Did you see the short movie clip commemorating the 75th NBA history? If not, click the above link to watch, courtesy of the Association, and produced by Michael B. Jordan.
Yes, some noteworthy players were left out. Intentionally or otherwise, it’s impossible to include every player. I wonder though what the selection criteria for inclusion was.
I love the clip; wished it was a little longer to accommodate for more players, old or present.
The Association has come a long way … Happy 75th Anniversary, NBA!
Salt is a compound element made up of sodium and chloride. It can also contain iodine or be neutral.
Salt has health benefits. For example,
Sodium is essential for nerve and muscle function and is involved in the regulation of fluids in the body. Sodium also plays a role in the body’s control of blood pressure and volume. (University of Hawaii)
Chloride is a crucial component in the production of stomach acid (HCl). (University of Hawaii)
Iodine is an important nutrient that your thyroid needs to produce certain hormones. Iodized salt is probably the easiest way to maintain sufficient iodine intake. (Mayo Clinic)
It is also used as an electrolyte replacement for folks who have experienced prolonged vomiting or diarrhea. As always, please check with your doctor before any medicinal use.
According to the University of Hawaii, humans excrete salt when sweating and must replenish the lost sodium and chloride ions through their diet.
We use Salt in cooking and most of us will add a little more from those shakers on our foods. Salt is also good for seasoning foods else the food will taste bland. But excessive salt in foods could have other devastating impacts on one’s health.
The medicals again
I experienced for the first time the impact of salt relative to high blood pressure. My blood pressure (BP) readings have been normal, (see the above chart for the different BP categories) particularly the week prior to my recent medicals. I was happy with the results. Until that morning. And the cause was eating a slightly salty pasta dinner the night before.
The night before my appointment, I had chicken pesto on pasta. It was somewhat salty but I ate anyways because it was the leftover I had planned to have. It wasn’t salty on the day I cooked it. I figured the seasonings settled into the pasta sauce a few days afterwards.
Fasting wasn’t required for the medicals, but I chose to fast anyways since I had a morning appointment. As previously posted, all readings were impressive. However, I was disappointed that my blood pressure was elevated. I was shocked. My initial thoughts were that the “anxiety” of coming for a medicals caused it. The technician interrupted my thoughts and suddenly asked “what did you have for dinner?” I told him. His next question was “was it salty?” I stared at him while replying “how did you know?Yes, it was. I’ve had normal readings for the week.” I brought out my phone to show him the readings. The salt added at least 20 mm Hg to the upper reading despite a twelve-hour fasting.
Did you know that drinking lots of water after a salty meal will help flush it out?
The technician advised that drinking lots of water will help flush it out next time. Now, I know. How about you?
Myths or Tales?
I have since resorted to cooking with alternatives which are half the sodium content and not add extras to the meal. It takes getting used to but once you are used to it, the slightest salt on foods now taste salty. You find yourself complaining that a meal is salty and others are staring at you in wonder that there’s none in it at all. It’s sure an acquired taste.
I’ve often heard not to add salt to cooked foods and to reduce the amount in cooking. I have now experienced the impact of a salty meal on my blood pressure and I do not like it.
Types of Salt
Sea salt. Table salt. Kosher salt. Pink salt. Coarse salt. Fine salt. All salts are the same. I’ve heard that sea salt is better, while others say that kosher salt is preferred.
Whatever salt you choose to use, use it in moderation. Be aware of the sodium content of every food/grocery item you purchase and monitor your blood pressure regularly.
Resources
For more detailed information on salt and high blood pressure, click on the below links to find out.
As you may or may not know, the Preseason started last Sunday. The Teams are different from what they were the previous season as several players have found new homes (teams) all in the race to win the Championship.
The Preseason games, already played, featured mostly the younger and new players showing off their skills and familiarizing themselves with one another. I’m hoping that the veterans will join in the fun too, if only to sort of warm up with the teams.
The Preseason is a two-week warmer, tester, feeler of sixty-six games; I hope I got the count right. I also hope that the veterans advised the younger (agewise and years in NBA) and newbie players to use wisdom and take it easy at the onset in order to minimize injuries and fatigue as they will have seventy more games to play. Their strength, skills, and stamina will be needed more towards the end of the Season, and continuing into Playoffs and Finals.
I’m still trying to get the hang of using tables in WordPress. It has not being easy. Even when done in Excel and uploaded, it comes out funny. But, I hope the below format is easily readable. All Times are ET.
Sunday, October 3rd
3:30 B Nets – LA Lakers
Monday, October 4th
7:00 P Sixers – T Raptors
7:30 O Magic – B Celtics
7:30 A Hawks – M Heat
8:00 NO Pelicans – M Timberwolves
8:00 C Hornets – OKC Thunder
8:30 U Jazz – SA Spurs
10:00 GS Warriors – PT Blazers
10:00 P Suns – S Kings
10:30 D Nuggets – LA Clippers
Tuesday, October 5th
7:30 I Pacers – NY Knicks
8:00. C Cavaliers – C Bulls
8:00 W Wizards – H Rockets
8:00 M Bucks – M Grizzlies
Wednesday, October 6th
6:00 LA Lakers – P Sun
7:00 SA Spurs – D Pistons
7:30 C Cavaliers – A Hawks
8:00 O Magic – NO Pelicans
8:30 U Jazz – D Mavericks
10:00 D Nuggets – GS Warriors
10:30 S Kings – LA Clippers
Thursday, October 7th
7:00. M Grizzlies – C Hornets
7:00. T Raptors – P Sixers
10:00 M Heat – H Rockets
Friday, October 8th
7:00 I Pacers – C Cavaliers
7:30 M Bucks – B Nets
8:00 NO Pelicans – C Bulls
8:30 LA Clippers – D Mavericks
8:30 M Heat – SA Spurs
9:00 M Timberwolves – D Nuggets
10:00 LA Lakers – GS Warriors
Saturday, October 9th
7:00 T Raptors – B Celtics
7:00 NY Knicks – W Wizards
8:00 A Hawks – M Grizzlies
Sunday, October 10th
6:00 SA Spurs – O Magic
7:00 C Bulls – C Cavaliers 3. 7:30 OKC Thunder – M Bucks
10:00 P Suns – LA Lakers
Monday, October 11th
7:00 H Rockets – T Raptors
7:30 C Hornets – M Heat
8:00 B Nets – P Sixers
8:00 D Pistons – M Grizzlies
9:00 NO Pelicans – U Jazz
10:00 S Kings – PT Blazers
10:30 M Timberwolves – LA Clippers
Tuesday, October 12th
7:00 T Raptors – W Wizards
10:30 GS Warriors – LA Lakers
Wednesday, October 13th
6:30 D Mavericks – C Hornets
7:00 M Grizzlies – I Pacers
7:00 B Celtics – O Magic
7:30 D Pistons – NY Knicks
8:00 D Nuggets – OKC Thunder
9:00 M Bucks – U Jazz
10:00 PT Blazers – P Suns
Thursday, October 14th
7:00 M Heat – A Hawks
7:30 M Timberwolves – B Nets
8:00 D Nuggets – OKC Thunder
10:00 LA Lakers – S Kings
Friday, October 15th
6:30 B Celtics – M Heat
7:00 P Sixers – D Pistons
7:00 C Cavaliers – I Pacers
7:30 W Wizards – NY Knicks
8:00 M Grizzlies – C Bulls
8:00 D Mavericks – M Bucks
8:30 H Rockets – SA Spurs
10:00 PT Blazers – GS Warriors
NBA enters its 75th Season
The Season starts on October 19th. It will be exciting with NBA entering its 75th Season. Special programs have been scheduled to commemorate the history, Teams, players past and present. Click on the above link for a movie, NBA Lane, showing tomorrow.
Ideally, you Think before you Talk But that will make a robot of you To pause to Think before every Talk So Think daily so you don’t have to just before you Talk.
Take time to ponder and meditate daily And let Wisdom breathe on you.
There are those who Talk always And folks are tired of hearing them Talk Yet there are those who want to hear them Talk more The difference is in both what they say And how they deliver it When there’s truth and wisdom Folks never tire of hearing you Talk.
There again are those who rarely Talk Yet when they open their mouth to Talk Folks are all ears
The difference is in both what they say And how they deliver it Content and Context Quality and Quantity. Wisdom not Foolishness. The world has ample of the latter but needs more of the former.
Your Talk is a message not for everyone But to just a few or some
Whether you Talk always Or rarely People are listening and watching Let your words be laced With wisdom Else you’ll be a sounding cymbal
Don’t just open your mouth to Talk just to Talk Everyone wants to Talk and be heard
Credits: Unsplash / Kyle Glenn
Only few listen Only few Think and Talk
Even a fool when s/he holds her/his tongue Is considered wise.
It’s totally up to you Whether you Think and Talk Or Think before you Talk Or Think after you Talk.
Think and Talk always It’s the best Though Thinking before Talking Is better than Thinking after Talking Yet there’s wisdom in Thinking after Talking Cos it makes you A better person next time You Talk.
If you ponder daily You will be among the few Who Think and Talk Because wisdom has become A part of you.
Think and Talk Today and always. Think-Talk is Wisdom.
The Spiritual Development is the seventh post continuing with the PEMFESS+P Series; So you think you’re ready for Marriage.
In my opinion, the Spiritual Development, should actually be the first step because all the other developments build upon it. But, as I previously stated, the acronym, PEMFESS, just fits in better.
Spirituality means different things to different people. To some, it’s about doctrines, morals, and laws. To some, it’s about nature and its effects. To others, it is about nothing.
I tend to use the terms religious and spiritual interchangeably. The difference is that the latter does not follow organizational doctrines whereas the former does.
Whatever spiritual or spirituality means to you, one thing common among all is faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is a belief; a belief in something without seeing the evidence. A belief that could be of a higher and bigger nature or of an earthly and lower being or thing.
We all believe in something whether higher or lower. The higher for me is God, Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. The lower is believing in someone or something, for example a parent, a spouse, sibling, or a friend, or believing that your car will drive you daily from Point A to B and back, or believing that the chair you seat on will not crumble under your weight or that the food you eat will not poison you but nourish your body and soul.
Spiritually, we make idols of those people and or things we depend on when we should be looking up to God. The ultimate is for us to believe in and trust God
Most of us have our spirituality handed down to us. As children, we had no choice. But on becoming adults, we have the choice to either continue to embrace those religious or spiritual paths or venture to find our own. I know a family of six, the parents and their four adult children, who each practice different religion/spirituality. I can only imagine how issues are deliberated on inside their home. The wife, who was once a colleague, said, “I’m used to the chaos.”
The key is to find your spiritual path soonest so that it can be developed and perfected before marriage. Hence, you know who you are spiritually. Knowing who you are spiritually also means that you will know to say “No” to certain things while dating, on in marriage,
For spiritual development, therefore, your goal is to find that higher and bigger path, cultivate the relationship, grow, and stick to it. Fully immerse yourself in the knowledge, with a strong foundation, that can only be built upon stronger when you finally marry.
It is dicey to be a spiritual vacuum that can easily be sucked or filled up by someone else’s. Being grounded in your own chosen spirituality, though open to learning, means that you cannot be easily deceived by others spiritual lies or ignorance.
It is always better to be on the same spiritual path with your potential spouse; it just makes life smoother, easier, and more understandable. Should both partners have different spiritual paths, it becomes difficult deciding which paths to raise the children with. Irrespective of the differences, the goal is to agree on how best to raise the children spiritually. However raising and inculcating a spiritual doctrine into children, though it helps, does not guarantee that they will continue with the doctrines as adults.
To every young adult, I pray that you find your spiritual path soonest, if not already, and maximally develop it before you decide to marry.
BMI, body mass index, is a measure of relative mass based on your height and weight. It is calculated by dividing your weight by your height. It does not however measure your body fat.
As you can see above, the Chart is color-coded. The greens are the ideal BMI, the blue means that one is underweight and malnourished, while the yellows are overweight and borderline obese, oranges are obese, and the reds are the no-go (extreme) obese areas.
Other Charts use different colors to differentiate each area. I guess the colors are merely to make it easier to read. Though I didn’t find a non-color coded chart, it doesn’t mean that the Chart has to be color-coded.
Why BMI today?
I recently had a medical, I mean the whole shebang from height to weight to urine and blood works, with the urine and blood being tested for a variety of other things. It was a relief as the overall result returned better than I had imagined; except for one.
According to the test, my BMI is borderline obese, unhealthy, and I need to lose 40 lbs! Who me? Lose 40 lbs? Yes, you! Couldn’t be! At this age? What would become of me and my skin; oh, I meant my body? We all need some fat on, right? I hope I get some folks to agree with me on that.
Well, brings me to the question, is BMI correct?
My answer is, I doubt it. What’s your answer?
I had changed to a pescatarian diet within the past year and the change reflected in the overall positive results when compared to results from my medicals a year prior. For example, my A1C, which is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels, also went down by 0.6% compared to last year’s. Could use a little lower to keep it within normal range. If I lose 40 lbs, and get my A1C down by at least another 0.3-0.6%, it will be worth it. But, I’m sure that I don’t have to lose that much to achieve the result. You’ll hardly be able to find me and or would think that I’m malnourished and extremely unhealthy should I succeed in losing all of 40 lbs. Well, just my thoughts. So why do physicians use the BMI? BMI doesn’t even measure fat, the sole culprit for obesity.
I’ve always had a problem with every doctor I’ve had when it comes to BMI. The BMI Chart is used for everyone; male and female, black, white, Asians, Samoans, Hispanics, etc., tall or short, large bones and normal bones, etc. How can it be a one-hat-fits-all medical mantra? BMI does not take into consideration that our body types are genetically and racially different.
P.S.
I heard that the best way of telling if you’re overweight is to measure your waistline. If your waistline is over 35 for women and 37 for men, you are overweight.
Another way is to divide your height by 2. Your waistline should be less than half your height. For example, if you are 5 foot 8, or 68 inches, your waist circumference should be less than 34 inches. Both methods have the same issues that I have with the BMI. However, it is worth using and taking as a recommendation but not the ideal.
I don’t even know my waistline. I don’t have a measuring tape. The last time I had some dresses made for me, the tailors used different techniques to measure my waistline, so I don’t know who was right and wrong. But now that I am aware, I’ll get myself a tape and start paying attention.
Final thoughts
A healthy lifestyle is ideal for us all. It’s what we all should live for. It’s a combination of our diet and exercise regimens. If diet is nutritious and healthy, and exercise is regular, both will be in sync and excess weight should not be an issue, right? But not necessarily. Bone density and size which are genetically, racially, and gender predisposed often will skew the weight and BMI. So, what do we do?
Why worry? Keep eating nutritious healthy meals, exercise at least 30 minutes a day at least three days a week, rest, sleep well, smile or laugh to work those mouth and face muscles, be happy, and leave the rest.
Remember though that being overweight or obese is a health risk associated with health issues like heart blockages, diabetes, cardiac arrests, stroke, hypertension, etc. The thought of these health risks alone should spur us all to a healthier lifestyle and lose all the weight that we can.
I’ll love to lose some weight but not 40 lbs. I have lost 9 lbs within the year and will be content with about 10-12 lbs more in a year. But, I still refuse to allow BMI as a yardstick for my height-weight balance. I know myself better. How about you? All thoughts, positive and negatives regarding BMI, are welcome.
Do you know what your BMI is? Use the above Chart or find out from this interactive calculator and let us know if you’re satisfied with the result.
Worry if you want Not a stature will it add Why worry
Worry if you dare More gray to you Aging before your time Why worry
Worry if you want More stress to your elbows Living in Anxiety land Worry Makes life worse Depriving you of joy for the moment
It’s Non productive It’s a Wheel spinner And Overall mental torture Why worry
Worry looks back At your past And takes you to the future That you’re not ready for Robbing you of the present
Look back At all the worries Of yesterday And yesteryears And ask Did any materialize Why worry
Worry Is a joy stealer A peace taker And a confusionist
Engage Your left brain When the right Is overworking Why worry
Shut down those thoughts And voices ringing In your ears and head Today, turn worry Unto itself
Shut it down Or Engage it In a conversation
When worry taunts: “How are you getting there when you don’t have a car?” Joyfully reply: “Shut up; I’ll take the bus or metro Or dare an Uber or Lyft Or call my friend or family member for a ride. See I have options you can’t scare nor torture me.”
Nananananana
The more you engage Those worrying voices Or thoughts The lesser they become.
Try it today
Don’t let Worry win no more Like fear, worry is torture But choose today To torture the torturer. And worry no more.
What a spectacular ending, in July, to the 2020-21 Basketball Season that catapulted the underdog Milwaukee Bucks (MB) as that season’s Champions. I was elated for several reasons; one particularly of which I felt that Giannis Antetokounmpo (GA), who led the Team, had been disrespected and routed by all; the media, fans, and other players, for shenanigans and silly various reasons in my opinion. The likes of disrespect and taunting that would not have been thrown at LeBron James (LBJ or Kevin Durant (KD) or Steph Curry (SC), or any of their caliber without some rebukes. Then again, it could have been a strategy (which obviously backfired) to intimidate GA, the Greek Freak. But, thank goodness, all those negative vibes didn’t sway him to withdraw. Yes, it did slightly affect him with his free throws. But he overcame and conquered to win the Season’s MVP. And, together with his equally indefatigable teammates, won that Season’s championship.
Too bad they (GA and MB) can’t enjoy the Larry O’Brien (LOB) trophy and exhilaration for long for two reasons: one, the break was curtailed, and two, the 2021-22 Season starts soon.
Anywho, that was a long recap.
2021-22 Season
I’m so happy to say that this Season is about to start in a month. Preseason games, which I call the warmers, testers, and feelers, start two days prior and the opening games start on October 19th.
Credits: Pexels
The Preseason games in my opinion are kinda sorta warmers, testers, and feelers. Warmers because most players probably didn’t touch the ball during the break; resorting understandably to spend much needed time with their families to make up for those periods that they were grinding for the Larry O’Brien trophy. The warmups will help them know where they stand physically and mentally with the ball or see how rusty they’ve allowed themselves to let go.
It’s also a tester and feeler because each team, after the musical chairs of trades, wants to have a feel for the “new” team’s roster relative to other teams and test their capacities in various ranges.
It’s still always fun to watch. Having watched several, I feel that the experienced teams withhold their strength and capacities to give a false impression of the team. Kinda like a bait of sorts strategy. Why waste all the fire at the onset when you have seventy-two games to play, right?
The Preseason and initial first few Season games also allow the Coaches to try different strategies, plays, and players (aka rotations) for the best fit.
I can’t wait to see what the Season has for every Team. Will Milwaukee Bucks play for a back-to-back championship?
Various Teams are in the run for the LOB Trophy this season. The trades were brutal, coupled with the Rookies from the Draft, and returnees from injuries, the race to the 2021-22 Championship is going to be wild.
Have you seen or heard of the LA Lakers’ new roster? The big ball team could scare off the best of teams. But, what with Brooklyn Nets as an equally great contender?
Well, my team is in the race, too! It’s fire, fire, fire all round with the return of Klay Thompson (Welcome, Klay!), Jordan Bell, and acquisition of Ighi (Andre Iguodala), and the two Rookies, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, Golden State Warriors is right there at the top of the race. Sad to see Kelly Oubre Jr. and Eric Paschal leave. Wish them the very best.
Of course, we are cognizant of the younger teams: Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Sun, etc. They, and the rest of the teams in-between, all put up a show last season. How did the Drafts and Trades impact them? Will they return with greater tenacity this season?
I can’t wait to see and find out.
Cheers to a Season of great, fun, competitive, and mitigating (or no) injury to all players.
Last One: what’s up with the vaccine?
We all now know that being vaccinated does not preclude one from still testing positive for the covid, right? So, why did the National Basketball Association (NBA) agree to not test vaccinated players? Sounds also that masking has been lapsed, including allowing not vax’ing for religious reasons. 🤔
First, I read that the players disagreed to mandated vaccination stating that it was not part of their contract. Hey brothers, covid is no respecter of your contract. I just pray that none will test positive this season. That even if any, the impact will be mild. But remember, should any test positive, that player will be out for at least two weeks. Two weeks at the beginning of the Season is nothing, but I’m sure no Team wants their key player out for two weeks at critical times of the Season.
Now, the player options are vax or be tested daily.
My two-cents is that everyone (NBA players included) engaging in public should be vaccinated and intermittently tested. Stay home if you don’t want to vax or mask – it’s simple. I recognize the division between those who don’t want to and those who choose to. Defiantly choosing not to vax or mask is an act of selfishness given that your choice could directly and indirectly affect another or several and that the outcomes of covid when infected could be fatal. Those players choosing not to are a dire threat to those players who have chosen to. I just hope that the Basketball world are aware of this.
If you’re an unvaccinated player, do remember not to shake hands with nor hug any fans no matter how desperate the fans may be.
What side are you on: vax and mask or no vax no mask, or in-between?
For now, as much as I love to attend the opening games, my TV and living room will be my team stadium till further notice.
I don’t know about you, but I had almost sleepless nights about this Recall.
Sleepless nights just wondering how someone, or some people, will selfishly desire to squander millions of dollars, like they were peanuts, to want to usurp another without regard to the impact of his/her/their actions on others. All on flimsy baseless reasons in my opinion. Did the Governor’s opponents think that they had a solid ground? What a bad strategy for planning a hostile takeover. Not thoroughly thought through. Or they and their strategists were ill-advised. I hope they rethink because the results overwhelmingly proved that either they did not have a thorough understanding of California, Californians, and their issues, or that Newsom was just favored and the people preferred his policies afterall.
The results showed the Nos were 5.9 million, while the Yeses were 3.3 million. Larry Elder had eighty (80%) of the Yes votes.
Glad that it’s finally over. The results were overwhelmingly in favor of Governor Newsom staying in office to complete his term, and probably a bigger and greater candidate for a second term. Is that a prediction or a prophecy? Prophecies have gotten a bad wrap and particularly with the last President. I don’t want to rehash that, but read my thoughts on it here.
Getting a second term will at least afford the Governor of a real clean term to prove his manifesto and himself; unaffected by covid.
So, now what Mr. Governor?
Is the remaining two years enough for you to perform some economic miracles of booming businesses, curing the State of homelessness, high gas prices, housing, unemployment, and all the ills you inherited from your past predecessors? All eyes are on you now.
For the Governor’s sake, I really hope that God will smile on him and perform the miracles on his behalf. I don’t know if he believes in miracles, but whether or not he does, such a miracle will certainly make him a believer and secure him a second term.
Who bears the Costs?
Now, who pays the $276 million spent to conduct the recall? Larry Elder and all the forty-five (45) recall contenders? No. I hope you know that we all (Californians) will. We need to change the section of the Constitution regarding a recall to read that the contending parties should bear the costs. Changing that section might ensure that contenders think twice before wasting anyone’s future time.
I found this tweet from California Assembly Speaker Pro Temp Kevin Mullin, which sums it up exactly as I feel. “A $276 million waste just to reaffirm 2018’s results with an election coming in 2022,”
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments if you please.
Unemployment, or under-employment, is not fun. If you’ve ever experienced any, you’ll know what I mean. I have experienced both at different times of my worklife.
Being unemployed means just that – no work; that you are able and qualified to do the job, but cannot find one and, though you’re fiercely looking, have not being lucky to be hired. Being unemployed could be temporary, but many have experienced a somewhat perpetual unemployment. The long unemployment periods often lead many to seek other opportunities. This should be the resort. But several resort to work that is easily available and for which they are overly qualified for. This is termed under-employment.
Being under-employed means that you are:
working menial jobs that you are over-qualified for
earning just enough to feed yourself, and maybe family, put enough gas to drive to the job and back, practically can’t afford any extras, or
just simply doing something to be seen as not being idle,
tired of crying daily wondering why you couldn’t get the job after numerous interviews, etc., and or
you are tired of watching your spouse or family’s faces on receiving one more letter that starts with “we received numerous qualified (sometimes, I think they meant, over-qualified) and are sorry to …. You stop reading because by now you know how the letter ends. You either tear the letter into pieces as if it passed through a shredder or simply toss it into a drawer as another memento.
The job market is full of under-employed graduates and many with post-grad or multiple degrees.
Which is better?
Neither unemployment nor under-employment do I prefer. I’m not talking about when folks choose to do a second, often menial, because they need the extra funds to pay down debts or save for a vacation. I’m talking about having a main job that you are over-qualified for.
I want to be fully employed in the job market, doing work that I love to wake up to everyday and being adequately compensated (maybe a post for another – how many are adequately compensated for the job they do?) for it.
Latest news
Recent news reports have stated that America has over 10 million job openings. As a former analyst, my first reaction is “where did the numbers come from?” But, ironically, I also know that the primary source is from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) which numerous government organizations and private companies depend on. So, it must be accurate.
One of those news I picked up was from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), “The US has a record 10.9M job openings, but 8.4M Americans are still unemployed. Walmart and Target began offering college tuition perks earlier this summer, Uber and Lyft debuted huge bonuses to attract drivers, Chipotle and McDonald’s raised wages, and some big banks even offered employees free Pelotons. TBD if the perks will work.”
From the above WSJ excerpt, did you wonder like I did why the companies didn’t previously offer those perks? I thought every company offered them. I guess I must be living in fairyland.
Anyways, with the news, did you wonder also why with so many numerous job openings, yet tons are still unemployed? I was curious to know so I read further and this is what I found.
The Pandemic again
As bad as the pandemic was, and probably still is for a few, there were silver linings.
The pandemic shifted people’s perspectives, options, and types of jobs they look for and do.
The pandemic gave people the choices of virtual/remote work, and organizations that hitherto didn’t offer work-at-home options are now doing so.
The pandemic also woke many up to realize that the office space might be unnecessary thus also giving organizations the opportunity to cut down on office space expenses.
According to the Wall Street Journal, “Millions of Americans say they can’t find a job. Millions of employers say they can’t find workers. A reason for this mismatch is that people are leaving cities or industries where businesses need them most.”
Mismatch?! What is that?
There you have it – the reason is a mismatch. The article stated a few things that: a mismatch is a disconnect between the jobs open and the people looking for work … Normally, as unemployment rises, job openings fall because employers have an abundance of workers from which to choose … What’s unusual now is that unemployment and job openings are both so elevated at the same time and have been for months.
It also mentioned there are two different types of mismatch.
a “skills” mismatch is work experience that doesn’t line up with the needs of the marketplace
geographic is when job openings and available workers are in different places
a facet of geographic is the regional mismatch where “shortages are specific to certain parts of the country.
Makes sense when we think in terms of economics supply and demand. There is an inelasticity of available jobs and workers. WSJ gave several factors that contributed to this. They included
“workers migrating and aren’t where jobs are available
many have changed their preferences, for instance pursuing remote work, having discovered the benefits of life with no commute
the economy shifted, leading to jobs in industries such as warehousing that aren’t in places where workers live or suit the skills they have. For example, the leisure and hospitality industry say they are now looking for work in a different industry. So are Uber and Lyft drivers
extended unemployment benefits and relief checks, meantime, are giving workers time to be choosy in their search for the next job.”
One factor not included in the WSJ was that tons of people lost their jobs which snowballed into losing homes or being unable to pay their rents; thus, necessitating the move. People didn’t move just because they wanted to. They moved in with relatives, friends, and to lower cost-of-living areas to cut down their expenses and maximize the money they have since finding employment has been difficult.
Conclusion
What do you do when being unemployed is taking longer? Some prefer being under-employed. It’s an option, but should not be embraced for too long else complacency will set in and rob one of one’s best.
A much preferred option is to embrace the opportunity to become self-employed. The best option still is starting a business.
Self-employment and starting a business both have their benefits and downsides. Read more here.
Tomorrow, September 14, is the deadline to cast your vote for the California gubernatorial recall. Booths are open and you can mail it in if you prefer.
To be or not depends on you. Please let your vote and voice count and be heard.
I voted as soon as the booths first opened on September 4th because I wanted to ensure that nothing unusual happens to my vote. Yes, it became a phobia because of prior voting nuances, rumors, and or atrocities; call it whatever you’d like. Just my way of ensuring that my vote was personally and directly registered or delivered if you please.
My Stance
If you already don’t know, my stance is No on the Recall. My take is that the incumbent hasn’t been given a fair chance, given covid-19, to prove himself. The issues levied against him for the Recall are weak considering that he inherited several of the issues. As I previously blogged, Covid-19 threw everyone a rough curve and many are still yet to find their balances; the Governor and State of California included.
Homelessness, unemployment, high housing and gas costs have sadly become trademarks for living in California, just as living in any high or fast-paced large city. I think it’s all politicking. Gavin Newsom’s competencies as a Governor have not been fairly evaluated to warrant a Recall considering that he became Governor of California in January, 2019; smack at the onset of covid.
What’s more, according to ABC News post, “State officials estimate it will cost California’s 58 counties $215 million total to run a special recall election.” My previous blog stated $276 million. Either amount ($215 or $276 million) is huge sums of money. Using that money will definitely cure homelessness and some change to tackle another issue! I wonder why we allowed it in the first place. I suppose it’s another nuance of freedom.
Please vote
Without further ado, Californians please go vote. Whether a No or Yes, we all still have to pay the price in subsequent fees and taxes to defray the special recall election costs. My prayer is that the Recall fails. But should it pass, I can guarantee you that the next CA Governor has no answer to the rising homelessness, homes, gas, nor unemployment.
Time for a Dream
Permit me to dream a little for a time when there will be collaboration and teamwork between any incumbent Governor (or President) and the opposing Party for working together for a better America. I mean really work together to mitigate, or eradicate, issues of concern to the citizens. This becomes a synergistic and altruistic, rather than, self-grandiose, act. Not just in America, but across the globe where democracy is practiced. That will be the day. Till then, get out and vote or stay in and mail your vote.
Genetics play a significant role in our lives whether we like it, admit it, or not. How we manage money, or fail to, including our money habits are also genetically linked.
If any of one’s parents is a spendthrift and philanthropist with whatever they have, certainly at least one of their children will inherit those tendencies. Similarly, if the other parent is a miser and is stingy, at least one of the children will inherit those tendencies. Those tendencies will be either dominant or recessive in one or all of the children.
However, if any of the children strongly abhors either of the tendencies, and is intentional about not inheriting it, s/he can work hard to ensure that s/he does not become that tendency. For example, if growing up I watched how my mother was always giving our things and household items to everyone that visits us, often depriving us, I might hate being a philanthropist and or giver. Likewise, if momma was also hiding stuff from others and does not help family members or friends who needed our help, I might detest being a miser. The key is be intentional about playing the part that you want to be till it becomes a part of you.
This is so true and became evident to me while in college and participated in the U. S. Census decennial count. All information collected are confidential. I marveled at a particular race who, though they don’t make much comparably, were happier and better managers of their resources. In one of my rapport, I remembered chatting with one head of household who told me that he’s being living in his house for ten years and that he doesn’t go out, he’s happy at home with his family. All he wants to do is rest after work; most times his wife and children go out without him. He owned his home and was planning to pay it off way before the maturation of the thirty-year loan that he got. He stated that he came from a poor background, but had worked hard to financially elevate himself and wanted to give his family a different lifestyle. To say that I was impressed was an understatement.
“It’s not how much you make, but how much you keep.” The quote has been attributed to a few. One of those people is no other than Robert Kiyosaki, the personal finance guru and author of the Rich Dad Poor Dad series. The other is Shaquille O’Neal, the former LA Lakers forward.
One who makes $40K a year, like the head-of-household guy above, could be living a more enriching lifestyle than another who makes $120K a year with a big hone, big mortgage, every gadget in town in his household, cars, and college kids. The latter’s finances could be stretched thinner and leaner than the former.
A man’s life does not consist in the abundance (or lack) of his possessions.
No excuses for any of us. Being from a poor background, does not restrict us to poverty for life. An intentional act, coupled with divine ideas, and working smart and hard, will break the backbone of lack.
I did a Poll over two months ago asking readers and followers what they did with their Sundays. The Poll had a total of 30 views (21 in June & 9 in July). Of the views, 10 bloggers liked the post, while only 5 participated in the Poll.
My sincerest gratitude to those who participated.
Everyone’s time is precious. To have taken a few minutes to contribute means a lot to me than you’ll ever know. Thank you.
Results of the Poll
Folks reserve their Sundays for a variety of things ranging from:
Chores; grocery shopping, laundry
Running errands
Family or friends visits or catchups
Play band/guitar
Schedule blog posts, catch up on reading and replying to comments
Relax, chill, or do nothing.
Today, I was caught up in all the above. Generally speaking, I prefer to reserve my Sundays for relaxing, but might occasionally get a family or friend visit.
I had woken up about 5:00 a.m. and couldn’t go back to sleep. I laid their wondering if to get up and start my day. I hesitated because Sunday is my rest day, but lately I have been going non-stop. And, last week, I figured that I had exhausted myself. So, getting up that early on a Sunday was out of the question. I did the one thing that I normally do – talk to my Heavenly Father, God. I fell back asleep about three hours later; I knew because I had joined the 8 o’clock online-Service of a church.
I woke up about two-and-a-half hours later. I laid on my bed wondering what to do: should I drag myself off to the gym, watch a movie, cook and eat some food, have food delivered, or just chill and do nothing? I prefer to do my laundry on Saturdays; it has been a steady preserve for as long as I can remember. So, I already did laundry yesterday. As such, it’s one less thing that I have to worry about today.
Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision (Joel 3:14a).
Though I woke up, I was still too tired. I needed some energy; not the java jolt kind, but I needed the inner mental strength. I began to ponder again if it is realistically possible to ever have a free day of doing nothing? My answer will be a big and loud, “No”. If No, how are we to keep the Sabbath Day holy? Maybe, if one was sick.
The Sabbath
“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.”
Exodus 20:8-11
The Sabbath Day is a day reserved as your holy day and or a day of rest. For Christians, it’s Sundays or Saturdays (Jews (Shabbat) and Latter Day Saints). For Muslims, it’s Fridays.
The Sabbath Day is a personal choice. But since Sunday is the day set aside for congregating for most churches, it is difficult to find a congregation on other days. For example, if you work on Saturday and Sunday, are off mid-week, that’s your rest day, but not necessarily your holy day.
I concluded that we probably got it wrong. God meant that we rest; He wants us to rest all-knowing the benefits of it. What that rest means to each of us is our prerogative. Some find rest watching television, while rest to others is doing laundry. Rest which ever way soothes you; just remember that giving yourself the desired rest is essential and your body will thank you for it. Remember that the Sabbath was made for us all; and not us for the sabbath.
“I have friends in high places” was a saying among my siblings and friends during our teenage to young adult lives. We used to say it to one another when asked how we amazingly got certain things done. To us, the saying did not mean the obvious reference to influential or folks considered very important personalities (VIPs). Far from it. It could be something as small as getting home faster or earlier than the rest when we all were together at the same event and one was bored and wanted to leave before everyone else. It could also be solving a class- or homework project that everyone else found difficult.
Having friends in life is essential whether they are in high or low places. Never discount anyone because you just never know.
I believe that everyone is influential, as well as important, in their own way and can use their gifts, skills, talents, or resources in a way to help another when they choose to or the occasion necessitates it.
Nana’s Wisdom
My Grandma first shared the wisdom with me. She had watched me attending a series of back-to-back friends’ weddings. I was far from ready to marry at the time as I used to wonder “why the rush when you’ll be married for the rest of your life!” Here’s our conversation which I still distinctly remember:
Grandma: “I want you to know that when it’s your turn be prepared that not all whose you’ve attended will show up.
I was shocked that she said that and asked her why: “Nana, why are you saying this?”
Grandma replied: “It’s just the way life is. Most times those we expect to do things for us tend to disappoint and those we least expect to are the ones who do.”
I can confirm Nana’s wisdom from my experiences that those who stepped up to help me when I needed the help most were not the obvious ones nor closest ones to me. My Grandma’s wisdom has saved me from numerous ranting and bickering over disappointments. Over the years, I have learned to trust God. He uses anyone and any thing.
Who would have thought?
I also recently heard a preacher share his experience of getting help from the least-expected person. He expressed how he had a car trouble exiting off the freeway into a busy street. He stated that it was during lunch time; expressing the time and visualization of the busyness. He got out and started pushing his car to get it to the side of the street to wait for his roadside assistance. He expressed that the only person who stopped to help him was a homeless man. He knew because he asked to be dropped “home” which was under a bridge about a mile or so away. He offered him help, but the homeless man refused.
The beauty of the homeless man showing up was that, according to the preacher, he looked around for a clip; don’t remember if it was a paper or industrial clip. Asked the preacher to pop up his trunk, used the clip to “tweak” something. The preacher started the car again, and bingo, the car started. He drove round the block with the homeless man (at the homeless man’s request) and the car was good to go!
His story
The homeless man had lost his wife and two children in one of the natural disasters while he was at work. It devastated him, understandably, and he decided to relocate to California. He is a mechanical engineer and works (or used to work) for Mercedes Benz (don’t remember if he still does).
Luck or Coincidence?
Unbelievers might allude to the preacher and the homeless man’s incident as luck or sheer coincidence. But, mathematicians and statisticians will tell you that the probability of that being a coincidence is negative or zero. You have to think in terms of the car model, color, the preacher’s attributes, the number of highways in California then narrow it down to the specific location, and the attributes of the particular homeless man, etc. You get it?! Well, this is not a math or statistics post [smile], but to support my point that it was not a coincidence. I call it divine; orchestration, intervention, or connection.
Anyways, you just never know who will show up with the help you need.
It is advisable to have a good and diverse social network.
It is advisable to have a good and diverse social network.
In the Psychology and medical worlds, healthy social development skills begin at infancy and follows us through adulthood. These skills are necessary and important in order to develop into a healthy child. A lack of, or delayed, development in one skill will impact another and, if not dealt with, could lead to one being an adult with poor or inadequate social skills.
These skills are equally essential to master at the appropriate ages. The Danville Schools gave examples of such skills to include:
Displays self-control
Expresses feelings with words
Listens and pays attention
Pride in accomplishments
Has a positive self image
Asks for help when needed
Shows affection to familiar people
Aware of other peoples feelings.
We all need good social skills
Adults need complementary social skills, too. Reminds me of the television commercial about phone conversations being distorted as a result of bad network. It was a phone conversation between two friends; one asking the other for recommendations on what to wear to an office dinner. She showed up to a formal office dinner in a halloween costume, dressed like a fairy godmother. That’s how it is sometimes when one has poor social development.
Also, ever heard someone being tagged as clumsy? Or one who chooses to continue talking or asking questions when everyone is ready to move on? There’s nothing wrong with asking questions, but such folks ask questions that have been previously discussed. If they had listened or paid attention (an essential social skill), they wouldn’t be repeating the question. This is because they have not mastered the appropriate social skills required at the specific developmental ages.
Etiquettes
Etiquettes, according to the dictionary, the conventional requirements as to social behavior, is lacking in many. They have being replaced by individualism and/or when corrected, misconstrued as “judging” and/or termed as unsolicited advices.
Anyhow, the social development I am referring to is that of the social networking. Having a myriad of human resources to call upon should the need arises. Yes, we need all the important skills to develop a healthy social network, without which we will be unstable in our relationships and/or left without friends.
This has nothing to do with being an introvert or extrovert; nor the networking required for work, career, or business though some may be interconnected. But more to do with not having the capacity to maintain truefriendships.
If you think you’re ready for marriage, your relationships are essential before marriage, during marriage, and sadly ‘after’ marriage. I refer to the “after-marriage” events as a result of death, separation, or divorce.
Men do better in social networks during marriage than women. It is not unusual for women to disperse off their pre-marital relationships once they tie the knots and or start a family. I get it. The topic for girlfriend conversations on ladies nights-out shift for the married ladies for obvious reasons. Sooner than later, the conversations become boring and so does the gathering. But it doesn’t have to, does it? Even if it does, it’s always a good idea to reconnect with one another.
Here are My Tips
Don’t lose all your pre-marital friends. Your pre-marriage friends include childhood, high school, college, and or work friends. Try to keep (or develop) at least one from each category. If you do, you will have at least four friends who know you very well, and can possibly vouch for you hopefully for life. They will be friends whom you can call on anytime.
Granted that some will drift away for different reasons, try to keep at least two (more, if possible) close. Who knows, one of those will probably be your chief bridesmaid (do they still have those now? lol)
There are three types of friends:
1. Friends for a reason 2. Friends for a season, and 3. Friends for a lifetime.
Having both horizontal and vertical friends in your social (network) development is also helpful. The horizontal are your peers in different social groups, while the vertical are your superiors (or older) and juniors. We all learn from each other. Most learn from a superior/older, few learn from their juniors. All are important and each are apt to teach you something new; what you don’t know or thought you do know.
Marriage shouldn’t stop your social development. Continue your social development, and friendships as well, once married. The exception here though will be that you now have to be cognizant of your spouse/hubby. How will he/she feel and/or react to your friends or even to you when you’re meeting with, or having dinner with them? (A probable post for another day.)
Pay attention to “faults” or concerns folks have repeatedly told or accused you of. I’m not saying that the folks were right. You could have been right, but the communication or attitude might have been off. You will be able to pinpoint why you’ve continuously received those accusations.
I pray for your rich and mature social development; to be so grounded and ready for the marriage you desire.
Meditation means different things to different people. Some meditate for medical reasons, some for spiritual reasons, while most meditate just because.
Though, per the influential Mayo Clinic, there is no scientific research conclusions to draw on the benefits of meditation, medically, meditation has been used to calm the nerves and reduce stress. It can also help to manage a myriad of health conditions.
“Meditation originally was meant to help deepen understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life.” I attest to this because as a lover of Jesus The Christ, I meditate. Other religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism) are known to meditate as the core of their doctrines.
Many folks assume yoga as a type of sport rather than a religious (Hindu) practice. As such multitudes join yoga without an understanding of what it truly is. There are also different types of yoga meditation. It is important to know the teachings of the particular yoga instructor before joining.
The bottom line is that we all meditate consciously or unconsciously and for good or bad. There is a meditation of the heart and of the mind. We meditate when we focus our mind or heart intensely on anything, anyone, or on an object. Selah
There are several types of meditation. The most popular include:
mindfulness meditation
spiritual meditation
focused meditation
movement meditation
mantra meditation
transcendental meditation
progressive relaxation
loving-kindness meditation
visualization meditation
yoga meditation
zen meditation, etc.
Spiritual (Biblical) Meditation
I’m particular about the spiritual meditation and have realized that meditation is the most important aspect of prayer.
Prayer is you talking; meditation is listening
Dr. Myles Munroe
Biblically, one can meditate on God’s
Word
Law, day and night
Work
Precepts
Statutes
By so doing, you are focusing on all that God has stated, in all the above, and thus consciously agreeing “let it be unto me accordingly.”
You can also meditate on your, and or others’, testimonies. Doing so is a recall of those testimonies, reminder to God of what He did, trusting that He can do it again, and asking Him to do it again or using past testimonies as an assurance to Him that He who did that can do this new petition that you’re presenting to Him.
Most people pray with a list of things for God to do for them or help them with. Once they’ve expressed the list, they thank Him and off they go till the next day or week. The prayer session will be about 10-15 minutes where they do all the talking. We don’t wait to hear God’s response or if He has assignments or instructions for us.
“Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.”
(1 Timothy 4:15)
Biblical meditation is the art of listening in the presence of God. We talk less or not at all. You can enter into His Presence, in your closet, or a chosen space with instrumental worship music for a specified time period. Sit still and focus on His Word. If you’re new to biblical meditation, you can start with fifteen minutes and gradually increase it till your preferred time (e.g. one hour or more).
At the onset, nothing might happen. That’s okay; keep maintaining your time with Him. As long as you’re consistent and committed to the “appointment,” God, by His Holy Spirit will meet you and you’ll be amazed and realize that meditation is the most important aspect of prayer. It is where revelations are received.
This has been on my heart to blog for a while. I hope this ministers to someone.
The news and social media have been buzzing about the dissolution of the marriage of Dell and Sonya Curry after thirty-three (33) years. Dell and Sonya are the parents of basketball favorites, Steph Curry (and his siblings Seth and Sydel). Steph Curry, the affable Golden State Warriors’ point guard is 33 years old.
It’s sad to hear of this divorce, which leaked out on Seth’s (Steph’s brother) birthday (August 23) though the filing was done earlier this year on June 14 (ouch sadly on my birthday!).
The ‘perfect family image’ has been shattered.
What in the world is going on lately with marriages?! Sonya and Dell’s children, yes adults in their own right, appear happily married and I pray that their parents’ divorce does not negatively impact their marriages.
Earlier in the year, we also heard of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s, too.
Can we never be satisfied?
There are three things that are never satisfied:
Why are human beings never satisfied and assume that the grass is greener on the other side? Why do we allow an intruder (of things or another person) destroy our marriages, our lives, and all that has been built? I’m not saying that this was the reason for the Currys’ divorce though it’s been alleged by one medium.
In California, you do not need any reason to divorce. Most divorces sight “irreconcilable differences.” But one could divorce simply by saying that they’re no longer happy in, or they just want out of, the marriage. I believe that the reason(s) are tendered and reviewed for purposes of the presiding Judge in awarding (or denying) alimony.
A facade
The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). And the thief does it subtly while cognizant that if s/he is overt, s/he will be detected and thus fail. We all need to smarten up generally, and particularly married couples. God help us.
Why are we so easily deceived to allow a ‘fling’ to break up our marriage? Often those flings are on assignment to divide and conquer. Once the assignment is accomplished, they are on to the next victim. May it not be any of our loved ones. We must not be ignorant of the devil’s wiles.
It is no gainsaying that it takes two to get married and stay married. If one wants the marriage and the other wants out, there’s really nothing or much that can be done. Both have to want to keep the marriage. Both have to be willing to work it like a garden; you have to water the garden, fertilize it, pull out the weeds and thorns that choke and kill your flowers and plants.
Happiness, one of the reasons some file for divorce, is a state of one’s mind. Divorcing a partner and hooking up with another or remarrying will not make you happy. Hopefully, the person realizes it before the fifth divorce.
Also, if one has stuck the marriage out for so long, why break it to start all over again? Women are known to stay in “bad” marriages for the sake of the children. Men, generally speaking, don’t think of the children first. What are you thoughts on this?
Sadly, gray divorce has been on the increase. Why are the tides drifting? Is there ever a “good time” to divorce?
The irony of divorcing and remarrying is that both partners realize that the happiness issue is just an excuse because it is short-lived at the onset of the new marriage. But pride will not allow them to fess up. They will now both (the old and the new) forcefully endure each other and the habits they couldn’t tolerate in their previous marriages. Some will even bend backwards to try to please the other person. Only a few ponder on this and confess that if they had known, they wouldn’t have divorced. But, alas, it’s too late.
I realize that I’m all over the place with this post. It’s a big one and troubling. Please share your thoughts and
Let’s pray for the Currys and the Wests. Hopefully, they all realize sooner that the divorce was a mistake and give each other a second chance.
Nonetheless, marriage is still good and honorable. ◦
Can a relationship or marriage be sustained by love alone? What instances could love not be enough in marriage or a relationship?
I’m learning that people marry for different reasons, other than love. Call me naive if you want, but I’ve always thought that the only reason one married is because they love one another and have chosen to spend the rest of their lives together. Well, it’s become a rude awakening to find otherwise.
Secret Lover is a true story of two people who were passionately in love but ended up not marrying each other for different reasons. It was a triangle. The guy was in love with someone else, yet he married another lady for a few reasons other than love. The guy married couple of years before his lover. On the morning of his wedding, he called to check on her, though he was marrying someone else later that day. He even invited her to his wedding. What audacity you would say. Or is’t misplaced or misdirected love? Or is’t lust (uncontrolled passion)? Tell me what you think it is because I don’t know neither can I fathom or explain it.
The morning after the wedding, he called her again though she was intentionally out of town, on a vacation, to avoid the whole weekend event. But, after the wedding, he called to tell her that he was flying in to see her on her vacation. Rather than go on his honeymoon, he caught a plane the next day to Paris where his lover was vacationing. Maybe his honeymoon was intentionally postponed, who knows?
He married for the wrong reasons but was in love with someone else. How sad. Such is the case when one marries for the wrong reasons and/or marry the wrong mate.
People marry for different reasons; most for the wrong reasons. I wonder if love is even the main factor any more. Is love not enough? For if the marriage foundation is love out of a pure heart, there is nothing the couple can’t overcome. Let me know if you agree or disagree with this statement.
Some cultures betroth their daughters at early ages such that those marriages are devoid of love. While some might “grow into love” eventually, many live in prisons the rest of the years of their marriage.
But why subject oneself to that?
The wrong reasons for marrying include:
I can’t leave her because she’s pregnant with my child (this was the case with the Secret Lover,
He needs me now
We’ve gone through so much together
We’ve been middle school sweethearts
We’ve grown old together
I don’t want to disappoint (fill-in-the-blanks), etc.
Whatever the reasons may be, I ask, is’t worth going through?
Outcomes for marrying for the wrong reasons include:
Infidelity
Marital aches and pains
Having children born but not out of love, which leads to
Resentments
Unloving and, probably, divided family
Family conflicts – fighting over unnecessary issues and things.
Incessant conflicts in marriage will eventually lead to divorce, if not heart attack prior to the divorce. Why go through that?
I ask and write on this topic for younger ones, and even the few older ones, contemplating marriage to think it through before jumping in.
Nonetheless, I still believe that marriage is good and honorable.
Once upon a time I was the life of every party It ain’t a party If Joy was not at it.
Everyone who was someone Clamored to be a friend; Only the friendship were flaky, shallow, And all about what’s in it for me.
Fast forward several years And life happened And my life turned topsy turvy.
Every friend disappeared They forgot the good old days Of when I’d take the blouse off my back And give it to the one who needed it the most; And the shoes on my feet Went to the one who needed it more And I’d empty my pocket To share among them all.
Even my family no longer called They now hovered Around, over And on to the next member.
They used to call everyday Now they barely Remembered my name Let alone my number.
It was painful How could people forget so soon. How could they be so vain.
In a world full of millions of people Yet, I was lonely.
I felt empty inside and out And had no friends nor family. To stand by me or lean on Everyone and everything deserted me.
I wept Till I could weep no more. The tears have ceased to flow.
“How many bottles have you filled, With those tears, Lord” I ask everyday. Those tears will become Your precious gem That I hope to trade up some day.
Then one day I awoke It was all a nightmare
Life’s too short to waste I’ve walked alone too long
In a world full of millions of people Yet I was lonely Even those who came near Seemed so far away None living in the present.
Lord, catch me I wanna fly over into Your arms Please wrap me up Never to let me go.
But He said “My daughter I need you down there Your purpose is yet unfinished Many are waiting on you. Get back there And get the job done.”
So, I did
I went for a long walk at the beach one day
And let loose.
My long weave bouncing from left to right slapping on my soft dark cheeks
The golden sands Warming my un-manicured feet On a hot summer day When was the last time I skipped or danced Or had a smile on my face
I have allowed those smiles To turn into frowns To no one in particular Only to myself and Age me twenty years over.
I muttered to noone in particular
But to the breeze that blew so refreshingly On my cold cheeks
I had stiffened up And allowed life to tense me.
Your change can come suddenly
Out of the blues A real human Said “hello, my name is Amazing.”
None had said hello to me in years Though I smile at everyone Everyday They just stared at me With curled-up lips.
I turned around And with the biggest smile ever I replied, “ hi, my name is Joy. I’m the child of the Most High God.”
Wow, I’m the child of Grace; Amazing Grace, that’s my full name.
Mind if I join you on your walk?
Sure Though inward I felt like saying ‘No.’ Finally, someone noticed me And actually said, ‘hello.’ And wants to walk with me.
Amazing Grace was waiting on her other friends They were having a beach party just because
Amazing Grace had arrived earlier than all
The friends trickled in One after the other
She introduced me to each one
Rich and Wealth live just down the road And were married to Peace and Joyful
Patience was the glue of the party She coordinated and checked Off the friends list Everyone was present Except Wisdom
They were getting worried They called him the ol Sage
Shortly after Wisdom texted the group
“I stopped by a friend who’s visiting from outta town. Okay to invite him, too? You’ll all love him”
They both arrived within ten minutes Wisdom and Miracles were the most gorgeous guys I’d ever seen Both standing over six feet tall would take the breath outta any lady
Miracles stared hard at me; I blushed Through my dark skin You could see all the pink.
The oddity was interrupted By Love, Hope, and Faith. Who were laughing their hearts out as they joined the group.
Now all the friends had arrived They invited me to their party I already felt like I belong.
I married Miracles Within the year The group has become My family They are friends indeed
My life has never been the same again!
The rest is now Herstory (my story).
It was a do-over. That only He could have done; May you have A life do-over The kind you dream of; Allow Him To do it His way. If all the people Had stayed I would have been Too busy with them And would never have met My new family.
What would you do if someone left a disturbing comment on your blog? Let me clarify: I don’t mean a troll. I don’t mean someone who attacks you, or your post. When I say disturbing I mean more like, they write about how sad they are, or depressed, or how life is just horrible… So,…
— Read on wakinguponthewrongsideof50.com/2021/08/10/does-it-take-a-village/
It’s Sharing Thursday.
My post today was inspired by this post which I found yesterday.
LA, the author, has many legit questions that should set each one of us thinking.
Please read and visit her website, wakinguponthewrongsideof50.com, if you choose to, for more thought-provoking blogs.
Interesting to know your answers to the questions posed by LA.
We are all too familiar with the saying “it takes a village to raise a child.” It is an African proverb that has filtrated the American and western cultures for decades. We can equally use the proverb in other instances; it takes a village to (fill-in-the-blanks)” to avert a suicide or a pandemic, save a marriage, etc.
As an African origin, I often retell childhood experiences of how neighbors, teachers, or even strangers ‘discipline’ you in the communities when you run afoul. Dare you arrive at your home and ‘report!’ It will be double-trouble for you. We didn’t construe it as an abuse; it puts us in check toeing the straight line. Albeit many of those disciplinary actions could have sentenced our parents to jail for life in the western world. To us, we endured and I believe that it has shaped us ruggedly and raised our resilience levels.
Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile won’t eat you.
~ African proverb
It takes a village … But does it really? Or when does, or will, the village “wash its hands off of the child?”
First and foremost, a village never washes its hands off of a child. However, when it deals with an adult, my answer will depend on the hat that I’m wearing.
As a mother, I could never wash my hands off of my child. When the child turns 18, and the authorities hands him/her a ‘bill of emancipation,’ those authorities don’t reveal or declare to them the multitude of responsibilities and expectations that go with the bill; leaving the adult-child to shockingly find out for themselves. It is at this point that most either learn to swim or drown. The mother is alongside, on her knees, crying to God for help for both of them and praying for wisdom, guidance, protection, and other things.
In the African culture, and I believe a few other cultures, too, sons and daughters live with their parents till they marry or are ready for marriage for various reasons. They don’t leave home at the turn of eighteen. It is a support system to assist the children save enough money before venturing out. I’m not talking about the part of the culture that forces their children in marriage to the men old enough to be their dads or grandfathers. I’m sure you’ll agree that there are both sides in every culture.
Most cultures, set the ‘freedom age’ at eighteen. But few, mostly Africans, the age is twenty-one.
The support system is what the saying “it takes the village …” refers to.
As a faith leader, I have seen the miraculous power of God. Why God performs certain miracles, and not all, is His divine prerogative. Because I have both seen and experienced God, I believe that God’s miracles are still possible and that no one is beyond redemption. Timing though will be different for each one. Patience is required in those instances when redemption (or deliverance) seems to be taking forever. In the interim, we stand in faith till it comes.
Constraints to virtual help
There is a wavering of thoughts and whether or not to render help, however, when the village is trying to save (not raise) an adult.
For the record, a village never raises an adult; the adult is a part of the village supposed to be raising the child. I’m not talking of an eighteen or nineteen-year old adult, but an adult in his/her late twenties, a thirty or even a forty-year old.
“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” (Hebrews 5:12)
Questions: what do you do when:
an adult “acts out of character,” or
an adult needs to be ‘saved,’ is seeking help or attention?
an adult acts or says things that are “weird?”
How do you as an onlooker discern which is which?
As a villager, would you jump in to help or, because the person is an adult, would you ignore and mind your own business?
Does mental health have a part in this and/or determine your reaction?
Does technology, trolls, and catfishes affect (or infect) your reaction?
Two ants do not fail to pull one grasshopper.
Tanzanian proverb
The Answers are relative
It’s easy to discern if the adult is a family member or close friend. But, I admit that it can be a difficult task when the adult is outside of one’s ‘community.’ Even harder in the virtual world of technology, trolls, and catfishes. If you are not a professional (therapist, counselor, social worker, etc.), you can misconstrue the act, right?
It takes the spirit of God to know what to do. We are gods (Psalm 82:5a) here on earth. Our Heavenly Father will not physically come down to save us or anyone. But, by His spirit in us, He will use us to save each other.
I once heard of a social media story about a young adult lady (early twenties, like 20 or 21) who needed help. She posted her story on her page. She found ‘solace’ in a ’pastor’ who offered her a place only for the pastor to start molesting her. One thing led to the other. Eventually, she was killed by the ‘pastor’ because she was exposing him.
I recount this sad story as I remembered it, though it was deeper. The young lady needed help but was driven away by her parents and probably friends into the wrong hands of fate. Could that have been averted? I believe that it could. However, who am I to say.
There’s still good in a somewhat gruesome world.
For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: And in multitude of counsellors there is safety. (Proverbs 24:6)
May God help us all to know when to speak and when to keep quiet; when to jump in to help and when to call others in for the help.
This post was inspired by a post of like title written by #LA, #Waking up on the Wrong Side of 50’s. I’ll share the post separately.
For Monday Financial Nuggets, I’m sharing an International Monetary Fund (IMF) Blog on Women in Economics.
As much as I enjoyed reading each lady’s contribution to Economics, I was disappointed that the Blog was biased in its showcasing, lacked diversity, and merely focused on one segment; in this case, the ivy leagues. A better title could have been “The Ivy League Women in Economics.”
I’m sure you will agree with me that there are more women contributors in the world than showcased. A sample of women from each continent would have been more relatable.
Nigeria’s very own Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was excluded. Okonjo-Iweala is currently the Director-General of the World Trade Organization. Prior to that, she was the former World Bank Managing Director; an organization she worked at for almost three decades rising through the ranks. Would we say that she’s not influential or important enough to make the list of Women in Economics (or Finance)? She studied Economics at Harvard. Which means that she qualified both ways.
Okonjo-Iweala was however included in another blog, People in Economics. Why she was in one but omitted from the other baffles me.
Well, it’s always great to read about women, their leadership and contributions worldwide. I just hope that the reads are inclusive; except of course, the title specifies to the contrary.
Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy reading the profiled Women in Economics and realize that it is only a segment of the whole.
1. My people perish for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6).
Knowledge, not of books (academics), but of a thorough insight into all areas of anything, plaguing or concerning us. We need a holistic not peripheral view or lens. Grant us Your Spirit of knowledge and truth, dear God.
2. “So teach us to number our days, That we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”(Psalm 90:12)
Teach us oh God to think critically, and look beyond the prima facie so that we can see what You see. Grant us Your Wisdom and cast out man’s wisdom and that of the world from us.
3. “And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” (1 Corinthians 8:2)
Help us oh God; deliver us from deceptive spirit and from ourselves. Think through our minds and speak through our mouths. Thank you Father God.
The Story
Gavin Newsom, the incumbent Democrat Governor of California (CA), is being recalled. The recall election is set for September 14th; about a month from today. How are you going to vote?
According to his top challenger, Larry Elder, a Republican, Newsom is corrupt, has led CA down the rabbit hole (my words) especially during the pandemic, and he (Larry) wants to save California.
“I’m running for Governor because the decline of California isn’t the fault of its people. Our government is what’s ruining the Golden State. …”
Larry Elder
Read more about Larry Elder and his ‘manifesto’ here.
Furthermore and according to an article, “The Recall would cost state and county election officials $276 million to administer.” Really? Can we pause a minute to imagine how many healthy meals can be provided to all children in public schools with that money and still have some change? Or how many grants can be awarded to enable students attend college? Or the number of homes that can be built to house homeless folks and clear / repair the dilapidated streets and freeways?
And guess who pays it back? We, the people, do in taxes and fees!
Man, I lost it when I saw that cost.
In Defense
It’s disappointing that Newsom cultivated a wait-and-see attitude and allowed the 1.5 million signatures for the recall to be collected unchallenged. Could he not have campaigned for his tenure and against the recall simultaneously when those signatures were being collected? I pondered.
Gavin Newsom has only been Governor for two years; smack in the middle of the pandemic. Like all of us, no one knew what to do with covid-19 or how to do the little we knew to do. Is’t fair to use the pandemic outcome as a yardstick to measure Newsom’s effectiveness as Governor of CA? I don’t think so. If anything, I think that CA faired better than most States regarding covid-19. Some States didn’t wear masks nor abided by the 6-feet distancing.
Yes, we expect a lot from our government, understandably. But that’s the whole reason we are disappointed in our government officials. We forget about the bureaucratic red tapes where a decision takes months, if not years, to make and signatories are required at each step. By the time those signatures are collected, the need for the decision has elapsed.
Granted that there are basic expectations of the government, covid, in my opinion was a grave exception.
Oh, I forgot about Gavin Newsom being at a party during covid, and all without masks. Is’t enough to justify a recall? To this I say, “he (or she) without sin, cast the first stone.”
What did Larry Elder and the other challengers expected of Newsom to have done in two years? Or during covid-19? And does Larry Elder, and the rest of the recall challengers, think that they can do better? We know it’s all political maneuvering. But, please, let not the people play their games because we, the people, will receive the outcome (wrong end) of it all.
“When two elephants fight, it’s the ground (or the arena where the fight occurred) that suffers.” - an African adage
Lest they all forgot, Gavin Newsom became Governor of California in January 2019. All the issues raised by Larry Elder didn’t emanate the last two years. Those issues have been ongoing for decades. A good example is CA’s housing and homelessness issues. Prior CA Governors who had eight-year tenures couldn’t solve those issues. Why expect Newsom to in two years; which technically could be six months because of covid?
I am a Democrat on paper, but first a citizen of California and of the United States of America. My stand is not of party affiliation. I’ll take a stand if the Governor had been a Republican and the recall, in my opinion, does not make sense. I’m just tired of my people’s emotional rush and a lack of deliberate logical /critical thinking-through.
No to the Recall. It’s nonsensical!
We know that California is a political key state, having the highest number (55) of electoral votes, than any other of the fifty states. Understandably that political parties scurry for the State to be in charge. But, can we make it first about the people.
Any excuse or reason is good enough when people just want (not, need) a change. The reason could even be all lies and slander to bait the people. But, my people, it takes two to tango. If the politicians think that they can ‘fool’ the people, they’ll continue to do so. But if the people wake up, wise up, and say enough, the politicians will stop and change. They can’t without us. Let’s stop being gullible and frivolous people.
Credits: Unsplash / Hansjörg Keller
Similar Politicking
A similar occurrence happened regarding the Los Angeles County (LAC) District Attorney (DA) position. Anyone good enough could have replaced Jackie Lacey, the then incumbent DA. The people were tired with her, particularly with her (or office’s) handling of issues regarding BLM. Enter George Gascón, with an impressive resume, and bingo, we’ve got a great challenger to oust her out. Gascón won the race and the people were happy, or so we thought. But no. Less than three months in office, Gascón faced a recall. No kidding, right? What were the people thinking when they voted him in? Why allow ourselves and our emotions to go yo-yo at the flip of a button or do the 180-360 degree flips, beats me.
For Gascón, the recall supporters “must collect 579,062 signatures from registered voters in the county by October 27, 2021.”
Final Thoughts
Some might say that these two cases are what politics is all about; that politics is dirty. But, no. Politics of itself is about service to the nation and serving its people. Politics of itself is not dirty, but the people in politics are the ones who play the dirty games; just as being played in other professions as the Police, Prisons, Banking/Finance, etc. The point is that there are bad eggs/people everywhere; in families, community, work, etc.
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Edmund Burke
When people in politics put self, greed, and position above the people, we, the people, should not just stand and watch. We, the people, have the power to change it all. We can return politics to the service dignity comparable to any private lucrative profession. Time, we the people, start thinking and less talking.
Father God, I ask you once more to
“teach us to number our days, That we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”(Psalm 90:12)
We don’t understand why things happen the way they do, but we trust you and ask that you purify our hearts. Help us to think right. We don’t know how to vote, but we surrender it all to you. Help us to march forward always, and not backwards. Help us to think altruistically and not selfishly.
This Recall, in my opinion, is out of order. The reason(s) is(are) flimsy. How are you going to vote on September 14?
Thanks for reading. This post is longer than my norm, but not long enough to split in two. I appreciate your time reading till the end.
As you may or may not know, it has been a whirlwind in the NBA since August 2nd when the annual free agency trades began. With it came new mega contracts that’s making my head spin so hard; all in the bid to stack up on the best of the best of players onward to the 2021-22 NBA Championship race.
While some trades and contracts were shockers both on the acquiring and releasing of players, some made good business sense.
Of all the player trades, I am personally most pleased to see Andre Iguodala back with the Golden State Warriors.
Ighi a 37-year old veteran, still kicking it, has been around the NBA block since 2004 when he was first drafted by the Philadelphia Sixers; the Team he spent eight seasons with. He first joined the Warriors in 2013, had six seasons, and was invaluable in guarding key players during the Warriors’ Championships seasons in 2015, and the back-to-back 2017 and 2018. In 2015, Ighi won the MVP.
He was traded to the Miami Heats in 2019. It was a sad departure watching him leave and wondering why the Warriors couldn’t work out a better deal to retain him.
I hoped he enjoyed his two-season tenure with the Heats, but happy to see him back with the Warriors. Could this be his last dance with the Team and community that gave him the MVP? We will find out soon.
Welcome Andre Iguodala back to the Bay Area and the Golden State Warriors.
Want to read more about Ighi’s basketball bio, click here.
Bye to Oubre
As we welcome Andre, it was sad to say goodbye to Kelly Oubre Jr whose new home is now with the Charlotte Hornets. Thanks Oubre! I enjoyed watching Oubre fierce and fearless on the court and will miss him. I hope his new home is as comforting as, if not more than, the Bay. Wish you the very best, Oubre.
The Whole Trade
If you’ve followed the NBA in the last two weeks, you would have heard of the several mega and max contracts flying around. From Steph Curry to Luka Doncic to Kevin Durant to …., it’s jaw-breaking deals all over. Interested in knowing who has been traded from/to what Team, click here.
Tokyo Olympics
Credits: NBA
From Blogger’s Photo Library
Finally, it behooves us to say Congratulations to both the USA Men and Women Basketball Teams for winning the Gold medals at the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics.
I think this is worth sharing for Monday Financial Nuggets. This is for you if you work 9-to-5, or have ever contributed to a retirement account, or are thinking of contributing.
Many, if not all of us, had heard that it’s good to max your annual contribution to the retirement/401k (or 457k if you’re a public/government employee) because of the employer matching contribution. Well, the same folks (financial experts) who touted the paradox of maxing out are singing a different song now.
If you’re currently maxing out on your 401k, this is a must-read for you.
I never maxed out; only contributed enough to have each employer I worked for match it. But I did know a few people who did. The few I knew complained about any and everything involving money; it was pulling strings to get them to take self or family to dinner or vacation. Whether or not it paid off for them, I wouldn’t know.
Anyways, maxing out surely puts a strain on available cash-in-hand and, as the article states, dampens the enjoyment of living, and missing out on one’s youth including other life essentials.
Of course, we’ve been taught that life is about opportunity costs. But about time we make life about equilibrium.
I hope you enjoy reading the article and learn something. Let me know your thoughts on this in the Comments.
Read this Wall Street Journal story about families dying of covid. Hope it inspires you to ensure that your family and friends are vaccinated.
It’s a sad-story outcomes of unvaccinated folks.
Don’t be a victim. Love your family, friends, or neighbors, encourage them to vaccinate.
Since the Herrings died, Ms. Parish has felt judgment from friends and acquaintances asking why her parents weren’t vaccinated—why she didn’t make them get vaccinated.
The vaccine ignorance is real. Help educate those closest to you.
I rarely drink soda (also known as pop or soft drinks). The last time I craved some was over two decades ago when I was pregnant. Surprisingly, I craved some last night. So I included one in my food delivery.
After enjoying my dinner, I reached out for the bottle to open and gobble it down to ‘seal up’ the meal. I froze. The first thing I checked was the sugar content having recently been diagnosed borderline Type 2 diabetes.
I’ve made changes to my food intakes (I don’t diet! lol) and been watching my sugar as well. I love my hot tea and usually drink four to six cups a day, with cream and sugar! That’s however changed to two to three with sugar substitutes.
So, when I saw the sugars in the Sprite, the bottle fell outta my hand. Omg!
Well, some might say, you can have the no-sugar or Diet Sprite instead. True, but think of those who have no medical insurance and who drink the regular Sprite, think of those uninformed (or is’t ignorants, pardon me.) I used to be ignorant in that aspect as well when I used to enjoy endless bottles of Coke or Pepsi (Pepsi was my favorite; sorry Coca Cola). But not any more.
Drinking high-sugar content drinks is not healthy. According to the CDC, “Frequently drinking sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with
weight gain/obesity,
type 2 diabetes,
heart disease,
kidney diseases,
non-alcoholic liver disease,
tooth decay and cavities, and
gout, a type of arthritis.”
You who are informed, should help those who are not.
Here’s an Harvard article on the nutritional source of sugary drinks.
Is the company, CocaCola, producing what the consumers want or just making products without cognizance to consumers’ long time health?
We can’t stop Coca Cola (or the other companies) from making its (or their) sugary products, but we can inform one another of the apparent or probable health risks.
As the Harvard article states, “concerted action on several levels—from creative food scientists and marketers in the beverage industry, as well as from individual consumers and families, schools and worksites, and state and federal government” is needed to “alleviating the cost and the burden of chronic diseases associated with the obesity and diabetes epidemics in the U.S. and around the world.”
Help do your part and spread the word; just as we need each one of us to spread the need to vaccinate against covid. Thank you.
How many posts do you write in a day? Is there anything such as a rule or framework for the daily number of posts/blogs? What makes bloggers post multitude a day? What is considered a reasonable number? Is the purpose simply because it aids SEO, analytics, etc.? Or is’t just to be seen as busy?
I don’t know. Do you? If you do, please share to inform.
I pondered on these questions when, this past weekend, I received post bombardment from one of my followings. In two days, I had received over two hundred (200) posts; on one day, I got over a hundred (113); all different posts. Another day, I had received fifty-three (53) by 9:00 A.M.! I wondered how many I would have gotten if I hadn’t stopped it? Your guess is as good as (if not better than) mine.
When I tried to reach out to the blogger, thinking that it probably might have been a technical glitch, I could not leave a comment on the website. What then do you do?
I recognize that some of us are busier on the blog than others. For some, it is their full-time business; while a hobby/pastime for others. Being busier (or rather hustling) than most means one would consistently churn out more blogs per day than others. But, how many is really too much?
Granted that there are no formal rules yet concerning blogs, blogging, or bloggers, the primary consideration should be on the readers. Will your reader be happy to receive all those mails in a day? Such bombardment is a turn-off to say the least.
WP community, have you received such posts bombardment? It was my first time being aware of such. What would you do? I hate to unfollow anyone, but such bombardment shows inconsideration for one’s followers who have to read them and whose emails are being clogged as a result. What do you think? Any suggestions for such bloggers who churn out 50 – 100 blogs a day? Please feel free to leave it in the comments.
One suggestion, I have which is really a no-brainer, is to spread those posts out; that is, schedule them to post few (I suggest a max of five) daily and rest.
There’s hope for a tree if it’s cut down, that it will sprout again.
And that the tender branch thereof will not cease.
Though the root thereof wax old in the earth,
And the stock thereof die in the ground;
Yet through the scent of water it will bud,
And bring forth boughs like a plant.” (Job 14:7-9).
Allow yourself to be watered How, you ask? By moving closer to your Creator By constantly staying in His Presence And meditating and leaning in His warm embrace
He will renew your strength You will soar on wings of eagles You run and not grow weary You will walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31)
And you will be watered to overflowing.
Wait on Hope all the days of your life Until your change and release come.
It will surely come. Wait on it.
This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” (Hebrews 6:19)
“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. …”. (Romans 5:5, Proverbs 23:18)
Put your hope in God Hope in Him will never bring you to shame
He alone knows how to bring you to the expected end
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
May all that you hope for come true … Your hope will never be cut short
Will covid ever be a thing of the past for us? Or is’t going to become like flu where we have to have the shot every year? I cannot wait till that day when we can heavily sigh “thank goodness it’s over!”
My precious daughter unfortunately just tested positive though she’s been fully vaccinated. She was the one that was zealous about everyone doing their part especially during the fatal widespread of covid last year. She was very concerned about us and made sure that we were all aware of everything, sending us CDC and hospital links, warnings about stocking up during those critical months, and doing our part to be protected and more. It saddens me that she tested positive. But, I’m nonetheless glad that she was fully vaccinated before testing positive.
Her symptoms are minor. Thank goodness. She’s really fine, compared to what I’ve heard of others; apart from her foods tasting bland, having to isolate for ten days from the date of contact (which is really hard to tell) or date of first symptom, and not being able to hug her. Her symptoms are still extremely milder than pre-vaccine folks we’ve read about.
Why are peopleresistant to the covid vaccine
Covid has been a terror from hell, but thank goodness that we have the vaccines. But we still need unvaccinated folks everywhere to get vaccinated. Really, it’s free? Do they know that it is – FREE?! I wonder what excuse(s) people have for not vaccinating.
As of today, 90 million Americans have not vaccinated. That’s over a quarter (27%) of the U.S. 329 million population. In my opinion, still a large number for such a fatal issue.
“According to experts, there are a variety of reasons:
lack of access to vaccines,
a refusal to see Covid-19 as a threat,
concern about the vaccines’ side effects,
little trust in the vaccines or the institutions behind them, and
belief in at least one of several different conspiracy theories.”
President Biden has, as an incentive, offered to grant $100 to newly-vaccinated folks. My fury take is “what else do they want?”
I’ve also heard that rideshare companies are donating free rides to help get folks to vaccine.
Companies and organizations should also do their best to mandate their employees to vaccinate. This is ongoing, but needs to intensify.
Better vaccinate than not
As we’ve all been hearing, being fully vaccinated does not provide you with perpetual immunity. But, it might prevent you from having the serious implications and hospitalization.
Even when the Government announced maskless, I still wore mine realizing that there were still folks out and about who have refused vaccination, and even during the critical months, to wear mask and or get vaccinated. Though the exemption was for vaccine-less people to still wear the mask, I knew that most vaccinated-less will join the vaccinated and not wear masks still! There’s no knowing of who had been vaccinated or not, so it was better for me to keep my mask on and still continue the sanitization/washing hands.
I hope you still wear your masks, too, both in- and outdoors to prevent yourself.
The poor, the rich, and the wealthy: God made them all. Baring any financial inheritances, and level playing fields, God created all equal – one head, two eyes, and two legs. None was born with two heads and three or four legs, right? Such a being will no longer be human.
Why then are some poor and some rich or wealthy? Why isn’t everyone in a level financial field? And why is it that some no matter how hard they labor, it’s as if the money is being thrown into a basket with holes and yet have to worry about food, clothing and shelter? Yet, some only work a few and have all the luxuries of life and not a care in the world?
Is it right to say that God intentionally created some to be poor? God, the One who owns the hills and cattle on the hills (meaning that God is abundantly wealthy and owns everything) will desire that His sons and daughters live in abject poverty, while reserving the wealth for a few 1% (10%?)? That is not the kind of God I have come to know. Let’s think about this for a second.
The above verse has weighed heavily on my heart until I came across another statement, then I understood what the verse meant.
The Three Types
There are three types of people in the world: the poor, the rich, and the wealthy.”
Dr. Myles Munroe
“There are three types of people in the world: poor, rich, and wealthy.” This statement was made by the late Dr. Myles Munroe, the Sr. Pastor of Bahamas Faith Ministries International. Dr. Munroe went on to say that:
Poor people always talk about money. “I don’t have enough.”
ThinkerTalker says: Change your words and start speaking in abundance and positives, lest it becomes self-fulfilling.
Rich people think about “things” and what they have. “Look at my clothes, yacht, car, stock, etc.”
ThinkerTalker says: Don’t let “things” be the yardstick for measuring your life. There are tons of invaluable feats that we can invest in. Let’s look for those.
Wealthy people think and talk about ideas. They don’t think or talk about their money or things.
ThinkerTalker says: May God bless us with multi-million dollar ideas and creative abilities. Could it be that we are already blessed with those million-dollar ideas but we’re sitting and procrastinating on them or allowing fear to keeps us from moving forward with them?
Looking at the three different types of people, we can deduce the outcomes based on each’s mindset, focus, time and money management. Including each’s proactiveness and reactiveness.
In order to become a different type of person, one has to desire the type and vigorously pursue it. what it is that is done differently by those types.
Income Inequality
Put another way, there is income inequality and the gap has widened for the top 10% while shrunken for others. “Income allows a family to get by; wealth allows a family to get ahead.”
Credits: Federal Reserve, St. Louis
“Income is also a fairly common indicator of financial well-being.”
Education has been deemed a necessary tool to help in reversing the lack. Still some debate the need of education because of such people like Bill Gates and Steve Job. Such folks should engage in however means they know or have to stay informed,
Demography may not be economic destiny, but it is strongly related to financial outcomes
St. Louis Fed
In conclusion, we can reverse an unhappy financial situation, be it personal or generational, by investing early in life for the long run, having cash (or readily convertible to cash) in hand, spending wisely, and managing the money we have.
Thanks for reading. Cheers to your wealth and improved financial situation
The Warriors have added two new members to the 2021-22 roster following Thursday’s NBA Draft. Welcome to the squad Jonathan Kuminga (7th overall pick) and Moses Moody (14th)! Get to know more about the latest additions to Dub Nation and what they could potentially bring to the hardwood.
— Read on www.nba.com/warriors/news-blogs/kuminga-moody-20210729
Rep the Rookies!
Presenting Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, the newly-acquired Rookies. Both were selected, by Bay Area’s finest, the Golden State Warriors, (GSW) as #s 7 and 14 respectively in Round 1 of the 2021 NBA Draft yesterday. Kuminga originates from the Congo Republic in Africa.
Credits: Golden State Warriors
Click on the above link to read more about the Rookies.
Please welcome them, wish them well, and get to know them.
Here’s hoping that the addition will make GSW a better contender for the 2021-22 NBA Season.
ThinkerTalker wishes both the very best.
Article Credits to NBA.com and Golden State Warriors
Theabove NBA link shows each Team’s pick number. Though I have several favorite players, my fave Team, Golden States Warriors, has the #7 First Round Pick. The Season’s Champions, Milwaukee Bucks, don’t get to pick, but they still have the #1 Round Two pick from a previous trade.
This CBS Sports link shows the prospects; a total of 102. An impressive list with at least ten (10) freshmen opting for the NBA. Africa is also ably represented with ten (10).
The Draft Pick is both exciting and emotional. Some are sure picks, but about forty percent (40%) will return home without a Team selection.
It is always interesting to see the final outcome of selections by the Teams. I also like to compare how close the Mock/Analyst selections are to the final outcomes.
I hope you will watch tonight; airing on ABC. Check your local channels for other airings.
Today’s post is all questions. Answering them, in my opinion, will make you aware, if you are not already, of your thoughts and beliefs. Thanks for participating.
Does money flow to you easily or is money attracted to you and vice versa?
What example(s) do you have of #1?
Do you repel money?
Give an example of an occurrence.
Are you a money magnet or a money repellant?
Are you a good money manager/ess or a good money mismanager/ess?
Now that you are conscious of your money habits, what are you going to do differently?
We’ve all heard the sayings “a magnet attracts and a repellant repels,” especially if you were a science student or had physics class(es) in high school. Also, the phrase “like (energy) attracts like (energy). But is’t true when it comes to money? If true, how does one become a money magnet?
Being a money magnet or repellant depends on your beliefs. But it is not enough to believe, without some corresponding actions backing it up. For example, I believe that when I pray for something, I will get it. But I don’t believe that praying for money without working or doing something for money will cause the money to flow to one.
The money is found in the cultivation of a God-given idea.
ThinkerTalker
When people pray to God to bless them, God answers by giving the person an idea. But most folks still continue to pray and eventually give up concluding that God didn’t answer their prayers. The money is found in the cultivation of a God-given idea.
Anyone who doesn’t allow money to “rest easy” (aka stay in their hands or bank accounts) is a money repellant. As my sista, Kathy E. Garland, stated “A lot of us can generate income, but learning how to invest, instead of spend is a big deal.” That is so true for many. Money repellants make the money but unfortunately, the money comes in one way and goes out the other way. (could be a post for another day.)
Being one or the other could also be hereditary; the repellant more of a pathology that needs to be corrected and/or reversed.
Two weeks ago, I had thought of a blog topic, using basketball as an allegory. The topic was “every MJ has a Pippen.” But with the Finals in full swing, I wrote the title, then shelved it for other topics. Guess what, yesterday, I got an article on exactly the same topic from one of the blogs I follow! I can’t help but share it.
I was like omg, Father God, what are you trying to tell me? That’s like Him – giving His people the same thing at the same time. My people, He is speaking and we all need to pay attention.
I believe that God is telling us to pay more and better attention to the #2s in our lives. And if you are a #2 to someone, know that you are special because God has taken note of you. Not that He just did, He’s being watching you keenly.
I was going to post a different blog for Sunday’s Jesus Ministry, but had to switch to blog this.
Everyone knows who Michael Jordan is. He is a global athletic icon. Every kid or high schooler wants to be like Mike. But how many know who Scottie Pippen is – now or then; during both their seasons with the Chicago Bulls.?
The Bible talks about Ruth (in the Book of Ruth) and Jonathan (in the Book of 1 Samuel). Both Ruth and Jonathan are folks who came into the lives of another (Naomi and David respectively) to help them out. They became team members for the success of the other.
I really don’t have much to add. Steve Graves’ article does all the talking.
However, I would like to add this: that I hope we all have a Chuck (Barkley) in our corner. Chuck, on the Inside the NBA show was the only analyst who supported, voted, and believed that Giannis and Milwaukee Bucks would win the Championship. He believed at the onset of the Playoffs even when Bucks was losing and were not playing their best game as expected.
I hope someone some where believes in me. I hope someone some where believes in you, too.
Stayed blessed and have a great and productive week.
I hope I gave my parents (of blessed memory) Lotta joy while they lived.
I hope I have radiated some joy To you today or at some other time.
I delight to resonate my name Always To strangers and foes alike But please don’t do any wickedness To my ears or eyes Even at that You’ll see me rebuking in joy
I hate wickedness with a passion And cannot stand to watch it happen Wickedness and Joy always collide The two cannot co-habit And one has to flee To make way for the other.
Give me Funmi Is the short form;
I hope I saved you the agony of sounding out my long name. Or did I save myself the agony of hearing my name butchered every time I’m called.
But wait a moment why should we agonize? If all can call Schwarzenegger or Antetokounmpo, all can call OluwaFunmiLAyo. But never mind, I’ll keep it at Funmi, for short, and let you have the joy of calling it.
I not only give joy But I give gifts of His Glory
Radiating His Peace, gentleness and meekness (though not always), goodness, and faith, long suffering, perseverance, and temperance for sure.
I love, and give it, too. That I am commanded to be, do, and give
He stopped by again unannounced as he had previously done over the past years.
“Hey. Why?” She asked him. “You’re getting married this weekend. You promised me you wouldn’t come again.”
“I just wanted another night with you,” he blurted out. I came to get you. Let’s go to The Beach Point.
“For the last time?” she asked
“I don’t know – can’t bet my life on that,” he winked as he replied.
She gave him a kiss, “I’ll be right back.” She ran inside like a 6-year old being invited to her favorite candy shop. She hurriedly changed into one of his favorite dress; a soft pink V-necked that clung unto her soft skin. He actually bought it for her from one of his company trips.
The Venue
They had met by chance at a mutual friend’s birthday party. Both showed up solo to the party and they had clicked from the onset. But … they both belonged to someone else. Suddenly, her steady boyfriend broke up with her. He visited to “console” her, telling her the ex must be a jerk to leave her. One visit led to another and soon they became inseparable.
The Beach Point had been their tryst. They met there at 5:30 p.m. everyday after work for the past three years. Some weekends, too. Regulars at The Point knew them as the beautiful power couple. Unknown to them that they both belonged to someone else and he’s getting ready to marry in a few days.
She stepped out looking gorgeous from head-to-toe. She could pass for a model, but she wasn’t. She worked as the PRO (Public Relations Officer) for one of the large and top City Banks. He was the General Manager at an international oil company.
He jumped up and swept her off her feet kissing and caressing her all over unable to control himself.
“I love you. Wished I found you first.”
She put her index finger to his lips. “Stop. You don’t. You should be marrying me instead.”
Three hours later, they were wrapped together on the living room couch watching Kevin Costner’s The Bodyguard.
They stared at each other unable to let go.
“Do you still want to go?” he finally asked.
She said, “yes.”
She straightened down her dress, padded the loose powder on her face, applied her irresistable matte brown lipstick, and slipped on her brown stilettos.
The Beach Point was packed; couples dancing, some busy chatting, while some ate staring into each other’s eyes. They walked in to the music of “Secret Lovers” by Atlantic Starr. He gently pulled her to the dance floor. They were glued together on the floor. She had tears in her eyes. Suddenly, the tears gushed uncontrollably down her face. He felt the warmth of her tears on his shirt as she sobbed uncontrollably. He gently swirled her around and, with his right strong arm by her waist, he whispered something into the ears of the DJ. Secret Lovers sang all night.
Was that his request to the DJ, she wondered.
Goodbye!
Time to go home. It was 2:00 A.M. The night flew into the mornings pretty fast. It was getting chilly, too, for a summer morning. Where had he been? All the sobbing left foundation and lipstick stains on his Armani shirt. What would he tell his fiancée?
They drove silently back to her apartment. He walked her to the door and kissed her goodbye. She gently opened the door and, without looking back, stepped in and closed the door. She slumped onto the couch and cried herself to sleep.
She took a trip to Paris for that weekend of his wedding. And guess what? She was the first person he called after tying the knot! “I’m coming to Paris on Tuesday, he softly told her over the phone. I’ll see you soon. He hung up before she could say anything to stop him.
QuestionsUnanswered
Why does it have to be this way? Why can’t two loving people be together? Why does he have to end up with her out of pity? What kind of marriage would that be? And how long will this continue for? Are we being selfish and inconsiderate?
Literacy in itself is no education. Literacy is not the end of education or even the beginning. By education I mean an all-round drawing out of the best in the child and man-body, mind and spirit.
Mahatma Gandhi
Education does not stop after graduation from high school or college/university. Real educational development continues way after receiving your diploma and throwing of your cap. Completing the education was only the foundation in life.
Your educational development will continue way past graduation and will be tested in various areas of your life. How much you knew (or thought you knew), what you know (or thought you do know), and how much you are willing to learn or know. Are you teachable or rigid; open or closed to learn from others?
I have written two prior posts on Education. They serve as preambles. Please read them before continuing.
“If you stop learning after graduation, you will degenerate.”
Chris Adedoyin @VarsityExperience
After graduation, your first test will come on-the-job from your boss, team members, or the company’s clients or vendors. Or if you’re one of the few who delved right into building a business upon graduation, it will come from everyone you deal with; such dealings can determine your success or failure in the business.
Are you willing to learn new things and follow instructions? Not following instructions can sometimes cost businesses, and personal, dollars. No matter what you’ve learned, every organization has its way of doing business and things; also known as its culture.
First things first (credits to Stephen Covey), never squeeze yourself into a culture you don’t fit into.
Your first job will often be a test of everything you know, thought you knew, are humble to acknowledge you don’t know, and are willing to know and learn. Yes, I recognize that I’m repeating this and might probably do once more during the post. But, life itself is all about this. It is when we acknowledge that we really don’t know as much as we thought we knew, that we’ll be open to learning.
Simply, you can continue your educational development by:
Reading
Being in company of those you deem intellectually superior than you
Having mentors; either professional or personal
Taking classes, and/or
Willing to return to college.
How does your educational development apply in marriage?
It depends on who you marry and/or the family you married into. For example, if your spouse is highly educated, it will behove you to be on the same educational level. If not, you should return to the classroom, else s/he might not deem you “an intellectual equal.” That might put a wedge in that area in your marriage.
Likewise, if your spouse’s family are all intellectuals, and you are not, they might be condescending leading you to being of low self esteem if yours is underdeveloped or non-existence. The reverse is equally true – if you have a higher degree but married one who has a high school diploma. And if you come from an intellectual family but married into a family of laid back education-is-not-for-us kind.
Please note that I am not condemning one or the other, merely stating my opinion and life observations/experiences.
I must point out though that these scenarios are not edged in stone; they are the general life experiences. As we all know, there are always a few exceptions that defy generalizations. Such instances are often the God-kind.
An instance of marrying into a family of intellectuals should, in my opinion, rub off on one to motivate such a person to return to college.
Sean K. Fletcher reminded me/us of the recent development of folks aspiring for “the PhD or doctorate as the highest level qualification today …”. Imagine competing for a job/position with such holders if all you have is high school, some college, or BA/B.Sc.
The purpose of this post is to encourage you to continue your educational development beyond graduation and to have an open mind towards continued learning and educating yourself. The benefits, both tangible and intangible, will be both personal and beneficial to your marriage.
“The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.”
Albert Einstein
Do not let anything interfere with your learning; not even yourself.
Have you been watching the NBA 2020-21 Championship between Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns, like I have? What a ball it has been!
Game 6 will be played today, at 9:00 P.M. EST in ABC. That’s in approximately three hours. It is the game NBA Analyst, Steve Aschburner, has tagged Desperationversus Discipline. I cannot agree more.
Desperation or Discipline?
Both Teams are indeed desperate to win today for obvious reasons. For Suns, it’s win or go home. The desperation is hardest on them such that some Phoenix lawyer(s) will pay for a billboard to be mounted in Milwaukee! Read about it here. Whether to support the Suns or troll the Bucks, it seems an act of desperation. The law firm should have used the money to fly all its staff and family members to Fiserv Forum to cheer Phoenix Sun if it really wanted to support. Well …
For Bucks, it’s win, clinch the Larry O’Brien Cup, or return to Phoenix for another grueling game.
Also, both Teams haven’t won a Finals in at least fifty (50) years.
Both Teams also have to indeed exercise discipline; a much better one than they had done and particularly did for Game 5 in order to mitigate the foul calls and avoid technicals and injuries.
Whether it is desperation or discipline, I hope it’s all clean, good, and fun game with no fatal injuries.
Background and Series thus far
As you may or may not know, NBA Playoffs and Championships are a series of seven games. The Season’s Championship began on Tuesday, July 6th at the home court of Phoenix Suns (PS). The Series started with Games 1 and 2 at Phoenix, Games 3 and 4 in Milwaukee, Game 5 – Phoenix, Game 6 – Milwaukee (today), and Game 7, if necessary, back in Phoenix.
As expected, PS clinched the first two games of the Series utilizing home court and fan base to their advantage, setting everyone, viewers and analysts, wondering what was going on with the Bucks, and thus putting Team Giannis in the hole 2-0! Phoenix’s fan base loudly roasted (or booed) Giannis Antetokounmpo (GA) non-stop at the free-throw line – a mental torture, in my opinion.
However, at Buck’s homecourt, GA appeared to get mentally tougher, better, and of course, fewer or non-existence of the Phoenix fans helped eased his composure at the free throw line. With some superb leadership caliber plays, Bucks won the next two games; also utilizing the fan base-home court to its advantage.
Though Game 5 was at PS’s, Bucks clinched the game; now leading series by 3-2. Spectacular was the steal by Jrue Holiday (JH) (from Sun’s Devin Booker) at the last few minutes, GA’s dunk, and Khris Middleton’s back-to-back three-pointers, including free-throws from fouls all helped put Bucks in the lead and cemented the win.
All games featured superb 40+ points each by three players; Devin Booker (PS), GA, and Khris Middleton (KM); thus making the Finals MVP a hard choice. Also notable were stunning steals in the last two games, including blocks and dunks throughout.
The Desperationcontinues
The Phoenix Suns franchise, established in 1968, has never won an NBA Championship. Per Jason Schandl, “the last time they even made the NBA finals was the 1992-93 season, when Charles Barkley and company lost to Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. Their only other championship appearances came in the 1975-76 season.”
Bucks’ slogan is “History in the Making.” It’s the first time the team reached the Finals in fifty (50) years.
“The last time the Bucks were in The Finals, legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson were their stars. Current coach Mike Budenholzer was only four years old. Some of the 2021 players’ parents weren’t even born yet.”
Steve Aschburner
“Only four teams have ever bounced back from a 2-0 series deficit in the NBA Finals. Can the 2021 Milwaukee Bucks team become the fifth?” – Yash Mantange
The four teams, he wrote, were:
Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016
Miami Heat in 2006
Portland Trail Blazers in 1977, and
Boston Celtics in 1969.
I believe Mantange made the above statement simply because Milwaukee Bucks is closer to clinching the Series’ win than Phoenix Suns. But, it will be interesting to see the outcome tonight. Yours truly will definitely be watching, cheering, and taking notes. [smile]. I hope you will be too.
Today’s post’s title however was inspired by a cake and sweet shop so named. I drove by it and bought a piece of velvet cake. I have tasted several velvet cakes and I love to compare with a personal goal of selecting the best. It’s been hard though as every piece is unique in its taste.
This particular velvet cake had both a sweet and not-so-sweet (not sour or bitter) combination. I’m sure bakers have a term for it. Sorry, I’m not a baker. Anyways, the velvet cake was surprisingly the not-so-sweet, while the creamy topping was the sweet. But the topping also had some sprinkling that balances the sweetness; kind of like a dark chocolate topping on a vanilla icecream. After savoring the cake (I wanted another but had driven far off to turn back!), I experienced the aha moment of the cakery’s (patisserie or bakery) name.
Of Sinners and Saints
Who is a sinner? You and I. Cos we are imperfect And live in an imperfect world.
We are sinners when we disobey God’s words when we do the things He disapproves of, when we love darkness rather than light, when we act like Judas rather than the Good Samaritan.
Now, who is a Saint? None of us Though all of us could qualify.
“A saint Is just a sinner who fell down, But … couldn’t stay there, And got up…” – Donnie McClurkin
You could be a saint if you live a holy and righteous life, or give generously to others of your time, talent, and treasures
You don’t have to die to qualify as a saint As does the Catholics
You, and I, can start living as saints here on earth
Else we’ll be the sinners who never got back up, and no-one wants around;
Choose today which you’ll be, Sinner or Saint.
Both sinners and saints never last either can change, for the better; hopefully, not for worse.
In choosing remember that One goes to hell and the other to heaven.
I hope you’ll choose wisely This day who you’ll become If you already haven’t.
Have you being receiving bogus tweets from folkson Twitter? Comment if you have received any in your mailbox or had some popped up on your account.
I have received tons. And I recently just paid attention to them. The other day I deleted 400+ emails received from Twitter.
screenshot of total deleted emails from Twitter … blacked out my personal email/Twitter account
Most of which were sent from bogus/fake accounts. There are only 365 days in the year. To have received 400+ emails in 6 months is horrendous, and in my opinion, a bombardment. The annoying thing again is that the tweets are from fake/bogus Twitter accounts. For example, the above screenshot shows a tweet purportedly from Steph Curry, the Golden State Warriors’ (GSW) point guard. But the tweet was not from Steph’s official account.
Twitter, or whoever is responsible, replicates the accounts of my followers and followings which is only a few and sends the tweets supposedly via those accounts and emails a daily (or more per day) compilation. Ridiculous and whosoever is responsible must be really idle.
The latest tweets (and news) surfing the web is that of Damian Lillard, the indefatigable Portland Trail Blazers (PTB) guard, purportedly requesting a trade from his team. Dame has been with PTB for eight years. I received several tweets on the alleged trade about Dame in talks with GSW and Los Angeles Lakers (LAL), but ignored them. Then my daughter forwarded another to me.
I was glad when Dame eventually debunked the news during an interview while at the Olympics Exhibition Games in Las Vegas. The interview was reported by both the NBA and ESPN.
More bogus tweetsreceived
Left: Bogus one emailed, Right: Real account. Can you spot the difference?
The above tweets were replicated from the individuals’ official accounts.
But, why the need for replication if I follow them anyways? Does Twitter (or the idle somebody) think that I may not see it? It baffles me.
It’s one of the reasons I left Facebook. I deleted my FB account but recently received an email asking me if I was trying to log back into it! I wasn’t.
Who Polices the Police?
Former President DT was banned for inciting tweets and posts. Fake tweets incites the public, too, as we saw with Dame’s. I bet Dame’s wasn’t the only fake news.
Twitter and Facebook don’t have to engage users this way (or allow such engagements).
Questions.
Who bans Twitter for sending and spreading those fake news? Or for allowing accounts to be set up for such? Or is Twitter beyond reproof? What actions, if any, can one take to stop it?
And what is the purpose behind sending fake news? To confuse the people is all I can think of.
What are your thoughts on this? Have you received some bogus tweets and/or posts, too?
I love this lady, Adeola, for her humorous and satirical manner of sharing news, especially those concerning Nigerian and African leaders. Check her YouTube channel for more.
On this TEDTalk, she’s doing her part to wake up The Sleeping Giant.
We all have a part to play. The role is not only for Nigerians and Africans, but also for friends of Nigeria and Africa, as well as well-meaning people all over the globe. Not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) was coined to mean people looking the other way when issues don’t directly affect them. Everything in life affects us directly or indirectly. Africa’s rise or fall as a continent will affect other continents. It’s a spillover effect that is either positive or negative.
What role will you play to help wake it (the Sleeping Giant) up?
When you see or hear something about Nigeria (or Nigerians) and Africa (or Africans), don’t be quick to condemn, but do your own research to find out the authenticity of the news. There’s a lot of fake news floating around. Too bad no-one listened to DT on this (for other reasons), but beware what you share.
Don’t shoot me, please. Yes, I’m not your Mama, but as a mother of two inwardly-beautiful young ladies (to God’s Glory), I’m also concerned as this man, R.C. Blakes, is. I just found and watched his video, totally resonate with all he says, and I believe it’s apropos to share.
Though it’s addressed to all ladies who exhibit the character, I specifically would advise all young ladies to watch it.
In Gottfried’s word and world, I might be trying to control the world. (smile). But in my world, we are all responsible for cultivating the land for habitation. If you believe that “it takes the village to raise the child,” you would agree.
God has given each one of us an area (or piece) of land here on earth to cultivate. As such what I am interested in and passionate about will differ from yours, but we might have a group of individuals so assigned to the same land.
Yes, I know we live in a culture of extreme freedom (everything is free-for-all, or so we think.). But, hey, No! Else, why have laws. For example, being free to drive does not compel me to drive at age 10 or 12. Neither does it compel me to drive and crash into other people or their cars on the freeway. If I choose to, I should be ready to face the consequences, right; the consequences of which might include financial compensation or suspension of the driving license. So freedom is not totally free but limited to some extent.
What does that have to do with the video and/or ladies? Well, watch the video to find out.
It’s disheartening to listen and/or watch young ladies act “desperate for love.” There are several reasons this might occur.
Reasons why ladies might
The first that comes to mind is what I first heard in the charismatic (Pentecostal) churches termed “daddy issues.” This term indicates that a lady is suffering from (or exhibiting behaviors as a result of) the lack of a father in their lives. The father might be present in the house, but sadly only as a figurehead and one who is distant and does not interact with his daughters on a father-daughter level. So the daughter grows up looking for love in all the wrong places, suffers hurt and rejection in her relationships as a result of not having being taught or learned from the man (dad) in her life, goes from one guy to the other, and eventually starts wondering why or that something(s) are wrong with her life.
Whether the term is right, true, or not, the symptoms sure shows that some thing(s) might be psychologically amiss.
Another reason, not unconnected with the first, is that the lady may have low self esteem or an esteem not rightly developed to the level it ought to have.
Yet another reason is that some young ladies, despite all the training and economics given at home, they grow up (or want to grow up) too fast and discard them to follow the “fast-track” lifestyle. They misconstrue a guy wanting to have sex with them as loving them and/or think that by saying yes to every sex, the guy will love them more or keep coming back. Each scenario is a fantasy and leads to heartaches by the third-to-fifth sex or guy!
Some ladies just want a man at all cost.
Some have a boyfriend but don’t know how to sustain the relationship and thus loses the boy/guy.
Another common reason is ladies watch how their friends have boyfriends, are dating, and/or changing boyfriends one after the other yet they don’t have one. FOMO (fear of missing out) seeps in and they resort to chasing guys instead of continuing to wait to be asked out.
Final thoughts
The video also provide examples of how to go about attracting a guy who’s interested in the lady.
Call me old fashioned, I still believe that the man ought to search the lady out. How about you and why? Leave your answer in the Comments if you please.
My greatest heart desire (prayer) is that every young lady desiring love will surely be found out by their true love. It is when we get it out of order that we fall into the wrong relationship.
I learned this poem from elementary (a few decades ago!). For some reason, it’s being popping up in my spirit. I finally paid attention to it.
I forgot a couple of its verses and, thank goodness for Google, found it!
I know it’s a message for me and, probably you. It’s a message for us all, if we don’t already, to slow down and enjoy the stillness of nature’s beauty that surrounds us.
We all get caught up in the daily hustle, bustle, grind, rat race, dog-eat-dog world. But be still to enjoy nature’s beauty!
The poem was written in 1911 and still relevant today. We all get caught up in the daily hustle, bustle, grind, rat race, dog-eat-dog world. But be still to enjoy nature’s beauty! Our culture is so fast-paced such that if you’re not rolling with the pace, one feels out of place.
But, being still to enjoy those things we often deem mundane, is actually the good life. “Staring at sheep and cows or squirrels hiding their nuts in grass” may appear to some as idleness and not having a care in the world. The cares that come from worrying and being anxious about bills, friends, what to wear or eat, children, spouse, etc. The truth though is that such folks have given those cares to God.
Let’s be still and enjoy the good life which is not necessarily the one full of “things.” Things are good to have, but let’s not allow the things to possess us.
Take time to walk and stare at sheep and cows, including the squirrels hiding their nuts in grass, and the stars in the skies, and …. .
Credits: Unsplash / Left, Brett Jordan; Right, Tim Wildsmith
I love Wisdom. It is a gift from God. Those who are blessed with it utter (or pen) such incontestable words that leaves one’s mouth agape, takes one’s breathe away, and sets the hearts ablaze in wonder. It makes an adult out of youngsters and a sage of grown ups. When such moments occur you realize it’s a God moment.
Wisdom defies age and flourishes where peace and tranquillity resides. It is not intelligence. For great intelligentsias have lacked the simplest wisdom.
Wisdom eludes those greedy for power, selfish ambition, fame, riches, or vanity. And eschews the alcohol bibber.
The Wisdom I’m talking about is the one from God, from on High. It is the wisdom that is “first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17)
I need wisdom in the affairs of life generally. I hope you do, too. Bible readers will remember King Solomon, the man of wisdom. Even he needed wisdom in deliberating over an issue of switched births and subsequent death of one of the babies. Both ladies claimed that the surviving baby belonged to her while the dead baby belonged to the other. King Solomon then requested for a sword and told the ladies he would slice the baby in two and give a part to each. 😱
One woman said “yes, go ahead, king.” The other said “no, my king, let her have the baby.” I hope you guessed right who the real mother was. Not that King Solomon will do such an act, but it was wisdom from on high that suggested it to him.
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17 NIV)
Of Wisdom and Foolishness
Yes, there are times when those noted for Wisdom have done or said a foolish thing or two. Those times are exceptions. Foolish as what the wise one may have done or said, it is still part of the sage’s ordained path and it’s for someone somewhere. Am I making excuses for the wise? Certainly not. Take a look at King Solomon’s life (Nehemiah 13:26), the one whom Lord Jesus claimed to be the wisest, and you’ll understand. Sometimes I feel that God, the Infinite Wisdom, often chooses to put a thorn in the flesh to keep the wise meek, humble, and to butress who is in control.
In a culture full of instant gratifications where tons of foolishness abound, it’s rare to find wisdom. But look closely, wisdom is lurking very close. The prudent and equally wise recognize it and desires to sit at her feet.
This young lady, Sarah Jakes, Toure, is one blessed with wisdom. This video interview of her is highly recommended for all young ladies out there. I also gleaned some nuggets from the video as I consider myself a young lady at heart.
More Wisdom Sayings
“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” (Proverbs 17:28 NIV)
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. (Proverbs 13:20 NIV)
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: And with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7 KJV)
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15 NIV)
If you desire Wisdom, all you have to do is ask Father God. He promised to give it to you liberally.
Moral Benefits of Wisdom
I leave you with this Chapter (Proverbs 2:1-22 NIV), from the Book of Proverbs which was written by King Solomon.
“My son (and daughter), if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—
indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse,
who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways,
who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.
Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman (and man), from the wayward woman (or man) with her (his) seductive words,
who has left the partner of her (his) youth and ignored the covenant she (he) made before God.
Surely her (his) house leads down to death and her (his) paths to the spirits of the dead.
None who go to her (his) return or attain the paths of life.
Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous.
For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it;
but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.”
Thanks
Thanks for taking the time to read this post. I hope you enjoyed reading as I have enjoyed gleaning the wisdom from writing it as well. Stay blessed and in wisdom
Credits: Golden State Warriors
ThinkTalk 
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