Reflections 2

I did it my way................

2008-03-11T23:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday all.

I was waiting to hit my 600th post before doing this but i am so close. 595 posts.

I cannot believe i have done 595 posts. Of music, of women's issues, of my random ramblings, of Memes....

I have alway written and have kept a journal since i was 12. So when my dear friend Olawunmi pointed out his blog, i was so fascinated with the fact that one could share those thoughts with strangers anonymously. Aspects of your life or all the details of your life could be shared with the world. Connections could be made.

After following his blog for a few weeks, i decided to start one of my own. Started it on yahoo. It was good. Had trouble letting go a bit but slowly, i began to loosen up. Remember the mad hatter Delot? He was a frequent visitor to my blog and would have me in stitches with his words. Then London Buki and Diamond Hawk came on the scene and these 2 young women have become my friends in real life.

Again Olawunmi pointed out how user unfriendly this blog was and persuaded me to move to blogger and BettyBoopu was born.

I wrote about pain, fun, family, music, my passions, grievances while remaining relatively anonymous. Funny that. People know my name but i have been in the company of bloggers and they have never been able to link me to BettyBoopu. Wonderful.

This was a turning point for me. My family and really really close friends didnt know i blogged. So i was free to just express. Then a different family was born for me. Through this, several people came into my life that have made a difference: Daddy's Girl (who has become like a sister to me. Beautiful, smart and strong), Overwhelmed Naija Girl (who is my little baby and who makes me want to protect her all the time), Soul (who was a constant source of support for me), Jaycee (whose wisdom in the matters of God always came at the right time), 36 (interesting and fun to hang with), Snazzy (really and truly a genius), The Last King of Scotland (my music loving buddy), Noni Moss (who is really so amazing), Vicki (a sweet, sweet woman), Bella Naija (who is really one of the sweetest people i know), London Buki (who made me feel a lot older by actually coming to me for advice and listening to what i said), Diamond Hawk (so close but yet so far)...I could go on. These people sent me emails, called me, travelled with me and just enriched my life.

I was introduced to audacious women unafraid to speak about anything from sexuality to politics: Afrobabe, Catwalq. I was introduced to Nigerian entertainment from a different perspective: Laspapi, Jeremy's blog, Funmi Iyanda's blog....

Blogs came and went, the anonymous ones let the bile flow, wars were taken to the pages of blogs, slander, intrigue, sheer madness...All on blogger. And i have been here since 2006

However, the time has come for me to end this phase of my life. No dramatic reasons. Its just time. Now i will still crawl around leaving comments but BettyBoopu has done her time. Now and again, i expect i will backslide and put something up but it will few and far between indeed....

Its been great. Sheer pleasure to be able to share some of who i am here.

Much Love!

A Meme....

2008-03-11T03:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you Daddy's Girl for tagging me....I have so missed doing a MeMe. Here goes:

Hairdo I'm least likely to rock: Different colored weaves. What is the point of purples, blues and even blond weaves when it isnt halloween? Also Nigerian women can have very very bad weaves when the colors are sort of natural.

Habit I'm least likely to kick: Talking to myself. More people do this than you would believe. I say what's the harm. It helps me not make a fool of myself when i have the insane desire to just say something.

Car I'm least likely to drive: Toyota Corolla. I have the willies just thinking about it. Can i also add the VW Bug?

Fashion trend I'm least likely to try: Skinny jeans, leggings, oversized bug glasses, the boho look

Hobby I'm least likely to take up: Stamp Collecting (what is the point i ask you?)

TV show I'm least likely to appear on: Any...I dont do publicity (even though the world needs to know about the fabulousness that is moi. But i love my relative anonymity - did i tell you i dated an american football player once? Granted he played for just one season with Tennessee but still...Another story for another day)

Popular food I'm least likely to try: Hmm...I am pretty adventurous with food so here's what i am least likely to try again - Octopus, Turkish Delight, certain kinds of sushi, Isi Ewu, Amala, Tuwo Shinkafa, yellow gari (getting a little too long)

Disorder I'm least likely to develop: Bulimia, Anorexia (even though i have prayed to have anorexia to an extent...Not funny but still)

Of all the people I know, I am the least likely to: ask not to cry, ask not to worry, not bring a present, have unpainted toe nails, ask not to give, touch any living creature other than people, have cats as pets, touch cats, touch birds, wear skirts or dresses regularly (again too long)

As far as future ambition goes, I'm least likely to: go into politics, be in front of the camera (i am passionate about entertainment and art but behind the scenes), be a doctor (blood and nasty stuff wrong with people...ewwwwwwwww)

Insight......

2008-03-11T00:09:00.000-07:00

So yesterday in the midst of my busy day, something just zipped through my head. Quick thought and it was gone. I stopped mid-step but continued walking. But i held on to the thought.

Later, when i had a few minutes to sit at my laptop. I pulled that thought up and began to actually take it in.

I can be a control freak. Wanting everything to be done in the way i want, how i want it and when i want it. I understand now that it is my way of drawing lines. Setting the rules on how close a person can be and how close they can get. I can also be very effusive. If i have stuff on my mind, i just let it rip. It can be disconcerting to the other person and sometimes i want to bite my tongue but i am at a point in my life where my daily mantra is NO REGRETS. So i would rather get it off my chest than be tortured.

Anyway, lately, i have become a juggler of sorts. Superwoman at work, dutiful supportive daughter and sister at home, backbone and comfort for 3 friends that suffered very heavy losses last week: the death of a father, the death of premature twins and the death of a fiance, constant smiles and miss walk on eggshells for the men in my life etc. And in all these situations, i have been playing miss control it all. When to talk, when to call, when to get gifts, when to stop by, when to send text messages, when to smile, what to say...on and on.

The thought that flashed through my head was simple really: calm down and relax.

As i was busy doodling on my piece of paper (which is what i do when i am thinking), i got a call. A friend out of the blue said he had this overwhelming need to talk to me, to see if i was okay. So he asked what was going on and i let it rip. And he laughed and said 'You need to relax and let go'. Weird right or maybe not. He said, you cant control everything and things will not always be on your terms.

I know that. I am sure we all know stuff but it really only sinks in when someone else says it. Anyway, immediately he said that and we talked some more about specifics and i got off the phone, I felt like a weight was lifted off me. Unbelievable. Freedom. Its like i stopped obsessing. The daily phone calls and text messages that i felt obligated to make and send, i didnt feel the need to anymore. Especially since my friend also made another comment that hit home: you cannot make people feel for you what you feel for them. You cannot force them to respond the way you want.

Unreal. Suddenly all the things that i thought i should be doing to show that i care for all these people didnt make a lick of sense. Especially because i removed myself from it all (its important to do this), sort of floated outside my body and looked at the situations objectively. And i realise, i have done my best. I cannot do more or be more.

I was going to say something about the effusive part but distractions abound.

Anyway, i feel so free. I cannot control everything. I cant force things to happen. Cant force people to react to people the way you want. So why stress? Someone once said to me or was it to someone else? I dont remember but the words said were - Dont sweat the small stuff. All stuff is small stuff.....

Inspired.....

2008-03-10T01:24:00.001-07:00

Its Monday morning
And i dont want to leave your side
We have to get up to start our day
But we cant seem to move

You woke me up at 4am
With sweet kisses down the arch of my back
I noticed the Ac was not on
So why did it feel so cool?

You whispered in my ear
'Baby, do you want some water?'
I whispered back 'No'
You got up to get some water for yourself
And i watched you move

My eyes had re-adjusted to the darkness
And i could make you out
I wouldnt have needed the light anyway
Because every inch of you i know

I smiled to myself as i watched you take a sip of water
My heart filled with so much love
Filled with awe that you are all mine
That i am the one that gets to share your nights
The one that you call your heart

On your way back to me
You open the blinds and the windows
The room is filled with the blue flash of lightening
I hear the rumbling of thunder
The sound of rain
This is not a light drizzle
This is a major storm
And i smile

I love the rain
It distracts me
Making me useless as i stare dreamily into space or out of a window
These days
It rains and i think of you

You walk back towards our bed
And get under the covers with me
My body with a mind of its own
Curls itself around you
Unable to get close enough
Your body adjusts to meet mine
And i smile
Surely, nothing can feel better than this

You kiss me
A deep, soul searching, toe tingling kiss
That has me moaning
You whisper 'i wish we didnt have to go to work'
I nod and pull your head back to mine

No words are spoken as our bodies speak
We tell each other the things that we cannot find the words to say
In the most intimate way
We re-affirm our love for one another
Fingers interlaced
Rapid breaths
Moans and screams
Sweat drenched bodies
In a primal dance
To the music of thunder and pouring rain

Tender kisses and lots of 'I love you's'
Some tickling and giggling
I make fun of you ugly feet
You tickle me with them
You say something about my hair and medusa
And i say 'you love my hair'

Silence as we fall asleep
Wrapped in each others arms
Content and secure

The alarm goes off at 6
I contemplate flinging it across the room
I make a move to turn it off
And your arms tighten around me in your sleep
I stop moving
And i settle back down to the warmth of your arms
Where i belong

I smile to myself
One day wont be the end of the world
When we wake, we wake
Call in sick
Spend the whole day at home
In bed
In our pyjamas
Or nothing at all

Its Monday morning
Its raining
I dont want to leave you side

Alright. Another Inspired post. This time blame it on the rain (oooh..Milli Vanilli song). I love the rain. I am at my most unproductive when it rains. I smile foolishly all the time. Stare into space or out of the window. The darker it gets, the better. I love the smell of rain on the earth. I love the fact that rain is life and fertility. I love being by myself when it rains. At home - reading something, or watching something, wearing my socks and buried underneath my duvet. When it rains, i open my blinds so i can see the lightening and watch the rain fall. Honestly though, rain just makes me want to hold and be held. It evokes love and contentment for me. I have tried to understand where my love for rain comes from and i cant figure it out.

Have a great week.....

Very Nice....to the sounds of.....

2008-03-06T01:05:00.000-08:00

Abba - Money, Money, Money

Forbes has published its annual Richest List and look who comes in at number 334. Yup...the first Nigerian to make it onto this list ever is Aliko Dangote. Go here to read more.....

A lot of people say a few Nigerians including Aliko have been singled out to benefit from government. Well, sure to some extent but it happens all over the world. My dad calls it enlightened self interest. You have influential friends, they open doors for you and voila...

I have a lot of respect for him though in the sense that unlike a lot of people who have influential friends that simply divert money (they sit back and rub their hands with glee as the millions hit their Swiss bank accounts).... this man works. People who know him will tell you they wonder when he sleeps. Meetings held at 2am after putting in regular work hours. The same can be said for Mike Adenuga whose midnight meetings at his golden office are famous.

Anyway, Aliko has my respect as well in the fact that he really doesnt take himself too seriously and is really humble. I have been at events when i have been shoved out of the way by Arnold Schwarzneggar wannabe's in oversized coats and cheap sunglasses - the security detail for Kabiyesi He Ha of Mushin Omole Local Government 1 or The Ndi Igbo of Mirin Ngwa or some other such lackey. Aliko comes in unassuming in his babanriga, walks in and sits down. If he happens to be recognized by the MC, he wont get up, he will simply smile and do his thing. Love that.

Another reason, i respect this man, is he is human. LOL....

Case in point - at my friend's wedding last May, i was one of the bridesmaids. Wearing a tea length dress and heels. Dancing time...and ladies, you know what means. All bridesmaids to the dance floor with money bag in hand. Kneeling on the floor to pick up money with people dancing and bumping into you takes the joy out of your heart fast. So there we are. And some of these people, swaggering onto the dance floor, spraying their 20 and 50 naira notes with aplomp. I got up and opened the bag hoping for some respite. Instead, see these women dressed to the teeth with their coats of many colors (i mean their skin here), dance backwards for 10 paces, then come forward for 5, shimmy to the ground and then spray the couple with 50 naira. Then go on and on boogeying while we the bridesmaids are on the floor scavenging for the notes and trying not to get our fingers crushed by the shoes. There was even a point when i just knelt there not picking anything.

Anyway, Aliko comes to the dance floor, shakes the hands of the bride and the groom, looks at us sweating and dishevelled brides maids, smiles and says well done, brings out a few bundles of 1000 naira notes and places the money directly into our bags. He sways a little like 3 sways a side all the while smiling. He now counts out a few 1000 and gives directly to each bridesmaid and says you are good friends. He leaves the dance floor and by the time we had gotten off the dance floor, the man had gone. That is the way to do things people....LOL

Seriously, something good in a global publication about a Nigerian. Me likey.....

Women's Issue - V-DAY

2008-03-05T05:44:00.001-08:00

The ground breaking Vagina Monologues enters its 10th year and a massive 2 day celebration is planned:

April 11-12, 2008: Join Salma Hayek, Oprah Winfrey, Faith Hill, Jane Fonda, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Hudson, Glenn Close, Julia Stiles, Ali Larter, Sally Field, Marisa Tomei, Calpernia Addams, Rosario Dawson, Kerry Washington, and musicians Common, Eve, and Charmaine Neville on Friday and Saturday, April 11 – 12, 2008 for V-Day’s mega two-day anniversary celebration in New Orleans at the New Orleans Arena and Louisiana Superdome - V TO THE TENTH. Doors 6:30PM. Showtime 7:30PM.

For those of us in Nigeria who want to be part of this experience, the Nigerianized version of the Monologues kick off tomorrow in Abuja and then next week and the week after will be dedicated to Lagos.

I saw excerpts of the Vagina Monologues in New York a few years ago and it was a freeing experience. To sit there and have respected women use the word Vagina over and over again took some getting used to but by the time i was done, i felt proud to be WOMAN and was even more determined to make a difference in the lives of women - starting with my own.

I do not know what the new script that has been written by 4 talented Nigerians will say but i imagine since it will be relatable...I imagine passionate words on women's issues from abuse to battered self esteem. I have heard there will be music and dance. I forsee an emotional, enlightening and revealing experience and i truly hope that there will be more men in the audience than there were last year - i didnt attend last year's shows but my friends were appalled at the fact that the people that needed to hear this message and see this were the men largely responsible for a lot of the atrocities against women worldwide - and they were largely absent.

3 bloggers are part of this year's experience - Overwhelmed Naija Babe (part of the writing team), Laspapi (directing) and Funmi Iyanda (a member of the cast) and that in itself is pretty exciting. More details about the shows can be found on Laspapi's and Funmi Iyanda's blogs....

From a female point of view, from the point of view of someone passionate about women's issues i urge us all to make time in our busy schedules to see it.

Here's to many more beautiful V-Days, here's to the beauty of womanhood, here's to women finding their voices, here's to the good men that support and empower their women and here's to a blazingly bright future for our girls......

He Sang, She Sang - 12

2008-03-04T03:21:00.000-08:00

Nothing Compares To You

Prince wrote this song in the 80's for The Family - a funk band created as an outlet to release Prince's music. This song was not released a single and went unnoticed.

In 1990, Sinead O'Connor recorded the song on her second album and made it a worldwide hit. The video was for this song is really intense and so haunting. The video went on to win the MTV Best Video award for the year.

As a result of the popularity of Sinead's cover, Prince began to perform this song live in concerts. His version features the vocal powerhouse Rosie Gaines.

A number of artists have recorded their version of this song but these are really the only 2 worth mentioning.

I have included both versions in the soundbyte playing. But i also added a live version by Lemar i discovered as well.

Which version works the best for you?

Pain

2008-03-03T07:06:00.001-08:00

After being absent from the gym for the past 1 month and pretty much getting sloppy with my eating habits, i figured it was time to get back on the wagon.

Hauled myself to the gym yesterday.

My trainer saw me and i saw his eyes light up. Now that should have been a warning right there. But me being me, i guessed he was simply happy to see me because of the tips i usually give.

He shook my hand and i bounced towards the treadmill. He said no. Said i had to shake it up a bit. Okay then. No problem.

Did some stretches in front of the mirror where i spent a lot of time staring at my backside for no other reason than to see what it looked like from the back.

Easy enough. The stretching actually felt good since i have been taut as a tight rope for the past few weeks.

Then he hands me free weights. Bicep curls, squats, tricep kick backs and other stuff that i cant name.

Hmm, he asked me if i felt the burn. Yup i felt it.

Crunches and ab work with him holding my feet and stuff. At this point, i was not smiling very much anymore. I was just concentrating on breathing and not embarrasing myself in the full gym.

Up we got. More stretches. Some water and breathing.

Then he takes me over to the elliptical trainer. Cool. I love this. Well not love exactly but like.

I start to move. He says stop. Adjusts the settings. I position my ipod properly in my ear. And off i go. Not bad. Very easy actually. I am wondering why my trainer is staring at me. Leaning against the mirror staring at me. I ignore him. And start to go. Easy. Then it starts to get hard. I look at the settings and realise he has me me on interval. The resistance increases and its like i am hiking up a hill. Nothing i cant handle though.

By minute 15, my thighs are burning and the trainer is watching me intently. I refuse to bow to the unspoken pressure of asking if i can step down or if he can take it down a notch. I keep going. Holding on hard to the handle bars and closing my eyes.

Kanye West's Hey Mama is playing but i am not humming along. I keep my eyes closed and push myself on.

30 minutes are over and i step off.

We do some stretches and then its off to the weight machine. I work on my thighs and my back.

More stretches and then the exercise ball comes out. At this point, i am drenched in sweat. My cute exercise ensemble is drenched and i feel nasty. My ponytail is limp and i feel a hot mess.

We do crunches on the exercise ball. I spend a lot of time with my eyes closed, concentrating on using my stomach muscles - my core to balance. Its a blur at this point.

Then i get up and do more stretches. Then he leads me to the treadmill.

As i walk towards the treadmill, my legs seem to not want to move. I use my mind to power my legs towards the machine.

I say nothing. I look at my trainer intently. Thinking to myself....idiot man. you want to kill me today because i did not come for one month. I will show you today. I am stubborn. You dont know me. I am just glad i didnt use my lips because they wouldnt have moved anyway.

I get on the treadmill. And this time i watch his finger as he presses the buttons. Hill race..and then the diagram shows red dots - some high, some low. Hmm.

We start. A gentle walk. I am sidelined at this point. Back to looking at the mirror in front of me thinking how awful i look and just watching the other people. All of a sudden, i hear a whirring sound. Incline. Okay now. Raise away. This man doesnt know anything

Incline. Not bad. Hard but not bad. Then the stupid 'f****g machine starts to go faster. So i am supposed to jog UP THE INCLINE. Meanwhile the deranged man is still looking at me. I manage and then after a short burst, the incline goes down and the pace slows. Easy walking now. I rip my earphones out of my ears. The things are irritating me. Just as i wordlessly hand my ipod to the man, i hear the whirring sound again. INCLINE.

Kai. Up i go, then its starts to speed up. Inside of me, i am crying. Kai. Oh my Lord, let me live to see another day. I am seeing stars. I feel nauseous. The incline isnt coming down as fast as before. This goes on for 45MINUTES.

Its over. I cannot move. I stand on the treadmill. He says i should come and do the cool down and stretches. I pretend to be adjusting my clothes and drink some water. The truth is, if i move at that very instant, i will just die. Like literally - my legs will give out and i will die. Death in the gym. People will ask who sent me.

With shaky legs, i get off. Now even the stretches hurt. Then he says one more thing before i go. He gives me a skipping rope. He says quick, fast - for 2 minutes. Then the final cool down.

If looks could kill, he would have been incinerated at that point. He is running his commentary on how well i have done and its good to push your body. All the while, i imagine grabbing a 25 pound dumbbell and crushing his skull. Or kicking him in the groin. Stupid man.

I grab the skipping rope. My legs dont even want to move. I uncurl the damn thing. Look around to make sure no one is around. Actually, i am stalling. Come on, lets go he says. I manage. Kai. I just want to burst into tears at this point. I want to beg for mercy. My body doesnt even know what to do with itself. My eyes are breathing, my nose is seeing and my own hands want to smack me for inflicting so much pain....

How i do it, i dont know. I dont even know if i did the full 2 minutes. All i remember is him saying well done. I remember stretching. Couldnt even reach down. I had to lie on the floor mat. While he pulled my legs. I stared at the ceiling in a daze. Then he said see you next week.

I silently and slowly got up. Picked up my ipod and car keys. And slowly walked out of the building into my car. Entered my car and sat there for a few minutes. Thinking about my life. Then i started my engine. Drove home gingerly. No sudden movements.

Walked into my house. My parents asked me how it went. I dont remember responding. I looked at the stairs. Contemplated all 20 stairs that take me upstairs. Sat at the foot of the stairs and stared into the distance. People passed me. I said nothing. After a few minutes, i got up and silently climbed the stairs. Went to my room.

Knowing i needed to take a shower. I removed my trainers and socks. Laid on the floor. And closed my eyes.

My mother woke me up. Asking why i was asleep on the floor. Didnt say a word. Managed to get into my shower. Managed to do that. Got out. It was about 8pm by this time. Managed to get into bed. Covered myself from head to toe with my duvet and closed my eyes.

My dad came to my room and asked me to come and have dinner. I pretended not to hear. He left eventually. I fell asleep.

I woke up this morning. My feet hit the ground and i had to sit on my bed. Pain. Like electric shock coursing through my body.

I slowly limbered to the shower. Got dressed. Walking gingerly and feeling pain. Putting on my jacket was torture. Sitting in my car. Intense pain that i turned my AC on the highest.

Got to work....sat in the parking lot as i got in way too early. Just stared into space thinking about the fact that my body hurt like a wrestler used me for practice. Got a text message. Responded. Taking breaths hurt.

Got into my office and have been sitting relatively still all day.

It is 4.56pm now and i have not eaten a thing. The thought of eating anything is nauseating. See how much work i have to go through to burn these damned calories. My throat hurts. If i chew anything and swallow it wont go down. Muscle pull of the gullet.

Why oh Why?

Inspired.....

2008-02-28T23:43:00.000-08:00

Please read this as you listen to what's playing in the sounbyte - Kirk Whalum's - If Only For One Night

He looked at his watch
It was time
He stood up and roared to his men ‘Make we dey go’
His gang of not so merry men put down their bottles of ogogoro and staggered to their feet
Eyes red from intoxication
Feet unsteady
They picked up the tools of their trade
Metal rods, sticks, burlap sacks and a lone locally crafted pistol
And headed out

He led his men out of the slums called home
Onto the street
Across the empty field that was used to kick a ball around
To while away the time
Marching with single minded purpose
He led his men
Across the road
And they got onto the median
And began to walk slowly down it
Heading to the middle of the 3rd mainland bridge

Traffic was at its prime
Cars at a stand still
No one going anywhere
Bumper to bumper the cars were
Drivers resigned to the fact that this would not end anytime soon
Some with their windows rolled down
Wiped their faces as the heat made sweat drip down their faces
Executives asleep in the back of their cushy cars
After a hard day at work
Their drivers sitting upright in their white shirts and ties
Some drivers oblivious to the traffic
Courtesy of the music they were singing to
Some oblivious because of the company they had
Some drivers seemed lost in thought
Contemplating life and obligations
Everyone headed home

His band of un-merry men slowed down right at the middle of the bridge
Jumped onto the road
And it began

Windows rapped on
Some smashed
‘Bring your phone’
‘Bring your bag’
‘Give me all your money’
‘Open your boot’
‘I go fire ya head here my friend’
‘Move it morrafoker’

Some of the men laughed as they assaulted the innocent
Some said nothing
He walked in between the lanes
Weaving between the cars
Keeping his eyes on his men
And on the opposite lane
And on the passengers in the cars

He heard a guttural scream behind him
He turned around
For he had warned his men
No un-necessary violence
Smash and grab
Scare and petrify
But hurt no-one

He walked slowly back to the cause of the noise
A Toyota Corolla
Driver’s door open
A woman struggling with one of his men
In a dark suit
And bare feet
‘Please my phone’
‘Don’t take my phone’
‘Take my car, take it all but not my phone’

He heard his man
The one that the woman had locked in her grip saying
‘I go wound this woman’
‘You dey craze’
He stopped and said
‘Madam, I suggest you leave him alone’
‘Please my phone’

He looked at the woman as she let his man go
He was used to people being intimidated by him
6 feet 3 inches of solid muscle
Every inch of him as dark as coal tar
And at this time of night
He knew that the only features people would be able to see
Were the white of his eyes and his teeth
His voice scared even his mother

This woman didn’t seem to notice him
So focused on her phone
Oblivious to the kicks and slaps
She had tears streaming down her face
He noticed that in addition to the tears
She was crying
No. She was weeping
Making gut wrenching sounds as she screamed ‘my phone’

‘Let me have her phone’
They stopped struggling – his man and the woman
He sneered at her
‘All this noise and wahala over an ordinary Nokia 2210’
‘You want to die over this phone’
All the while she stared at the phone in his hand
Saying over and over ‘please, please, please, please’

‘Get into your car now’
He said in a tone that brooked no argument
He turned to his man
Threw the phone in the burlap sack
And they walked away
He heard the woman scream again but did not turn round

His men hurried along
For the window of opportunity was closing
Traffic was beginning to move

For an inexplicable reason
He turned around
While cars had started to move slowly
The woman was sitting on the bridge
In her dark suit and bare feet
Crying hysterically
Her car door still open

He walked back to her
‘Madam, get up and enter your car’
She seemed not to hear him
‘Did anyone hurt you?’
She looked at him then
And the look of pain and agony on his face made him take a step back
Yet she said nothing
Just continued to cry
‘Madam you can buy another phone. Even a better one’

She whimpered and said something
He didn’t hear
She said words again
‘You have taken my life’
For some reason, he could not move
He just stared at her

She pulled herself up
Into a kneeling position
Held onto his knee and looked up at him
‘I got married 6 months ago
My husband died last month
All I have left of him are the text messages he sent to me on that phone
Not on the SIM card
But on that phone
Please give me my phone’

He looked at her
‘The reason I can still breathe is because of those messages
Please’
He pulled himself free from her grasp
Turned his back on her
And walked away

She was numb
Unable to move
Over 200 text messages
That the love of her life had sent to her
Since he died, she spent hours re-reading those messages
Oblivious to funeral arrangements
Friends, relatives, in-laws
She went to bed cradling her phone
And selecting the messages to put her to bed
Because those messages were for her
He talked to her even though he was gone with those messages
Gone now
Everything she had of him
Gone

She looked up and it was the man
Holding a bag
‘Which one is your phone?’
Not stopping to think
She pointed at the phone at the top of the pile
He reached for it and handed it to her
‘Thank you’
He turned his back and walked away

*Inspired by my love for text messages, the movie P.S I love you, driving home on 3rd mainland bridge and the stories of these petty thieves which thankfully are not as common anymore*

Have a great weekend.

A little extra to the sounds of.....

2008-02-27T09:19:00.000-08:00

Anthony Hamilton - Pass Me Over

I liked this song since i first heard it a little over a year ago....Enjoy!

Husband takes his wife to play her first game of golf.Of course, the wife promptly hacked her first shot right through the window of the biggest house adjacent to the course.The husband cringed, "I warned you to be careful! Now we'll have to apologize and see how much your lousy drive is going to cost us."

So the couple walked up to the house and knocked on the door.A warm voice said, "Come on in." When they opened the door they saw the damage that was done: glass was all over the place, and a broken antique bottle was lying on its side near the broken window. A man reclining on the couch asked, "Are you the people that broke my window?""Uh...yeah, sir. We're sure sorry about that," the husband replied.

"Oh, no apology is necessary. Actually I want to thank you. You see, I'm a genie, and I've been trapped in that bottle for a thousand years. Now that you've released me, I'm allowed to grant three wishes. I'll Give you each one wish, but if you don't mind, I'll keep the last one for myself."

"Wow, that's great!" the husband said. He pondered a moment and blurted out, "I'd like a million dollars a year for! the rest of my life." "No problem," said the genie. "You've got it, it's the least I can do. And I'll guarantee you a long, healthy life!"

"And now you, young lady, what do you want?" the genie asked. "I'd like to own a gorgeous home complete with servants in every country in the world," she said. "Consider it done," the genie said. "And your homes will always be safe from fire,burglary and natural disasters!""And now," the couple asked in unison, "what's your wish, genie?"

" Well, since I've been trapped in that bottle and haven't been with a woman in more than a thousand years, my wish is to sleep with your wife." The husband looked at his wife and said, "Gee, honey, you know we both now have a fortune, and all those houses. What do you think?"

She mulled it over for a few moments and said, "You know, you're right. Considering our good fortune, I guess I wouldn't mind, but what about you, honey?" "You know I love you sweetheart," said the husband."I'd do the same for you!"

So the genie and the woman went upstairs where they spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying each other. The genie was insatiable. After about three hours of non-stop fun, the genie rolled over and looked directly into her eyes and asked, "How old are you and your husband?""Why, we're both 35," she responded breathlessly.

"Really?! Thirty-five years old and both of you still believe in genies?"

He Sang, She Sang - 11

2008-02-25T07:19:00.000-08:00

Knocks me off my feet

Its been a while since i put up a music post and that's because i was really off kilter. I have stopped spinning now so things should get back to normal now.

This song is really one of my favorite songs and was originally recorded by Stevie Wonder in 1976. It appears on the Grammy award winning album Songs In the Key of Life.

In 1996, Luther Vandross and Donnell Jones recorded covers of this song. The versions playing on my soundbyte are the original by Stevie Wonder and the version done by Donnell Jones. Which do you prefer?

As a side note:

Did you know that Donnell's dad is gospel great Bobby Jones? Does he still have a show on sunday mornings on BET?
Donnell is also known as Ibrahim Akhter since he converted to Islam i n 2003

Enjoy!

A Meme.....

2008-02-21T11:08:00.000-08:00

So with lack of time for blogging, here's a meme i found on a blog

1. Honestly, are you in love right now?
No

2. Honestly, what color is your underwear?
Pink

3. Honestly, what's on your mind right now?
So much work to do. I need sleep.

4. Honestly, what are you doing right now?
Answering this question. Preparing a financial report

5. Honestly, what did you do today?
Just got in about half an hour again. The elevators are being serviced so i took the stairs to the 8th floor...Unbudgeted exercise in heels and a suit SUCKS!

6. Honestly, do you think you are attractive?
Heck yeah....And the whole house echoes - Yes

7. Honestly, have you done something bad today?
At 7.54am? Nope...Actually – i cursed someone out on the way to work. But i was in my car with the windows wound up and the person didn’t hear. Does that count?

8. Honestly, do you watch Disney channel?
YES

10. Honestly, what makes you happy most of the time?
The little things – text messages, surprise phone calls, books, my family....the sun shining, puppies...You get the idea

11. Honestly, do you bite your nails?
No...but i used to

12. Honestly, what is your mood right now?
Indifferent

13. Honestly, who do you want to see at this very moment?
*smile*

14. Honestly, do you have a deep dark secret?
Em...Well i haven’t killed anyone – not physically anyway...  I mean the broken hearts i have left in my wake is a type of murder right?...Okay let me stop....

15. Honestly, do you hate someone right now?
Nope. A waste of emotional energy

16. Honestly, who/what do you want to hug right now?
*smile*

17. Honestly, do your wrists hurt?
Em...Should they hurt?

18. Honestly, are you in denial?
YES. About all the smiles above.....Figure that one out

19. Honestly, wouldn't you rather be having sex right now?
Em..NO

20. Honestly, is it easier to talk on Blogger than in person?
NOPE

21. Honestly, does anyone like you?
*smile*

22. Honestly, is it going anywhere with them?
*smile*

24. Honestly, did you answer all these questions honestly?
Yes...

Ish....

2008-02-19T11:38:00.000-08:00

I try so hard not to be a cynic.

Sure we all have our stories and experiences with the opposite sex...If i started today, it wouldnt end.

But despite that, i try to take each man that comes my way as a decent enough fellow. Except when its glaring but even then - i can be naive to a fault.

But sometimes...

I have known D for months. 8 months exactly. He hounds and chases, professes love, sends me gifts which i return, flies into town to see me or so he claims...But he just will not accept my no.

So on Valentine's day,s he sends me flowers and a loooooooooooooooooooooog text espousing sweet nothings and telling me to check my email. That he has a surpise waiting for me

I immediately figure its an e-card but cant be too bothered. So literally 20 minutes ago, i bother to open it...

So why on earth is the e-card addressed to UCHE?

I hate to say it here but let me give in - MEN...........

And its cos

2008-02-18T09:21:00.000-08:00

I changed jobs....So i am still trying to settle in.

I am also trying to catch up on my blog reading.....

More on the foot....

2008-02-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

I am taken aback that the anonymous commenter would call this ghetto fabulous and then go on to talk about stomach contents.....I dont understand

But anyway...I went to Kaduna for my dear dear friend's wedding. The festivities started on wednesday but i got in on saturday....

This is mehndi on my foot...you should see the bride's body. Amazing. Daddy's Girl and I had this done as well in India but the one done in the Northern part of the country is darker...

More on the wedding tomorrow....And a bit more blog rounds as well....

Also some information on why the once diligent blogger has been MIA....

Look what i did......

2008-02-11T10:34:00.000-08:00

There is a story to this....tomorrow...

Enjoy He Sang, She Sang 10 in the post below

He Sang, She Sang - 10

2008-02-11T10:11:00.000-08:00

The Closer I Get To You

Those who know me will attest to the fact that this is one of my fave songs....

Donny Hathaway & Roberta Flack did this song in 1978 and its truly one of the best duets ever.

Beyonce and Luther Vandross (who is my favorite artist ever) went on to re-record this song in 2003.

I try not to give any opinions on this series so i shall leave it at that...

So which version is better?

Changes...to the sounds of.....

2008-02-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

Bobby Tinsley - Time

One of those artists i discovered randomly. I fell in love with this song immediately so i hope you enjoy...

Should be back to regular blogging pretty soon....Life is really hectic right now...Lots of changes going on..But good stuff....

He Sang, She Sang - 9

2008-02-01T02:17:00.000-08:00

Dont Cry For Me Argentina

This song is from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical - Evita based on some of the events in the life of former Argentine first lady Eva Peron.

Julie Covington sang this for the first time ever in 1976 on the Evita album which is how this musical started. To the suprise of many, Julie refused the role of Evita in the stage adaptation of Evita and the role went to someone else.

Madonna went on to star in the film version of the musical in 1996 and recorded this song for the soundtrack. Madonna's version was a big hit and became her secong number 1 hit after La Isla Bonita.

Artists such as Olivia Newton John, The Carpenters, Sinead O Connor, Sarah Brightman etc have also performed covers of this song.

On the sound player are the only 2 versions i could find: the original by Julie Covington and Madonna's version....What do you think?

Enjoy!

Random and frankly bizarre to the sounds of......

2008-01-31T01:32:00.000-08:00

Infinity - Aye Ole

This song is by the Nigerian gospel group Infinity and its my favorite track off their album. The song is in yoruba and the title means - Life is not hard. Its amazingly beautiful and then the video... very different...might be available on you tube so check it out.

Now on to these pictures....I ask WHY?

I know they are simply extreme piercings but again why? Will these ladies walk around topless so the corset shows? I dont get it. Life isnt this complicated...Ish

He Sang, She Sang - 8

2008-01-29T23:14:00.000-08:00

Mr Lonely

Bobby Vinton recorded this hit in 1964. The song hit number 1 in the US charts. Its actually a sad song. Its about a soldier far away from home, fighting a war with noone to talk to and getting no updates from home.

In 2005, Akon relied heavily on the original for his single Lonely which became a worldwide hit. His single reached number 1 in many countries and stayed there for weeks on end.

So for those of you that didnt know this was a sample, here's the original. And then there's Akon's version. Do you think he worked well with the sample?

Enjoy!

Unbelievable......

2008-01-29T10:57:00.000-08:00

God truly loves this country. Against the odds. The Super Eagles scaled through.

Unbelievable......

He Sang, She Sang - 7

2008-01-28T00:27:00.000-08:00

Save The Last Dance For Me

Everyone i know loves this song......

It was first recorded by Ben E King & The Drifters in 1960. This version went to number one in the US.

Its a pretty simple song that tells a story of a lover telling his companion to have fun throughout the evening but to make sure she leaves one last dance for him. The song was written by Doc Pomus and some other guy. Now it is speculated that this song is intensely personal to Doc Pomus. He had polio and used crutches and his wife was a very vivacious broadway actress and dancer.

This song has been recorded by a number of artists including Ike & Tina Turner, EmmyLou Harris, The Beatles, Harry Nilsson etc.

The 2 cover versions i have included are by Michael Buble and Dolly Parton.

Michael Buble recorded his version in 2006 and it did relatively well on the charts and introduced a lot of young people to this song.

Dolly Parton recorded her version in 1984 and it entered the top 10 on the US country charts.

So which version do you prefer?

Random....

2008-01-25T03:35:00.000-08:00

What does driving defensively mean? My horn ceased a few days ago...and when i told my dad, he said i would have to drive defensively till it got sorted. I nodded: Yes of course. Drive defensively. Of course. Yeah but what does it mean...i hear people say it a lot. My horn regained its voice but still...driving defensively
I made myself laugh this morning. Someone asked me what i was having for breakfast and i said Mali...LOL. Get it? The Super Eagles play Mali tonight....
Diamond did a post on preparing to be a wife and i will admit to being freaked out. Its an insightful post but i wonder - preparing to be a wife - is there really anyway to prepare and also, if you actually start planning (like making a conscious effort), isnt that like jinxing stuff? I just wonder
I love the new beefed up Craig David. Love his hair and the beef cake he has become...
So many things to do and so little time
Why do people still do drugs with all the information there is out there? See Amy Winehouse...Me, i am pretty vain and also a bit of a wuss so the thought of injecting myself or scarring myself seems to be too much hassle
Souljah boy - what on earth is he on?
I have a wedding next week saturday - so why is the aso ebi still in my car with no tailor contacted yet?
Have a great weekend all....Women's issue back next friday....

He Sang, She Sang - 6

2008-01-24T00:22:00.000-08:00

Black Magic Woman

Fleetwood Mac released this song all the way back in 1969. The song went on to hit number 37 on the UK charts.

However, it wasnt till Santana recorded and released this song in 1970 that it became a massive hit. Interestingly, this song has become synonymous with Santana and is arguably his biggest hit. Santana's version helped boost the album it appeared on Abraxa to number 1. Of course Santan flips this song around. While the original version has a pop rock vibe to it, Santana adds some Latin flavour, a jazz vibe and some mad mad guitar playing.

Both versions are playing today...so which do you prefer?

Unbelievable......

2008-01-22T23:25:00.000-08:00

I was so ready to do a post on the He Sang, She Sang series when i was greeted with this news. I am shocked and to be honest, very very upset. So unexpected...RIP Heath Ledger

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Actor Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday of a possible drug overdose in a Lower Manhattan apartment, the New York Police Department said.

The Academy Award-nominated actor was 28.

Ledger was found naked and unresponsive, facedown on the floor at the foot of his bed by a housekeeper trying to wake him for an appointment with a masseuse, said police spokesman Paul Browne.

"Pills were found in the vicinity of the bed," he told CNN.

"This is being looked at as a possible overdose, but that is not confirmed yet."

Browne later told reporters some prescription medications were found in the room, including sleeping pills.

But he stressed police have made no determination of the cause of Ledger's death -- that would be done by the medical examiner.

He said the pills were not "scattered about."

No note was found and there was no indication of foul play, Browne said. Ledger was found at about 3 p.m., and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel about 3:30 p.m. Watch a report about Ledger's death »

A crowd of onlookers, photographers and reporters gathered outside the apartment building after news of Ledger's death was reported. Police officers were guarding the doors.

Browne said he did not know how long Ledger had been renting the apartment, which he said took up the entire fourth floor.

An autopsy would be conducted on Wednesday, said Ellen Borakove, spokeswoman for the New York City medical examiner's office. Watch Ledger's body being removed »

Ledger's family called his death "very tragic, untimely and accidental."

"Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life, but few had

the pleasure of truly knowing him," his father said.

"He was a down-to-earth, generous, kindhearted, life-loving, unselfish individual extremely inspirational to many."

Hollywood reacts

Condolences began pouring in from Ledger's friends and co-stars.

"I had such great hope for him," said Mel Gibson, who played Ledger's father in "The Patriot," in a statement.

"He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family." Actress Nicole Kidman, a fellow Australian and close friend of Ledger's, said in a statement, "What a tragedy. My heart goes out to his family." Watch the reaction at the Sundance Film Festival »

At the time of his death, Ledger had just finished playing the villain The Joker in "The Dark Knight," the latest installment in the Batman series. The film is to open in July.

Ledger was born in Perth, Australia, and named Heathcliff Andrew after the main characters of Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights." He began acting at a local theater as a child. Find out more about the actor »

Ledger's first American film was the teen comedy "10 Things I Hate About You" in 1999, and he immediately attracted attention from Hollywood. He passed up several scripts before taking a role in the Revolutionary War drama "The Patriot" in 2000 and "A Knight's Tale" in 2001. He also played a supporting role in "Monster's Ball," among other films. See a photo gallery of Ledger's life and career »

"In a way I was spoon-fed a career," he told the Glasgow Herald in 2005. "It was fully manufactured by a studio that believed it could put me on their posters and turn me into a product. ... I hadn't figured out properly how to act, and all of a sudden I was being thrown into these lead roles."

Controversial role
But Ledger was perhaps best known for his 2005 portrayal of Ennis Del Mar in "Brokeback Mountain," about two cowboys who had a secret romantic relationship. The role earned him an Oscar nomination.

"I felt that choices were being made for me, so I feel this has been my time now to find the good stories and test myself," Ledger told the Glasgow Herald in the 2005 interview. "It has been an interesting year, where I finally have a sense of accomplishment."

Asked how he felt about filming love scenes with another man, Ledger said he and his co-star Jake Gyllenhaal simply focused on their roles.

"We can't say that we weren't nervous about it," Ledger told Oprah Winfrey in 2006. "But once the first take was over, it's like, 'OK. So what? It's kissing another human being. How are we going to finish this scene? Let's get on with it and let's get out of here.' "

In a written statement, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said it mourns Ledger's death, adding that his portrayal of Del Mar "changed hearts and minds in immeasurable ways."

Ledger has a daughter, Matilda Rose, born in 2005 to his then-girlfriend, Michelle Williams, who played his on-screen wife, Alma, in "Brokeback Mountain." The couple have since separated.

"He was just so respected in the industry," said Kim Serafin, senior editor of In Touch Weekly.
"It's just horribly tragic. He was just a fine actor and a good person, so this is horribly sad and very unexpected."

An ode to me....

2008-01-21T23:53:00.000-08:00

I am just absolutely and wonderfully made.

Walking past a mirror and i stop dead in my tracks

Who on earth is that stunning gorgeous woman that is behind me?

I whip around and see no one

I walk back

Face the mirror and see myself

Then the smile...

Its me

With hair black and pulled back into a ponytail

Doesnt cascade in bouncy curls down the middle of my back

But its mine and its thick and full and past my shoulders

Brown eyes that crinkle at the corners when i smile

Some say, i will get crow's feet early

But i dont care

For my eyes are a mirror to my soul

A reflection of all i feel

My nose

Cute as a button

Used to wish i had a fulani type nose like Oyinkan

Slim and pointed

But this little nose is my mom's nose

My lips almost always smiling

Not the fullest lips in the world

They dont reduce men to zombies when i pout

But the words that come from these lips

Soothing words, smart words, insane hilarious things, dumb things

And my smile - all me

My lips made for kissing that one i hold dear

My neck

Not long and lean like i sometimes wish it was

But it holds my head up

I can turn my neck left, right, up, down

Which is a blessing in itself

As so many people wish they could

My arms and my hands

Not skinny like i crave sometimes

But they have magic

For in these arms i have held people that needed comforting

My arms are always ready with a hug for anyone who wants one

My hands clasp tight to things i hold dear

They gesticulate madly and animatedly when i talk

All me

My fingers - not thin

But i consider them cute with the little nails attached

That have people asking me if they are real

I dont need artificial nails cos God has blessed me with cute strong nails

That come in useful to scratch my MTN recharge card

Or to graze the skin of someone i am flirting with

Or in the heat of passion, the rake down his back

My breasts

Not as itty bitty as i wish they were

For i have passed the age when the attention was a thrill

But the words of envy from other women

That would pay thousands of dollars to be as well endowed as i am

For these breasts are a symbol of my womanhood

To nurture my babies when the time comes

My waist

Not 24 inches like the models in the magaizines i read religiously

But i see my waist as a testament that i am human and fallible

That i need to exercise and monitor closely my food intake

But where it used to consume my every waking thought

I realise that people dont see me the way i see myself

That when i am hugged and arms wrap around this chubby waist of mine

Its more comforting than feeling bones through a shirt

My back

Well i dont see all of it

But what i see of it is smooth

But my back is more than smoothness

It sit up straight when i notice my back slouching

When i have been working too hard, its starts to hurt

Letting me know i need to lie down

My thighs

Not in proportion to my upper body

Wondered and used to wail to the heavens about the injustice of it all

Why cant i find a dress that fits right?

Or why must a suit fit on top but drop to my ankles at the bottom

But now, these thighs make me smile

All flawless brown skin

For they do not see the sun

So the skin is soft and supple

And during my workouts, i realise how strong these thighs are

Making lower body workouts a breeze

My legs

Not 36 inches of brown legs

But they carry me around

Up and down the stairs

My legs move when i want to dance

And on those rare days when i wear something short

The gasps at the sight of my luscious, smooth legs

Make me smile

My feet

Almost the favorite part of my body

My beautiful feet

Pampered and spoiled with regular pedicures

Little toe nails always painted

Favorite colors are shades of deep red

And when these feet slide into any of the fabulous pairs of shoes

They change all of me

They become sexy and minxy in 4 inch strappy heels

They walk with purpose and power in 3 inch power pumps

They become carefree and girly in flats and slippers

And they become militant in trainers

All of these body parts

Beautiful on their own

But together - stunningly gorgeous

All me

Absolutely wonderfully made in God's image

And beautiful

A Little Extra

2008-01-21T01:48:00.000-08:00

Even though i am running the He Sang, She Sang series (today's song is below this post), I will interrupt it now and again with other songs that might be in my head, that i am feeling at the moment or that i simply want to share.....

He Sang, She Sang - 5

2008-01-21T01:23:00.000-08:00

I Will Always Love You

Dolly Parton first recorded this in 1974. A lot of people think of Dolly and think of her cartoon like body and really high voice....But she is actually a better than decent song writer. She wrote this song and she says she was inspired by a relationship ending - but a business one. That version changes depending on what interview you read or watch but its about the end of a relationship. This song was released on her very successful Jolene album and reached number 1 on the country charts. Dolly re-recorded this song in 1982 and was included on the soundtrack for the movie The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Whitney Houston went on to cover this song in 1992 for the soundtrack to the movie The Bodyguard. This song was a major part of the movie since it was also included in the story line. Interestingly, a Jimmy Ruffin song (of The Temptations) was to be covered by Whitney but it had been used before so Kevin Costner was asked to find another song and he picked this one. Can we say massive here? Her version sold 10 million copies and has surpassed the success of the original. It was selected as the number 1 love song on VH1's countdown....The video - simple and elegant and i cannot get the image of Whitney;s vocal chords as she gets to the breakdown of this song - when she belts out :And Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii, will always love you....:....And the ad-libbing? The song spent 14 weeks on Billboard charts and became her longest running number 1.

So what version do you prefer?

....................

2008-01-19T05:06:00.001-08:00

I am so lost right now....really just sad..........

He Sang, She Sang - 4

2008-01-17T23:41:00.000-08:00

Bobby Caldwell - Open your eyes

An amazing amazing song.

Bobby Caldwell is an amzing song writer and multi instrumentalist whose work will be featured more than once in this series. This song was on his 2nd album and achieved moderate success because other singles on that album became monster hits (one of them will be featured on this series). As a side note, because Mr Caldwell's voice and overall sound was blues & R&B like, his record label went to great lengths to hide the fact that he was white. His album covers had him in silhouette, promo ads and stuff had other images. It wasnt till his first live performance that the secret was revealed to all.

Most people are familiar with this song because Common samples it in his song The Light. This song was the second single off his Like Water for Chocolate album in 2000. Common uses this song as a love letter to someone - widely speculated to be his then girlfriend Erykah Badu.

The Platinum Pied Pipers whose stuff i stumbled on by mistake last year are a Detroit based R&B / Hip Hop Group. Waajeed & Saadiq (not their birth names) essentially lay down hot hot tracks and beats and their work typically features guest artists on vocals. In 2003, this talented duo had Dwele on a track called Ridin' High b/w Open your eyes (which is the first thing i heard from them) which samples Bobby Caldwell's Open your eyes.

I have featured on the soundbyte these 3 tracks.....

So who works it best?

Enjoy!

A Meme......

2008-01-16T11:44:00.000-08:00

I have missed MeMe's so here's one from Geisha's blog.....

Two Names you go by: Uzi, Princess

Two things you are wearing right now: White long sleeved shirt and Black pants

Two things you want(or have) in a relationship: Romance & Friendship

Two of your favorite things to do: Listen to music. Read

Two things you want very badly: Fendi Spy Bag. Mercedes C240

Two pets you had/have:· Tamagotchi· Emmm - the family pet Rambo

Two people you think will fill this out: hmm..i really dont care...i am just so happy to be doing a meme

Two things you did last night: Drove home, slept

Two things you ate last night: Honey chicken sandwich. Pineapple

Two people you talked to: O & O

Two things you are doing tomorrow: Working, Working

Two longest car rides: Going to Akodo beach resort. Going to Ijebu Ode

Two favorite holidays: Christmas & Valentine's Day

Two Favorite beverages: Water & Herbal Teas (Decaf)

He Sang, She Sang - 3

2008-01-16T03:40:00.000-08:00

Diwali Riddim

This dancehall beat came to prominence in 2002 and is credited to Jamaican producer Steve Marsden. Diwali is an Indian festival and the name of this track is called Diwlai Riddim because it is influenced by bollywood dance.

A lot of artists have used this track and the list too exhaustive to go into so i will concentrate on the tracks playing on the blog:

Brick & Lace - Love is wicked: Akon signed this girl group up and they burst onto the scene with this song becoming a club favorite. Apparently the girls had recorded this in 2004. Then the song went on to be featured on the soundtrack for the movie: Bratz Motion Picture

Lumidee - Never Leave You (ooh, ooh): her use of this song became a massive hit in 2003 and has been her only hit to date

Sean Paul - Get Busy: this was released in 2003 on his album Dutty Rock and was produced by Steve Marsden (see above). The song topped the Billboard 100 for 3 weeks and is still a crowd pleaser....

Wayne Wonder - No Letting Go: this was the song that introduced mainstream audiences to Wayne Wonder.

Other artists including Miss Elliott, Buju Banton and Elephant Man have also used this track...

So who do you think used this track the best?

A break in transmission.....

2008-01-15T04:03:00.000-08:00

Because i have been incredibly busy at work and trying to make a number of changes....

Will be back sooon.................

Phenomenal Woman - 4

2008-01-11T02:09:00.000-08:00

We (women) take a lot for granted these days. Sure things are not 100% perfect but history shows that we have come a long way.

I think that it is fitting that my first Women's Issue post for the year pays tribute to a woman who a lot of people have never heard about but who did a lot for women's rights - Sojourner Truth.

She was born Isabella Baumfree into slavery in 1797. She was sold into slavery in 1806 to a very brutal owner. She was sold and resold until she fell in love with a slave from a neigboring farm. The relationship was forbidden by her owners since she owner wouldnt own any children born into that union and the lovers were separated. She was eventually married off to a much older slave and she had 5 children.

She was promised freedom by her owner who changed his mind at the last minute. Isabella then escaped to freedom with only her infant daughter as her other children were not emancipated.

Her journey into the history books started when she had a life changing experience with a family she stayed with and became a devout christian. On June 1, 1843, she changed her name to Sojourner Truth telling her friends "The Spirit calls me and i must go".

She set about travelling and preaching about abolition. She then joined the Northampton Association of Education & Industry which supported women's rights, religious tolerance and pacifism. As a result of belonging to this association, she met a number of renowned figures including Frederick Douglass.

She started to to dictate her memoirs and had it published in 1850 privately. That same year she bought a home which was virtually unheard of in those days. Negroes did not buy homes let alone Negro women. In 1851 she attended the Ohio Women's Rights Convention in Ohio where she delivered her famous speech which i have included at the end of this post.

Sojourner Truth spoke to hundreds of audiences over the next decade and even spoke at the suffragist convention in New York where she met Harriet Beecher Stowe (the woman that fought the good fight allowing women to vote - she was played by Hilary Swank in an HBO tv movie). In 1858, she was giving a speech when a member of the audience accused her of being a man - she opened her blouse and revealed her breasts.

Here is her famous speech titled Ain't I a Woman?

"Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that 'twixt the Negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what's all this here talking about?

That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?

Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's this they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"] That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rights or Negroes' rights? If my cup won't hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?

Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.

If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it. The men better let them.

Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain't got nothing more to say"

During the civil war, she helped recruit black troops for the Union Army. In 1870, she tried to secure land rights for freed slaves and continued to speak about abolition, women's rights, prison reform and against capital punishment.

She died in 1883 and her last words were " Be a follower of the Lord Jesus"

I find her life story inspiring and motivating.

So to this amazing woman that came before us, i say Well Done & Thank You

He Sang, She Sang - 2

2008-01-10T00:32:00.000-08:00

La Bamba

This song is a traditional mexican flamenco style number that was created over 300 years ago. The original version is not exactly what we are familiar with today.

The man responsible for taking the original traditional number and re-working it is Ritchie Valens. He took the song and turned it into a rock and roll number which was released in 1958. His version made it onto Billboard's list of Greatest Songs of All Time - number 345. This song was Ritchie's biggest hit even though his professional career lasted only 8 months. But in that time, he did big things. On the Day that Music Died, Febuary 3, 1959, he died in a plane crash aged 18. The plane crash also took the lives of Buddy Holly and JP Richardson.

A movie on Ritchie's short life was made in 1987 with Lou Diamond Phillips playing Valens. The soundtrack of that movie featured La Bamba performed by Los Lobos. This is the most popular version of the song.

A lot of other artists have also covered this song: Selena (1988), Marco Da Silva (2000), Dustry Springfield (1968), Wyclef (2004) etc.

A search for all the versions was futile. I have only heard the original, the Los Lobos, Wycleg and Dusty versions.

Playing on my blog are Ritchie Valens' version and the Los Lobos version....

Which do you prefer?

Enjoy!

He Sang, She Sang - 1

2008-01-09T00:40:00.000-08:00

Turn The Beat Around

I am so excited about this series and to kick it off, i have chosen this hot disco track that a lot of people credit to Gloria Estefan.

The song was actually performed and recorded first by Vickie Sue Robinson in 1976. It appeared on her debut album and earned her a grammy nomination for best female vocal. It also hit the charts strong peaking at number 10 on the Billboard pop charts and has become a disco classic.

Gloria Estefan went on to record her version in 1994 on the soundtrack album for The Specialist (starring Sharon Stone and Sylvester Stallone). Her version peaked at number 13 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. She released it on her 4th album and she also perfomed at the the first ever VH1 Divas Live concert. This song also became her first english number one song.

Mya performed this as a tribute to Vicki Sue Robinson who passed on in 2000.

American Idol contestants try their hands on songs from different artists and this song was performed by Carmen Rasmusuen, Haley Scarnato and Diana DeGarmo.

The soundbyte widget has the original song by Vickie Sue Robinson, Gloria Estefan's version, Haley Scarnato's version and Diana DeGarmo's version.

What version works the best for you?

Enjoy!

My New Music Series For The Year.....

2008-01-08T00:46:00.000-08:00

So i have been working on this series since June of last year.

Music is hardly new, original or fresh. The amount of covers and samples in music is unreal. So this year will be the year of "The He Sang, She Sang Series". It really is a cover series.

What i plan to do is profile original music works and the covers - could be whole songs, could be samples. I will have a playlist widget under the soundbyte section that will have the versions featured....and readers can listen and let me know what version they prefer and just general thoughts as usual.

Music is my passion and i take for granted that a lot of people know certain things. It amuses me to have people rave about a "new" hit when i know it was originally done say 20 years ago.

I am truly going to enjoy this series and i hope its fun for all.......

Musings!

2008-01-07T02:53:00.000-08:00

Since the year began, i find myself being a little more quiet and being more observant. Also paying more attention to the voice inside me.

I feel different this year. I am different. I am more at peace. That is what screams to me the most. My reactions to things happening around me have changed. And i feel good as well.

Something has to be said about being more observant. Noticing more, being aware of so much more.

Thing is - this wasnt a conscious decision. I just am...

Do you know what i have realised? The longer i take to respond, the better and happier i am with my responses? Think about it. Driving in traffic and someone does something erratic. If i react immediately, it will involve me cursing someone out. But i take a deep breath and all that comes out of me - is head nodding. And i dont feel defiled. Because when i let loose those torrent of words and sometimes the hand motions, i feel defiled and unworthy.

Another case in point - i am going through some pretty emotional things at the moment. Now my usual response is to cry and pretty much degenerate into a mess. But this time - its like i am removed from it all. Things are happening but its almost like they are happening to someone else. I guess i have gotten to the point when i realise that certain things are out of my control and driving myself crazy over these things is really futile. So no real tears have been shed this time, no sappy music has played, no overly dramatic entries in my journal. M just taking each new curveball as it comes. Secure in the fact that my life is directed by God. And that God wants the best for me. And knows the workings of my heart. He knows what i need. I also know that if God says yes, noone can say no. So also, if He says no, no-one can say yes.....

Spent some time at the salon on saturday. And since schools are back in session today, the children's section was filled with little girls getting their hair in cornrows of all styles and sizes. Cute little ones running over the place. Then this girl came in. Maybe 6 or so. She came with her mom and dad. And she was already crying. The moment she saw the comb coming towards her head, she started to cry a little louder. This escalated into all out wailing and screaming with her mom alternating between threats and pleas. This little girl was not having it. She was so so upset about being there. I thought to myself, well leave her alone already. But her mom said she had to get her hair done - school rules, plus mom said even combing her hair everyday would be a nightmare. Someone asked why she didnt cut her daughter's hair then. Mom said her father wouldnt like it. We all turned to the father who sat in a corner reading his newspaper, oblivious to all the ruckus. And you could see all our faces - Men! LOL

I spent yesterday at Terra Kulture hanging out. I went specifically to see Laspapi's play - Anatomy of a Woman and i had a good time. Bumped into an old friend - i am talking someone i havent seen in like 15 years. All lovers of art, please find time to drop by and see a play at Terra Kulture any sunday. Its a good way to spend a sunday afternoon.

My worklife is off to a good start. This is also a year for re-evaluation but its always nice to be appreciated right?

So here's to a fabulous year of observation, introspection, self awareness and fulfillment.

Be Blessed!

A New Year, New Ramblings.....

2008-01-03T23:48:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

We are only 4 days into the new year but it has been eventful so far.

My new series will debut on Monday and i will get back to writing more non-music related posts....

Have a fabulous and blessed year!

Monumental Soundbyte - 100

2008-01-03T23:22:00.000-08:00

The Jackson 5 - I want you back

This song was released in 1969 and is the first song that this talented group released on the Motown label.

Michael Jackson was 11 at the time when he recorded the lead vocals to this song but thats hard to tell because of how mature he sounds on this track.

The song is considered one of the best singles to come out of Motown and is ranked 120 on Rolling Stone's list of Greatest Songs of All Time...

Enjoy!

Monumental Soundbyte - 99

2008-01-03T23:17:00.000-08:00

Cat Stevens - Father & Son

This song was released in 1970 and is truly monumental.

The song is essentially a conversation between a father and son. The father does not understand the need - his son's desire to make a new life while the son knows he needs to do something about his life but does not quite know how to communicate it.

Magnificent song.....Enjoy!

Monumental Soundbyte - 98

2008-01-03T23:00:00.001-08:00

The Delfonics - Didnt i blow your mind this time

This classic song was released in 1970 and actually won a Grammy for Best R & B Performance. The Delfonics' sound was part of the Philly soul movement and this song was one of the first singles to be considered true philly sound.

This is a soul ballad with stirring vocals and accompanied by strings and horns. This song was featured on the Jackie Brown soundtrack and has been covered by a number of artists including Patti Labelle.

Enjoy!

Monumental Soundbyte - 97

2008-01-03T00:59:00.001-08:00

Whitney Houston - Run To You

This song appears on The Bodyguard soundtrack and was released in 1993.

Its not the most successful song from this soundtrack but after I will always love you, its my second favorite.

Whitney Houston can never disappoint so maybe its her vocal delivery on this song, or maybe its the simple video, or maybe its her hair and almost matt style makeup, or is it the fact that when i sing this song, i love the riffs and ups and down of the song...whatever it is, i love this song so much.

Enjoy!

Monumental Soundbyte - 96

2008-01-02T23:58:00.000-08:00

Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight

This beautiful song was released in 1977 and it was written for Eric Clapton's then love. Like Sting & The Police song "Every Breath You Take", this song is largely considered a romantic song.

But its actually not. Well it is. Its the reason for writing it that is less than romantic. Apparently, Eric penned this as he waited impatiently for his lady love to get ready for a shindig.

Nonetheless, it is an amazing song with 3 verses. Each of the verses is a different part of the evening and shindig they attend.

Excellent song - Enjoy

A New Year & Real Issues

2008-01-02T06:23:00.000-08:00

Most people of Nigerian descent are familiar with sickle cell anaemia.

Most of us young adults are also aware of how important genotype is in relationships that will turn into marriage. So if both parties are AA, its deep breaths of relief for all. If one party is AS and other is AA, no problems there either.

But what happens when both parties are AS? This means that there is a 1 in 4 chance that every child conceived of this union will be a sickler.

Case in Point: 2 people that have known each other for years but never quite got together. Like a lot of fairytales, a friendship blooms and suddenly the affection is mutual. And one party is building castles in the clouds while the other's affection wanes. Well not wanes exactly, for this party clearly cares about the other. But its halted. After a lot of prodding, cajoling and plain brutal questioning, the truth comes out. Party A realizes that Party B is As. Party B does not make the connection immediately and then it clicks. They are both AS. Party A thinks that what they have should be let go of to prevent complications. Party B is sad but aware of the role technology and modern medicine and doesnt see it as the end of things. Both Parties go back and forth but Party A is adamant that it is better to end things as this relationship is serious enough to end up in marriage. Party B is sad that Party A is "giving up" on this special thing.

Is Party A right? Should this relationship go to prevent problems down the line? Is Party B right in wanting things to proceed and then relying on future tests to take care of pregnancy issues down the line?

What do you think?

Monumental Soundbyte - 95

2008-01-02T02:19:00.001-08:00

The Staple Singers - I'll Take You There

This family band (made of a father and his 4 kids) were predominantly a gospel group though their sound spread to R&B and Soul.

This song was released in 1972 and was was a number 1 hit in the United States but spent a total of 15 weeks on the charts. This song is also the most recognizable song from this group. I especially like this song because its a feel good, inspirational song guaranteed to make me feel good everytime i hear it.

Salt N Pepa sampled this song on Let's talk about Sex......

Enjoy!

Monumental Soundbyte - 94

2008-01-01T22:39:00.000-08:00

Gloria Estefan - Wrapped / Hoy

Happy New Year......! May 2008 be a wonderful wonderful year for us all.

I was hoping to wrap this series up last year since i am so so excited about the new series i have been working on for the past few months....But this will be over this week and we can kick the new year off right....

This is a 2 for 1 song. These songs were both released on Gloria's 10th album - Unwrapped. Wrapped was the first single released while Hop was the second single which is the spanish version of Wrapped. Its not exactly the same song in the sense that the spanish song is not an exact translation.

The beauty of this song is in the lyrics so enjoy.....

Keep every tear like an ocean

For every day that my fortune

Kept me from being with you

I craddle your faith that reveals me

Grows like a flower, then heals me

Fills me with promise anew

I carry you on disillusion

When my pathetic confusion

Kept me from speaking the truth

I'm simply a coin in your fountain

Lost like the seconds I'm counting 'til I am closer to you

I cherish every morning that found us

With the night scattered around us

Faded and painting me blue

I carry your joy in my footsteps

Making my way to your harbour

I don't need to go any farther

You are my sun and my moon

Wrapped in your arms where it's peaceful

Back in your arms where I'm happy

I would do anything gladly

Only to see you again

Wrapped in your arms I can wander

Up to the heaven's above me

Hearing you say that you love me

Back in your arms where I'm free

Keep every phrase barely spoken

Left from your lips

They have broken

Free as you give me your love

The yearning is constant and steady

When I'm with you I'm already

Everything I can become

I cherish every morning that found us

With the night scattered around us

Faded and painting me blue

I carry your joy in my footsteps

Making my way to your harbour

I don't need to go any farther

You are my sun and my moon

Wrapped in your arms where it's peaceful

Back in your arms where I'm happy

I would do anything gladly

Only to see you again

Wrapped in your arms I can wander

Up to the heaven's above me

Hearing you say that you love me

Back in your arms where I'm free

Monumental Soundbyte - 93

2007-12-21T02:43:00.000-08:00

Harry Belafonte - The Banana Boat Song (Day O)

Day Ooooooooooo, Day Ooooooooooooo, Daylight come back me wanna go home...

This is a traditional jamaican song but i first heard Harry's version and i have been in love ever since. Most people are also familiar with his version and Harry as a musician is usually associated with this song.

This song actually makes sense. Its about a bunch of dock workers loading and offloading bananas. The shift is over and they wanna go home.

Its a catchy calypso song and makes me smile everytime i hear it.....Enjoy

Monumental Soundbyte - 92

2007-12-19T03:33:00.000-08:00

Alexander O'Neal - If you were here tonight

Another sappy love song that makes this list. Released way back in 1985, this is my favorite Alexander O Neal song followed closey by Criticize. The words of this song are its magic so enjoy.........

As the night moves in
Love takes on a new meaning
If you were here
You would know what I mean to say

The circumstance leaves me only waiting
For the chance
I only want to love you more ... more

Can’t you understand it
Girl you know how much I care
It’s not the way I planned it
If you could only know my feelings

You would know how much I do believe
If you were here tonight
By my side
If you were with me now

When the lights go out
I can not pretend
This bed’s too big for me
To be in alone all alone
Slow burn light a candle for our love
So we’ll always be one to one in love

Can’t you understand it
Girl you know how much I care
It’s not the way I planned it no
If you could only know my feelings

You would know how much I do believe
If you were here tonight oh love
By my side
If you were with me now

Every night alone I just wait here anticipating
For the day I won’t feel this pain baby
Please don’t keep me waiting
Come to me
If you were here tonight

Monumental Soundbyte - 91

2007-12-19T03:09:00.000-08:00

Enigma - Return To Innocence

Weird song that i absolutely love.

It was in the days when the predominant cable company in Lagos was Disc Communications and channels included MTV Europe and BOP TV (which had the soap opera Santa Barbara with Cruz Castille...anyway i digress).

MTV Europe introduced me to this video which was weird.... i remember a white stallion and everything going backwards....fascinating.

This song was released in 1994 and did very well on international charts.

This song is fascinating,.,...there are vocals supplied by Angel X but there is also like an aboriginal chant which you hear but it apparently was used without permission. There was an ensuing lawsuit....

During the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, the song was used which pushed into mainstream consiousness.

Its a fabulous and creative song...Enjoy!

In the spirit of christmas

2007-12-18T00:52:00.001-08:00

Monumental Soundbyte - 90

2007-12-18T00:28:00.000-08:00

Oleta Adams - Get Here

This song!

The words of this song pack a powerful punch and Oleta Adams delivers it vocally.

This is the song i associate most with her even though she has had a distinguished career in R&B, Jazz and Gospel. However, this song was originally recorded by Brenda Russell. Oleta's version was nominated for a Grammy in 1991.

I can sing this song.,...I mean i can SING this song with every fiber of emotion in me. I really really feel something when i hear this song....

I dont sing it as much now...but there was a point in my life when i was in a long distance relationship and the words of this song just meant the world to me. The emotions expressed and the yearning and desperation in the words...

Yeah - i decided no more long distance relationships.....

The words are here...Enjoy!

You can reach me by railway, you can reach me by trailway

You can reach me on an airplane, you can reach me with your mind

You can reach me by caravan, cross the desert like an Arab man

I don't care how you get here, just- get here if you can

You can reach me by sailboat, climb a tree and swing rope to rope

Take a sled and slide down the slope, into these arms of mine

You can jump on a speedy colt, cross the border in a blaze of hope

I don't care how you get here, just- get here if you can

There are hills and mountains between us

Always something to get over

If I had my way, then surely you would be closer

I need you closer

You can windsurf into my life, take me up on a carpet ride

You can make it in a big balloon, but you better make it soon

You can reach me by caravan, cross the desert like an Arab man

I don't care how you get here, just- get here if you can

I don't care, I dont care, I need you right here right now

I need you right here, right now, right by my side

I don't care how you get here, just- get here if you can

Monumental Soundbyte - 89

2007-12-17T01:51:00.000-08:00

Bette Midler - Wind Beneath My Wings

This amazingly beautiful song is from the movie soundtrack to Beaches and hit number one in 1990.

Interestingly, even though we have all come to associate this song with Ms Midler, she actually didnt record it first. I am not exactly sure who performed this first but Sheena Easton, Gladys Knight and Lou Rawls all recorded versions.

This song is a feel good, inspirational song that can be played at weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and even funerals. In fact, a recent poll shows that this song is the most commonly played number at British funerals.

The words are simply amazing....

It must have been cold there in my shadow

To never have sunlight on your face

You were content to let me shine, that's your way

You always walked a step behind

So I was the one with all the glory

While you were the one with all the strength

A beautiful face without a name for so long

A beautiful smile to hide the pain

Did you ever know that you're my hero

And everything I would like to be?

I can fly higher than an eagle

For you are the wind beneath my wings

It might have appeared to go unnoticed

But I've got it all here in my heart

I want you to know I know the truth

Of course I know it

I would be nothing without you

Did you ever know that you're my hero?

You're everything I wish I could be

I could fly higher than an eagle

For you are the wind beneath my wings

Monumental Soundbyte - 88

2007-12-17T00:10:00.000-08:00

Roberta Flack & Maxi Priest - Set the night to music

This soothing, soothing track laid forgotten in my collection until it popped up during shuffle play a few weeks ago.

This is an amazing amazing song. And its monumental - well because i like it a lot....LOL.

Maxi Priest and Roberta Flack - not a combination i would have thought of but the result is so easy on the ears.

Listen to it and i dare you not to have this on repeat a few times...

Enjoy!

Women's Issue - Miss Landmine 2008

2007-12-14T01:42:00.000-08:00

Miss Landmine Angola 2008

First off, i would like to thank the blogger webround for drawing my attention to this.

I got the link and delved into the website.

Inspiring, disturbing, heart breaking, thought provoking....

This is a different kind of pageant. No long limbed nubile beauties with layers and layers of makeup here. Each of the contestants is beautiful and missing a leg. While the ladies are vying for the title, the winner will also get a prosthetic leg from an orthopedic clinic.

What struck me about this is that the founder is Norweigian and male. The motto for the contest is "Everyone has the right to be beautiful" and that is something i truly believe. So Morten Traavik traveled to Angola after the civil war ended and after seeing the landmine victims smiling and laughing everyday, the idea for the contest was born.

The website is interesting in the sense that while it profiles the women, in a world where perfection is the quest for most, the images are disturbing. I will admit that my first reaction was pity. I just felt so sorry for these "poor" women with missing limbs. Then i realised that the contest and profiling these young women is not to inspire pity but to show strength, determination and the truth about our world.

Of course, this concept has gotten a lot of criticism - people calling the women freaks and even some people asking if these women are being exploited but the most important thing is that it is getting attention.

What do you think?

Monumental Soundbyte - 87

2007-12-14T01:01:00.000-08:00

Chris De Burgh - Lady in Red

This is Chris De Burgh's biggest hit and it was released in 1986. This song is massive. One of the greatest love songs ever and it went to number 1 in over 25 countries. Its especially sweet to me because the inspiration and the reason for this song is his wife Diane....

The words are beautiful too...Enjoy!

I've never seen you looking so lovely as you did tonight

I've never seen you shine so bright

I've never seen so many men ask you if you wanted to dance

They're looking for a little romance

Given half a chance

And I've never seen that dress you're wearing

Or the highlights in your hair

That catch your eyes

I have been blind

The lady in red is dancing with me

Cheek to cheek

There's nobody here

It's just you and me

It's where I wanna be

But I hardly know this beauty by my side

I'll never forget the way you look tonight

I've never seen you looking so gorgeous as you did tonight

I've never seen you shine so bright, you were amazing

I've never seen so many people want to be there by your side

And when you turned to me and smiled, it took my breath away

And I have never had such a feeling

Such a feeling of complete and utter love

s I do tonight

The lady in red is dancing with me

Cheek to cheek

There's nobody here

It's just you and me

It's where I wanna be

But I hardly know this beauty by my side

I'll never forget the way you look tonight

The lady in red

My lady in red

I love you

A Loss in the Music Industry

2007-12-13T09:06:00.000-08:00

Ike Turner died yesterday at the age of 76. Many people know him as the abusive ex-husband of Tina Turner played to perfection by Lawrence Fishburne in What's Love Got To Do With It.

What few people know is the genius and talent of Ike Turner. This man had music flowing from his veins and is/was one of the greatest guitarists ever. He played a number of instruments including the piano (i believe he played on the Gorillaz album) but his personal life overshadowed to a large degree his talent and stumped his success.

I am sure a lot of us are familiar with the abuse he meted out on Tina. He went on to face drugs and weapons charges. It is claimed that Ike has been married 14 times but what public record shows is 4. In fact Ike was in prison on those drug and weapon charges when he and Tina were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. Tina accepted the award on his behalf.

I never approved of his personal life and his antics but his talent i could not deny.

Rest in Peace!

...................

2007-12-13T00:26:00.000-08:00

I didnt get much sleep last night. So many things on my mind. So many things came up last night that made me re-evaluate some things i took for granted. And i am shaken.....

Monumental Soundbyte - 86

2007-12-12T08:33:00.000-08:00

Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs - Stay

Another very old song. This song was written all the way back in 1953 and it has a funny beginning. At the time, Maurice was 15 years old and apparently he was trying to convince his date to stay out till 10pm. He lost the argument but the song is the result of that.

Its such a simple short song but so so catchy. I am sure a lot of you have heard it in one way or the other. You can listen to it on my soundbyte widget. It has been covered by a lot of groups but Maurice's version is the ish.

Enjoy!

............

2007-12-09T23:57:00.000-08:00

For a little while there
Things got routine
So blah
Then all of a sudden
Its excitement galore again
These waves and phases
Have me giddy and giggly
So many things to think about
So many options to weigh
All the while
Playing with fire

This is just random ish. I am in a bit of a whirlwind at the moment and cant seem to find the words to write or express how i feel about all the stuff around me. Its good stuff, not particularly heavy...just stuff....

I head back to Lagos today and i cannot say how glad i am to be going home.....

Monumental Soundbyte - 85

2007-12-09T23:44:00.000-08:00

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - Tracks of My Tears

Something from the Motown era which is really one of my favorite eras ever (that statement sounds so odd....what other eras are there?).

Anyway, this hot number was released way back in 1965 and has the honor of being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Green eyed Smokey Robinson sings about dealing with heartbreak behind smiles. And i can so relate. I do that all the time. I can be the life of the party, smiling and going with it all when inside i just want to cry till there are no tears left.

This is also one of those songs that i think people should never ever cover. Linda Ronstadt and Aretha Franklin lent their vocal stylings to this song and did absolutely nothing for me.

This song has some of the corniest but hottest lines...

"My smile is my makeup i wear since my breakup with you"
"Baby take a good look at my face, you'll see my smile seems out of place"

Rhyming all the way......

Enjoy!

Tired!

2007-12-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

I have been living in a hotel and out of a suitcase for the past 5 weeks and i am just fed up.....

Monumental Soundbyte - 84

2007-12-08T11:21:00.000-08:00

Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now

I have been a fan of Joni Mitchell for many years but this is by far my favorite song of hers. I first heard it as i watched the lovely movie Love Actually and it was love at first hear.

It was first released in 1969 and again, it shows what the essence of truly great music is. Timelessness. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it number 170 on its list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.

Since a lot of the people around me dont know who Joni Mitchell is, i urge you all to listen to this song on the soundbyte widget and i leave you with the words. Its a beautiful bittersweet song soooooo..Enjoy...

Bows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
I've looked at clouds that way

But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way

I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down
And still somehow
It's cloud illusions I recall
I really don't know clouds at all

Moons and Junes and ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way that you feel
As every fairy tale comes real
I've looked at love that way

But now it's just another show
You leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care don't let them know
Don't give yourself away

I've looked at love from both sides now
From give and take and still somehow
It's love's illusions that I recall
I really don't know love at all

Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say "I love you" right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
I've looked at life that way
But now old friends are acting strange
They shake their heads, they sayI've changed
Something's lost but something's gained in living every day

I've looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose, and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all.

On my wishlist this christmas.......Music

2007-12-05T23:54:00.000-08:00

Of course i will start off with the cds that i want for the month.....

Monumental Soundbyte - 83

2007-12-05T23:23:00.000-08:00

Marc Cohn - True Companion

I bet a lot of people havent heard of Marc Cohn. This man - ...

So a lot of people ask me how i hear about random artists. Well -i hear a song and i buy the album. Truly. If i connect with a song, then i buy the whole album regardless of if i have heard of the artist or not.

And that is how i "met" Marc Cohn. It was a few years ago and i heard a song called "Walking in Memphis" and i thought it was by Bruce Springsteen. That should give you an inkling as to what he sounds like. I did my research and voila Marc Cohn. I forgot about Marc until about 3 years ago when u stumbled on his debut cd. And i fell in love.

Actually, his self titled album is simply amazing - If you like Bruce Springsteen, or simple music with strong lyrics emoted by a strong, deep voice. Marc is best known for the Walking In Memphis song and even won a grammy award for best new artist in 1992. This amazing man was shot in the head in 1995 in an attempted robbery and was released from the hospital the next day.

But this post is not about THAT song or this man (who you can tell i really really like). Its about the last song on his self titled album called True Companion.

I will let the lyrics of this song speak for it - but if you like songs about true love and passion and soul mates and soul stirring emotions - then this is THE song. I mean - i could have my darling Luther on rotation and could break my listening pleasure to include anything by Marc - especially this song. And that is big for me cos nothing comes between me and Luther.

I cannot say enough how much i love this song. So please listen to it by pressing play on the soundbyte widget thingy and enjoy..........

Baby I've been searching like everybody else
Can't say nothing different about myself
Sometimes I'm an angel and sometimes I'm cruel
But when it comes to love I'm just another fool

Yes I've climbed a mountain
I'm gonna swim the sea
There ain't no act of God, girl
Could keep you safe from me
My arms are reaching out,out across this canyon

I'm asking you to be my true companion
True companion
True companion

So don't you dare and try to walk away
I've got my heart set on our wedding day
I've got this vision of a girl in white
Made my decision that its you alright
When I take your hand, I watch my heart set sail
I'll take my trembling fingers, and I'll lift up your veil
Then I'll take you home and with wild abandon
Make love to you just like a true companion

You are my true companion
I got a true companion
Whoa true companion

When the years have done irreparable harm
I can see us walking slowly arm in arm
Just like that couple on the corner do
Cause girl I will always be in love with you
When I look in your eyes, I still see that spark
Until the shadows fall, until the room grows dark

Then when I leave this earth
I'll be with the angels standing
I'll be out there waiting for my true companion
Just for my true companion
True companion
True companion

Monumental Soundbyte - 82

2007-12-05T13:20:00.000-08:00

Marvin Gaye - Sexual Healing

I cannot believe this song was released in 1982. What an amazing enduring song from a true talent. One of the originators of smooth r&b.

This song was number 1 on the billboard r&b charts for 10 weeks making it the longest running number 1 r&b single of the 80s. The entire decade. It also made a huge impact on the pop charts and became a massive hit globally.

This song is monumental because Marvin Gaye had been nominated for the Grammy awards 11 times in his career, but this is the song that won him his first grammys. He won the awards for Best Male R&B artist and Best R&B instrumental. The song was ranked number 231 on billboards greatest songs of all times list and i agree whole heartedly.

Now onto the content of this song. Can you imagine what a stir this song would have caused in 1982? Oooh...and do you remember the ultra smooth video?

Its pretty straightforward. Its about finding sexual healing with that special woman. What is fascinating is the way the song came about. Some guy comes to interview Marvin Gaye for his autobiography (David Ritz) and he notices comic pornography and comments that he needs sexual healing. Marvin then tells him to write a poem and that is how this song came to be.

This song has been covered by a lot of artists including Michael Bolton, Keith Sweat, Michael McDonald, Ben Harper, Kate Bush and even Bone Thugs and Harmony.

A truly ground breaking song.

Enjoy!

Monumental Soundbyte - 81

2007-12-04T23:26:00.000-08:00

Stevie Wonder - Ribbon in the sky

One of my favorite songs truly.

Of course Steveland Hardaway Judkins - later changed to Stevanland Morris is an icon. Winner of a whooping 25 Grammy Awards, member of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and a host of other accolades.

This song was released in 1982 and the video for this song is so amazingly beautiful. Find it on youtube if you can cos i dont know how to embed those widget thingys. This is one of those songs that is so beautiful because of the lyrics and delivery....so enjoy!

Oh so long for this night I prayed

That a star would guide you my way

To share with me this special day

Where a ribbon's in the sky for our love

If allowed may I touch your hand

And if pleased may I once again

So that you too will understand

There's a ribbon in the sky for our love

This is not a coincidence and far more than a lucky chance

But what is that was always meant

Is our ribbon in the sky for our love

We can't lose with God on our side

We'll find strength in each tear we cry

From now on it will be you and I

And our ribbon in the sky

A MeMe - 7 Weird Things about me

2007-12-03T23:50:00.000-08:00

So i was tagged by Laspapi and since its been a while since i did a meme, here we go:

I eat paper. Its one of those compulsive things. I dont know why it started but i have been doing it for years. Since the start of secondary school i believe. And its not sheets of paper. Just the edges of books and stuff. I thought i had stopped doing it till about 2 weeks ago when a member of my team exclaimed "are you eating paper?". Emm....yes i said. I sure am

I dont like people very much. Which strikes many people as untrue especially if you have met me. I am talkative and laugh a lot. But its on my terms. People annoy me. They scare me sometimes. People irritate me. So this means that i can switch off in the middle of a conversation and just tune out. It means i can be incommunicado for days on end just because i dont want to talk or see anyone. It means i will take off and go to a movie/dinner by myself. I am secure in my own company and since i figure i do damn well by myself, the people i choose to have around me - are quality folks

I am obsessive compulsive. Well in some things. For example, i am addicted to fragrances. So i have a huge collection of perfumes and body splashes. They are arranged in a particular order and i use them in that order. If the order is thrown, i feel lost. Same thing with shower gels and soaps. I alternate. Shower gel today, soap tomorrow. The order must not change. Same thing with my nail polishes and lip glosses. I have quite a number and i have a system. I have 2 storage bins for each. So i use this shade of nail polish or gloss today from bin 1, it goes into storage bin 2. And i do that - not repeating any until bin 1 is empty. This can take a few weeks. Then i start over taking stuff from bin 2, use and put in bin 1. Movies that i have accrued are arranged in a particular way and i watch them in that order. I have tons of unread books. But as i buy them and put in my bookshelf, i arrange them in order and i read them in that order.

My laughter is weird. I laugh a lot and it runs the gamut of chuckling, squealing, cackling to even loud shrieking. I have tried to tone it down but i laugh from the inside and i just well...let it go

I HATE pawpaw and watermelon. Apart from the taste - nasty. The texture is disgusting. But i am revolted by the inside of these fruits. The inside of pawpaw makes me itch. All those black little rough seeds. And then sometimes, they are hidden in the grooves. Yuck! Watermelons..the holes in the fruit and then the seeds....I am revolted just typing this out

I am addicted to suya. One of the reasons i cant be a vegetarian. I love suya. I can have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I can eat just suya. As long as its extra hot and there is lots of onions, i am good. I have even gone as far as buying suya spice from suya men and seasoning my own meat at home. Yup

I play with belly button. Its cute when you are 5. But when you are as old as i am and find yourself reaching under your shirt to play with your belly button regardless of where you are - that's just plain weird.

That was fun - and even i am convinced that i am weirder than i thought. I tag Olawunmi, Daddy's Girl, Chxta, Bella Naija...Since they are not likely to do it, ...emm...

Monumental Soundbyte - 80

2007-12-03T23:17:00.000-08:00

Johnny Cash - Ring of Fire

The original man in black. Some people would have had their first encounter with Johnny Cash via the movie Walk the Line with Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon.

In his career, he sold over 50 million albums worldwide. And did you know that Johnny was scottish?

Anyway - on to this song. It was released in 1963 and became the biggest hit of his career and stayed at number 1 for 6 weeks. Believe it or not, the title of this song is actually about love. If you remember the movie Walk the Line, then you will remember the love affair between Johnny Cash and June Carter. Hot, passionate love affair. Johnny died about 3 weeks after June passed away.

This song was originally recorded by June's sister Anita but Johnny took it, reworked it including introducing mariachi type sounds.

For all the soccer fans out there, Liverpool FC adopted the song in 2002 and is frequently sung by fans during games. The song was also played in the locker room of the English Cricket team during the final day of a test match against India last year.

It is simply an amazing song that is catchy and hot. Enjoy.........

Women's Issue: Phenomenal Woman - 3

2007-12-02T23:32:00.000-08:00

I guess this should actually read Phenomenal Women.

During my vacation to India, we passed a bunch of people dressed in blue like the woman above. And i remember wondering why they were in blue. That's UN peace keeping standard issue.

Last night, there was a piece on the world's untold stories and Liberia was the focus of the piece. But with a different spin.

During the 14 year civil war that literally crushed this country, abuse of women in the population of about 3.2 million people stood at 93.6%. 93.6% of the women that lived in Liberia at the time of conflict were abused. 73% of this number were raped. Heart breaking statistics. Even after the war ended 3 years ago, women continued to be abused -sometimes by UN peace keepers.

With the swearing in of Africa's first female president, things have changed. She has appointed women to key positions including making the head of police a woman. She was a riot to watch yesterday. Decked out in her uniform, she said women have always been the brains behind their families, have been the secretaries and administrative assistants behind the influential people in the country - so it was time to take center stage. I loved her confidence and cockiness.

Anyway - the object of this post - the phenomenal women i speak of here are the Indian UN peacekeepers doing their thing in Liberia. As a result of all the abuse faced by women in the past, the UN took the step to have women makeup the peacekeeping mission and a number of things have happened as a result of this:

Women soldiers working with the citizenry brings a different response - less antagonistic and machismo, More compassion and dialogue
It builds trust among the female citizenry. So far, they are not afraid or threatened by the peacekeepers and even find them approachable
The Liberian police force that had a hard time getting new recruits (since all of the force was fired) has had about 200% increase in the number of volunteers - mostly women

What struck me the most as well is that most of these Indian peacekeepers already had experience in conflict regions with most of them serving in the disputed region of Kashmir. Almost all these women are wives and mothers. The way they handled their weapons, their coordinated efforts...i was so psyched. During missions, they just seemed almost robotic. But in their base camp, bollywood movies in the background, laughter and almost normalcy

I cannot put into words exactly how this story made me feel but I am proud to be WOMAN

Monumental Soundbyte - 79

2007-12-02T23:07:00.000-08:00

James Brown - I got the feeling

A series of this nature would not be complete without something from the godfather of soul himself. This man could funkify any song.

I love, love this song because the first time i heard it was on The Cosby Show. That memorable episode when the Huxtables were celebrating Cliff's parents anniversary. And all the Huxtable kids did something to this song. Of course i remember Theo in his little tux doing his thing and looking cute and Rudy - she stole my heart in her little purple dress - "Baby, Baby, Baby"...So so cute.

This song was released in 1968 and reached the number 1 spot on the r&b charts. It also was in the top 10 on the pop charts as well. When the Jackson 5 auditioned for Motown's Berry Gordy, this is the song they chose with Michael Jackson closely mimicking James Brown's moves here.

Hot song guaranteed to get you moving. Happy Monday.........

Monumental Soundbyte - 78

2007-11-29T23:30:00.001-08:00

Prince - Little Red Corvette

Another number from one of the sexiest men that ever walked the face of the earth.

This song was Prince's introduction to a white audience because of the rock elements to the song. It was released in 1983 and at the time was Prince's first song to reach the top 10 in the US. There is a kicking guitar solo by Dez Dickerson which makes me wish i could play the guitar everytime i hear it.

This song is simply about a one night stand with a pretty "loose" woman but as much as Prince enjoys it, he talks about her slowing down and finding a love that lasts.

Prince is just a genius. He says that he got his inspiration for this song while taking a nap in background singer Lisa Coleman's corvette after a hectic recording session. Every time he took a nap, more of the song would come to him....LOL. The video for this song was also the second video by a black artist to see so much airplay (MJ's Billie Jean was the first).

In the 90's Chevrolet ran a campaign using antique corvettes with the byline - they dont wirte songs about volvos. Chevrolet also used this ad during one of the grammy award ceremonies in the 90's.

Now this wouldnt be a Prince song if there were no veiled sexual references. Listen to the song and see if you can figure out what the little red corvette is. One hint - its not a car. LOL

Enjoy!

Monumental Soundbyte - 77

2007-11-28T23:24:00.000-08:00

Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody

This is truly a masterpiece.

Freddie Mercury wrote this song for the band and it was released on a 1975 album. I think its true music lovers that can appreciate this song. Its a very unstructured song that some have called chaotic. It doesnt even have a chorus. But that had no effect on the commercial success of this song. Billboard ranked it 163 on its list of the 500 greatest songs of all time. The video that accompanied this song is pretty hot as well.

Everything about this song is amazing. It was recorded over a 3 week period and in 4 studios (and if you listen to the complexity of the song, one can understand why). Freddie Mercury (God rest his soul) to me remains one of the true musical maestros ever. It has been written that he would "see" and "hear" songs in his head and execute them almost fanatically. This song is no exception.

Now, on to the lyrics of this song. So much confusion about this. I will admit that it was just a few years ago that i paid attention to the lyrics in totality. I enjoyed this song quite alright, but for some reason, i didnt listen to the lyrics in full - i guess i never figured there was a a story or train of thought here. Freddie Mercury hated to talk about his inspiration for songs preferring for listeners to interpret themselves. However, finally - in one of their interesting greatest hits cds that had liner notes - the band says this song is about a man that kills a person my accident and then sells his soul to the devil - but before he is executed, he calls to God and regains his soul. Heavy stuff....

This is truly a monumental song so enjoy!

All about Family

2007-11-27T23:55:00.001-08:00

I spent this weekend with my family -----so here are some pics....

My Aunty T, her 16 year old daughter I and her 14 year old son E. See how tall and good looking my cousins are. The lady in green T, is my mom's little friend (she is like 25 i think)

In my mom's shop. The lady in white is my Aunty T and the young 14 year old man in red is her son. So my cousin. And that's my mom in black with my cousin (her second son)

My cousin Seni. So he passed the New York Bar a few weeks ago. He has clerked for a judge so far and now works with one of the top entertainment companies in New York since he intends to practice in the area of entertainment law

My beautiful mummy and my cousin. These 2 are so so close. I mean kissing and hugging all the time. Sheesh!

Some of the most important men in my life. Standing up is my cousin Seni. In the middle is our puppy (yes that big big dog is a puppy - 7 months old and still growing) Sam. I call him Big Sam. And sitting down is the prince of our family - my brother Chief who turns 25 in December.

My divalicious baby sister.....She is a very very confident smart, sassy and amazingly intelligent young woman. She graduates Summa Cum Laude from the University of Georgia, Athens with a double major in Journalism & Media Studies (taking after my dad) in December. She has the voice of an angel and has a demo out already and even recorded background vocals for a popular artist. She makes me so so proud. She is mature and so sure of herself....Aghhhh.....I am so so proud

Monumental Soundbyte - 76

2007-11-27T00:36:00.000-08:00

Etta James - At Last

Can you believe this song was released by Etta James in 1961? I guess this song can be called timeless since it really is still so fresh now. Most people will have heard this song at a wedding or 2 and it is relevant because the words and the orchestration are perfect. The beauty of this song is in its lyrics which are below and Etta's delivery. You can separate the women from the girls, the boys from the men vocally simply by listening to delivery. Etta does not ad lib, there is no affectation. She buries herself in the meaning and intent of the song and it comes through...
Enjoy.....

At last
My love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song

At last
The skies above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clovers
The night I looked at you

I found a dream
That I could speak to
A dream that I can call my own
I found a thrill to press my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known

You smiled, you smiled
Oh and then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
For you are mine
At Last

Monumental Soundbyte - 75

2007-11-23T06:28:00.000-08:00

Cyndi Lauper - True Colors

Oh my. What an absolutely beautiful song. This song was released in 1986 and i remember hearing it during a Kodak advert. Then Phil Collins did something wonderful to this song. But i have to admit that i really really love Cyndi Lauper's version. It has being adopted over time by the gay community as well.

Cyndi's child like voice makes this song even more special to me. So happy friday all and have a blessed and safe weekend.

Much Love

Happy Thanksgiving ...............

2007-11-22T06:17:00.000-08:00

Ecstatic!

2007-11-21T03:12:00.000-08:00

I wrote about my darling cousin Seni here. Welllllllll, my fabulous cousin is in town for a few days...Can i say again how excited i am again?

Update!

2007-11-21T00:42:00.000-08:00

More from the rape case featured on yesterday's Women's Issue post here

Monumental Soundbyte - 74

2007-11-20T23:45:00.000-08:00

Luther Vandross - Superstar/Until you come back to me

Ah! Another song from my favorite artist ever. I especially love this song 'cos its actually 2 songs in one.

Superstar was originally done by The Carpenters and Until you come back to me was originally done by Aretha Franklin.

Extolling the virtues of Luther Vandross again would be trite but i really think that the beauty of this song (apart from its lyrics) is the vocal arrangement. 2 songs mashed together is a dicey prospect but the execution with Luther's vocal abilities and perfect ad libbing make it work. So here are the words....Enjoy!

I wanna tell you, baby
The changes I've been goin' through
Missin' you, missin' you, oh
Till you come back to me
I don't know what I'm gonna do

Don't you remember you told me you loved me, baby
You said you'd be comin' back this way again, baby
Baby, I love you
I really do

Long ago
And oh, so far away
I fell in love with you
Before the second show and your guitar
And you sound so sweet and clear
But you're not really here
It's just the radio

Don't you remember you told me you loved me, baby
You said you'd be comin' back this way again, baby
You looked for me to be yours
You want my love, but you're on the road
Don't you remember me anymore

Loneliness
Is such a sad affair
And I can hardly wait
To be with you again
And what to say, to say
To make you come again
Oh, honey
Come on back to me again

Even More Disturbing - Women's Issue

2007-11-20T00:17:00.000-08:00

A Saudi Arabian human rights attorney is asking the government to allow him to represent a woman who was gang-raped -- and then sentenced to prison for speaking out about the case.

The attorney, Abdulrahman al-Lahim, had his license revoked last week by a judge for speaking to the Saudi-controlled media about the case, al-Lahim told CNN. The judge more than doubled the sentence against al-Lahim's 19-year-old client because she spoke to the media about the case, a court source told Arab News, an English-language Middle Eastern daily newspaper.
The woman -- who was initially sentenced in October 2006 to 90 lashes -- had her sentenced increased to 200 lashes and was ordered to serve six months in prison under Saudi Arabia's strict Islamic law.

"We were shocked," al-Lahim said of the increased sentence. CNN has been unable to reach Saudi government officials for comment on this report, despite repeated requests. Watch the emotional toll the crime took on the rape victim »

Al-Lahim had petitioned the court to sentence the attackers to the death penalty, but instead the court agreed to increase their jail sentences, which had been two to three years, to two to nine years, al-Lahim said. The case has sparked outrage among human rights groups.

"Barring the lawyer from representing the victim in court is almost equivalent to the rape crime itself," said Fawzeyah al-Oyouni, founding member of the newly formed Saudi Association for the Defense of Women's Rights. "This is not just about the girl, it's about every woman in Saudi Arabia," she said. "We're fearing for our lives and the lives of our sisters and our daughters and every Saudi woman out there. We're afraid of going out in the streets."

Human Rights Watch said it has called on Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah "to immediely void the verdict and drop all charges against the rape victim and to order the court to end its harassment of her lawyer."

The woman, who is married, and an unrelated man were abducted and she was raped by a group of seven men more than a year ago, the lawyer said. The male victim was also given an increased sentence of 200 lashes and six months in prison, al-Lahim said.

The man and woman were attacked after they met so she could retrieve an old photograph of herself from him, according to al-Lahim. Citing phone records from the police investigation, al-Lahim said the man was trying to blackmail his client. He noted the photo she was trying to retrieve was harmless and did not show his client in any compromising position.

Al-Lahim said the man tried to blame his client for insisting on meeting him that day. It is illegal for a woman to meet with an unrelated male under Saudi's Islamic law. Al-Lahim has been ordered to attend a disciplinary hearing at the Ministry of Justice next month, where he faces a possible three-year suspension and disbarment, according to Human Rights Watch.

He told CNN he has appealed to the Ministry of Justice to reinstate his law license and plans to meet with Justice Minister Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh. "Currently she doesn't have a lawyer, and I feel they're doing this to isolate her and deprive her from her basic rights," he said. "We will not accept this judgment and I'll do my best to continue representing her because justice needs to take place."

He said the handling of the case is a direct contradiction of judicial reforms announced by the Saudi king earlier this month. "The Ministry of Justice needs to have a very clear standing regarding this case because I consider this decision to be judiciary mutiny against the reform that King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz started and against Saudi women who are being victimized because of such decisions," he said.

Saudi Arabia's Islamic law or sharia is not written and, therefore, subject to a wide array of interpretations. Human Rights Watch points out that a judge in Jeddah threw out a lawyer simply because he was a member of the Ismaili faith, a branch of Shia Islam.

Under Saudi law, women are subject to numerous restrictions, including a strict dress code, a prohibition against driving and a requirement that they get a man's permission to travel or have surgery. Women are also not allowed to testify in court unless it is about a private matter that was not observed by a man, and they are not allowed to vote.

The Saudi government recently has taken some steps toward bettering the situation of women in the kingdom, including the establishment earlier this year of special courts to handle domestic abuse cases, adoption of a new labor law that addresses working women's rights and creation of a human rights commission.

Christoph Wilcke of Human Rights Watch praised the female rape victim and her attorney for speaking out about the case, which he said may be indicative of "many injustices that we still don't know about." "It's not only one court, it is the Saudi government that is fully behind punishing a woman who's been raped [and] punishing the lawyer who's trying to help her and doing that both because they've spoken to the media," Wilcke told CNN. "And if they hadn't spoken to the media, we wouldn't know about it."

Shying away from criticism of key ally, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack called the case and the punishment "surprising" and "astonishing."

"While this is a judicial procedure -- part of a judicial procedure -- overseas in courts outside of our country, still while it is very difficult to offer any detailed comment about this situation, I think most people would be quite astonished by the situation, " McCormack said. "I can't get involved in specific court cases in Saudi Arabia dealing with its own citizens. But most people here would be quite surprised to learn of the circumstances and then the punishment meted out," he said.

I read articles like this and i get so so angry. How on earth can a victim of a heinous crime like rape end up being punished? And this is the case around the world. If it isnt actual physical punishment, the jibes that come from police and so called concerned partners force women around the world to hide and say nothing. Living in silence. When i studied criminal law, there were countless cases of the humilation meted out to victims of rape - fast forward to the elective i chose - Sex & Gender in the Legal Process and more and more stories came to my attention.

In the real world, the injustice and inhumane treatment meted out to women make me so so angry. So angry that i want to cry. All these man-made laws, men ruled societies that do their best to kill the spirits of women.....Dont get me wrong, men are great. But here's the thing, its clear that some men perceive women as threats, or consider them to be less human than they are so bad treatment, thwarting of rights are enforced. Well, for me, i refuse, absolutely refuse to take it lying down.

I am not a bra burning feminist, but i realise that doing nothing is something that all women must be ashamed of. I urge you all, men and women to do something. It can be simple words of encouragement to the girls and women around you - letting them know that they worth more than gold; it can be buying a book for a girl child; or sponsoring a a girl child; or teaching your sons and brothers to treat women with respect; teaching the men in your lives to take care of themselves and not to look at women as toys, playthings or maids.....

I know a lot of Nigerian women doing their best to change the world in their way. And i am not talking about the famous ones. I am talking about wonderful women like Onada the blogger, Mrs Amuta (my mother), Hanney Musawa, Mariam & Zainab M and so so many more in my life that are doing things that are changing the lives of girls. These girls will grow up more empowered and able to stand firmer on their feet.

Knowledge is power. I urge you all to please put the women in your lives in the positions of all the victims that we hear and read about and use the ensuing emotions you feel to do some thing.

Much Love!

So Very Disturbing......

2007-11-20T00:14:00.000-08:00

MARIETTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Three boys, ages 8 and 9, were charged Monday with raping an 11-year-old girl last week, court officials and police said.

"Never in my 20-plus years of law enforcement have I conceived of something like this," Police Chief Michael Wilkie of Acworth, Georgia, told CNN.

Clad in blue jumpsuits, the two 9-year-olds and one 8-year-old appeared in court in Cobb County, north of Atlanta, on Monday afternoon and were ordered to remain in custody until a further hearing. Family members were in court for their appearance, which was closed to reporters.

Wilkie said the girl told investigators she was raped Thursday evening. She was examined by doctors after her family reported the allegation late Saturday, and investigators questioned her extensively on Sunday, he said.

The father of one of the boys told The Associated Press that no force was used against the girl, and said the allegations have been leveled because the accuser "didn't want to get in trouble with her parents." Watch chief describe parents' reactions to charges against their sons »

But Wilkie said children that young cannot legally consent to sex, "so we have to go with the charges we have."

He told the AP one of the boys was accused of threatening to hit the girl with a rock before the alleged assault. He also said the investigation is "far from over," and investigators are looking into claims that after the alleged attack, the girl talked about it with her friends at a slumber party, the AP reported.

"The investigators who are following up on this have had a lot specialized training of forensic interviews with children," Wilkie told CNN. "We've sent them to a number of courses for this, and so we're confident that we've done that part of the investigation as best as we can. We think her story at this point is credible and that's why we went forward with the warrants."

He said investigators have lined up counseling for the girl, "and we'll follow up on this and hope that it comes to as best a resolution at the end as we can."

The girl's mother told WGCL-TV in Atlanta, "They do need to be taught a lesson because if they do it to her, they could do it to somebody else. And who knows when they become teenagers what they can do to other girls."

Cobb County District Attorney Pat Head told reporters the current rape charges against the boys would be replaced with juvenile charges, since they are too young to be prosecuted on felony charges. Under Georgia law, juvenile defendants must be at least 13 before a case can be transferred to the adult system.

The juvenile charges could bring up to five years probation and time in a state youth home if the boys are ruled delinquent.

Juvenile Court Judge A. Gregory Poole imposed a gag order on participants in the case, limiting further explanation, Head said.

Day 3 In Pictures

2007-11-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

This is the final pictures post from my vacation. Its been great reminiscing again....But its time to get back to regular issues and to start planning the big vacation for next year.

I have said over and over again that i can get over how beautiful and amazing the Taj Mahal is. So this is another picture of it.......So there is some weirdness at the end of this picture...Let's just say i had a memory card mishap...

These beautiful kids were on a school trip to the palace in Jaipur. Check out the doorway -the peacock door. All the colors are made from vegetable dyes....

Going from one state in India to the other by road means stopping at each border and paying road taxes. While Mr Sanjay went off to pay the taxes at one of the borders, this man showed up at our window. Asking us for money cos we took pictures of his really scary black cobra. We laughed and gave him some. This man turned around to ask us if we needed shampoo...LOL..I mean this man had a stash of stuff in his bag. Well, seeing as i was seriously scared of the man, i tried to ignore him. He had henna highlights in his hair and must have thought he was a super celebrity

The wind palace in Jaipur was undergoing renovation. But the queen or Maharani came here back in the day to simply watch the goings on since she couldnt show her face.

The Water Palace in Jaipur - the story behind this is so so funny. The Maharaja (king) built this and had all this water surround it to get away from the queen. So he would bring all his lovely ladies here for a good time while the queen looked for him...LOL

My love for India as a country also means that i am a major Bollywood fan oh. I cant even say how many cds and movies i brought back. But anyway, Daddy's Girl and I decided we had to go and see some celbrities for ourselves. So we took our cute selves to Bandra with the intention of registering our presence at our honey's house.....LOL. Yes, we went to see Shah Rukh Khan. So we got to his house - complete with flowers and our cute selves. We played up the fact that we had come ALLLL the way from Nigeria to see him. Of course we didnt see him but the guards were really nice. There was a moment when the gate opened that i nearly passed out cos i was so excited. LOL...This is a picture of his house. I am sure Daddy's Girl will put up a post on her bollywood blog on all the bollywood stuff we got up to....So look out for that

Ah..the monkey temple incident. LOL....We got there and i REFUSED to get out of the car. There were monkeys everywhere. From a distance sure...but these monkeys are so familiar with people so they have no qualms about infringing personal space. Plus i am scared of monkeys....But i took loads of pictures of cute monkey families....Thank goodness for zoom....

This billboard so fascinated me. I still dont know what is being advertised. This one looks like antacids right? But this same 9 concept was used with different billboards - like losing weight, changing complezion etc. So i have no idea what it is supposed to be. This one made me smile everytime i saw it though....

The hotel we stayed at in Mumbai was right across the street from the Cricket pitch where India played Australia in 20/20 cricket. India emerged world champions and it was so so amazing. We went on the roof and saw fans on roofs on buildings all over. We were so close. We heard everything. We also captured the cebratory fireworks as they went off. So amazing. This is the same day we went to find SRK. We talked about the fact that since he was a cricket fan, he might be at the game. There was also a silver Mercedes S-Class that was parked so close to the gate of the cricket and i had seen a documentary with SRK and he was being driven around in that car. So i kept telling Daddy;'s Girl that it was his car. We laughed about it. Well how about the very next day in the papers - SRK and his son at the fame. It was all over the news too.. If we had known, we would have fought our way in and all...

I am obsessed with cuteness and cartoons. This statue of Hanuman (the monkey god) was one of the first sights we met in New Delhi and i got excited everytime i saw it. Its massive. It stands tall at over 104 feet....No exaggeration oh. Its orange and has a tail at the back of it...And in between Hanuman's legs is a massive monkey head with its mouth open and white sharp teeth. That open head is the entrance to the temple. Imagine that.....

At Fatehpur Sikri, this beautiful young woman kept whispering to her beau and i figured she was talking about me. She was there with the young man and her mom acting as chaperone. So cute. Her beau came up to me and asked if she could take a picture. I took one of her too cos she was sooo cute and open and shy...

We saw this herd of camels on the way to Agra. I didnt know that there were black camels....

The journey to Elephanta Caves was interesting. The ferry and then the climb up many many many many stony stairs...Kai...that climb was not easy but we thank God...LOL....This picture is of 3 faces of God.....

Playing in the soundbyte thingy today is a song from the movie Swades....Yeh Joh Des.....And if stars Shah Rukh Khan who i will be spending next saturday with .........

Monumental Soundbyte - 73 (Playing in the sidebar)

2007-11-16T01:17:00.000-08:00

Johnny Gill - You For Me

I was chatting with a dear friend yesterday and i got one of these links sent to me. And the person that sent it to me said to click on the engagement part of the link and i did. And i cried.

This proposal was so elaborate but sweet at the heart of it with the guy planning her birthday...with all her friends and family reading some words he had written for her and then praying for her. I cried.

So anyway, my friend i was chatting with almost made me cry again. So the result was a night thinking about proposals, weddings, soul mates and this song. This song was not meant to be on my list but its so heavily on my mind, i just had to share.

Johnny Gill who i think has an amazing voice has been absent for a very long time from music. So imagine my delight when he made a gues appearance and sang this amzing song in Tyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion. Johnny brings the words of this song to life perfectly but its the words that are the true star of this song....Enjoy!

It Seems like forever
That i have waited for you
In a world of disappointment
One thing is true
God has blessed me
And He's blessed you too
In a world of lonely people
I've found you

Take my hand
And hold me close
And dont let me go
You for me
And me for you
Together we'll make one

We were once strangers
All by ourselves
Living alone
With noone else
But here you are
And its so so sweet
God must have done this
Made you for me

We were always sleeping under thirsting stars
Dreaming dreams of love
Wondering where you are
How blessed i am
That i found you
Now that you're here
I plan to say i do

Day 2 In Pictures

2007-11-15T00:04:00.000-08:00

A lot of people think of India and think of snake charmers - well there are a few of them all around the place. I was still quite shocked to see this in person. The black cobra with the forked tongue in the basket. This man begins to play a tune and the snake "dances". Weird, scary and fascinating all at the same time.

I love India so much partly for its spirituality. All faiths and beliefs co-exist here. And nothing moved me as much as my experience at The Lotus Temple in Jaipur. The temple is for the Ba'Hai faith which is really an interesting religion. Its for everyone. As long as you believe in God. This beautiful white temple which looks a lot like the Sydney Opera House is built to resemble a giant lotus flower which is a symbolic flower in India. As we got ready to enter the main hall of the temple, 2 beautiful ladies told us that when we got in, everyone had to be completely silent and just meditate and commune with God. I was so so moved in this place. Amazingly beautiful. I have never felt God's presence more than in this temple.

No pictures can truly do the Taj Mahal justice but i especially love this picture from the gardens...

This man is a "guard" in the palace in Jaipur. The elephant is all marble. There are actually 2 of these that flank this entrance.....

India Gate is a tribute to the fallen soldiers from World ars 1 & 2 and the Afghan war i believe. The names of the fallen soldiers are inscribed all over the wall. Underneath the main arch is an ever burning flame that is a tribute to the unknown soldier. These strapping soldiers are from the Defence Academy. I think they were having some sort of program there. When we got there, they were already packing up so i didnt know exactly why they were there....

There are some people that scream TOURIST. They dress in a certain way and let's not talk about the rudeness. Anyway, this european man made me smile. We were at the Winter Palace in Jaipur and on the way up, there were people hawking all sorts of things including this Maharaja hat. So imagine my suprise when i saw this man in shorts and hiking boots rocking this hat. Then again, it was quite hot - so maybe he needed to protect his head? I told Daddy's Girl that maybe i should have bought a hat too...Not this type obviously....

The Gateway to India is in Mumbai and we took the ferry to Elephanta Caves from this point. In days gone by, people would come into India by boat and come this way - hence the name

Daddy's Girl and I were local celebrities oh. 2 beautiful black women with braids. People kept stopping us to say hello, ask us where were from, how we did our hair and just to take our pictures....This didnt happen too much in the bigger cities - New Delhi and Mumbai but in the other cities? Forget it...LOL...My dad said i should tell them i was from Hollywood - cos he said the only black people some people would have seen would have been on TV. All this he said when he called me at one of the monuments and heard some people saying "I take picture with you"...LOL. These adorable teenagers smiled and giggled so much and didnt speak much english...There were a lot of "hi's and bye's"...Love it

At Chandi Chowk (the village re-enactment mentioned in Day 1 of pictures), this scary scary archway was there. Pretty scary but interesting.

This hottie was at the palace in Jaipur. He isnt posing oh. He didnt even know i took his picture. He was actually trying to get out of the way of my camera but i got him. Check out his lovely eyes....

This cutie is Mr Mukesh who was our guide in Jaipur. This man oozed charm and coolness. He is so in love with his daughter and wife. Immediately he got in the car, he immediately whippedout his wallet to show us pictures of his beautiful 2 year old daughter and his beautiful wife.

Monumental Soundbyte - 72

2007-11-14T07:07:00.000-08:00

Luther Vandross - A House Is Not A Home

What isnt to love about this song?

Originally done by Dionne Warwick in 1964, i will admit that i prefer Luther's version. Then again i am biased. My darling Luther took this song and made pure magic with it. Like warm honey - this song just eases along. Kanye West and Jamie Foxx worked with this song on Slow Jam as well.....I will let the words of this song do all the talking....Enjoy!

A chair is still a chair, even when there's no one sittin there
But a chair is not a house and a house is not a home
When there's no one there to hold you tight
And no one there you can kiss goodnight
Whoa...oh...oh...oh...oh...oh...oh...Girl

A room is a still a room, even when there's nothin there but gloom
But a room is not a house and a house is not a home
When the two of us are far apart
And one of us has a broken heart

Now and then I call your name
And suddenly your face appears
But it's just a crazy game
When it ends, it ends in tears

Pretty little darling, have a heart
Don't let one mistake keep us apart
I'm not meant to live alone
Turn this house into a home
When I climb the stairs and turn the key
Oh, please be there
Sayin that you're still in love with me, yeah

I'm not meant to live alone, turn this house into a home
When I climb the stairs and turn the key
Oh, please be there, still in love
I said still in love
Still in love with you

Are you gonna be in love with me
I want you and need to be
Still in love with me
Say you're gonna be in love with me
It's drivin me crazy to think that my baby
Couldn't be still in love with me

Are you gonna be, say you're gonna be
Are you gonna be, say you're gonna be
Are you gonna be, say you're gonna be
Well, well, well, well
Still in love, so in love, still in love with me
Are you gonna be
Say that you're gonna be
Still in love with me

Day 1 in Pictures

2007-11-13T01:38:00.000-08:00

Alright - i am taking the time out to do this properly - Here i am - unveiled (sort of). We were on our way to Elephanta Caves and its a 1 hour ferry ride each way. So here i am enjoying the ride to Elephanta Caves

Flora Fountain in Mumbai which we spent an hour on foot searching for. We finally found it and my memorable first words? "I at least expected to see some water". LOL....Anyway, this fountain was put up by the British and there was no water cos Mumbai conserves water. At night though, this beautiful structure had strategic lighting and water. So beautiful

Baby / Mini Taj is actually a temple. I loved this place for a number of reasons. Its a temple and the caretakers were so so nice. We took our shoes off and they bagged them for us (you cannot wear shoes into any of the temples since they are obviously holy places). We walked around and it was so serene. When we came out, we had money to tip them and they vehemently refused.

Sikander Fort - we went to so many Forts but this one was truly amazing. Well i looked nice and golden here...LOL..Private joke. But i was quite rested when we went here and i got some pretty amazing pics here. Believe it or not, this is actually the main entrance into the Fort.

In Jaipur, we were taken to a village re-enactment (Chandi Chowk). It was so so cool. This picture is right outside the entrance gate and is supposed to depict a village setting with local men hanging out - i want to imagine they are talking about their wives (like Mr Sanjey talked a lot about his wife Babli. LOL. "Every 10th of the month, she is calling for money. My family lives in my hometown and i in Delhi City. Always for the money"

The Cenotaphs of Gatore in Agra are very very beautiful. So in Indian culture, the dead are cremated and not buried. Well in this case, the Maharajas of Jaipur are immortalized in the Cenotaphs - with each Maharaja having his own structure - think marble, arches and ornate carvings.

Amber Fort in Jaipur will forever be memorable to me cos we took an elephant ride up to this fort. So see how high this is? Well we took an elephant up and i was so so petrified. I dont like heingts. I am scared of heights. We got onto the elephant and the animal began to ascend and i was clutching tight to my handbag and the rail of the contraption we were sitting on while Daddy's Girl kept snapping away. She told me to bring out my camera - i could barely move. To make matters worse, the animal was trudging quite close to the edge. Daddy's Girl in a dead pan voice said "Its a little close to the edge isnt it?". I looked at her and muttered something like "you think"....LOL....I relaxed enough when we were almost at the top and i figured that if we fell at this point, it wouldnt be death but some broken bones. All the while Daddy's Girl is muttering - How amazing Uzo, How beautiful...LOL. I agreed after i relaxed a bit. Also, i almost fell down coming down from the fort....Did i say was clumsy?

The Palace in Jaipur - is so so beautiful. The Royal Family still lives there so we only toured some parts. The history of Maharaja Jai is amazig. In a nutshell - Jaipus (means Jai's city). A revolutionarya dn scientist, he built an amazing observatory with still working structures cos he was interested in astonomy - combine math and science and...anyway i think you have to be there to get it. Jaipur is called the pink city cos most of the structures are pink. Prince Albert was visiting and the Maharaja at the time decided to paint the whole town pink to welcome him. Yup. other people would get an elaborate bouquet of flowers but he painted the whole town pink.

Agra Fort - So everyone knows about the Taj Mahal? Well Shah Jahan who built it for his wife lived here with his family. This picture is of the Hall of Public Audience. So the locals would bring their cases to the royals who would be sitting within this structure and they would mediate and make the people happy. Shah Jahan's chambers overlooked the Taj Mahal. From his quarters, the Taj is only 2km away. So the walls of his chambers were inlaid with precious stones. And at night, when the lamps were lit, reflections of the Taj Mahal would fill the room (courtesy of being reflected on the surface of the stones). He died in that room.

The Taj Mahal - what can i say that can even compare to what actually being here felt like. I told Daddy's Girl that i want my own Taj Mahal. But not when i am dead. See the Taj Mahal is like an ode to love right? So i dont want to be dead to have love shown to me. And the Taj Mahal is so elaborate and beuatiful but my ode doesnt have to be so big. Every day "I Love you's" will suffice. There is a part of me that thinks that Shah Jahan went all out with this structure partly out of guilt. Like he was trying to make up for somethings he didnt do while she was alive. Just me thinking though. Did you know that it took 20,000 workers to build this structure? And that after the structure was completed, all the fingers of the workers were cut off to prevent them from being able to replicate their work? The descendants of the builders of the Taj Mahal have a thriving marble trade in Agra and their work is amazing. The sides of the Taj Mahal used to be inlaid with precious stones - emeralds, rubies etc. Well they are gone now. The British took them.

For the next 2 weeks on my blog.....

2007-11-13T01:32:00.000-08:00

I will be putting up pictures from my vacation. Its been a long time coming but blame it on work....So enjoy.....

A conversation with Mommy

2007-11-08T00:24:00.000-08:00

Most of the women i know enjoy interesting relationships with their moms. They love hard, they fight hard and most importantly (LOL), they gossip a lot about the people they know. So a few weeks ago, i came home late from work and had this conversation with my mom. I just remembered cos my mom is out of town and she called to mention one of the parties in this story.....

Uzo: Mommy good evening

Mommy: How r u? How was work?

Uzo: Fine...How was the shop?

Mommy: Fine. Oya come and sit down. I have gist for you.

Uzo hastens to sit on the bed. Bring on the gist / gossip

Mommy: so remember i told you i saw N the other day coming out of a strange road?

Uzo: Yes. And people are free to go wherever they want oh. Mommy, the road you saw him come out of is not strange. You just dont know what he was doing there.

Mommy: Sisi...listen jare.

Uzo: Okay. Go ahead

Mommy: So today, i got the real gist from Mrs B

Uzo: Oya tell me

Mommy: He is having an affair and that is where his mistress lives. Down that street

Uzo: No way. He cant be having an affair. How can?

Mommy: Abeg jare. But his mistress is a blind woman

Uzo: Ehn! How can?

Mommy: Yes oh! Imagine

Uzo: How did he meet a blind woman? I mean there is nothing wrong i am sure....Although...But how did he meet a blind woman?

Mommy: In his office.

Uzo: He has blind women in his office? But he is an architect..How? What will a blind woman be doing there?

Mommy: Doing her work of course.

Uzo: But how? What will a blind woman be doing in his office?

Mommy: Look...they are having an affair. Can you imagine? And his wife knows the blind woman

Uzo: Mommy i still dont understand.

Mommy: What is there to understand? They are having an affair. But Mrs B said that his wife caught them in a compromising position oh. That N is not talking to his wife over the scene she made so he has been staying with the blind woman for a few days.

Uzo: This is serious oh

Mommy: Exactly. All i know is that i will tell your daddy that if N or his wife come here to discuss it, we should be quiet and not say anything

Uzo: Na wah oh. But mommy - a blind woman. Haba. How does she know if she even likes N? I mean...Anyway, maybe its because N has money.

Mommy: What do you mean? These women dont care. Besides he is a fine man

Uzo: But how will she know?

Mommy: Kilo n se omo e? What do you mean how will she know? She has eyes...

Uzo: But she is a blind woman...

Mommy: And so

Uzo: If she is blind, how can she see him?

Mommy: Blind? She is not blind

Uzo: You have been saying the blind woman since...what do you mean she is not blind

Mommy: ...pause.....Oh....(at this point she begins to laugh hysterically)

Uzo: What is so funny now?

Mommy: She is not blind. She makes blinds

Uzo: She makes curtains?

Mommy: Yes now. Blinds and curtains are the same thing. How can N go out with a blind woman? Where will he find her? Uzo sef...

Yup... A conversation with my mom....

Monumental Soundbyte - 71

2007-11-08T00:06:00.000-08:00

Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway - The Closer I Get To You

I say i love a lot of songs but this song - this song is in my top 10 of all time.

Can i just express disappointment at the fact that Luther Vandross (who is my favorite artist ever) recorded this song with Beyonce and butchered it. One of the big problems i have with Beyonce is her excessive ad libbing. True music doesnt need too much vocal drama. Especially when the original is perfection. Let's not even start on what she did to Des'ree's Kissing you. I almost cried. Luther's part was fine - his maturity in music came through but madam B?

Anyway, this original version is perfection. Roberta and Donny sang a lot of duets together before Donny's suicide in 1979 but this song...Again - perfection. This is one of those songs that doesnt need much to be said about it - so here are the words...Enjoy!

The closer I get to you
The more you'll make me see
By giving me all you've got
Your love has captured me

Over and over again
I try to tell myself that we
Could never be more than friends
And all the while inside
I knew it was real
The way you make me feel

Lying here next to you
Time just seems to fly
Needing you more and more
Let's give love a try

Sweeter than sweeter love grows
And heaven's there for those
Who fool the tricks of time
With the hearts in love they find
True love
In a special way

The closer I get to you
The more you make me see
By giving me all you've got
Your love has captured me

Over and over again
I try to tell myself that we
Could never be more than friends
And all the while inside
I knew it was real
The way you make me feel

The closer I get to you
The more you make me see
By giving you all I've got
Your love has captured me

The closer I get to you
A feeling comes over me(Me too)
Pulling closer

Monumental Soundbyte - 70

2007-11-06T00:52:00.000-08:00

Kate Bush - This Woman's Work

The first time i heard this song was the ever popular Maxwell version and i fell in love with this song. Hard. Then a few weeks ago, Soul credited this song to Kate Bush and i got curious and apparently she indeed is the original singer. So my interest was roused. I am familiar with Kate Bush - but not really. I like her Wuthering Heights but i can not believe the fact that she did this song first passed me by.

I hunted down a live version of Maxwell performing this song - and would you believe it - he mentions Kate before he launches into this song.

Anyway, i forgot about this until 2 days ago. I am watching Alias Season 1 (very good show by the way....how on earth didnt i follow it while it was on?) and Kate Bush's version came on and i was just hooked. If it is possible, i have fallen in love with song even more.

Kate Bush is one those very very different (eclectic, weird...) singer/songwriters. Her sound is not likely to be loved by all but she has a few gems.

Anyway, this song is about a woman feeling her way through adulthood/womanhood in hard times. That's my take anyway.

So enjoy!!!!!