Happy birthday Brother dearest!

Oh if you run into my baby brother make sure to wish him a happy birthday today:-)

I am soooo jealous that my brother was born on St. Patricks day...and I was born on a non drinking holiday... but that's cool though coz i forgive him:-)

So guess what? The world is getting really small for me! As it turns out... the first African Playmate (Playboy: March 2008) happens to be the sister of a family friend!!! Okay so some of you out there might view it as degrading and all... but it's an achivement for her nontheless. She worked hard getting her boob job and all...and deserves all the credit that comes with it...like totally! I only feel sorry for her poor father because he has a prominent Unesco/ UN job and she mentions him in her bio...which is really messed up! and now Tanzania is in an uproar about it...and so is her family. So any way, if you want to see more google her-- Ida Ljungqvist. She is very pretty...okay so not more than me coz I'm a natural beauty...but she aiiight!

Next, in funny news... Mubarak has ordered the army to bake more bread because the country is short of it:-)....that was hillarious! The army???? are you kidding me????

And in not so funny new....Bear Stearn!!!! While management was out playing dodge ball or whatever game he plays in the summer.... the company was in a major crisis! This is what people do with our money when we tell them to invest it. So someone gave me a lecture about my investments and said I need to be more aggressive because I am young and can afford the losses... I was like WHAT??? in my best indian accent I stated "I am to be telling you, that I am to be in-westing half my money conserwatively and the other half I am to be letting some nikonpoop inwest!"

Which reminds me... if you haven't seen this http://www.economist.com/books/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10843030 story in the economist... you need to hussle! Go on now! I found it troubling.

Kudo's to David Paterson! Black and Blind...that's awesome dude!!!

Gosh! I can not believe March is almost over! Time is really flying...and it's going faster than I can move! It's like I plan to do something this week, then this week is gone before I can even blink!

As for Serbia and Kosovo...what in the world are they fighting for still???? They erased the name Yugoslavia... (which is a funny story because C$ was born in Yugoslavia...and now the country doesn't exist!!! more on this next time!)

Ooopsy! It looks like it's bed time.... I need to go now...taa!

Oh and happy St Patricks day.... my friends though it was a cool picture of me to looking like I am a Guiness advert...who knows-- they might just pay me for it! Cheers!

Spitzer

Dear Mr Spitzer,
I am not going to get on you for ethics and blah blah because we've got the ever-so-moral- never-get-laid republicans (yeah right!) to do all that.
All I wanna know is....dude...why didn't you call me?????? You were right around the corner spending $80 000... you shoulda let a sista know!!! For my half price 'she don't have to know special'... nobody would have found out about us!!! I don't keep lists and I am not in the habit of lewinsky-ing my dresses. I would have been totally discreet for the price!

Double damn! You shoulda called a sista dude! I coulda used that money!!!

Karma

If you ever learn anything from me, let it be this: Sin's catch up with you. This invariably holds true.

See, I remember 9th grade we had a prefect called Ursula Thompson. I wouldn't say I was a fan of hers, but till my grave, I will recall what she said in our class one day before she graduated: "Life is a circle and what you do here," she illustrated on the board "will find you here again."

Many years later, I have found this to be true. Times aplenty we are under the misconception that we got away with things and then we turn around and the baggage is right behind us! It sucks especially when you know you're sorry for what you did, but sorry doesn't change history. If you're lucky, it lessens the punishment so as it doesn't fit the crime.

I am watching "a mistake" unfold...and it ain't pretty! Somebody did wrong...and their cards are unfolding...and all I can say is bring me the pop-corn because it's about to get down! I mean I know it's wrong to rejoice in someone else's misery...but lawd forgive me!

I really shouldn't be laughing because I think I am paying back for something: not sure what-- or maybe I am in denial of the charges! Okay I think I am know what I am paying for at the moment-- I just don't think it was this serious. Although...only God knows. So I should probably be concentrating on doing penance for that and not laughing at others.....lol...it's STILL funny!!!

I am such a goon! Okay, my issue (among many) with God is that...why doesn't he/she send a memo outlining all the wrong things I do? that we we can quickly resolve things! I mean if it says something like

"Dearest love of my life Manena,

I am of the opinion that you messed up when,

• You made fun of that person at work


• You didn't help that beggar on the street


• You were too damned lazy today man!


• That thing that you did--ummm honey chile that weren't too cool aiight?

Then I would write back and say:

"My dearest God, I am sorry for mistakes I made and this is how I will rectify my error in judgement

1. I will try to understand the person at work a little better and help them change a little so I am not tempted to laugh at them. They may mock me and smack me for what I will say, and I am prepared to bare that cross.


2. I will go back to that street corner and look for that beggar... chances are he's still waiting on me to come back.


3. I will spend all day cleaning the house tomorrow and do most of the laundry tonight


4. I know it weren't cool. I take full responsibility for my action and will await your letter of punishment suggestions.

See that way, no one is shocked and disappointed by things you know? I would be ready for punishment and I would know how long it will last and then I would know what never to risk doing again! Sounds like a plan!

Any way tomorrow, I am doing work for my other agency. I will be working with hospice clients so I might be sounding very bitter over the next few weeks only because they are all in the process of dying. I am excited to be working with Hannah again though! The agency calls us the "Banana" team... Manena Banana and Hannah Banana... a.k.a the 'A' team...because we ALWAYS deliver! So watch this space for more impressive things that I can do:-) Gosh I love all things me so much!!! lol!

Oh and pray for me because a) my body is falling apart! lol...no seriously I have no idea wha a gwan! and b) I am embarking on a new path-- I am not sure if God chose it, or I chose it. Which reminds me... I need to do something important!

International Women's Day

Today is International women's day:-)

So if you haven't celebrated the woman in you yet...I suggest you stop what you're doing and just celebrate!!!!

Check out http://www.internationalwomensday.com/ to read the history of this day.

I thank all the great women in my life starting with my mother...without her strength and perseverance (interpret as: bossy) I wouldn't be most of the woman I am today!

I thank those that have worked hard to ensure women have a fair standing in society, those that protect women from physical and emotional abuse, those that recognize that the differences between a man and a woman are physical and not intellectual (well...that's debatable...I still think women are smarter!)

I thank Margaret Thatcher and Indira Ghandi for showing me in my childhood that women can be heads of countries and do darn good jobs! They gave me the audacity to hope:-) When I'm growed up, I want to be jess like them...okay not really because I want Ban Ki Moon's job because I think it's better than being just a president:-)

I applaud the creator of the brasieres...you are totally awesome! I didn't realize that till today!

The Kite Runner

If you haven't been stressed enough to pick up a copy of the book I suggest you do. Like I said, I opted out of the movie because I really didn't feel like upsetting myself...and trust me, there is one very disturbing part in the book that I don't think one would want to see on screen! That part sets the story in motion, so it's quite important and couldn't be left out.

I think the book is better enjoyed if you can relate to the parts in the beginning. I, as most Zambians would, found that there were several similarities between what the children did during their play time, how their parties were celebrated and understood the juxtapositioned relationship between the master and servant....ect

I loved 'baba' too in the beginning because he was a strong man who seemed morally sane, hard working, ready to do anything for his son...then just like most men, he disappointed me by showing his true colors! How could he not say that Hassan was his son? How could he shamelessly steal his servants wife (the poor man was a sterile cripple with not too much going for him)? Well I guess baba atones for his sins by watching his son grow but not being able to treat him as a son but as a servant and also not knowing where he is and what has become of him for many years. To die and not know here your child is should be a very difficult thing! Oh...yeah did I just ruin the book for you? yeah...baba dies...sorry:-)

Then Hassan...his loyalty. Wow! I like the part where Hassan is described as 'people who mean what they say' and that is so true about me as well for the most part! People like me tend to think other people mean what they say...and it could be described as gullible, which really isn't exactly true. There are just times I think to myself..'why would so and so lie about that when they have no reason to' then i end up believing what they tell me. I personally don't lie unless I have very good cause to, and even then, I lie by omission. So ask me the right questions and you'll get the right answer, or even a partial answer. In general though, I have very poor control of my facial expressions, so really if you want a true response, you had better be looking at my face :-) In any case, if I have something to say to someone it comes out sooner of later... I don't like the stress of unsaid things. I hear you can get cancer from it :-) oh wait! this isn't about me is it???

If you didn't guess that Assef would somehow be with the Taliban or some nasty group like that, then you need to be more observant! I actually thought he would start his own pro- Adolf Hitler group or something...but the Taliban was a fitting group for him!

As for Amir... I was waiting on the drama of finding out Rahim Khan was actually his real father! now that would have made for a dramatic twist!!! I felt sorry for the boy having such a strong father figure because I feel it was somewhat emasculating for Amir!

Any way, If you haven't read the book yet, I hope I enticed you enough to take a peek. I wasn't too excited with the ending...it was anti-climactic... that's just my opinion.

Me

I am supposed to be lounging indoors today, but not sure how long my joy will last because I can see my little buddies showing up to get me out of the house...:-) really all I want to do is eat... like really eat and watch 'pride and prejudice'....or maybe my other fun dvd's. Then maybe I can listen to music and dance.

I am making Nena's not-so-famous ribs today, so I am really looking forward to lunch oh and I have cheesecake too that I need to take care of:-) I am pretending to celebrate cousin M's birthday which was yesterday *happy birthday mama!*... So really in general, I have been celebrating since yesterday...lol

Yesterday was Gabriella's birthday celebration as well...now don't ask me how I got caught up in cooking a HUGE pot of Nshima for the party... and now i feel like I have semi carpal tunnel... dude, I never cook that much nshima! There was so much food though...big sashilad vegetables and another pot of what looked like Katapa...(I should be more observant), then there was fresh tilapia, chicken, sausages, fried rice...ect...you know how we roll zed style:-)

After the pwando...(which I didn't intend to stay there that long for but had to wait for Vicky--who is perpetually late!), I went to Dinner with friends, then we went to coldstone creamery for ice-cream...which I don't understand because we were drinking wine:-), then I went dancing and woke up with serious munchies!!!

Yesterday was also Johnny and Vicky's anniversary...so congrats to you guys....:-) Mwabombeni!!!!

Oh and highlight of the week:- The Joint Commission on accreditation of health care were visiting our hospital this past week and anyone who knows the importance of this visit knows it was no fun tip-toeing about the building and hoping not to run into any of the evaluators!!! We were on extra good behaviour and it was well worth it because guess what??? They found ZERO issues with my hospital...and only 3% of hospital's in the United States of America ever get zero dings!!! So that is quite an accomplishment for the facility and I am proud to be working there! The evaluators where especially impressed with my department... so double joy on my part:-)

Then Thursday night...I suddenly got the urge to write at 11pm...of all the things in the world!!! I had been listening to my baby daddy #5 John Legend...and he inspired me! Can I just tell you that I'm like totally in love with John Legend???? He used to be baby daddy number 6, but he's been promoted... so the list now reads:

1. My real Mr Darcy:-)
2. Mr. After 5...!!! one day i'll get over it...lol!!
3. Mwenge:-) a.k.a bashi Junior!!!
4. tie between Denzel Washington and George Clooney
5. John Legend.... (she don't have to know!)
6. L.L cool J
7. Ne-yo (my sexy love!)
8. Collin firth
9. Salman Khan
10. Bandddddeeeeraaasss!

I was thinking that if one were to write a book about me, it would be entitled 'She danced unshackled'. It just seems fitting:-)...

any way it's chow time!!!

Where have all the real men gone?

"Where have all the real men gone? long time passing. Where have all the real men gone? Long time ago..." (use the Peter, Paul & Mary tune) lets get those guitars and tambourines out... put some flowers in your hair and sing along honey....

Yeah yeah yeah...another rant and rave...!!!

Okay, I am not intending on becoming a professional man basher or anything, but some things gats to be said y'all!!!

I am going to blame women collectively for this big catastrophe! I think we've done it and we have to somehow fix it....if it's even fixable at this time.

There too many men getting in touch with their feelings...and it's just not normal! They sit around and talk about how.."oh my daddy left when I was 8, so it traumatized me and that's why I'm not good with relationships!"....Brotha please!!! You are a grown man now...GET OVER IT!!!

Or my favorite!-- "my father died when I was a teen, so I have attachment issues".... umm luvvy...so did my dad, but I attach just fine! Besides, should the world stand still ten years later for that reason? GET OVER IT!!!

The thing with "modern man" is that you have to sit there and pamper him all damned day! It's like he expects to be breast fed, and have his diaper changed. He has forgotten his role as the provider and prefers to be the provided for. It's like you always have to be like "nyonka daddy...nyo nyo...daddy.." all day long!

I think I will blame those brassiere waving women's rights activists because while they were establishing their place in history... they killed "real man" and manufactured "modern man". Mister --"my mother never used to hug us, so i have intimacy issues"...sugar bunz...ahh, if you can say what your problem is...you're on the right path to healing and should have found the solution by now...okay? GET OVER IT!!!! If you can't then go gay or something dude coz I am tired of your whining...and I can't wipe your snot any more!

If all you depend on is 'modern man's' pay check...y'all will be living on the street, because he rarely has the money for a Manager of domestic affairs (a.k.a house wife). Also, they seem to regress even further once you have children in the house!!!

Also what's with all those tears??? I think I saw my father cry twice in my life time (though he pretended to wash his face!) and both times it was for a good cause-- someone had died. But modern man? he cries for anything!!! I mean I'm not saying don't be emotional, but if you cry at the movies daawgg...then Houston....WE'VE GOT A PROBLEM!!!

This is my petition for the return of real man! The man who knows how to take charge...the hard worker with ambition that doesn't need constant pats on the back to know that he's done well. The provider, the protector, the rescuer (lets have a harp and violin playing in the back ground!)...the suave gentleman who brings FLOWERS to a date, cooks meals occasionally, the romantic fella, mister fix it, the man who understands that breast feeding ends at age One...for most people and earlier for others!

Let all the women with sons correct this error...it's not genetic yet I think. They will blame it on genes in a few more years, but lets try to correct this!

If you have a 'real man'...lady-- kneel and kiss his feet tonight, because that man has earned it! If his mother is still in out midst... please buy her something special for bringing him up in the proper way and making your life easy girl! While we're at it, kiss her feet too...

Oh wait!!!! I just had a BRILLIANT idea! we need to petition government to open 'Council for the Preservation of Real Men' (Ceeprem) (damn I'm good!!!) I could be the president and C.E.O of the company...and I could become the law of what's manly and what's just plain wimpy!!! I could hire Margaret Thatcher to whip 'em into shape!!!

*********************Disclaimer****************************************

This is in no way, shape or form a reflection of men that i have dated, I'm dating or will date in the future (except for that one loser!). So homie don't call me and start asking if I was talking about you! Coz I'll cuss you out!

**********************************************************************

C'mmon!

So when Obama picked up speed some childish MoFo leaked a picture of him in traditional Somali garb hoping to incite the usual 'oh my God he's an A-rab!' response. I am ashamed of whoever did it! They should be moved to Iran and dealt with there!!!

If you're gonna hate the man, hate him for REAL reasons. Not stupid fairy tales! I have personally stated why I wouldn't say he was the best candidate for me and I attacked his thoughts on an issue of IMPORTANCE to me. It has nothing to do with experience or lack there of, his religion- or lack there of, his race- or lack there of...lol, or his gender...ain't nothing lacking there coz the dude is rather sexy! Okay, so I have a major weakness for broody intelligent men with undertones of arrogance:-) *purr* and he seems to possess those qualities:-)

Then in more sad news.... who in the world has the gall to say Hanif Adams is not Zambian??? The man has worked in the world of soccer for as long as I can remember...and if I'm not mistaken he supported the women's soccer team I was on! Who owned the team by the way?, we were so drunk half the time when we played and practiced that it never crossed my mind to find out who owned the team:-) well our coach was a bouncer at Hanif's clubs...which brings me to my other point-- Hanif has been in Zambia for as long as I can remember. His son was in my cousins classes in primary school ( I only remember coz he had a crush on her for the longest time...it was cute, and so was he-- but I digress as usual).

I also had my first experience of a night club in his club on great east road in Lusaka! Man what a night!!! I was thirteen (not that the bouncers cared!)...in my orange jeans shorts, doing my patra moves on the dance floor...I can still see it now! How the smoke and the lights in the room had me soooooo charged up...I felt like I was Patra herself!!! Queen of the dance hall:-) I did the butterfly and shook my bottie like my life depended on it! Ahhh...such happy memories...*sigh* I can remember how totally cool I was when I went to school to tell my classmates where I had gone that Saturday... I made it seem like I had done this several times of course...and was like 'you mean you haven't gone clubbing yet?'...lol.."It cut exay!"

Any way...my main point is (after all the extra info there!), that man is as Zambian as Kaunda! Making ignorant comments about his race is just un-Zambian...and those perpetrators should also be sent to Iran and be dealt with there!!! My Zambia is a colorful nation where we are accepting of everyone. I have many Zambians of Indian origin in England and in the USA who identify as Zambian and speak a local language. Once a Chipatan always a Chipatan...GOOOOOOO eastern power!!! Let's leave the ignorance in the ablution areas please! Our country's slogan--emblazoned on our passports reads: One Zambia...One Nation. Plain and simple, it doesn't differentiate.

I hope it wasn't a bemba that passed that comment. I will be greatly disappointed because it will mean s/he doesn't know his/her history! Mwitu sebanya bane!

Hotmail is down today!

So it really sucks that hotmail is down today and it's my day to work from home! I am sooooo not happy because most of what i need to do is in my hotmail account! How in the world did i become so dependant on the Internet???? Wait...can I sue the creators of Internet for my addiction? lol... but seriously, this is not fun for me:-)

I should probably do all my serious mailing with another email provider... but I really like my hotmail addy :-) it's like my trademark... The problems with hotmail are just getting ridiculous and worse since they created the "new" look. Microsoft needs to get it together I think!

Also you would think it would give you a "we're working on a problem" error...but no, it just says "can not connect at the moment"...well duh! But why can't we connect?
aaaarrrrrrrrrgggghhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mariposa

May I be a beautiful butterfly when I grow up:-)

Yesterday was soooooo cold! If summer came tomorrow I wouldn't be the one to complain;)

If you haven't been to Fogo de Chão (fo-go dèe shoun), ...stop depriving yourself and head out to experience the tasty-ness that is fogo! http://www.fogodechao.com/ All I can say is yummy!

I FINALLY went to Bodyworlds... I thought it was okay...nothing new to you if you've had Anatomy and Physiology courses. I mean I think I was expecting the displays to look more real, but they looked too plastic for me. I know they are real bodies...but they still had a major plastic look to them. The worst moment for me was seeing the pregnant woman cut open with the baby visible from her stomach. I think that's what gave the exhibit a 'human' feel. I also wasn't too keen on seeing the week old fetuses with bursting amniotic sacs....

I also made a stop over to the cheesecake factory for my favorite white chocolate raspberry truffle... it is AMAZING! I promise you that!!! I am such a glutton at times and yesterday was no exception:-) The tea there sucks like the food on their menu... so I avoid it at all costs. Actually I hate food from 'chain' restaurants usually, but as I needed to thaw my poor body... I drank the lousy tea:-)

My cousin was sooo excited last night because she had seen the Barak Obama rally in Ohio. She came home screaming 'yes we can'... I also got to see the will-i-am song for Barak on http://www.dipdive.com/ my baby daddy number 10 --John Legend...OMG! He is so delicious looking! He wouldn't even have to speak to me, he could just communicate in song....or just by pointing for what he wants done!!!

Oh...how could I forget this funny story!

Agony is:- getting a new job and being informed that they will have lay offs in a few ...:-)

That was really amusing!... So my supervisor was like it's nothing to worry about... lol!!!

Any way the phone has started again...gotta go....

je suis fatigue!

Can I just tell you all how tired I am? worst of all i get a little cranky when I get tired....and it has been quite tedious at work too!!!
I had a hard time falling asleep last night...and it may have something to do with the full moon (no, i did not see the eclipse...i had better things to do like stare at my face in the mirror...we'll get back to this point!) ...so any way...I believe it has something to do with the full moon that I couldn't sleep. I was really tired, but i just couldn't fall asleep! I did my usual, long bath and hot chocolate...or hot zigolo (hot water and sugar-- for the zambiology challenged among you). I am looking forward to better luck tonight!

Any way...I am consoled that it will be Friday tomorrow...:-)

I was meaning to write more.... but i have received several phone calls during this post and have to abandon my thoughts here.... I was trying to multi task:-)

Oh I have plans to attend a belly dancing competition this weekend...if the weather is right because it is too damned cold... I can not wait for summer!
okay will write more tomorrow:-)

I'm a hustler baybee!

I had the awesomenest weekend ever!!! I know I probably say that all the time...but this time it really was!!! I have been eating free food from Friday to Monday...what's there to complain about???

I went and saw Caramel also known as Sukkar banat (Lebanese), and was as good as I had anticipated. It is a movie directed by Nadine Labaki centered on the day to day lives of some women in Beirut. The director is also the protagonist in the movie-- which probably made her job easier:-). it's about a beautiful sisterhood of women with problems. The main character Layale, is dating a married man who wont leave his wife and takes her through the ringer. Her co-worker and close friend Nisrine is about to get married and her man thinks she's a virgin, when really she's not:-), the other co-worker/ friend Rima is a lesbian-- but i'm not sure if her friends know, though it seemed implied in one of the parts. Jamale an older customer and friend is an ex-actor trying to stay young whose husband has left her for a younger woman. Aunt Rose is the tailor next door who takes care of her older sister Lilly....who is crazzzzzzyyyyyy!!! The woman is like totally demented and sooo funny!!!

Any way, I thought it was a cute story and can not really say more without ruining the good parts for those that want to see it. What was also interesting was the every day lebanese language. It reminds me of how we speak in Zambia using English and any local language just by simple switching in no particular order. It was neat.

Then I was treated to dinner at a Jamaican restaurant on Charles street. The food isn't the best Jamaican I have ever tasted, and there weren't that many people there, so it makes me wonder how they have stayed in business this long. Especially since the state of the toilet was appaling!!! They had tissues stuck in the two available toilets in the ladies room. I was so pressed and disgusted I went into the mens room (no...I am not ashamed!), that was not that much cleaner and had no running water... how disgusting is that???? lucky I had already eaten before making these discoveries! I also indulged in some wine because it was Friday...:-)

Saturday found me in a totally lazy mood. I spent half the day on the phone laughing and acting a fool...okay and partially doing the laundry...and listening to music...and I was already 2 glasses into my wine by the time I arrived at my "date"fashionably late as usual though it was only 5 minutes from my house! I am pathetic sometimes! lol. I had a GREAT evening, (don't worry he's not reading this), but I thought he was super cool. Keep your eyes peeled for more information :-) We spent about 6 hours or so together...which is a record for me, coz that's a long time to be with a non close buddy!

Sunday, I was a big baby and went to my aunts to eat...yes, yes...I know I eat a lot. I am a very healthy looking girl :-). I ate till I almost popped then she made some cocktails and my day was complete:-)

Monday: Ryan got me dinner... the end...lolololol

Tomorrow will be my first day of work since my large pay cut, so I will be quite sour every time I think about it, but there is no room for regret in my life. Totally feeling Nietzche's one quote: 'Amor fati', accept your fate and move on...aka...'get over it!'

I have also come to learn and embrace what biggie meant 'I'm not only the client, I'm the playa president!'...one more chance...baybee...baby give me one more chance....wooo hooo! Life is totally fabulous!

This is...for the lover in you

Happy Valentines day to those of you that have met or are aquainted with my buddy L.O.V.E

I hope you get and give lots of loving (not in that way you dirty bat! you know who you are!)

This is what I think of Valentines day for the rest of us that aren't gonna be in warm corners with that special someone, or probably wont have money to buy that secret love a gift...

Kill the little bugger for not getting the job done right!!!

Oh and remember the FBI warning for us not to open e-cards from strangers coz they might be viruses.... don't go getting all excited that someone finally remembered your lonely behind, or that you have a secret crush...coz it aint gonna happen!

My only consolation is that I have a date on Friday and a date on Saturday... now if they come empty handed... me's never going to see them again. Not that I'm a gold digger or anything (who I'm I kidding?), but it's just datettiquette to bring something with you when you call on a lady (me especially!).

Live and love... and listen to all the love songs in your album because t'is the day for that kind of thing.... and if you just broke up with someone booboo, don't be sad... it will just crapitulate the whole day...:-)

It's an Obamanation

Okay a few interesting facts, that one of you out there might be interested in and probably don't know:

Aside from the fact that this guy has proved me wrong...which is very rare because guys never prove me wrong:-) lol... I am sorry that I had written his political obituary even before he had started looking for votes. Actually even Hillary for that matter has proven my theory slightly wrong. So kudo's to the both of them.

The thing I wanted to say today though is that I found out Mccain's top aide Mark McKinnon (are they both Irish? lol) said that if Obama wins the nomination, he will step down as Mccain's aide!!!! Those are some very strong sentiments right there!

Granted (if I'm not mistaken) Mckinnon was a democrat before he went republican and then he was one of the power tools in getting Bush in the white house.

So I think like I said, when it comes down to the wire... if it's Mccain vs. Obama...dude might have a chance. For that matter if it's Huckabee vs Obama, he would still have a chance!

I still insist that if Hillary is nominated, the dems can forget it and drink guiness or something, coz they aint gonna win:-)

Another bit of info...president G.dabya (after stressing that he wouldn't endorse anyone BTW) sort of endorsed Mccain over the weekend... well I think that's a little like political crucification for Mccain or maybe it will help him. Who knows?

so that's it for now....:-)

(Insert catchy heading here)

Oh I am soooooooo good!!!! I had predicted Ghana v. Cote d'ivoire and that Ghana would win, and then I predicted Egypt would win overall... ask my friend that I bet with:-) I should have added more money to the challenge....nah wah!

It's been an interesting few days...I think I'm either catching a cold or maybe the alkee I over indulged in is catching up, or maybe it's the distressing thing that happened to me regarding facebook:-) and that's all I will say on this matter....Ladies and Gentlemen....The mighty have fallen! Ndiiituuu!

I over booked myself as far as activities are concerned and I am feeling it all catch up. Friday I spent most of the day out..doing stuff. Then Saturday I was out with friends for the usual get together. We did Sushi first, then we went to The Vin restaurant for dessert and of course wine :-) Now I found it rather upsetting that they didn't have my favorite wine on the list any more. I suspect it has something to do with the fact that it is called 'negro/ negra' something, so possibly someone was offended and had it removed which is just pathetic really because they should have consulted me first! That wine was the bomb man!

Dinner was great...and you know you need to cut down on going places when the waitress in a busy restaurant turns and says "nice to see you as usual" The newbies at the table turned to me and asked exactly how often I go there...I responded with a smile because I was too embarrased to say how 'often' I go there. They were like, 'why don't you ask for the usual', i was thinking to myself...'i bet i could', but I didn't test the waitresses knowledge of my likes and dislikes:-) she was too sweet.

I enjoyed the camaraderie and the cosmopolitans and the cute little desserts we ate. I like the fact that the Vin actually serves bite sized desserts, so that way you can eat several different kinds. They make apple crumble and ice-cream in a cappuccino sized cup, and all sorts of other wonders...you know creme brulee, souffles...etcetera. The mangoe and rasberry martinis that they make there are to die for!!! I can still taste them as I sit here typing...ummmm:-) Little miss Asia and I were the two minorities at the table, and we sat at direct angles so we could balance the table dynamics...lol:-)

I also wanted to go out to see http://www.bodyworlds.com/ I didn't have the resolve to do so, so i stayed home instead catering to my other addiction- reading. I am almost done with my book and I will discuss it when I complete it. It seems I was the last to read it because everyone I speak to about it has read it already and wants to start telling me the story....I am like....NNNOOOOO!!!

Oh and you can forget about me giving up cussing, coz that didn't last long! I forgot about my slight tendancies to semi-road rage, so I sinned on day 2. So needless to say, I gave that up and I am now trying to follow the new carbon fast craze...hmmm we'll see how long that lasts:-)

See the issue I have with restraint is that everytime someone tells me I can not do something...I keep hearing that I can in my head and, the more I try to control myself...the harder it gets to abstain from something... mon dieu c'est difficile!!!

Obama is in town tomorrow, so if the weather is condusive and the flesh is willing, then I will go and listen to him speak. I'm sure I will quite enjoy it.

I would also like to see 'Caramel' a movie set in Beirut. I have two escorts to the movie, but can not decide which one to take:-) This is what happens when you're too popular...*hair toss and loud sigh*

woe is meeeeee....I feel sooo under the weather at the moment.

Dust in the wind

all we are is dust in the wind....
Today was ash wednesday...and I have given up using swear words for the duration of lent, and I have also added a new prayer a day:-) aren't I so holy???

So the election looks pretty tight...

Well okay, McCain is a definite and well...hillz and bama are still tugging at the prize. In all, I hope Obama beats Hillz. Not because I like him, but because I don't want her to win that's all:-) I just find her too hollywoody... a real piece-a-work!!

I don't know man...none of the main candidates buzz my biscuits! They just don't give me warm fuzzy's. okay...

McCain:- For one thing...he's like old. Not that I am anti old people or anything...but dude's a walking aneurysm! He's also quite millitary in his demeanor which is a good thing I suppose as he will be running a country:-) I also liked his immigration stance, and a few other things I read about him online (sanctions on apartheid south africa...etc). I do not like his stance on guns, nor that he doesn't support a minimum wage increase. Does he not know the price of gas and that maryland taxes have gone up? shoot!!!
To be fair, I think he is very vested in this country being that he is from a family of navy men and that he fought in Vietnam and was a P.O.W. He has a long enough resume that he should be considered for the job due to all his experience.

Hillary aka Hellary:- I just feel something wrong there. She's also pro-choice and pro- death penalty which doesn't sit well in my tummy. She has an impressive albeit wishy-washy history what with the whitewater scandal, lewinsky, her old ties to the republican party, Iraq...need I say more? But she has come a long way in the scramble for president and I am sure she's a splendid lawyer. She just isn't for me.

Obama:- well being 'the new kid on the block' could work in his favor I think. The decisions of the inexperienced sometimes supercede those of more seasoned people. He has also come a long way! I would say it's quite impressive that an unknown (in comparison to his contenders) guy could sweep through and make this kind of ripple! He is quite the inspirational/ motivational speaker and that's what I really like about him. As for what I don't like:- he supports partial birth abortions and the death penalty. I agree partially with his reasoning to allow women to make their own choice...but he messed up with the partial birth abortion bit.

My main issues that I do not compromise on are gun availability and abortion. I do not see how someone can be pro-life yet support the use of guns. Nor do I comprehend how a person can be pro abortion, yet support the banning of guns (okay I can...but you get the point I am making right?). The rest such as taxes? give to ceasar what belongs to ceasar. .. etcetera.

Pendant le weekend

I am sooo knackered right now, because I think I over did my activities for the weekend:-) and as always, this is not spell checked:-)

Friday, I didn't get to bed till late because I went out for the evening with a group of co-workers and we are planning a trip snow tubing and white water rafting when the weather permits for either activity. You know me! all they had to say was the word wine and I was agreeing to everything:-)

Saturday:- early to rise and off to meet Wagner, then we got to the Baltimore Museum of Arts (BMA), then of course trust my luck, the first movie 'Juju Factory' which I really wanted to see as I am familiar with The Matonge district of Belgium! Well something happened and the film failed. Then on top of all that the writer of the film Balufu Bakupa-Kanyinda was supposed to have come for the screening or the discussion, but he had visa issues and couldn't come! How sucky is that?

Then we saw 'Meokgo and the stick fighter'...it was too artistic for my tastes... I was not really feeling it. I mean it was sci-fi-ish, and I'm not too keen on science fiction, which is why I didn't stay for the last movie 'Les Saignantes' because that was a clearly marked sci-fi :-)

The one I mosted enjoyed would be the Nigerian film, 'Mama Put', it was both sad and hillarious. It's a story about a struggling widow with four kids who develops a strange relationship with some armed robbers. It's sort of like she was dependant on them and they were dependant on her food! It's not in any way shape or form like the Nollywood type movies. This was well written and directed by Seke Somolu and is only 30 minutes...and no you don't have to wait for a senseless sequel!!! It was a real crowd pleaser as evidenced by the loud applause:-)

We also got to see the Matisse exhibit free because of all the technical difficulties they were having. I am not a great fan of the Matisse sculptures, but I find his charcoal and the color paintings quite cool. I wondered into the BMA's little Collection of African artifacts...not really impressed. They had a neat chief Lewanika stool from 1800 Zambia, and that made my day and put a major smile on my face!

After the films, we went out to Donna's restaurant for dinner. First, they sat us in slanting chairs, then the tea was not hot enough and the dude didn't give me enough sugar. So already you can tell I didn't enjoy dinner:-), then the useless waiter gave me the wrong dinner and had the audacity to charge me double...:-) Oh and worst of all, I had to go in and get my own salt from another table???? Needless to say, his tip was $1 and that's only because I was feeling highly generous!

You know, I find tea very personal...I don't enjoy having other people make it for me unless they know me! I really love a great cuppa...it's just one of those simple pleasures I enjoy.

After this, we decided it was best to eat dessert elsewhere, and while we we're walking, I heard a great rendition of Stings 'Shape of my heart' coming out of starbucks...so we walked in and ordered a few warm gooey cookies and listened to Eva Cassidy.

On the way home, I bought 5 putumayo CD's on sale....how happy I'm I??? Over joyed! I also found the most perfect shirt at Cloud 9, in brown...but the bastido's only had huge sizes and even though I wanted to just 'buy it any way' I couldn't do it! The top was $90... It had to fit right for me to get it:-)

Spent the night drinking wine and dancing salsa and didn't get home till late!

Sunday: Went back to watch the rest of the films. First for today was a documentary 'A love during the War' by Osvalde Lewat-Hallade. It's about a couples unplanned separation during the Congolese war in the 1990's and what was going on in the country. It centers mostly on the consequences when rape is used as a weapon and just goes into detail about the astrocities taking place in the eastern part of Congo during this time period...and most likely going on now! They had several rape victims ages ranging from 2 years old to 80 years old. It was quite disturbing.. It allows you to take a short walk in the shoes of several women, one- a 15 year old girl, who is now the mother of a child whose father is unknown. She was taken from her grandmother at age 13 by the militia to "service" them in the forest for a long period of time. She talks matter of factly about the whole incident and sounds as if she feels lucky that she was selected to only sleep with the top 3 men, while her sister's (?) had to sleep with 20 men a piece!

I can not imagine my first sexual experience being rape....I had too many emotions going through me to name just one! So I wont say how I felt because I am not sure I know the right description.

The next film was a funny Ethiopian parable by Taye Workou 'Menged' which displayed what could happen if you take the advice of everyone you meet:-) quite funny actually. We needed it after that heart wretching documentary before.

'Growing stronger' directed by Tsitsi Dangarembga (author of Nervous Conditions). It's a documentary on people living poositively with HIV. It's about the Model Tendayi Westerhof who went public with her HIV positive status while on separation with her husband Clement Westerhof who was a soccer coach from Holland. I "met" Tendayi at a meet and greet of some kind after she went public. I am stunned that when I mention her name a lot of Africans from my region have no clue what I'm talking about! She was in every Southern African tabloid, how could you forget that beautiful face? I think she's really gorgeous! I wasn't that impressed with the documentary itself because I suppose I expected more...but I guess it would help someone live positively.

I was too tired and hungry to see 'Clouds over Conakry' by director Cheick F. Camara... so I left before that started and ended up at someones house for a tête-à-tête. I am home now, feeling really tired...I need to get my old bones to bed! Oh today is the super bowl...which as you can tell I am not watching. I have stakes in the game though. I put some money down on both, so i don't particularly care who wins because I will:-)


If nothing else, this weekend has greatly improved my french! Lack of use has reduced me to franglish or my favorite franja (french-nyanja) i.e je suis nkala dans le mupando! (classic!). Today though, I felt like there was a major improvement as I sat speaking to the man next to me...I was impressed!
I also heard some of the sexiest voices I will ever hear...one's is Roberto Poveda from Cuba and when I heard him croon Sueño Mama, it was over for me!!! The other would be Bebe (pronounced Beh bay), I think siempre me quedara is a really sexy song and goes well with her voice.

I'm sorry....I have just had a really nice weekend:-) I can't help going on and on!

What to do?

The anesthesiologist was sick this morning....so all operations were put on hold at work...and I was sent home really early. I worked for a total of 2 hours:-) so I guess it sucks to be the rest of you stuck at work innit? lol.

As always, I can not wait for friday. I may go to 'the beatles revival' in D.C. tomorrow night, but not really sure of the details though it sounds like fun! I get the sudden urge to dress in my '60's best and do an afro or something:-)

Any hooo, it turns out Edwards and Rudy have bowed out gracefully. Considering the circumstances, I think they have made the right choice. Rudy coz...welll he wasn't going anywhere and like I said from the start he should have let his legacy rest tied to 9/11/01. As for Edwards... as I said from the start, dude should have been home taking care of his dying wife.

The democrats are no longer a 'may-the-best-man-win' competition. It's now heavily centered on race and sex, which is just unfortunate! I wish people would move away from selecting people using such trivial factors as race and sex when the real question is: can the person do the job or not. period.

My predictions--

• If the dems send Hellary forward as their prez- Then Reps. will certainly win.
• If the dems send Obama...it might go either way. Only problem is-- will he make it to the White house or follow in the footsteps of JFK? 'specially now that he's been given the Kennedy's seal of approval... aren't they supposed to be the cursed royal family? Dude if I were Obama I would be purchasing some holy water and having a church revival at my house after this!!!!
• If the dems keep pulling scabs off each other... the reps will win.

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Moving on:- in the world of soccer- Zambia drew Egypt yesterday 1-1...which is super cool since Egypt had beaten Cameroon 4-2...which is weird since Cameroon beat Zed 5-1. On a funny note-- every team in group C beat Sudan 3-0...that's quite hillarious! It almost sounds like a rigged game:-P....!

Kenyans are back to their usual kill the bugger tricks... and the laughable African Union is in discussion as to how to progress in this matter. Well... the A.U. couldn't contain Sudanese militia, has failed in Congo, Chad...etc and couldn't even get Mugabe's old ass to retire.... what will they do for Kenya??!! aahhhhh.... the issues of sovereignty revisited...

I think to sort out the problems in Africa, you need a real dictator running the whole damned continent! Gaddafi has offered as much and has been rejected. His crazy ass even says he'll only deal with Europe and the middle east if Africa rejects him again! lolol... and that's supposed to scare someone? who's he kidding!

I am off to try to read... shalenipo bwino (stay well: Bemba)

State of the Union Address tonight

I will be watching my favorite comedian G.Dabya addressing the nation tonight and I look forward to it.
I was invited to play a state of the union drinking game and I look forward to it too:-)
The rules are on http://www.drinkinggame.us if anyone cares to join me, example of the rules are:
If president Dabya uses the words iran,iraq, troops, terror, freedom,...etc you drink one shot of something.
If he mentions his own unemployment= 2 shots of something
border security= shot of tequila...I don't have any, so i'll eat guacamole instead!

I hope I'll be able to wake up tomorrow:-)....lol...shhh don't tell the boss:-)
I doubt anything dabya says tonight will be of interest to me... but i like watching and listening to him make up words...and his priceless facial expressions...ahhhh

At the moment I am carrying the burdens of several people including my neighbor who needed 911 again... please pray that he's okay.

Ola!

Okay, now that I'm more settled...tee hee hee:-) Let me tell you how the rest of the week went.
As predicted I was late for the Chopteeth concert If you care to know who they are www.chopteeth.com I think it is. They are like an afropop/ salsa-ish type of group. I first heard them in b'more a few years ago when they had a male lead singer at artscape. So when i found out they were playing free in D.C. I figured that I might as well go listen!
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side bar: lololololol, Life is soooo interesting! If there's a probability something can happen...it usually happens to me!...so why did that punk...lolol...it's okay I am laughing too hard to complete my sentence... lets move on!
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I ended up not going to Step Afrika! though because I wasn't really in the mood. I have had too much mental stimulation this week I feel mentally and emotionally exhausted if that's possible. Oh and thanks to C$, I got to bed after 3am last night....I am not complaining:-) lol.

Zambia as you all know from the fact that i'm not singing lost to Cameroon Saturday and I watched the game...and it was MISERABLE I tell you. I mean I know the team kinda sucks...but I think their morale was low because 'someone' is trying to trick them out of the money promised to them for winning games! I actually stopped watching at 4-0... but was somewhat consoled that the result was 5-1.

Oh and because I'm such a great employee...my evaluation was 28/30 which is quite high I must say...and I got an on the spot award for excellence on Friday:-) what joy!!! I am seriously just that good:-)

The sanctity of marriage...

So today I woke up thinking I have serious problems and of course mad at God for the problems and the fact that he doesn't answer my prayers on time or at all. Then this evening I get several calls and discover, I actually don't have real problems. I really have no right to complain about anything and I feel guilty that I even dared. God showed me today that my bitchy ass self just needs to calm the hell down and appreciate what little I have!!!

Resolved: Everyone needs someone to love.
Don't get me wrong. I believe in the Theory/ principle of marriage because it's a great idea. But, I disagree with the practical observation of marriage because it's only possible for saints, dreamers and mighty hard workers!

My message to women out there is that Marriage is only a label. Do not see it as more than that. Today the label reads 'yours' tomorrow it reads 'other woman's!' always make sure you have a plan B. I am really serious.

I know that the church tells you that you are joined for better or worse and that you're now 'one' ...but that's bull crap because men wrote those vows and you and your husband are not siamese twins. Men are only human just like you and me with no special powers and they can leave any time they pick and choose. Screw the damned vows! Prepare yourself. Listen to what he says, but at the end of the day, trust your own heart and your intuition. The decision you make may cause some issues in the house, but trust me...go with it. This is even more important when children are involved in the equation.

Men are generally fickle headed when it comes to the fairer sex and they will leave you in a heart beat for what they think is hotter than you. Just like winter comes before spring.

It doesn't matter if you look good, make his favorite food the best, hand wash his damned skid marks off his underwear, get the best breast augmentation, be the most polite, squeeze his zits, bear his ten heirs, be highly educated, make a lot of money, maintain your figure, take care of his dying parents well... it all doesn't matter. Prepare yourself for the "it's not you it's me" speech. Duh! If i've been the best that I can be for you based on whatever crappy feedback you've been giving me... then it's really "not me" it's bloody you mate!!!

If you logically evaluate everything, there really aren't any real benefits to marriage. Not even guaranteed sex with the same partner!
The supporters will give you the usual cockamamie...oh the children grow up more mentally stable... (ummm Menendez brothers anyone?), it's economically sound (well yes, and so is getting a room mate/ tenant and a better paying job), it's healthy (haha! for the wife or for hubby?), procreation (do I hear sperm bank?)

The key?
1)Separate bank accounts! Always have your own money. If he makes a fuss, open a secret account and don't have any statements sent home, or send them to a family member or close friend.
2)Marry his lame ass for the camaraderie which you need, but keep one leg in the marriage and the other in reality!
3)If it don't feel right: it aint right. Period.
4)Words are just words. He can say all he wants, but prepare for the fact that he may be lying through his teeth. Take it with a pinch of salt.

Most of the people that write about the benefits of marriage are like totally clueless and just spit out what "experts" say. "Expert" write according to the groups they represent (whoever pays their salary).I personally I'm not married, but I speak from experience.

My experience was gained working for the YWCA (Young Womens Christian Association) where I met various physically and emotionally abused women. For some examples, picture your life as a mother of 5 kids, left destitute with your five kids by a husband who has fallen for a 21 year old with perky boobs and size 2 jeans in a country where the law wont hold him accountable for paying child support or alimony. Then see yourself as a mother of three told for years by your husband that you are too stupid to understand anything even though he's sleeping with your sister and misusing your pension! Then finally picture yourself as the woman beaten within a breath of her life in front of her children by the husband she has been supporting financially.

Should these women stay in their marriages because of the "benefits" of marriage? What lesson are they giving their children if they stay in these shams of a marriage?

Someone asked me today where the Zambian "shipikisha" (literally meaning hang in there no matter what) motto went to. I laughed because I believe that marriages in the olden days lasted longer because the women had less rights and less opportunity to make money and just had to grin and bear whatever crap they were fed by hubby and because society said they had to stay. These days women have few more choices and need not necessarily "shipikisha". Well even if you want to, he can still leave you by your lonesome.

You can not trust anyone with your whole life and expect guarantees. It's just not possible. If you learn anything from me let it be :-
a) separate bank accounts!!!!
b) do not sign any divorce papers till the finances are in order including the money he hid on the cayman islands!
c) cohabit if you're keen on it.
d) If he's gone. He's gone. Stalking him and harrasing his love interest du jour wont bring him back-- it could have you arrested though.

Tshotsholosa- shosholoza

It has been a rather interesting week...and should be getting even better:-)
I went to See Ladysmith Black Mambazo...and yes... I did finallly find a date for the show!!! thank you date for going with me...I had a GREAT time!

I thought The tickets I had were like some bad seats in the balcony upstairs or something... then we got there and the ushers are like keep going straight down... I was like hmmm... then we get to out seats and we are like 2 rows from the stage!!!!! I was like soooooo over the moon!!! But we weren't allowed to take pictures which I though was soooooo gay!!!

Several things happened which led me to believe that they knew I was in the crowd and were putting on a show just for Queen M (a.k.a me:)...well one would be the seats coz i sho' aint bought the real expensive ones that we sat in!

Then they started with Unomantheba....oh man!!! I was in semi heaven!!!

Then they moved on to a few other songs, then hit...homeless-- I wanted to stand and dance!
They did their cotoza mfana (tip toe) dance... we were all ululating...so much fun I tell you! They are also quite the comedians because they had us all in stitches and also taught us a song... I can not remember the words nor the tune:-)

I know I am acting like I have never seen them in concert before, but i have seen them many times:-)
Tomorrow-
'Chopteeth' will be playing at the kennedy Center...I have a feeling I will be running on African time again, so I probably wont make it there on time! Then on Saturday or Sunday, I may see Step Afrika! at the Kennedy Center as well... not sure which day I want to go.

here are 2 Zulu words for anyone interested out there:-)
Sisesiqhingini (Everything is So Stupid)
ngiyabonga! (thank you)

Zambia 3- Sudan 0

Ba Zambia...nalelo ba wina chipolopolo! Ba Zambia, nalelo ba wina chipolopolo... ba Zambia iye... ba Zambia Chipolopolo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! weeyu weeyu weeyu...

Now that's what I'm talking about!!!!!!!

We have shown the Sudanese how it's done.... now lets show those tall Cameroonians the power of maheu and boom detergent paste!!!! scraba scraba fya kale!!!!! who's with me?
C'mmon cheerleaders! lets get some boostele up in here....

Lelo nachilota, gumbo waye, lelo nachilota gumbo waye, Zambia yawina ichikombe, gumbo waye. Lola a lola lola lola lola lola ...fwiku fwiku!!!

Arrival mwana wabene arrival oooo, arival mwana wa bene arival oo
Tipu topu tarino, mbekete yakatanta morale.... baibe... chola munuma, chimbi mumala, naiwe wemwine...mano ya chabe.... weeyu weeyu weeyu!!!!!

Uyu mwana si amvela, apepa dobo, si amvela, monga chiluba, si amvela....

Martin Luther King et. al

This is to show my appreciation to all who sacrificed their lives and dignity that I may stand on their shoulders gaining more opportunities than they ever had and to see more than they ever could.

They say that the living close the eyes of the dead, yet the dead open the eyes of the living. May we keep our eyes open and be enlightened.

I thank all freedom fighters, womens rights activists, racial equality activists...etc

shukran, grazie, dankie, dzikomo, na totela, bedankt, gmadlobt, efharisto, dalu, grazzie, domo, gratias, weebale, zukria, obrigado obrigada, ndatenda, ngiyabonga, asante sana, shukria, merci, twalumba...etc

Zedonomics

I am sure I have written about this ad nauseum, but I just have to blog about it again.

I of course make several calls to Zambia a week, and i am baffled by some on the changes that the people and the government are allowing to take place!

The loan system has had major issues in the western world as we can see at the moment. The western world has more resources and a better financial system...i.e people get paid on time! Yet loans are proving slightly problematic in the west.

In Zambia, some people don't get paid for months. You do a job this week and get paid months later! There is also no job security. You can be fired for any number of reasons without repercussion to your employer. So how can you be given a loan if you do not know when your money will come next???

Also I think it's wrong that houses can be $100 000 in a society that has majority of the population making less than a dollar a day??? I find it criminal that property should be that over inflated!!!!

If the illiteracy rate is 80% in the country, do the people really understand what the loans stipulate? what about loan insurance? do they have any and can they afford to get it? I have heard of people getting car notes!!!! Jezzusss!!!! Car notes in Zambia??? How often do the cars get repossessed? can people afford to lose their money that easily?

Does it then surprise the masses that the theft if escalating, or that there are more street kids??? Is it really surprising that the Zambian people are no longer as hospitable as they used to be and lots of households offer you nothing to eat or drink when you visit? Is it really a shock that the difference between the bourgeoisie and the proletarian societies are that vast?

To me this new society we are creating resembles the days of apartheid... move out all the poor and keep all good things for the rich. Difference is, they are not forced to live in shanty compounds with sjamboks. Over price everything so the general masses can't afford anything leaving more room for the rich to build unnecessarily huge houses and park their 5 luxury cars in the garage.

I hear the words 'progress' and 'globalization' being thrown around often in relation to Zambia. Please do not misunderstand me... I am not against progress or globalization. I am against the 'copy cat' syndrome that we are manifesting.

Globalization does not mean becoming carbon copies of the west. Neither does progress. Zambia is a society on it's own with a lot of issues that are different from the west. For this purpose, the way we do things must be Zambia friendly so to speak.

You do not have to be an economist to see the accident laying in wait for the future as far as financial crises go if this 'loan' system is allowed to progress. As usual the poor and the "middle class' (if Zambia has such a thing) will be the ones to suffer.

Just in case you think I'm speaking gibberish take time to visit the Jesuit Center for Theological Reflection http://www.jctr.org.zm/ . See how difficult times are getting for most people. After that look up how much people get paid in the country and compare you figures.

Vox populi, vox dei...that's not really so no?

I would also like to take a moment and write a little bit about the flooding in Zambia. In case some of you out there are ignorant of the issues that come from floods, I can tell you that food is scarce in those areas, most of the houses in shanty compounds and villages are built with mud and hence melt away during this period. Ablution areas flood too which means drinking water gets polluted and we can anticipate water borne diseases spreading at a fast rate. Mosquitoes thrive in these conditions, so malaria is a big issue at the moment. Take into consideration that pathogenic issues are sometimes difficult to isolate.

In addition, even though the Red cross is assisting in these issues and giving tents. The tents do not help much because the rain comes in and winds blow the tents away and the rain gets into the tents. A lot of schools are being used as shelters which of course puts a hold on education.

So to those of you that are religious, remember the folks affected by the flooding in prayer. The rest of you I suppose can send money to the Red Cross... if you care.

Saturday

Yesterday I spent most of the day with my aunt. I am not sure why, but I awoke with the need to cook... so i laboriously slaved over some chicken and yams and took the food over to my aunts house. After we ate we headed off to the mall...there are MASSIVE sales at the moment!!!
When we were done at the mall, we had a rough time picking out a movie and what theater to go to. I really love Independent theaters and movies, so i was all for landmark theaters. The movies we were debating on were 'the kite runner', 'Cassandra's dream', 'No country for old men', (my aunt was really keen on seeing 'the great debaters' or 'juno', both of which I have already seen).
We disqualified Cassandra's dream based on the fact that since Woody Allen slept with his adoptive daughter.... i lost love for his sick liittle mind. Not to discourage the rest of you, the story does look enticing, but i'll wait till Mr Tyrone hooks me up with the DVD :-)
Kite runner lost out because of the controversy surrounding the little boy... I wasn't in the mood to depress my self...seriously who wants to do that on a Saturday night?
We ended up watching http://http//www.landmarktheatres.com/Films/films_frameset.asp?id=61211 No country for old men at our usual Georgetown theater. OMG!!! I should have paid attention to what the movie was about before we went in!

The main evil guy is the husband from the series Medium I think. I will never look at him the same again! He is Demented! I am not sure how many times I had to hide my face in my scarf and semi scream!!!! The two things i didn't get were a) why didn't the dude that stole the 2million dollars as soon as he found out they were on to him not leave for ...oh i don't know...Malaysia? maybe Conakry? and why in the world was he living in cheap ass motels over and over? dang! The dude didn't even enjoy the money he made from his little quick theft...! Then he died. Oh I'm sorry did I just ruin it for you? haha!

b) WTF???? hombre was dreaming????? evil dude wasn't dying! shoot!!!

Needless to say, I was a little shaken every time I heard trucks go by or saw some shadows! I was expecting shugaa to be in my house!

I had a fun drive home because my buddy in Canada kept me company on the phone all the way till I got to my house! Do you know women can TALK?? sometimes i get off the phone after chatting for several hours and I can not recall what we just talked about because a lot came up. That's not to say it's important info... sometimes it's just mindless chatter that we do, and other times we discover who Jane or Mary's baby daddy is:-)

Manena

My beautiful name gets butchered all the time by many people! I still do not understand why certain people fine my name difficult... I find it so easy myself:-)
I get meena, maneya, manana, manyana, mini, Mandela...and my all time favorite: Banana!!!
My extended and immediate family endearingly call me:- Manex (long before we heard of Amex!), Mamputu, Mwampuli, Manenekela, Bahdeidah...etc

So let me tell you how it is pronounced, then I will go into explaining why my name is unique and beautiful. Complimenting my personality and great looks;)

Manena is pronounced:- Mah- Neh- Nah and I will forgive strangers if they say Mah nee nah, Or Nena (neh nah) or Nena (nee nah)...but I will not accept anything else!
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(excuse me for a minute i need to sing---- "to the rescue... here i am... I'm a rainbow too" sing it Bob Marley!) I needed a moment to shake my tush!
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What Manena means:
My mother's uncle named me Manena. It basically means something that was said that has come to be, or that someone was right about a statement earlier made. Direct translation would be 'you have spoken the truth', a little similar to a prophesy-ish.
If I don't have you convinced of the beauty of my name, let the other languages tell it for themselves. By the way, all this information is googleable (Nice!)

in Swahili:-- groin (very important to have one no?)
in Kiribati:-- Valuable, of worth, precious, important
in Chamoru:-- Darling, dear
in Oraha:-- That person
in Hindu teaching:-- Respect

Nena means
in Igbo:- Nne (mother) Nna (father)- Nnenna means Paternal mother (you know how precious a mother's father is!
in Spanish:- little girl/ girl
in Swahili:- Speak
in Miwok:- Male lineage or ancestral home of male lineage
in Hebrew and Greek:- Nena short for a variation of Magdalena
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Another interlude... "When the whole world lets you down and there's no where for you to turn and all of your best friends have let you down...." sing it Bobs!
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Now how many of you out there have one name meaning so many great things???? Why is this post important?
Well to start with, I LOVE my name...can I just tell you that?
Secondly, I know 5 pregnant women right now... not that I'm twisting any one's arm, but it's very important to give names with great character to children. I mean ask Roundilox... she chooses to be called Neena even though that's not her name, but she caught on fast enough that aunty Manena is the best aunt in the world:-)

In addition, I mean, just look at me. You have proof right here that Manena's are genuinely nice people with the intelligence and wit of the best orator! We are passionate people who are not afraid to speak our minds. We're strong independent people. We are loving, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, self controlled (often) people. Fruit of the spirit anyone?

So think about that as you plan names for your babies. You do want what's best for them right? By virtue of my perfect name- they will have great lives!

Fuel

I know what I said I would post today... but this was more important!
Enjoy:-
They were digging a new foundation in manhattan and they discovered a slave cemetery there may their souls rest easy now that lynching is frowned upon and we've moved on to the electric chair
and i wonder who's gonna be president
tweedle dumb or tweedle dumber?
and who's gonna have the big
blockbuster box office
this summer
how 'bout we put up a wall
between the houses and the highway
and then you can go your way
and i can go my way

except all the radios agree with all the t.v.'s
and the magazines agree with all the radios
and i keep hearing that same damn song
everywhere i go
maybe i should put a bucket over my head
and a marshmallow in each ear
and stumble around for another dumb numb week
for another hum drum hit song to appear

people used to make records
as in a record of an event
the event of people
playing music in a room
now everything is cross-marketing
it's about sunglasses and shoes
or guns or drugs
you choose

we got it rehashed
we got it half-assed
we're digging up all the graves
and we're spitting on the past
and we can choose between the colors
of the lipstick on the whores
'cuz we know the difference
between the font of twenty percent more
and the font of teriyaki
you tell me
how does it make you feel?
you tell me what's real
they say that alcoholics are always alcoholics
even when they're as dry as my lips for years
even when they're stranded on a small desert island
with no place in two thousand miles to buy beer
and i wonder is he different
is he different
has he changed
what he's about
or is he just a liar
with nothing to lie about
am i headed for the same brick wall
is there anything i can do
about anything at all

except go back to that corner in manhattan
and dig deeper
dig deeper this time
down beneath the impossible pain of our history
beneath unknown bones
beneath the bedrock of the mystery
beneath the sewage system and the path train
beneath the cobblestones and the water main
beneath the traffic of friendships and street deals
beneath the screeching of kamikaze cab wheels
beneath everything i can think of to think about
beneath it all
beneath all get out
beneath the good and the kind and the stupid and the cruel
there's a fire that's just waiting for fuel

© 1999 ani difranco / righteous babe music

Juno

I had an AWESOME day today and i would be an ungrateful sod to complain about anything!!!
I had to get something done to my car and I thought the line would be crazy and found i was second in line.... traffic was great and I discovered an international store selling everything but my brother!!!
Then I went to get my hurr did... I feel soooo pretty:-) made myself a great lunch found some great designer clothing on sale and went out to see Juno.

I think the movie was really nice. if you haven't seen it yet.... this is your chance to stop reading and walk away because I am about to have a discussion.
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Okay it was a nice movie... but i do not think it should have been PG-13. I thinks it's more suitable for an older audience:-)
Juno is the story of a pregnant 15/16 year old who is still in high school and living with her parents.
Several things came up for me in the movie which i probably would have to break into separate blog entries.
For one thing, I am happy that she chooses to have the baby and give it up for adoption, but I am not happy that they make it seem so simple. Her parents are very accepting of the matter, and she quickly finds adoptive parents for her unborn child. My problem with that is that kids are watching this movie, and they might get the impression that it's just --that easy!
I mean this story coupled with Britney spear's little pregnant 16 year old sister who has managed to keep her job and has even better rating than before she was pregnant might pass on the message that it's all gravy!
Any way Will expand on the abortion/ keeping the child issue and also on marriage tomorrow:-)
I am sleepy...and guess wat??? for the last year I have had 3 CD's sitting on my shelf still wrapped up and I finally opened one-- James Blunt:- Back to Bedlam... I am sooooooo in love with him it;s not funny!
"good-bye my lover...good-bye my friend, you have been the one for me"...ahhh!!! it's wonderful I tell you!!!!

à demain...

Way I see it...

This weekend I may have several posts....I feel like I have plenty to say, and well I may bored:-)
I have plans to see Juno today or probably a play 'Joe turner's come and gone'
They both start at about the same time so it shouldn't really be a problem.

Okay:- I can not believe they are debating whether to require Id's when voting or how stiff measures should be when one goes to vote. The law of this country (USA) as with most, allows only CITIZENS to vote. That is simple and straight forward. How are they supposed to know if you're legally allowed to vote if you don't take the necessary paperwork in with you? Apparently some states let you vote so long as you sign an affidavit saying you're a citizen...WHAT??? doesn't that leave room for someone to pay off Amadu and Jose to pretend they are citizens and vote?
They also say that some poor people can't get their Id's (cost and all). Elections are not a surprise in this country. It's not like other countries which tell you..."oh it looks like we'll have elections on the 4th of march, or maybe the 10th of November three years from now." There are no surprises. If you were really keen to vote, you should have been prepared innit?
When looking for a job, or receiving government funding aren't you required to have some form of identity? So why shouldn't you have it when you vote?

To avoid some complications, I would suggest that more ad's should be running now to encourage people to vote. Also there should be more ad's and people coming out to poor communities telling people what they NEED in order to vote and helping them prepare for election day.

Secondly:-
Last week I was listening to NPR and they were discussing something to do with drugs. The main speaker was I think a former police man and he was just saying he believes that if drugs are legalised, their value will drop, hence most of the problems that come with drugs will be reduced.
As a tax payer, I agree with some of what he had to say. For one thing, he says a syringe costs about $0.09 cents.... why aren't they given to drug abusers for free to help curb some blood borne diseases that come with sharing syringes? Well the response by some would be, that it would be sending the wrong message that it's okay to use drugs.
From a financial perspective, 9 cents a week roughly amounts to $4 a year and some change per person right?
well lack of that $4, leads to several abusers sharing one syringe and spreading...oh I don't know...say HIV?, How much will it cost the tax payer to purchase Arv's and other goodies for that one drug abuser we could have saved had we just given him the syringes?

Don't get me wrong... drugs are a bad habit and those that are addicted need to be helped.

I can not even pretend to understand drug addiction, because the strongest pain medication I have ever taken is Advil..a.k.a Ibuprofen. I am too chicken to try new medication because I react strangely to little meds like benadryl or sudafed... so I have no interest in finding out what something stronger would do.

Oh man! I am running late as usual.... I need to go out for a bit and buy stuff to make my secret humus recipe:-)

Comrades...live free or die

Fox news had a story today about how many high profile blacks are not supporting/ funding the Obama race... now seriously. How is that important in 2008???? Will Obama be the president of black people only or of the UNITED States of America? If the high profile blacks do not like him is it a big deal??? That is their choice and they shouldn't be forced to like him just because he's black and oprah says he's aiiight...!!!
When will people get that you judge a person based not on their COLOR or SEX, but on what a person believes in or how they behave??? I am really tired of ignorance and unfortunately there are too many dummy's out there! Look at the story below...
http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/blog/golf_experts/post/Golf-Channel-anchor-says-young-golfers-should-l?urn=golf,60618
This dumb ass white anchor apparently said Tiger Woods should be LYNCHED by the new golfers... now I'm sure she didn't mean it like that... you know blonde's...like reaalllyyy...

Also, what was up with Hellary's ...oops... Hillary's fake tears??? first of all lady, if I was voting, that would have been enough for me to say "Oh hell no!!!", I do not want a president that's going to break down and cry when China says they can't trade...or Pakistan calls her a dumb ass! I mean c'mmon!
Okay as usual I am nervous about the results for tonight. Well with all the time McCain spent in NH... he had better win:-) I am happy for McCain.
My little friend Ron Paul did well too I think... for as little press/ air time he gets... 8-9% is kind of good. He beat Thompson...:-)
As for The dems... ahh... I like how confident Edwards sounds even though he's 3rd place:-)
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Look at the crazy story below
http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=4102781&page=1
These crazy Muslims get more amazing by the day! This dude killed his daughters in Texas as part of an "honor" killing! What??? The world amazes me!!!
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Offline:- I like to listen to listen to the candidates give their speeches... it makes me proud to be an American...lolololol!!!!!!!!!