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Posts filed under: 'Shirley Caesar'
Yeah, I remember the days when you could not sit in a black church with your skirt riding all the way up to your hips… not even while sitting in the back row.
But sadly those days are gone. And back in the day it didn't matter what you were wearing in our church they trained you that you could not sit like some man in a cowboy movie… or anywhere else, and I do mean anywhere. They trained us to be ladies… and to sit like ladies.
I just recently saw a picture of 1 of our general board bishop's wife who was sitting with her legs wide open.
And it did not matter what you had on… since in our church you were never suppose to have on pants anyway. Nor did it matter where you were. Agains, they trained us to be ladies and to always sit with our legs closed.
Sitting with your legs wide open was just not tolerated. It was not an option …nor our clothes pulled all the up on us so people could see everything we had either.
But today is a different story.
Even these preachers… young and old… are marrying worldly women who have never had any type or form of church training. Then how are they …these women to know how to train any women in the churches they are becoming the first lady of how they should carry and hold themselves… if the first lady does not know?
Oh, I see where they all have start to carry large handkerchiefs to throw across their legs now. But that can't hide what is going on above …in the exposing of their breasts.
Everybody it seems want to be naked. I take that saying from my father… who called any woman not dressed appropriately 'naked.' And I guess daddy was right… because the more and more as time has progressed
the more 'naked' they have become.
Take long time gospel music queen Shirley Caesar at this past Grammy's and what she was wearing. But if the truth be told Shirley's shoulder lines have been dropping for a while.
It is 1 thing for the hot little floozies on the corner to be dressed in nothing, but to see gospel legends to begin to strut their stuff is a bit too too too much. Particularly when they are old women and women who had been highly respected in the
gospel world for years, such as Mother and Pastor Shirley Caesar.
And you have these pastors who are marrying women who they are proud to flaunt on their arm and during church services, women who look like they could be in the local club or bar… sitting on a bar stool and inviting any old body to come and taste some of their cheap goods.
I was trying to find this dress I had seen Yolanda Adams wear some years ago. It made me wonder as to whether or not she too had decided to leave the gospel world for secular music fairyland?
It is one thing when you watch the Oscars or whatever and see these women who are not saved… but when the unsaved seem to display more discretion in their dress than some of these gospel divas… then there is a problem.
How could anyone forsake such a standard and code of the church as to the proper dress of a religious or church woman. Are not these things spoken of in the Bible as to what is or is not acceptable?
So, then why would Shirley Caesar after years of covering up properly while in public stoop to what she put on for the Grammys this year. When she saw it she had to known, (1) that that dress was not first of all age appropriate for her, and (2) that it was certainly not something she should have put on…exposing her breast as it did.
For years Shirley Caesar had held up the standard for women in the gospel world. A standard she was taught by those who had come before her… and had undoubtedly been in the church in which she grew up in… as many of us had been trained and nurtured. To wear our clothes as to not intrigue anybody. Nothing hanging off your shoulders, no slits up the side, especially nothing too short or anywhere above the knee… and certainly nothing exposing our breasts.
To this very day I find it hard for me to want to walk into a church… any church with a pair of pants on. Though I only wear pants occasionally… more or less sweat pants when I do. But my training was women did not wear pants.
I was also trained that you just did not walk across the pulpit… for it was holy ground. Even if I am summon to come into the pulpit I go reluctantly… and if I am asked to say something or to speak… I prefer to do from the floor and not in the pulpit. It is not that I am not saved… but God declared certain areas in his sanctuary to be holy
or holy… where only the high priest was allowed enter. Since we no longer have those inter chambers that only the high priest could enter into… we do still have His pulpit. And it is holy.
So, when I see this trend where not only are gospel singers moving towards the secular world… just as R&B singers went towards becoming crossover artists… or better known to become pop artists. The gospel artist today are also forsaking not only their roots …their music and their original audience, which fed and celebrated them for years… and now they are casting them aside and their clothes to go half naked before the world… just like the world.
We have cast off following God… to chase mammon and all his friends.
Well, see how much music Shirley will continue sell. I don't think it will come anywhere near what she used to do… for she has forgotten the Lord her God. And we all know how He handles things like that….
I personally do not see what is wrong with representing the Lord and/or the Kingdom of God as we should… because we honor Him. If we love Him and not the world… then why would you want to follow the ways of the world?
"Choose ye whom ye will serve."
Well, God bless…. We're back into cold weather now. But then it is March so it would be no surprise if between now and some time in April we get dumped with a ton of snow.
So, tell your friends, co-workers and family… everybody even the man down the street and … "pass it on… " http://www.bsmith101.wordpress.com ©2017
Add a comment March 6, 2017
THE VERIZON ATTITUDE… changes in the workplace…
I can't imagine working for anyone who threatened me.
In reading a posting on my facebook page, I read where the daughter of 1 of my facebook friends was told by her employer during Hurrican Irene-
"If any of you leaves, you're fired."
Meaning that if any of the employees left the job they would be terminated.
I can't imagine me wanting to work for anyone who would even consider trying to strong-arm me like that… and particularly in a state of emergency. But it made me think of 9/ll.
On September 11th …on the day that the airplanes flew into the World Trade Center, after the first plane hit the first tower …many of the workers in the second tower were told to remain seated, to continue working.
But friends of mine who were inside the 2nd tower of the World Trade Center that day… told me that when they saw that first plane hit… they didn't care what their supervisors said… they were getting out of there. And because many people had already began evacuating that second tower, as soon as they saw what had happened to the first tower… it for many meant the difference between life and death.
A few days ago while driving down to Atlanta, I happened to catch a news story on 1010 WINS …an all news radio network in New York City. I had seen the picketers standing before various Verizon locations. But I did not know what was going on.
It seems that the contract for 45,000 Verizon workers had expired… meaning the Verzion worker's contract is now up for renegotiation. Playing hardball, Verizon withdrew their worker's health plan when the workers went out on strike. Verzion claim that they could no longer afford to pay for the worker's health coverage because they were losing so much money with them being out on strike.
Everybody who is doing any business with Verizon should cancel every service …or whatever have you with them.
What money is Verizon losing?
None. In fact, with the workers out… they are saving money. Because Verizon doesn't have to pay them while they are out on strike.
But the problem we face today is this… IT IS AN EMPLOYER'S MARKET.
Do you hear me?
Can you understand that?
It is like how they say it is a buyer's market in terms of real estate sales. Because not many people are buying homes …and banks are not lending as much as they used to. So, if you got money …and it doesn't matter about what the seller is asking for …make them an offer. They may just take it… you never know. Because they are not getting many other offers these days. And who knows… your's might be their only offer.
And you see this clear across the board. Car sales and other large ticket items… because there is less cash flow these days with so many people out of work.
And therein lays the Verizon workers dilemma.Verizon is having its way with the Verizon worker's union because so many people are out of work… and Verizon knows that it has the power to wheel and deal as it pleases because of the way the job market is today.
These companies have no employee loyalty. In fact, most companies today could care less about their employees. This is why most companies today do not even offer full-time employment anymore. Who needs full-time employees when there are millions of people willing… able …and ready to accept part-time employment with no benefits, and wages that amount to little… but beats nothing.
There had been a time when America was sending top executives to China to learn techniques of how to create a happy and more productive working enviroment. It would seem that those executives learned something much more valuable to them. How to take an iron fist and hold it over the heads of your employees… and keep it there. Forcing them to produce more for less… while compensating them little… and forcing them to smile while the company break their backs.
I dislike companies with the Verzion attitude. My cell phone is a Sprint account… but my broadband was with Verizon. I can't tell you how happy I am that it is off … and has been so for some time now. But I can't see myself giving money to a company that will not do its employees right.
Though these companies may feel that they have the power… the truth of the matter is… no they don't. We do. And our power can bring any company to its knees just as the Montgomery bus boycotts brought that city of Montgomery to its knees in the mid 1960's, and gave way to the opening of the doors that gave us all the right to vote, sleep and eat … etc… etc… where we wanted to. Today we get on the highway and travel anywhere we want… as African American people in America… eat where we want to eat… and book a hotel and sleep where we want to sleep. But for years this was not the case at all.
I remember listening to Shirley Caesar talking about that very subject on a television show that she was being interviewed on. She said that back then when they travelled… talking about her days as a young singer travelling with Albertina Walker and the Caravan… back in latter 50's through the 60's. She said-
"We had to sleep in our car. Because back then they did not allow us (black folks) to stay in the hotels or the motels like they do today. And we just couldn't pull up anywhere and eat either. Because it wasn't allowed. If we wanted food. We had to go back around to the back the door and see if they would give us some food."
Thank God for powerful people… who knew that they possessed power. Or we would still be sitting on the back of the bus today.
Union busting is not anything new. One of the greatest examples of it is when Ronald Reagon decided to interfere in the air traffic controller strike, PATCO …in August 1981. Reagon froze the air traffic controller's $3.5 million strike fund in order to force the striking workers back to work… saying that they were in violation.
And if you remember any facts to this story… you will remember how quickly many of the striking air traffic controllers were replaced. While a the powers to be… then trained a bunch of unprofessionals to replace to them.
And our air ways have never been the same. They have found people sleeping and all kinds of crazy things. And we will not discuss what took place on 9/11.
Because if the truth be told… that is still a mystery to me?
How is it that at least 3 airplanes took off from Logan Airport in Boston… and got so far off of their courses. And nobody …not 1 person knew about it until very important buildings began to be flown into?
Something is wrong with that picture. And for the life of me… how was it that the 2nd airplane was allowed to hit the 2nd tower of the World Trade Center? This is even a bigger mystery to me?
Because before it did… every airplane and helicopter in New York City was up in the air that day soon after the 1st airplane had flown in the World Trade Center. So then, how is it that nobody saw the 2nd airplane until after it hit the 2nd tower of the World Trade Center?
My niece woke me that morning with a phone call saying that an airplane had just flown into 1 of the towers of the World Trade Center. And as she was still talking to me… some 20 minutes later the 2nd airplane flew into the 2nd tower of the World Trade Center.
How could that have happened?
After the 1st airplane into that air space… clearly, a 2nd air craft entering into that same air space should never have happened.
First of all, the air space around the whole area of the World Trade Center and Statue of Liberty was and is…a protected air space. Which means it was supposed to be under the protection of fighter jets anyhow. But notwithstanding the admission of the 1st air craft into that air space… clearly, a 2nd air craft entering into that same air space should have most definitely been shot down…and shot down long before coming in contact with the 2nd tower of the World Trade Center.
But going back to the then President Reagon who decided that he needed to step in on the striking air traffic controllers… and teach them a lesson. Reagon, of course, being the idol of ever Republican… the 1 that they most try to exemplify, and proclaim themselves to be the most like. And I wonder if that was before or after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's?
But then of course… nobody knows exactly how long Reagon had actually been losing it. Though I must say that most of the Republican Party seems to be fit candidates for an Alzheimer's examination. Because truly most of them seem to be suffering from some sort of mental deficiency… starting with but not limited to Palin.
Something has to be wrong …mentally with a bunch of people who claim that they love something and seek so vigilantly to destroy it. And I am talking about America.
They claim that they love America. Yet everything they have been doing lately… and I am talking … for years now… has been done to undermine America… if not to utterly destroy it.
One of the most disastrous things to happen to the United States of America was something called George W. Bush. I understand how wars were used in past American History to re-jump start the economy. But George who was supposedly an economy major from that great learning institution known as Yale University, in New Haven, CT. George having gotten into hot water somehow either on his own… or via the un-wise thinking of some of his flunkies…they came up with a plan. The plan was to go to war. Start some wars and the economy will take off again… the money you spent will be forgotten… and forgiven… and all will be well.
But there was a problem with the plan. The work place had changed.
In years past America had plenty of factories and factory workers. But by the time George stole his way into the White House all those jobs were gone. Those factories had been closed… and years later turned into lovely condominiums. And if the companies still exists those jobs didn't… robots had moved in and replaced the workers.
Do you remember when you used to read the Help Wanted Ads and saw a train of Bank Teller jobs being offered?
Look for that now. You won't find it. Because many of those jobs no longer exist. Bank tellers have been replaced by atm machines.
The same has happened to a position called 'receptionist.' When was the last time you heard that word?
It is voice mail… and automated voice activated systems now. No more receptionist jobs almost anywhere today.
Most utility companies have closed down their offices which used to handle bill paying services. They don't do that any more. Oh, no… If you can't send it in by mail… or go to a local payment center at your check cashing center …or corner store… then for a charge call them and they will take your payment over the phone.
In 2008 Americans voted for a change. While Republicans are quick to say that Obama did not… or has not delivered.
Yet on the other hand Republicans will never say-
"And we have done everything within our power to ensure it."
On every issue… and non-issue Republicans have done their best to block Obama from even trying to do anything to fix the mess. A massive and highly expensive and burdensome mess… that George W. Bush… a Republican …whom I believe will never ever be forgotten… for the mess that he left us all in. And when President Obama has managed to get something pass them… they … the Republicans attack it like a bunch of mad dogs.
Whoever said that Barack Obama was a magician?
Whoever said Obama was Merlin?
Or even had some kind of 'black magic?'
In case you did think that let me be the first to just say-
"Are you for real?"
Magic is an illusion. It is based upon trickery… cunning and deceit. Thank goodness these are not traits that are found within our President Barack Obama.
President Barack Obama has never lied to us about 'weapons of mass destruction.'
He has never tried to pull the wool over our eyes… by blinding us with a bunch of codes that meant absolutely nothing… code RED… code YELLOW… (if you have no understanding of this then you would have had to have lived in New York City following 9/11).
Obama has never tried to used 1 fear tactic to keep us up under our beds… or hid in our closets.
President Barack Obama is not the cause for why America is where America is today. He had nothing at all do do with it. He did not bring us here. In fact, as quiet as it is kept… he is trying to fix this mess. It is more than possible that he might aid in bringing us a long ways out of this runt… if we all stop listening to lies. Stop being deceived… and turning every which way the winds blows.
It is Republican deceit and lies that have turned this country upside down… and not Barack Obama.
- Corporate greed and mis-handling of business was here long before Barack Obama walked into the White House
- Job losses many years before Obama
- National Debt was already there… but really began running away after George W. Bush stepped into the Presidential picture
- Problems on Wall Street with the stock market are not new… trace them back into the 1930's
Several States now have had to fight against Republican Governors who lead people into believing that they were either the man or woman for the job… and would wholly work for them… the voters. Telling them that they were a person with their interests in their mind and in heart… only for those voters to lament a vote that they ever casted in that person's favor. It ended up costing voters benefits… or their job… or a less powerful union etc. Because that Republican political had an agenda. And that agenda had nothing to do with the people's minds… or hearts that they con into believing in them with their claims of 'I want to serve you.'
The Republicans are so slimy they have created a 2nd Republican Party… the co-called Tea Party a group of real lunatics… formed by that lunatic queen Palin and few other crazies. All of whom who have fallen out with one another… that is how firmly rooted they were. Like a bunch of crabs in a barrel… all clamouring to be the top dog… and if they can't then they pick up their marbles and go home.
They have all… whether they call themselves 'Tea Party' or not… they …the Republicans have all developed a seek and destroy attitude. And that attitude did not just get started when President Barack Obama stepped into the White House… it is an attitude that they have long adapted to.
You need only to look at the 2000 Presidential Election between George W. Bush and John Kerry to see how demented the Republicans are. They saw nothing wrong …NOTHING…in undermining the entire American practice of our right to vote… and to have ALL our votes counted. And it was not something that they were not bold enough to do so all could see… and dared any of us to do anything about it.
So, don't blame Obama. This mess is not his. But he decide to champion the cause… to try to set America back on the right course. To raise Her from low depths She sank to under what no one can call 'leadership'… but just say… George Bush brought Her to.
Don't look for magic. Look at it as it really is. The world has changed. And the work place and work force has changed with it.
Many jobs that people used to do… no longer exist.
Re-training people has it place… I guess. But when they are re-trained where will they go?
Everyone is learning computers… but there are only but so many computer jobs.
The medical field is good. In a field that had nothing but female mostly… had seen a great emergence of male. Use to be you never saw a male nurse… but today hospitals are loaded with them. Men are entering the nursing field in very large numbers. And to think there was a time that such a thing… would have been seen as being sissy.
One thing is for sure… no matter what happens in this world… we all at some point or other need something medical. As long as we are in these bodies the need for the medical profession cannot …or will ever be replaced. But that is not to say that it too… will not evolve. It has.
However, technology is forever changing things. But even so there will still only be a need for but so many people to work in the medical field too… at any given time.
Radio stations have changed… television stations have changed. Most newspaper companies have gone out of business… because few people read newspapers any more. They get their news now over the internet… on their ipads… and cells. And if you haven't noticed… most news companies have cut back drastically on their staff.
For 1 of my journalism classes, my professor… a great woman… had been booted out of her position as a staff writer for a local newspaper… a job she had had for many years. That company's lost was of course … my great gain. Because she came with a wealth of knowledge, and understanding about the history and future of journalism… and media at large.
But if you have noticed over the internet all the news sources seem to buy their stories from 1 source. You can read the exact same story… word for word from 1 internet source to another. And if you are like me… you always have a need to want to know more… but they don't have it to give.
And somewhere along the way… they grab ahold of this attitude: THAT LESS IS MORE.
Yeah, right… When I want to know less…or read less… I will just stop. I don't need anyone deciding for me… when I have had enough.
Which I guess is the main reason why so many people like my blog… www.bsmith101.wordpress.com. For as you can tell… I do not believe in the 'less is more' concept. Nor do I just regenerate news items. What a waste that is. If I follow a story… I want to read something I haven't already read… or at the very least …give me some more details …or info on whatever it is I've come to your website searching for.
But going back to my thought… the workplace has changed. It is not what it was 20 years ago… or even 10 years ago.
Remember all those customer service jobs that used to be in the newspapers?
Roughly about 20 years ago customer service became such a big thing. There were tons of ad campaigns about the type of service you could expect if you did business with such and such. Companies trained their employees to greet you in a special way, and to service you as quickly and efficiently as they could.
Today all of that is gone to the wind. You can stand in a line for up to 10 or 20 minutes listening to someone… who is working the only open window… or check-out line… carry on a conversation with another employee or either with the person who had been right ahead of before they got to the cashier.
Have you experienced that?
You are at the top of the line… but suddenly the 'ONLY' open window has a highly talkative employee… or someone looking around as though they are trying to wonder why 'their' window or 'their' counter is the only 1 open?
So, what do they do?
They slow down… as if mentally they have taken a mental stand in their mind… to not kill themselves trying to serve all the people who waiting in line.
No body cares about customer service any more. And so… gone are these jobs.
Switchboard operators are a thing of the past too. A little company in your area that hired local people… mostly women to man the phone lines. But then it was for mostly doctor's offices. Today those people can be anywhere in the world taking tons of calls for everything from subscriptions to publications, orders for books or other products, complaints, messages, prayer requests …you name it. But small companies in your town probably do not offer this service any more because it has been farmed out around the world.
Most of the manufacturing companies long departed …going into Mexico and other countries where the labor was cheaper.
This country really does not have a great number of blue collar workers any more. Most of the automobile workers were replaced by robots… or companies that sent large divisions of their manufacturing into other countries as well.
So where are the jobs?
Where are the openings that are available …or will become available for all the displaced workers who are currently out of work… and have been so now for years?
There are none. And nobody can do anything to change that… because of computers coming into the marketplace. They… computers brought about an unpresidented change to what was our workplace.
The only thing you can do is look for the next big wave in the future. That will
More and more colleges are offering on-line courses. Have you noticed that?
Some schools are over the internet only.
I am dropping hints here. Personally, I hate on-line courses… and feel that they are a huge waste of time. If you are going to sit in isolation… with no classroom interaction… then you might as well just read the book and be done with it.
But if you were considering a teaching career. Great… but you should also consider this fact. That soon many of those teaching jobs too will soon be gone. Due to on-line classes and on-line classrooms… and schools… cities… colleges and universities looking to cut their budgets. It is coming… and soon the classroom as we know it today will be gone forever too… just like yesterdays work force.
And with it will be gone… tenure. Tenures will bite the dust just like pension plans… and all other full-time employment; and whatever else they can do away with for the sank of the bottom line.
Soon even common currency as we know it will be gone too. They are already talking about stop minting the $1 bill. Soon it will just be all plastic… be it a debit card …or credit card…. or something else. But the coins will be gone …and the paper bills.
Bet all those folks working at the Mints all felt that their jobs were well secured. We have all better start to think again.
Who ever thought there would be no more pension plans?
Or health care benefits on your job?
I didn't.
You really have to be a visionary. You have to look deep into the future. You must go beyond your nose… if you truly want to have a chance in the future. You have to look deep beyond what you see. The future is what you cannot visually see… but something coming.
Many people now do not even go into the office any more. They can do all their work from home. They write their news articles at home… edit news copy at home… edit books at home… and mother-frames and inter-locking networks are big things in corporations now.
I do see computers… and our dependence upon them growing.
In New York City they have all most totally done away with ticket booth operators down in the subway system. They too have been replaced by machines… which can dispense to you fare tickets. And while in Boston not so long ago… I noticed that they were doing the same in their subway system.
The world is becoming a place of less working people… and more automated machines. And unless you are prepared to service these machines… or program these machines… your work history will too soon come to an abrupt end. And you will find yourself with a need to be re-trained… to nothing.
So, when George W. Bush thought that he could jump start the economy by creating a war… with the hope that the war would create jobs. He and his people forgot something. All those factories were gone… and so weren't those jobs. And even if the jobs could be revived… robotics still had replaced the manpower that used to produce the goods.
So, the wars didn't work. But only sunk us deeper and deeper into debt as the years have dragged on. But of course …the Republicans will never tell you any of this. Any more than Verizon will tell you that they were happy for any old excuse to rid themselves of paying their employee's health benefits.
Irene hit the East Coast hard… and it seems that my cousin who informed me of the storm was right. Sadly there were a few deaths. But thank God He saw most of us through it safely.
My cousins and friends in various places… including my brother had to deal of electrical outages. But that is the least. Many suffered damages due to flooding and/or falling trees.
The good news is Irene wasn't as bad as what had been expected. To God be the glory.
The New York subway is up and running once again. Though on our way back from Atlanta… I did notice where many of the over-passes in the New York area were being worked on. And that was following the earthquake that hit us… before Irene came bouncing and blowing in.
Well, God bless…and enjoy the rest of your week. Amazingly we are at the end of August already. Schools and colleges are already in. I pray that all are safe and do well.
Thank you for reading this blog…and my others. Please be sure to continue to share this blog site with your family, co-workers and all your friends… "pass it on…" www.bsmith101.wordpress.com ©2011
Add a comment August 28, 2011
Albertina Walker…. gospel legend in a big way…
When I went up over the internet tonight I wasn't at all surprised when I saw something come up with Albertina Walker's name in the title. I felt that it was an announcement about her having passed… even though I hadn't heard anything on it until that time.
But I had noticed in seeing Albertina in various video footage and on a television program that she seemed weaker… a bit more sickly. The television show I saw her on was a reception honoring her.
It is nice to give people flowers while they are yet alive. That is what these people at that event had come to do for Albertina. And she seemed so humble as she sat in her wheel chair beaming up at them all barely able to speak.
Sometimes, when you begin to age and fall off the horizon people turn away from you. They forget your name… who you are… or who you were. But Albertina Walker did more for gospel music than just sing it… and sing it with a passion. She knew also talent when she saw it… and could pick voices… people with unspeakable gifts by way of their vocal cords. It is through her that such notable gospel artists, such as Shirley Ann Caesar first caught our attention… when she began performing with Albertina's group, the Caravans, at a very young age.
Also part of Albertina's group, the Caravans, was Dorothy Norwood… who is still on the gospel scene just like the Queen of Gospel Music, Shirley Caesar. But the Caravan also included some other great and mighty powerful gospel singers… such as Inez Andrews, Rosetta Stone and others.
In fact, I was surprised to read in the announcement of Albertina's passing that I found in my email today… that James Cleveland also got his start under Albertina Walker as well.
I also did not know that Albertina Walker had been a protegé of the late and very great Miss Mahalia Jackson. What a background… what musical history… and what gospel music history. My mother …and I guess everyone about her age and older…all loved Mahalia. She was truly an icon.
While I was working at a radio station in Jersey some years ago… I got the opportunity to see Albertina perform. The show was at a small church some place in Newark, New Jersey. I got there early because I wanted a good seat… so I was there to see when Albertina first walked in.
Albertina came walking in …in this fabulous full length fur coat. And ever since having seen that coat… I have had my sights on buying me a fabulous full length fur coat ever since.
That coat was talking. It was absolutely beautiful. And I could tell that it was also absolutely expensive.
And it looked fantastically marvelous on Albertina.
The show was promoted by 1 of the other radio announcers from the same radio station that I worked for. His name was Herman Amish. .. I call it because I know a lot of people know him, as he was popular on the gospel circuit. Especially with the old-timer gospel acts… because Herman did a lot of gospel promoting in and around Newark area at that time. And he knew almost all of the gospel acts during and before that time… as he had more than likely probably booked them for a show 1 time or other.
But of all the shows that Herman had done… it was Albertina Walker's show that I went to. I had long admired her voice and her musical skills and genius when it came to relaying feeling in her songs. But I never knew she was a song writer too. Albertina wrote "Please Be Patient With Me" …and personal favorite of mine… "Joy Will Come."
I will never forget that when my mother passed Shirley Caesar had released "Joy Will Come" on her then latest CD. And it was a duo with Albertina… there is nothing like it.
I have hunted high and low to find that CD ever since. Because it gave me so much comfort at a very low time in my life… to hear it. And I would sit at that radio station playing it over and over…and over again just crying and thinking about my mother.
There are few real song writers any more. And even fewer real people with true talent.
Truly, Albertina may have been gone from the scene for some time but her imprint will linger forever in gospel music… and its history.
This morning a true gospel legend passed… and her name was Albertina Walker. She passed due to respiratory failure. She was 81… and has now gone on home.
I don't know about where you live… but the weather here has been unpredictable. For a few days it has been wet and cold… then suddenly it is unbearably cold.
At any rate the leaves are starting to change colors now. So, I guess we are really into fall now.
Hope you have a great weekend. I understand that it is supposed to be a 3 day weekend. Guess I'll run around tomorrow so I can rest all day on Monday. Definitely, sounds like a plan.
Well, God bless…
Thank you for reading this blog…and my others. Please be sure to continue to share this blog site with your family, co-workers and all your friends… "pass it on…" www.bsmith101.wordpress.com ©2010
2 comments October 9, 2010
Venus and Serena always at the top…
Okay, I admit it. I have not been paying close attention to either Serena or Venus lately.
Okay…okay…maybe it was because I just can't seem to agree with the skimpy clothes or skin-like almost naked look of Venus' under garments of her tennis outfits. But that does not mean that they are not the best…or perhaps the greatest sister act to ever hit the World Tennis Courts.
And because I can't always agree with their clothing choses does not mean that they are not 'yet' still beautiful young black or…African American young ladies.
So, then why did the Austrian Open fail to include their names. Venus and Serena Williams… in its list of 'the ten most beautiful women?'
If it was an oversight on the part of those who did the electing could it have been one due to color… as in their 'skin color?'
Very possibly.
Beauty can be measured in a number of ways. But if you are looking at beauty as it pertains to women's looks… then you certainly cannot overlook the Williams sisters. And they are more than just physically beautiful.
Some people even believe that a good mind is beautiful. And if you are one of those then… they are beautiful even in that.
Some people believe that having a good personality is beautiful. And if you are one of those than you might even agree here. The William sisters are beautiful
Some believe that having height is beautiful. I love height. And if you think that being tall is a sign of beauty… then you can agree here. That the William sisters are beautiful.
Some people look at your skill and ability, and find beauty in that. Maybe, you are one of those. Certainly, it cannot be said that they… neither Venus nor Serena are lacking in either of those departments. In fact, they possess great skill and ability in all the things that they do… be it designing jewelry, or designing sets for television or video productions… or designing clothes …or slicing tennis balls straight down the court and making Aces.
Yes, the Williams sisters possess talent, skill, ability, smarts, intellect, height, charm, elegance… and everything else.
So, then why did they not get chosen …or at least 1 of them for some 'tennis most beautiful list?'
Well, you figure that one out. I have my own opinion on the matter already… and you probably know what it is.
All in all… whether they were picked or not for that list… what can you say except… they are still winners in everybody's book. And very much still at the top of their game.
Now, how could your overlook that?
Who says that the under pants to Venus' tennis outfits have to be only white?
Evidently, it is not in the rule book.
The other young ladies on the tennis court wear white under garments and nobody says that they are trying to give off the illusion of being naked…being that they are white. So, why then should we perceive that Venus is trying to give off an illusion of being naked… even though that might have been what she expressed when she was confronted by a bunch of foolish questions concerning the matter.
Can you believe that an article states that when Venus steps out on the court at the US Open this year…she will do so as the 'under-dog?'
Clearly, many in the tennis hate the Williams sisters…and simply just wish that they would just disappear.
And once again Venus is causing a stirr…news articles saying 'short and skimpy.' You guess what they are talking about.
Well, hope that you enjoy your weekend this weekend. The kids are back at school here on Monday. Unlike when I was growing up you don't really see parents out shopping for school clothes the way they used to. My son says that it is because kids wear uniforms now.
But still what happened to having to buy new shoes and socks, and other things for school?
Then today too… many kids have to supply themselves with their own notebooks, pens, pencils, and paper… etc…etc…etc…
They don't even get to carry their school books home from schools any more.
And everybody is wondering why they kids are not getting the education that they should?
What tools are we giving them so they can?
Not every child has a computer at home… or at their immediate disposal. They do not all have the same resources.
So, why does the public school system feel that they do?
Where are all our tax dollars going?
When they started lotto in this state they said that the money… or a large portion of it was going to go towards education. I really do not see where any of has.
Today, the kids have no lockers in their schools to even hang up their coats… or to place their books in… if they were given any. They have to furnish their own pencil sharpeners… art supplies …everything. All of which were given to us when I was in school.
For every class I had… I had a corresponding textbook. These books were given to me as my personal possess for the year, and at the end of year I had to return them back into the possession of the school. But today's kids don't have anything like that. Their books can't leave their classrooms.
So, what happened to all that lotto money?
Why do kids have less in school today than we did yesterday?
And in this environment of less… how can we possibly expect or hope for them to do just as well or even better than we did yesterday?
I can't see it happening. The sakes are higher today… and our kids should not be made to deal with less simply because the school system is not allocated its fair share.
Now, so much for me standing on top of my soap box.
Enjoy your weekend… and hopefully each and every one of our children… and they all are ours… will have a great and tremendous school year this year.
I have yet to launch my official and new website…but I must say that it looks great. And almost everything is working. Just needs some final tweaking.
Well, God bless…
Thank you for reading this blog…and my others. Please be sure to continue to share this blog site with your family to em , co-workers and all your friends… "pass it on…" www.bsmith101.wordpress.com ©2010
2 comments August 28, 2010
Kim Burrell secular music star…wanna be
I have been thinking about Kim Burrell since my son made mention to me about her crossing-over into secular music. From gospel artist to jazz diva…or R&B mama…I don't know… But I find it hard to wrap my mind around it.
Why would anyone want to give up on the Lord and go search out something else?
To me all I can think is that she sold her soul for a contract and a hope for a few more dollars.
When you sit down…when you think about it…her rep and CD sales were not shabby gospelwise. So, then why the cross-over?
Why did Kim decide that she wanted to forsake gospel music for something more inclined to not be accepted by the gospel community…something like going 'secular?'
Maybe she feels that if Sam Cooke could do it…and do it… I guess by some reports…that he did so successfully… then maybe she could… or can do it too. But Sam died young. I think he ended up being shot to death.
And that is why I would never turn my back on the Lord. The Bible tells us that it is better to have never known Him…than to turn away from him.
If Whitney Houston knows better…and I feel she does…how then can Kim Burrell who professed to be saved…then how can she be so backward in her thinking?
And Whitney does know better. Whitney has always added bits and pieces of gospel to her repertoire. And just the other day…I heard Patti singing a duo with the Queen of Gospel Music… Shirley Caesar…and they really were singing that song. So much so that I had to get up and write down the name of the song so I could look for it and buy it.
Gospel music is definitely where the money is. The only people who are making money in secular music right now and for some time now have been and are rappers. So, then…what does Kim Burrell hope to obtain by crossing-over?
Then the other thing most recently Kim was given a very big promotion in the ranks of the International Church of God in Christ. She became the second in command over the cogic international music department…a dream job that many would literally die for. And here it is…she is going secular?
I know it must mean that she is forsaking this post that had most recently been bestowed upon her. But if this has been on her mind…then why did she take on the job in the first place?
I say for the prestiege that went with it. She had just gotten the position only a few months ago. She had to have been thinking about getting her gastric operation…and sexing herself up…way before that. After all, that operation is not just something you just jump up and decide to do overnight.
She can't possibly be planning on keeping the post…and be a secular artist…say another Beyonce…too?
Can she?
Though I do honestly believe that some people get involve with a very large organization…such as the Church of God in Christ…just for the sake of launching their careers. Practically everybody in the music industry… singer-wise and musicans…have at some time been in a choir or played in the church band…and many of them in cogic churches. You often hear them being interviewed on some show talking about their cogic experiences under Dr. Mattie Moss Clark…the Clark Sister's mother. And many stars, Grammy and Stellar winners have come out of the Church of God in Church…such as… the Clark Sisters just to name one (who since being babies had been involved with the cogic music department). That list also includes the God Father of Gospel Music, the late and very great Rev. Timothy Wright…not to mention Myrna Summers, Rance Allen, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and the list goes on and on…
Though I have to truthfully say I have wondered how Bishop Blake could have replaced more than 400 years of collective experience in the international music department between Iris Stevenson, Bettye Nelson and the Clark Sisters alone not to mention several others in the cogic international music department… with people who had never even worked in that department before…in its highest positions?
I am a believer in that old saying…if it is not broken don't fix it. Considering how the cogic international choir has lead the way and set the standards that many other choirs and group follow… So, why would have Bishop Blake wanted to mess with that?
It just didn't make sense. Now, one of people whom he put over that department decides to go secular?
Though I must say that I have never been big on Kim Burrell. For one thing I just do not understand why people taunted her…like she was some big singing phenomenon. Like she was an Aretha Franklin or somebody. And like she had been around for years…I just could not understand it.
Maybe it all has to do with the time that Kim came to our church to perform. It was one of the worst and most un-professional shows or performances I had ever seen any known talent perform. And it cost our church $5,000…with a demand for a limousine and a 5 star hotel to boot.
And that $5,000 cost came with no band…but with Kim shouting during the performance to the audio guy way in the back of the church what tracks to play as she performed one song after another.
Once somebody told me something. They were talking about a young rapper…and she said-
"Where did he come from? It seems to me that he just sprang up on the scene and look at how large he is. I believe he must have sold his soul to the devil."
I thought that statement was interesting coming from her…because in all the time we had sat together editing video tape footage I would have never have thought she thought about such things. Nor did I believe her to be religious. But it was true…the rapper she was talking about did spring up overnight and did seem to become instantly successful. That rapper which she was talking about was 50¢. And he kept on getting hotter…hotter…and hotter.
I would never want to walk away from following the Lord. I can't imagine anything that I would rather not do. Besides I am fearful of Him. But even more I love Him. I would love Him to be able to trust me as much as He trusted Job…and feel that I like Job would never let Him down.
No contract…or hope of supposed fame…or riches could make me do what Kim Burrell has decided to do.
And though she said she did the gastric operation for health reasons… Well, anybody could have told her she needed to shed weight. I don't need anybody to tell me that…much less a doctor. Everytime I look in the mirror…I get the message. And this pass weekend while we were away…the hotel that we stayed in had a mirror on the bathroom door. Well, everytime I sat down on that toilet…I was startled back to reality as I sat looking at myself horrified at what was reflected back.
What a disaster.
I left that hotel vowing to take it off. I mean shed it like crazy. But I am not going lay down on some operating table to do it. No…I am not. I know how to set down the fork…and push away from the table. And that is what I intend to do…and add a little workout to my daily routine.
Baby, it'll be a brand new me. Eat your heart out Lil' Kim…I mean Kim Burrell.
UPDATE: Wednesday, Februray 18, 2010
If you took the time to read the enclosed letter up top which was to the body of the Church of God in Christ…though it is interesting that it was not sent out to the church at large via the cogic bulk email launcher to all its membership. However, I just received this it from Judith McAllister concerning Kim Burrell…(just CLICK on the letters to enlarge them). It would seem that many within the church of the Church of God in Christ have some concerns concerning Kim Burrell and her current position as Vice President of the International Music Department of the Church of God in Christ. Of which in the reading of the letter it seems that Kim is not willing to relentish her position in the music department…and that fat pay check… though she is currently seeking a wider career in the music industry. Note I did not say the word 'secular'…as it seems that Kim Burrell is trying to step away from that term now. But as in Kim's own words…it is what it is…if you want to sing non-gospel music…then you must be becoming a 'secular' artist, Kim. You can't have it 2 ways…you either are…or aren't.
Though Kim Burrell claims that this endeavor change in her career is due to a deep desire to reach and preach the gospel to those 'out there' who do not come in contact with gospel music…is a lot of baloney. The Bible tells us 'to be ye separated'…and there is a reason for that. You cannot reach anybody by becoming 'one of them.' Try doing that with a drug addict or a prostitute…or anything else… and see how much sharing of God you can do with them then.
The only real reason someone choses to make the choice that Kim Burrell has recently made…even in terms of her dress…and to cross-over from gospel music to 'secular'…has nothing to do with winning souls…but everything to do with that thing called the 'all mighty dollar'…or a hope for more of it. And it would seem that both Bishop Blake and the current president of the International Music Department of the Church of God in Christ, Judith McAllister…are willing to let her do it…and keep her post…and pay check too.
And then too…anybody who saw Kim Burrell sing at the last Holy Convocation in Memphis…then you could tell that she really didn't want to be there. Go back and take a look at the footage…and you will definitely see what I mean.
UPDATE: Monday, May 23, 2011… just thought I would share this with you. It is something that I wrote on my facebook page after watching Kim's latest video called 'Sweeter.'
Since 1 of my facebook friends happened to mention this video…I just thought that I would take a look. Thought it better not to comment on her post…because I thought she might not like it. This video is a typical example of what happens when you decide to step away from the Lord…and do your own thang. Too much of nothing…and no substance either. Beautiful location…visuals beautiful…but come on, Kim. What is with all the attempts at sex appeal???
It looks like Kim wants to be a sex kitten rather than a singer. And technically… if you spend all that money to go on… location to some isolated island… then don't go cheap and shoot video… shoot film the next time the end product will look a lot better. And clearly the director knew nothing about correct lighting…because Kim is certainly shot all wrong…and with all the wrong make-up.
I ain't hatin' but just sayin'… I would like to see a woman of God be of God in all that she does.
Now, on that note watch the video for yourself and you tell me what you think.
Now, this photo of Bishop Weeks and his new little bride… I do not understand. They are drinking champagne…
She grew up cogic…was pastoring…and we all know that Bishop Weeks had… and probably still does… have issues. But they are toasting one another and drinking champagne.
Maybe they just got tired of pretending to be holy. Since people tend to follow them anyway. Unbelievable.
I'm fighting off a cold. It's something that happens whenever dust gets into my system. Yes, I have allergies. Most of the time they don't bother me…but then once in a while a spec of dust is somehow introduced into my system…and the battle begins.
So, since getting from our little trip this weekend…I have had the sniffles. Of course I have started downing the OJ…as in orange juice. And drinking cranberry juice…and taking my iron tablets.
But it is all good. I will not complain. I am blessed and this too shall soon pass…and then maybe sometime this week I will really get some sleep.
Hope you had a good day. I have begun psych-ing myself up. I have so many things I want to do this year. And it will be exciting.
Lots of editing…and shooting footage…and working on my websites…and launching a couple of access programs…and launching my 2 other business enterprises. I am so excited. Not to mention my book, THE BISHOP'S WIFE, will definitely soon be out. And when it does…it means I begin to hit the road to sell it.
So, you see…yes I will be very busy as the year continues. I hope this year has lots of good things in store for you too.
Thank you for reading this blog…and my others. Please be sure to continue to share this blog site with your family, co-workers and all your friends… "pass it on…" www.bsmith101.wordpress.com ©2010
I really love winter…it is so beautiful.
THE BISHOP'S WIFE is now on sale…CLICK my book cover for the LINK to purchase my book. Thank you.
13 comments February 5, 2010


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- Sign into the site,
- Hover over "My Account" at the top-middle of the screen.
- Choose "My Ouffers" from the drop-down menu.
- Choose "All" towards the top-right corner of the screen.
- Click "View/Print" next to the voucher you need to view/print.
Instructions on how to redeem the voucher will be contained on the voucher itself.
Things to keep in mind:
Lots of our members have more than one email address – if you log into your account and you can't find your voucher, you may have used a different email address to purchase – for example your work email or your personal email address. Try all the email addresses you have and if you still can't find it, let us know.
If you used PayPal to purchase, what happens is that a new account will be created using your PayPal email address. If your login email for PayPal and Ouffer are the same then there won't be any problems, but if you use a different address for PayPal, a new Ouffer account with that PayPal email will be created. Your voucher will be placed in that account.
If you purchased a voucher and it isn't showing up, the next step is to check your credit card statement (on-line if you have access!). If there is a charge there, please send an email right away to Ouffer so the team can investigate it for you. Please include as much detail as possible to help us assist you as quick as we can.
Not found what you are looking for? Submit an enquiry
+How do I refer a friend?
In order to refer a friend to Ouffer, you just need to…
First log in to Ouffer! After logging in, in the top corner of the page, there is a link which says "Invite Friends, get $5". You will then be taken to a page that provides personal "referral link". You can copy and paste this link into an email to all of your family and friends (or even use the Facebook and Twitter sharing buttons). If any of your friends sign up to Ouffer, we'll give you $5 credit as soon as they make their first purchase.
If you have any questions about referring friends, please email us at email@example.com.
Not found what you are looking for? Submit an enquiry
+I've booked my travel dates with the hotel - am I able to change them?
Most of our hotel partners allow one change of date, however, that will depend on the hotel's cancellation policy (and how far away your booking is). If your booking is for tomorrow, it is unlikely you will be able to change your travel date, however, if your booking is six months away, most hotels will accommodate a change of date. Some hotels may charge a small administrative fee for any chances (at their own discretion).
We're more than happy to assist where we can, but any date requests need to be made with the hotel directly.
Not found what you are looking for? Submit an enquiry
+I bought a gift voucher, how do I find it?
At the end of the offer, we will send a link to download the gift voucher – exactly like a normal voucher. You can send the voucher as a PDF to the lucky recipient, or you can print it off and combine I with a card if you prefer!
To find your gift vouchers you just need to log on to Ouffer and then click on the "My Account" link, which appears once you have signed in, and select My Ouffers.
Once you've logged in you will notice several tabs, 'Active', 'Used', 'Offered', 'Expired' and 'All' If you click on Offered you'll be able to see any gift vouchers you've bought!
Not found what you are looking for? Submit an enquiry
+I bought an offer - what do I do now?
You will find instructions on how to redeem the offer on the voucher itself. Depending on the offer you've purchased, you may need to contact the featured business to make a booking - contact details will be provided on the voucher. You may also find them in the "Fine Print" or "Company" section on the offer page, along with any other conditions relevant to that particular offer.
Your redemption code is the code printed at the top of your voucher - in almost all cases, you will need to give this code when redeeming the offer you have purchased - this is so that our partners can verify that the voucher is valid and provide you with the service advertised.
Not found what you are looking for? Submit an enquiry
+I can't use my voucher any more - can I give it to someone else?
Yes, your vouchers should be fully transferable (unless the terms of a specific offer state otherwise). So long as you haven't used part of your voucher, you can give it to a friend or family member. If you've had part of a treatment or service, you aren't able to give the voucher away though.
If a voucher has expired, it unfortunately can't be used by anyone.
Whenever you buy a voucher which needs a booking, always be sure to book well in advance of the expiry - the earlier the better. Just to make sure no one misses out, most vouchers will need to be booked between two and four weeks before their expiry.
Not found what you are looking for? Submit an enquiry
+Is Ouffer a secure site?
Ouffer is fully secured by Verisign, the highest level of security a website can have. All financial details are passed directly on to our merchant processor, so not even our staff have access to any credit card details.
Not found what you are looking for? Submit an enquiry
+I want to speak to someone, who do I contact?
If you need our help for any reason, please don't hesitate to contact us at email@example.com so one of our Melbourne and Sydney based team can help you!
In order for us address your issue as quickly as possible, please try to include the following (where possible):
- The email address you have registered your account with
- Your voucher/redemption code
- The name of the service-provider/business for which you purchased your voucher
The above information will enable us to provide you with a much quicker response!
We like to try to reply to any enquiry as quickly as possible. Our support team are based in Sydney and Melbourne, working between 9.00am and 8.00pm AEST. If your contact us outside those hours, it may take us a bit longer to reply.
In the event that you have attempted to contact us and you haven't got a reply after 2 business day, it's possible that your email didn't make it through to us for some reason - we will never not reply to an email.
If this happens, please try to send another email from a different email address to email@example.com.
Not found what you are looking for? Submit an enquiry
+My Password isn't working - What can I do?
If your password doesn't work, you can get a new one by clicking on the "Forgot Password" link underneath the login box.
You should get an automated email sent to you – if that doesn't work, it probably means your email account may be blocking our emails! First thing to do is to check your junk mail box and there should be an email in there. If there is, please add us as a safe sender.
If you can't find an email from us, just send us a quick email to firstname.lastname@example.com and our team will be able to help out and create a new password for you!
Not found what you are looking for? Submit an enquiry
+What does the 'Mark as Used' Button do?
The 'Mark as Used' button allows you to move your used vouchers to the Used section. That way, you can check exactly what vouchers have yet to be used.
It's pretty handy when you've bought a few vouchers for one place but don't use them all at once. You can check your used vouchers by clicking on USED Vouchers and also, if you click Mark as Used by mistake, you can bring the voucher back by clicking on Mark as New – good as new!
Not found what you are looking for? Submit an enquiry
+What is credit, and how do I use it?
If you are using credits for your entire purchase, you won't need to enter any credit card details - you can just ignore the box.
If you are using credit for part of the purchase, you will need to use a credit card to 'top up' the purchase. For example, if you have $15 credit stored up, and you are buying something that costs $100, you would just need to pay the $85 top-up amount from your credit card or PayPal account.
Your credits will expire 365 days after they have been granted, although this doesn't apply to specific promotions which state otherwise.
Your credit is personal to you, so you can't give it away - but you can buy a voucher for someone as a gift using your credit.
If you look at your bank statement right after a purchase, you may notice more than one charge on there (usually, there will be the full amount and the amount less the credit on your statement).
That is an unfortunate requirement of the banks – we haven't really charged you twice! The charge you noticed for the full amount is what banks call a 'pre-authorisation'. Ouffer doesn't actually charge anything until after the deal closes – the pre-authorisation is just a hold on those funds.
When our system goes to charge you, it will see that you are using credit and will adjust the cost accordingly. The original 'pre-authorisation' will 'drop off' within one to five business days (depending on which bank you're with).
Not found what you are looking for? Submit an enquiry
+Why have I been charged twice?
If there are two charges on your statement, it is most likely that the first is a 'pre-authorisation', rather than an actual charge. The 'pre-authorisation' will be removed by your bank between one to five business days (depending on which bank you use for your credit card).
If you noticed that you actually bought more vouchers than you intended, please contact us at email@example.com immediately. So long as Ouffer is told promptly, we can usually credit or refund the mistakenly bought vouchers (but that will depend on how quickly we've been notified and if any bank or administration fees have been incurred).
Not found what you are looking for? Submit an enquiry
+Who can I contact for help?
If you need assistance and can't find an answer on this page, you can find a link to our Contact Us Form below.
If the Contact Us form isn't working, you can get in touch with us at firstname.lastname@example.com - but, if you can, please use the Contact Us Form - this will help us better understand what you need so we can get back to you quicker!
While we do whatever we can to get back to you as quick as we can, please allow between 1-2 working days for a reply.
Not found what you are looking for? Submit an enquiry
Daily Inspirations


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My pattern writing mojo seemed to have left me for a while, but I think it might be back and the Cosmo Caterpillar pattern is finally finished. It is available as a PDF in my Pattern shop and in my Etsy store.
The pattern comes with a supply list and full instructions with photos to assist you. The pattern pieces are full sized and can be printed on A4 paper and there is a page of softie making tips and hints. And remember you can now sell things made from my patterns. All the copyright info is here.


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The world of dance can be a competitive and cutthroat place. No one knows that better than…James Corden. Really.
The Late Late Show host knows it takes more than just a pretty face to make it in the dance world, which is why he's hired the toughest choreographers to help train him and his guests. And when we say toughest, we really mean cutest.
It's been a while since we last saw Corden show off his moves in 'Toddlerography,' but the hilarious reoccurring series thankfully returned to The Late Late Show this week and featured one of the cutest moments so far in 2017.
Joined by actor Kate Hudson wearing what we assume is Fabletics gear, the two did their best to follow along with a number of child choreographers, all while delivering emotional performances to Natalie Imbruglia's "Torn." That song never gets old.
Hudson now joins the ranks of previous performers in 'Toddlerography,' including real-life professionally trained dancers Jason Derulo, Jenna Dewan Tatum and actor Gwyneth Paltrow. It never stops being cute.
Click here to check out what we want to see from James Corden when The Late Late Show host takes the stage at L.A.'s Staples Centre on Sunday, February 12 during the 59th Annual Grammy Awards.
Don't miss The Late Late Show With James Corden every Monday to Friday at 12:30am ET on CTV, and catch up online here.


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Your source for SAP SCM tutorials, tips, and training content
You can now download a free executive summary of our exclusive special report, "Implementing SAP HANA, an End-to-End Perspective," which we developed in conjunction with Decision First Technologies.
SAPexperts has a free email newsletter that goes out every five weeks to readers who want to stay informed about the latest SAP HANA developments and related content we offer. To begin receiving these updates, click here and then check off the HANA box.
The full report provides in-depth technical details about Decision First's experiences installing HANA and connecting it to SAP BusinessObjects. Subscribers to SAPexperts can read the full HANA report now online by logging in. If you aren't a subscriber, check out the benefits of a license to SAPexperts.
The free, four-page executive summary offers HANA tips from the full report in the areas of:
Click here to download a PDF version of the free executive summary.
The Decision First authors of the report are Jonathan Haun, consulting manager; Christopher Hickman, principal consultant; and Don Loden, principal consultant for BI.
Scott Wallask was the managing editor for the BI, BusinessObjects, and HANA content of SAPexperts. He has covered SAP for WIS since May 2010, with a focus on SAP NetWeaver BW, HANA, BusinessObjects, customer relationship management, supply chain management, and human resources. He has spent 19 years as a writer and editor, including stints as a reporter at several newspapers in the Boston area. For 12 years starting in 1998, he created in-depth content about fire safety and OSHA regulations in hospitals while working at HCPro, a healthcare publishing company. In 2005, he won a first place award for best instructional reporting from the Specialized Information Publishers Association for his series on fire protection efforts in nursing homes. He graduated magna cum laude from Northeastern University in 1994 with a BA degree in print journalism.
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This blog is initiated by Hans A.H.C. de Wit, a Dutch living in Istanbul with co-bloggers from Turkey, Greece, the Netherlands, India and the USA. Writing about: politics, cultures, religions, art, daily life, communications, etc. Enjoy! And...At least one post a day!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Four or 80 wifes of 'the Herd', What's the difference?
I must say, how they apply Sharia law in some districts of Nigeria is done precisely.
And no human or women right groups up in arms, only silence.
We are talking about the 21th century here. Here the story which gave me a good laugh.
An Islamic body in Nigeria has issued a death sentence on a man who married 80 women well above the maximum of 'four allowed'.
The Jamatu Nasril Islam (JNI), one of Nigeria's top Islamic bodies, said in a statement that Mohammadu Bello Masaba from the central Niger state stood condemned to death unless he divorced 76 of the women in four days (under Sharia law you can do this rapidly, while under Christian 'laws' it take you some time and Catholics can divorce but not re-marry).
"Unless Masaba repents within four days and take only four wives from the herd (women are sheeps, cows?) he remains condemned to death, according to Sharia law," the statement said.
"Any Muslim who married more than the approved number of wives at a time either by mistake or out of ignorance (..) is instructed to choose but only four and ask for Allah's forgiveness," the group said.
Since the return of Nigeria to civil rule in 1999 a dozen predominantly Muslim states in the north have re-introduced a strict version of the Islamic Sharia legal system.
Sharia law is often seen as more efficient and less bureaucratic (I bet you it is) and corrupt than Nigeria's secular courts.
The northern states pride themselves on applying a mild form of Sharia, with no deaths by stoning carried out and few amputations (I have some pics of amputation in stock, for later...its Sunday today).
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Day Opening - August 24
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The Gates Way to Health Radio Show
Recorded live every Saturday on KXNT 840 AM at 9am
In this episode of The Gates Way to Health Radio Show, Dr. Randall Gates, D.C., Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist, explores one of his favorite subjects: Peripheral Neuropathy. Common in Diabetes patients, Peripheral Neuropathy is often characterized by burning, tingling, or stinging hands and feet-- although it is not limited to these extremities. Many Peripheral Neuropathy patients have been told that their condition is untreatable. Dr. Gates is here to say otherwise. Tune in to learn more about the root cause of this chronic condition, as well as the steps Dr. Gates takes to treat it.


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If you're a partner or associate at a BigLaw firm, or an in-house lawyer who engages BigLaw – exclusively, primarily or intermittently – you may want to add a copy of Larry Ribstein's Wisconsin Law Review article on "The Death of Big Law" to your reading list.
Following are a few highlights and key themes that may be of particular interest to General Counsels and other in-house leaders:
Problems with the Business Model
- BigLaw's issues go well beyond any short-term adjustments necessitated by the Great Recession. "The real problem with Big Law is the non-viability of its particular model of delivering legal services."
- What is that model? "Large law firms' value derives from their function of ameliorating the inherent asymmetry of information between lawyers and clients." Of course, the increasingly strategic and prominent role of in-house legal teams is rapidly eliminating this asymmetry.
But There Are Opportunities Out There
- Some light at the end of the tunnel: "a potential new Big Law business model: developing information, background, drafting, and litigation strategies on issues that arise repeatedly in the firm's work. The firms then could use this information to render high-value legal advice in their areas of expertise at prices competitive with less expert firms."
- Likewise, large law firms "also could build on this expertise by maintaining computerized databases of contracts, doing in-depth research on contracts and transactions, and engaging economists and other analysts to help anticipate future litigation and structure transactions to minimize litigation costs. In short, a restructured version of Big Law could significantly augment what both lawyers and legislatures currently can do in drafting statutes and form agreements."
- And law firms may be able to form alliances with providers of services in adjacent fields (if ethics rules on fee-sharing evolve as well): "it may be more efficient for firms to combine legal services with other activities under common ownership, where control may or may not be exercised by lawyers." (Although we may have seen this movie once before with the large global accounting firms.)
Capacity Insurance
- If as many GC's say, "we hire lawyers, not firms," then why do large firms exist? "One explanation is that legal work often involves a peak load problem… Sophisticated work on large transactions or litigation may call for lawyers with different specialties, non-lawyer experts, and costly technology. Large firms can keep sufficient human and technical resources on call to meet these needs because they can amortize the cost across many clients and cases."
- To that end, corporations maintain relationships with Big Law as a form of "legal capacity insurance" rather than relying on a "spot market" for legal services. Two different sourcing strategies, each with its own challenges and cost structure – worth discussing with your C-level colleagues, in my opinion. But as Ribstein points out, "a limited class of clients and transactions needs this insurance…"
Technology-enabled Legal Services
- As for legal process outsourcing (LPO), Ribstein notes that "outsourcing's future growth depends to some extent on the development of new technologies for monitoring outsourcers." GC's, what technologies would you like to see from your potential LPO partners? LPO vendors, do you see technology as a way to differentiate your offerings, and if so, what's next? Ribstein observes that the "prospect of standardization therefore may be more a threat than an opportunity to Big Law, since it could squeeze some of the profit from transactional work and litigation without letting law firms profit from the new tools."
Alternative Legal Services Providers
- Regarding what Paul Lippe of Legal OnRamp has called "non-firm firms," Ribstein comments that "even if firms do not bring legal work inside, the rising costs of legal representation may push clients to alternatives to law firms such as non-lawyer law consultants, accounting and economic consulting firms, and mechanized legal advice through sophisticated software."
Legal Project Management (LPM)
- I regularly discuss with clients the need to disaggregate their programs and projects into discrete tasks in order to achieve more timely and predictable outcomes at a lower cost. Ribstein notes that "firms theoretically can break down even the most complex projects into discrete tasks as to which lawyers and clients have enough experience to charge on some basis other than counting hours." Of course, this increases the need for lawyers to be highly skilled project managers, or to have PM expertise on staff.
In-house leaders, what do you think about the "Death of Big Law"?


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When it comes to strategy, you need to have guidance you can trust
When it comes to planning your IT strategy you need to be sure you're receiving the best advice for your business'needs, now and into the future. We have worked with businesses of all sizes – from small start-ups to mid-sized growing businesses and enterprise-sized, global organisations. One thing that's common to all is how technology is a critical enabler to achieving your overall business and financial goals – making processes more efficient, increasing productivity and reducing costs. With the right strategy in place you can make the right moves to get the best returns from your IT investments.
Our approach
We provide direct strategy consultancy, acting as if you had your very own IT Director advising you. If you already have an IT representative in your organisation, we can collaborate and support your strategy with you, bringing independent advice and expertise to the table.
We facilitate workshops with you and your team, starting with a kick-off to gain an understanding of your business and how your IT is currently performing – what's working well, what's not and what you want to achieve in the short and long-term. From these initial discussions, we'll craft a solution that's right for your business and what you need to drive the improvements you're looking for. All our strategy guidance is based on the latest technology, backed up with best security and disaster recovery protection.
Case study
ILUX helps to transform renal patient services for 20 Diaverum clinics across NHS England with advanced data integrations across applications and devices
Diaverum is one of the world's leading providers of renal care and the largest independent service provider in Europe. Its operations currently span 20 countries around the world and serves a patient base of more than 29,000 people.
ILUX provides consulting, integration and support services, including:
- Infrastructure integration – connecting servers, desktops, mobile devices to medical devices, including dialysis, patient weighing and smart cards
- Data integrations – mapping clinical data to enable secure transfer and flow to central NHS and Diaverum databases
- Wi-Fi service – for patients and staff
- Digital signage and TV services – in patient waiting room
Interested in our strategy services?
Related services
We supply only the very best in IT infrastructure technology, working with leading suppliers in their fields.
We've been providing our consultancy services since 2008. Our expertise spans a wide remit of tried and tested approaches.
We provide a range of IT support and management services – including UK-based Service desk, Virtual IT Director and Department.


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Home Office: Make Room for Baby -- on a Budget
I was inspired by an article in the The New York Timeswhich chronicled one couples' transformation of the husband's home office into a combination home office/baby nursery on a budget of $5,000. I decided to challenge myself to create a similar solution, but for half the price. Just remember: What you save in money you have to make up for in elbow grease, so roll up your sleeves and get ready to work!
We begin with a room that is a mere 144 square feet (12 x 12). Our floorplan is similar to that of the designer's in the Times article, but we will execute it more cost-effectively by creating the dividing wall from two 7-foot-tall, solid wood bookcases ($700). The height will give lots of privacy and storage to both sides. One bookcase (by the desk) should face the office and one bookcase (by the crib) should face the nursery.
Be sure to secure the sides of the bookcases to the wall with brackets or bolts ($10) to keep them from tipping. The space between the two bookshelves will be the "doorway" between the two rooms. The beauty of using bookshelves instead of building a wall is it saves money, gives added storage to both rooms, and when you move you can take them with you.
Now would be a great time to repaint the room. The cost of a gallon of paint is approximately $30, and instead of hiring expensive painters, enlist some friends for the cost of pizza and beer (another $50). Just be sure not to serve the beer until after the painting is done!
This efficient modular office is our inspiration for the new home office area. To save money, we will reuse our current desk and filing cabinet, and simply install low-cost shelving components on the walls above and to the side of the desk. The tracks, brackets and shelves for this configuration will cost about $228 at your local home-improvement store. On the opposite wall we will add a credenza ($200) and more wall shelving ($102). The final addition to the home office is track lighting ($100), which can be angled toward the desk, the credenza, or the baby nursery for full functionality.
When working with a small space and tight budget you will want to find nursery furniture that serves double duty. I chose a crib ($225) that converts to a bed when the baby gets bigger, and a dresser ($249) that has a pad on top to double as a diaper-changing station. The furniture is arranged around an indoor/outdoor area rug ($100) which is extremely durable and can withstand any stain that a baby might create. If you end up moving to the suburbs, the rug can go outside on a terrace or deck.
The armchair ($225) was chosen for comfort while nursing the baby, but is stylish enough to move into the living room when not needed in the nursery anymore. To finish off the room I selected baby bedding for $40, a mobile for $35, wall art for $17, and full length draperies for $57. Not only will the draperies darken the room for baby's naps, they will also insulate drafty windows. The hardware to hang them was $30. All items were selected from online discount retailer Overstock.com. To save even more money you can check second-hand sources such as eBay or Craigslist.
So here we have created both a home office and a baby nursery in one 12 foot by 12 foot room. And we have done it all for $2398, $102 under our $2500 budget!
Barbara Green is The Design Diva and owner of Sensibly Chic Interior Design. She creates one of a kind interiors that reflect your taste, lifestyle and budget.
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