a must and that getting enough rest adds a few more years to life. This didn't sit in very well with most of us. How can you deny us meat and ask us to be inspected by nurses? huh! By the way, we consider resting as watching football, nuff said.

Let me also quickly share excerpts from the Finance and Wealth Management workshop.

1. Design your lifestyle ; how do you want to live? like a pauper or a prince?
2. Analyze your lifestyle - just like portfolio management take a look at how you live. Use Zero-base budgeting.
3. Understand the concept of utility. Design a path of growth such as using the power of small and time. Knowing and doing are two different things. Hope is not a strategy.
4. Protect your wealth - Understand risk-return theory. Wealth is created by managing returns. Store away what you earn. Learn from the ant. There's no success without a successor.
5. Income = consumption + savings. What you don't consume you save, what you save you don't consume.

Am sure Jabi learnt something too!

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! Prov 6:6

Words....and the power therein!

There are some certain words that I find fascinating in the English Language… I have no logical explanation why other than they either sound nice or conjure up a funny image. Here are some of them;

Tomfoolery – “Silliness, silly behavior” – this conjures up an image of a pompous ceremonial person standing on a podium wagging a finger warning against such “Tomfoolery!” in a bombing voice (ok, ok I know I have watched too many Wild West Movies!)

Nincompoop – “an offensive term that deliberately insults somebody’s intelligence or competence”. This word just sounds like an insult….any word that has “poop” at the end of it, must not be a very endearing term. I wonder who came up with this one.

Numskull – “an offensive term that deliberately insults somebody’s intelligence or competence” – This word to me totally describes some people….it is a much better description than being thick headed or dim witted – it is someone with a Numb Skull! - one who cannot think! Has no common sense….I think the drivers at rush hour traffic in NJ who do not use their turn signals would fit this description.

Sniffer dog – “a dog trained to detect explosives, drugs, or other contraband by scent” – I have encountered this word in serious situations where the dogs are searching for people in collapsed building or landslides/earthquakes. However, this still conjures up a funny picture in my mind – thanks to the many years of watching cartoons and Scooby Doo!

Discombobulation – “the act of throwing somebody into a state of disconcerting confusion” - I still have a hard time believing that this is a legit word but it is! Maybe someone came up with this one for the spelling bee contest. My mental image here is a person whose body is all contorted and tied up in knots – kind of like the way the contortionists do.

But Speaking of words on a more serious note, How many times have we heard about the power of words? the Bible says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]” Proverbs 18:20-22 (Amplified version)

The old child’s play rhyme says “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” - how wrong! Physical pain is soon forgotten but the psychological pain that words can cause, sometimes haunt us all our lives. How many people have lived a mediocre life because someone called them “Stupid” or “Idiot” and they believed that all their lives? How many great people have been brought down by words “You can’t do it”. How many great ideas have been shot down by the words “that will never work”?

The most unfortunate things is that spoken words cannot be erased or deleted. Have you ever said something and then immediately wished you could run after it and take it back or wished you could just push the delete button? ….you may apologize and even say nice things to counteract the bad words but the words will have gone out! How much pain has been caused by some hasty words spoken in anger. The worst thing about this is that most of the people who suffer from our words are our loved ones. I guess it is “the familiarity that breeds contempt” in a way but we are less careful with our words. When we meet stranger or make a new friend we are so careful with what we say. We make sure that they understand what we mean with the words that we use – leaving no room for misunderstanding, we do not want to hurt them. But somehow this gets worn down….

Watch your words - do not “discombobulate” and hurt others! Your words have power!

There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:17-19 (Amplified version)

Councilman

Ever been to a councilman's office? here, let me spare you the agony. If you do business in a big city then most likely your councilman's office is downtown. A few weeks ago I wanted some paper signed by a councilman. I drove to his office downtown. Between finding parking and finding the right door through metal detectors I was 5 minutes late to my appointment. So for the next 30 minutes I blogged in my head.

The secretary answered the councilman's calls with the usual " good morning, councilman's ... office, Ms J speaking, how can I help you?" And then she would go into how the councilman was not in but she would be glad to take a message. What amazed me is the number of calls from friends, acquaintances, neighbors etc. Someone wanted to know how to text from their new T-Mobile phone. (he was referred to the manual). You can easily decipher formal and informal calls by the tone of voice, facial expressions and gestures. Then there was visits by other secretaries, pod mates and courier. Being a Monday there was much catching up to do, I assumed. Some wanted to know how the weekend was, the Friday bash, upcoming charity walk...

I didn't expect the councilman to have much vested power until the secretary pulled Windex and a spray-on from a locked cabinet, walked into his office and made it a little merrier. Ha! could this be part of their job description? The boss-secretary relationship observed by Kanter is characterized by stereotypical gender roles. Kanter found that many bosses place a higher value on the personal services provided by the secretary, such as emotional support, than on professional skills. Secretaries are often used as ‘‘sounding-boards’’ to the boss’ daily business and personal woes.

I couldn't tell you how the office looked - I never got in. Because I had never met this councilman before I didn't know he had walked in until the secretary frantically asked me for the paper, whisked it over to him and handed it back to me signed. So much for the 45 minutes wait.

But now, my lord the king, please listen. Let me bring my petition before you: Do not send me back to the house of Jonathan the secretary, or I will die there." - Jeremiah 37:20

Why Kenya?

On Monday this week, there was a bomb explosion in the city center in Nairobi, Kenya. According to the scanty news coverage on it, one person was confirmed dead at the site and about 30 others injured, some of them badly. Terrorist activity is suspected. Now for most Kenyans this is a bad reminder of the 1998 American Embassy bomb blast that took the lives of an estimated 213 people and injured hundreds more - some of whom are now living with disability and pain.

I was alerted about this recent blast by a friend of mine as I was going to work – he said that he had seen some little information scrolling at the bottom of the screen during news and was wondering if I knew anything more. I had not even heard of it so I frantically went online when I got to work to look for more information. To my dismay, only the local Kenyan newspapers online and BBC Africa had any information. CNN had nothing and most of the other major American News Network did not have a mention of it.

This got me to asking myself…..why Kenya? Not that I would wish this or any other terrorist attack on any other county but it seems to me that there are bigger fish in the sea. If Kenya is not even worth a mention in the major news networks – is it because only (and I say ONLY with a cringe) 1 person died and 30 injured or is it that it is not as important as following the tiring stories of Paris Hilton’s jail escapades? Really why Kenya? I do not purport myself to be knowledgeable in the political playing field – international or otherwise, so these are just straws in the dark here. Could it be that Kenya is an easy target because of lax security? Could it be that Kenyans are so busy dealing with domestic problems that they have no time deal with perceived threats? Could it be because of American interests in Kenya or the fact that Kenya is Israel friendly? Could it be because of militant Islamic group presence or even that there may be an Al Qaeda cell….and if so I ask again why would they choose Kenya?

I have come up with some reasons why NOT to attack Kenya. I would like to present this to whoever who would even think of it…..
1. If publicity is your aim, you will not get the media coverage that you desire – case in point, the last attack.
2. The average Kenyan is a hard working person whose main concern is to get their basic needs. Most Kenyans are trying to eke out a living….let’s not even talk of the poverty levels. The suffering of these poor people will not cause any international outcry and therefore will be of no aid to you or your evil cause in anyway.
3. There are no resources to fight for or gain. The best resource that Kenya has is its people…..and for that I will refer you to #2 above.
4. Kenya has enough political issues of its own- what with Mungiki killings and political campaign issues. Yours will only be one more pain and suffering but not of beneficial consequence to you.
5. Kenya politicians only understand the rules of personal gain. Right now they are busy trying to get back into the arena of “who can tell the best lies to get the peoples’ vote” - they will not be of help to you.

My advice to you - If you have a statement to make, then find another way to make it and leave Kenya alone!

How Guys Die

This caught my attention today and so in the mood of not being selfish, am passing along to you:

The 10 most deadly health threats to men.

No. 10: Alzheimer’s Disease

No. 9: Kidney Disease

No. 8: Suicide

No. 7: Pneumonia and Flu

No. 6: Diabetes

No. 5: COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

No. 4: Stroke

No. 3: Accidents

No. 2: Cancer

No. 1: Heart Diseases

I didn't mean to scare you but not that I have your attention you may want to gather more info about each threat. In that case follow this thread. The No. 1 threat reminded me of John's friend demise.

Altogether, Adam lived 930 years, and then he died. Gen 5:5

Driving in Silence

The other day I did the unthinkable – I drove to work with my car radio/CD off! Now, for me that is a rare occurrence if I am alone in the car. There was no blaring music - however good it is at other times - there was no radio station surfing, no having to listen to radio DJs trying to lure people to play some dumb on-air games or pranks, and no having to listen to people showing their total ignorance on matters that should be general knowledge. Like I really think one should not call in to answer a Bible Question if you have no clue about some basic Bible verses like John 3:16. I must warn you here though that this my sour grapes rant since I never seem to get through for the “Bible or Not” game on Star99.1 every morning and most of those times the person who goes through seems to have no clues of even the basic Sunday School Bible stories. I feel like yelling at the person “You should have let someone make use of that opportunity!" Ok enough of my ranting.

Anyway, I digress ….so back to the silent ride – I was actually able to notice more things as I drove even the foliage! I took active notice of other cars and motorists. My mind began to wander in the direction of driving in this season. I got the chance to be reminded of Jersey drivers “what’s-a-turn-signal” attitude by a few fools who do not seem to realize that those turn signals are to be used. I remembered that for the last few days and week, I have seen more stalled cars on the roadside than I have in a long while. On one occasion I saw more than 3 stalled vehicles on a short stretch of one highway. Then I started wondering where this has to do with the high gas prices or just the fact that the road trip season has begun. I remembered one “expert” on NPR radio saying that this season we will be seeing more stalled cars on the roads, having run out of gas. Her advice was that if you own a car, you are obligated to gas it up. But after having paid $3.33 per gallon yesterday I am obliged to tell her that I am obligated to nothing but getting to where I need to go whether it means walking or even hitchhiking. I decided that by dire need, I will wean myself from the Jersey habit of driving to a store on next block….

So after the peace and quiet of the ride, and the loud riot of my thoughts on motorists, I turned on my radio deciding that listening to one of those experts giving unsolicited and sometimes unnecessary advice was better for me as it made driving a mind-numbing exercise…of course until some fool cuts me off….!

The Millionaire Inside (Again)

Chris had asked about my post for the Millionaire Inside. It is re-aring now. For those who missed this show here is the current schedule on CNBC (you'll need cable):

"Retiring Rich"

Saturday, 9 June 2007 - 9:00 PM & 12:00 (ET)

Monday, 11 June 2007 - 10:00 PM & 1:00 AM (ET)

Sunday, 17 June 2007 - 9:00 PM & 12:00 AM (ET)