I awoke this morning fresh listening to the news updates and a thought came to mind:
1. Has anyone considered the World Trade Organization's possible influence on the decision to allow the U.A.E to take over six of our major ports? All politics aside we are moving rapidly toward a better globalization of the world market place, and if we ( U.S.) are allowed to set up shop in other countries why can't the same be done for others?
2. Now, let's consider the security risk at hand. We do not have a viable security plan in place besides the Coast Guard and private company security.The main factor is making money; time spent checking every vessel and goods container is money lost. What is our buffer right now for security? Money. A rich tycoon nation like the U.A.E can afford to take on such extreme cost required to meet the security demands of our ports. Terrorist will try our weaknesses whether the owner is eastern or western. Do you think Saddam-like or Bin Ladens' people give a damn about whose standing guard?
3. I am torn, too, by the very notion of a foreign country running our ports, but it has nothing to do with what foreign country.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Home Is Where the Heart is...
I've been gone a long time now from home (Detroit), all the family I know have family of their own almost grown if not already, too. I think back to that warm June night when I left to stay over in an old downtown hotel before jetting off to Air Force basic training. I wondered what would become of me and my wife of 2 years then. What a whirlwind of memrories flocking my finger tips, but I won't write all of that down. Let's see we went to England for 3 years where I traveled to Germany, Italy, and Africa. We lived in Charleston, and Sumter South Carolina for a 6 year stint minus a year for me spent over in Korea. Next we moved to the Little Rock Arkansas area for 5 years followed by about two years in Germany where we ventured over to Belgium, and France. Now here we stand just outside of St Louis 19 years later. The question remaining in my heart is where is home? I carried a safeguard statement for years you know "Home is where the heart is..." Well my heart is all over the world now for I've met a lot of people that became close like family. Yet somehow I still look back to Detroit and miss a lot of family for no matter what I say that is my home.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Follow-up on Pilgrim Temple Event
I must say that I enjoyed myself at Pilgrim Temple CME on the south end of East St Louis. Pastor Clark was inspirational, and everyone made me feel at home. As promised here is the transcript from my inspirational thoughts presented to the audience in two parts:
I opened up with a short confession of the fact that I had not been to a church in three years. I presented this poem for part one:
For Coretta Scott King
I saw a dream shine on us
She bought gifts for many today
A hopefulness like no other
A child of God
Graced us with her selflessness
This dream our dream
Never did it subside
Or give way to new lights
It flashes still in our hearts and minds
The many steps she took
All over the history books
Cannot be appreciated fully
Unless you see how God works
Coretta inspired many
A center in the Jerusalem of America
Unyielding drive for social change
A love for all people
Holding onto the "I have a dream" still
The second time I went up to the podium I caught the children's choir off guard by asking them to participate in one of the poems:
These Feet
We step faithfully
Like spring dreams constantly sprout
We were planted here
Still stepping
>>>Choir response (CR) These feet!
These feet give us hope
Our brave nights enlighten days
Dry tears on petals
Still stepping
(CR) These feet!
Coretta flower
Sailing onward in our hearts
No one can stand still
Still stepping
(CR) These feet!
Give glory to God
For cold and hot clouds above
Drench ourselves in love
Still stepping
(CR) These feet!
We smell crops growing
Our harvest is tomorrow
Celebrate today
Still stepping
(CR) These feet!
Descendants of peace
Stand on assured roots of time
See no boundaries
Still stepping
(CR) These feet!
Mother's charisma
Hugging the world joyfully
Raising summer fields
Still stepping
(CR) These feet!
We cried yesterday
So God smiles on us today
Promised forever
[The choir surprised me by exclaiming "These feet!" one last time.
I made a brief comment, and continued with:
So I Am
Our feet are like gold
Priceless dreams of steam
Rising to new heights
We will truly be more
Walking steady in God's light
To be a soldier
Our hands are priceless
The seasons forever change
So we can be bold
We're not colors
Reflections of inner light
We are God's flashlights
I ended by stating that when we walk into a room people should ask "Who turned on the light" for if we don't have that affect we need to go back out and come in again. I presented a brief history of my writing chronology, and passed out my website address (at the request of my unofficial agent Mr. David W. Brown, Jr.)
I opened up with a short confession of the fact that I had not been to a church in three years. I presented this poem for part one:
For Coretta Scott King
I saw a dream shine on us
She bought gifts for many today
A hopefulness like no other
A child of God
Graced us with her selflessness
This dream our dream
Never did it subside
Or give way to new lights
It flashes still in our hearts and minds
The many steps she took
All over the history books
Cannot be appreciated fully
Unless you see how God works
Coretta inspired many
A center in the Jerusalem of America
Unyielding drive for social change
A love for all people
Holding onto the "I have a dream" still
The second time I went up to the podium I caught the children's choir off guard by asking them to participate in one of the poems:
These Feet
We step faithfully
Like spring dreams constantly sprout
We were planted here
Still stepping
>>>Choir response (CR) These feet!
These feet give us hope
Our brave nights enlighten days
Dry tears on petals
Still stepping
(CR) These feet!
Coretta flower
Sailing onward in our hearts
No one can stand still
Still stepping
(CR) These feet!
Give glory to God
For cold and hot clouds above
Drench ourselves in love
Still stepping
(CR) These feet!
We smell crops growing
Our harvest is tomorrow
Celebrate today
Still stepping
(CR) These feet!
Descendants of peace
Stand on assured roots of time
See no boundaries
Still stepping
(CR) These feet!
Mother's charisma
Hugging the world joyfully
Raising summer fields
Still stepping
(CR) These feet!
We cried yesterday
So God smiles on us today
Promised forever
[The choir surprised me by exclaiming "These feet!" one last time.
I made a brief comment, and continued with:
So I Am
Our feet are like gold
Priceless dreams of steam
Rising to new heights
We will truly be more
Walking steady in God's light
To be a soldier
Our hands are priceless
The seasons forever change
So we can be bold
We're not colors
Reflections of inner light
We are God's flashlights
I ended by stating that when we walk into a room people should ask "Who turned on the light" for if we don't have that affect we need to go back out and come in again. I presented a brief history of my writing chronology, and passed out my website address (at the request of my unofficial agent Mr. David W. Brown, Jr.)
Saturday, January 28, 2006
A "Weak" in Perspective
- Folks I lost my favorite sidekick--my computer. I guess I was just too expressive and used the computer constantly that it exploded. "Operating System Not Found" was the message received on a blank screen, and then nothing.
- I signed up to sell life insurance for Primerica--awaiting my background check, and class date for training.
- I think I have exhausted my communication skills or maybe it is just a spell you go through--I won't quit so I guess I'll call a truce and see what I can do on my part to not be selfish and listen instead of holding up a mirror while someone speaks to me. Especially those who are close blood definitive's.
- I can retire from the military in June 2007 so I have to evaluate a lot of things, and that may be part of my frustration. You don't realize your comfort zone until you have to decide to step out of it.
- I need a little space--plenty of it in cyberspace LOL.
- I signed up to sell life insurance for Primerica--awaiting my background check, and class date for training.
- I think I have exhausted my communication skills or maybe it is just a spell you go through--I won't quit so I guess I'll call a truce and see what I can do on my part to not be selfish and listen instead of holding up a mirror while someone speaks to me. Especially those who are close blood definitive's.
- I can retire from the military in June 2007 so I have to evaluate a lot of things, and that may be part of my frustration. You don't realize your comfort zone until you have to decide to step out of it.
- I need a little space--plenty of it in cyberspace LOL.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
A Simple Tip on Relationships #3
Love has nothing to do with the amount of money in your pockets, but it will make you work harder for it.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Sample Salary Work Sheet
Here's an example of a salary worksheet for working out a rough estimate of your employment value (note: check with an HRD to ensure value is current based on the job you're seeking, and the current market). Don't forget to add about $10,000 to your total for bonus and vacation. First you should research the company to see what they are worth, how many employees they have, and what level you are seeking with the company. You can find the baseline value you bring to a company based on education at the U.S. Department of Labor website www.bls.gov Use the sheet linked below to give you an idea on how to answer the sometimes dreaded/misunderstood "So what is your asking salary?" question. Remember if you give a salary above the companies salary range you are wasting their time. If you give a salary below your worth to the comapny you are selling yourself short. All in all there is no set way to approach salary negotiations; however, you can do more for yourself in the long run by putting in a little leg work.
Click Here
Disclaimer: Don't go cursing out your boss if it turns out you are under paid.
Click Here
Disclaimer: Don't go cursing out your boss if it turns out you are under paid.
Beyonce By-Products
Beyonce has a great voice, but wasted on stupid songs like Check On It that do not demonstrate it. She needs to review a little history and take example from a few of the great's. What a waste--quit ditching out commercialized booty songs and sing!
Monday, January 16, 2006
Is the Dream Dead?
The following is an unedited thought:
I stand here on this day in remembrance of a man who stood not alone, but with many people like my mother, father, grandmother, and grandfather to say no more to Jim Crow racial restrictions. I wonder, too, is the dream alive or dead in the masses of millions who benefited from the change today. I know I have lost a little of the dream in me to rise above where I stand and soar to new heights of possibility. I cannot muster the strength inside to run the path set before me. Am I alone? I don't think so not at all for many have no fight to take up arms for anymore like we use to in the past. What? I mean the torch has been passed since the 1960's, and what have we accomplished in the cities? Many of the problems that existed then exist today; I know most would argue that it is not so, but this is my opinion. Look at the cities where African-Americans live in large numbers and ask yourself where is the Timbuktu's. I hear the hip-hop world claiming Atlanta as the Mecca of the south. My point is with so many cities hosting masses of African-Americans we should have a great trade route established from coast to coast where wealth is distributed among all the cities. Where is the dream when the only thing we can claim success in is the music industry? The schools were desegregated in the 1970's, but the money was not fairly redistributed; how could it when most African-Americans do not own the homes that they reside in and have little or no effect on the tax base of the county, city, or state. A large number of minorities have managed to rise above the poverty level by joining the military, trade schools, or working in the factories. A small number have manage to take advantage of their parents rise out of poverty by successfully completing college, entering into public office, taking over businesses etc. However, until the masses as a whole rise above the line the dream is dead--not alive. We stand here alone it seems; no more do the fathers, mothers, grandfathers, and grandmothers say keep the dream alive. We have to keep the dream alive! Not a Black or White one, but a dream that is all inclusive. A dream that poor people would not be judged by their speech against rich people who have been taught to deny their "unacceptable tendencies". A dream that money flows from downtown to the inner plantations like a mirror. A dream that reconstruction occurs for real, and not simply stated on the floors of Congress. A dream that a child spending so many years in public schools would learn something useful and obtainable besides hearing "no child left behind" while cold air whips through the rooms in the winter, or have to catch up with the priveleged few who gets it. I'm blabbing...stop the disease that kills the dream. I need to go running...
I stand here on this day in remembrance of a man who stood not alone, but with many people like my mother, father, grandmother, and grandfather to say no more to Jim Crow racial restrictions. I wonder, too, is the dream alive or dead in the masses of millions who benefited from the change today. I know I have lost a little of the dream in me to rise above where I stand and soar to new heights of possibility. I cannot muster the strength inside to run the path set before me. Am I alone? I don't think so not at all for many have no fight to take up arms for anymore like we use to in the past. What? I mean the torch has been passed since the 1960's, and what have we accomplished in the cities? Many of the problems that existed then exist today; I know most would argue that it is not so, but this is my opinion. Look at the cities where African-Americans live in large numbers and ask yourself where is the Timbuktu's. I hear the hip-hop world claiming Atlanta as the Mecca of the south. My point is with so many cities hosting masses of African-Americans we should have a great trade route established from coast to coast where wealth is distributed among all the cities. Where is the dream when the only thing we can claim success in is the music industry? The schools were desegregated in the 1970's, but the money was not fairly redistributed; how could it when most African-Americans do not own the homes that they reside in and have little or no effect on the tax base of the county, city, or state. A large number of minorities have managed to rise above the poverty level by joining the military, trade schools, or working in the factories. A small number have manage to take advantage of their parents rise out of poverty by successfully completing college, entering into public office, taking over businesses etc. However, until the masses as a whole rise above the line the dream is dead--not alive. We stand here alone it seems; no more do the fathers, mothers, grandfathers, and grandmothers say keep the dream alive. We have to keep the dream alive! Not a Black or White one, but a dream that is all inclusive. A dream that poor people would not be judged by their speech against rich people who have been taught to deny their "unacceptable tendencies". A dream that money flows from downtown to the inner plantations like a mirror. A dream that reconstruction occurs for real, and not simply stated on the floors of Congress. A dream that a child spending so many years in public schools would learn something useful and obtainable besides hearing "no child left behind" while cold air whips through the rooms in the winter, or have to catch up with the priveleged few who gets it. I'm blabbing...stop the disease that kills the dream. I need to go running...
A Simple Tip on Relationship #1
I just returned from running with my wife for the first time in years. We run at different paces so a little compromise had to be made. Are we runnig to work out, or are we running to spend quality time? I need to work on the difference. I felt a little selfishness sneaking up on me that urged me to run at my own pace.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
You're Black? I Thought You Were...
How many times have I heard the statement that people did not know that I was of African descent? I find it funny, too, that no matter where I go I run in to assumptions on the part of other folks thinking that I am from South America, Spain, Puerto Rico, an Arabic speaking country etc. People approach me speaking their native tongue, and I pause with the non-verbal look of “what?”
My point is you cannot tell a person’s ethnicity by the tone of their skin all the time so don’t assume. Try getting to know the person first or at least remove the prejudicial thinking from your framework of mind. African-American’s come in a wide variety of colors, height, body size, and overall appearance just like every one else.
I am named after my father, Zamounde Sr. I have searched for my name all over the world, and the only resemblance was discovered in the capital city Cameroon, Africa: Yaounde.
My point is you cannot tell a person’s ethnicity by the tone of their skin all the time so don’t assume. Try getting to know the person first or at least remove the prejudicial thinking from your framework of mind. African-American’s come in a wide variety of colors, height, body size, and overall appearance just like every one else.
I am named after my father, Zamounde Sr. I have searched for my name all over the world, and the only resemblance was discovered in the capital city Cameroon, Africa: Yaounde.
Author's that I know or met and have autographed book(s)
* (Memphis Vaughn, Jr.) Journey to Timbooktu: an African-American Poetic Odyssey[1]{#}
* (Richard A. Parks, Jr.)Someone Is Sleeping In My Head[1]
* (Anthony J. Vance) The Whole Truth In Tithes-Don't Be Tithed Around [1]
* (Kwame Alexander)Just Us[1]
* (Jamal Sharif)Passion Pride and Politickin'[1]
* (Traci Brooks)Stepping Into Womanhood[1]
* (Thabiti N Maadili a.k.a. Victor L. Hill)The Soul of the Stolen Afrikan[1]
* (Stephanie E. Wilson)Is Anybody Listening?[1]
* (Stacey J. McAdoo) Baring My Soul, Sweet Melanin Messages[2]
* (James Donovan Gautier, Jr.) I Came Back from Bataan [1]
* (Cecil Ward White) The Last of The Buffalo Soldier [1]
Note: Work in Progress.
[*] The number of autographed books in my possession.
{#} I have works published in the book.
You may search for their books by author name.
* (Richard A. Parks, Jr.)Someone Is Sleeping In My Head[1]
* (Anthony J. Vance) The Whole Truth In Tithes-Don't Be Tithed Around [1]
* (Kwame Alexander)Just Us[1]
* (Jamal Sharif)Passion Pride and Politickin'[1]
* (Traci Brooks)Stepping Into Womanhood[1]
* (Thabiti N Maadili a.k.a. Victor L. Hill)The Soul of the Stolen Afrikan[1]
* (Stephanie E. Wilson)Is Anybody Listening?[1]
* (Stacey J. McAdoo) Baring My Soul, Sweet Melanin Messages[2]
* (James Donovan Gautier, Jr.) I Came Back from Bataan [1]
* (Cecil Ward White) The Last of The Buffalo Soldier [1]
Note: Work in Progress.
[*] The number of autographed books in my possession.
{#} I have works published in the book.
You may search for their books by author name.
My Second Book / 2004
The First Time I, is a poetic trek of love, humor, tragedy, and survival on an inspiring mind trip--a roller coaster through life.
“Proof that a man can feel…” Stacey J. McAdoo-Baring My Soul
“One of the leading advocates of the poetic renaissance in the black community” –Memphis Vaughn- Timbooktu.Com
The First Time I-Performance Poetry and More received the Editor's Choice designation for superior writing and a commitment to excellence.
Click to review book or purchase
“Proof that a man can feel…” Stacey J. McAdoo-Baring My Soul
“One of the leading advocates of the poetic renaissance in the black community” –Memphis Vaughn- Timbooktu.Com
The First Time I-Performance Poetry and More received the Editor's Choice designation for superior writing and a commitment to excellence.
Click to review book or purchase
Saturday, January 14, 2006
MLK Day
There’s something wrong still in American society when it comes to the celebration of MLK day. I don’t feel like it’s getting the level of commercialism as other holidays. Did I say that? Yes I did.
My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,
From every mountainside, let freedom ring!
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/Ihaveadream.htm
Do you feel that the MLK holiday gets its fair share of respect in America? If not, why?
- A co-worker stated that he did not know that it was a national holiday.
- He shouldn’t receive invitations/notifications of African, Hispanic, Asian-American activities because we all are humans.
- The trash/refuse is collected on the bank holiday Monday, but no other official holiday. I don’t know if it’s in tribute to why he went to Memphis in the first place to help with fair wages for garbage collectors or in dispute of the holiday.
My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,
From every mountainside, let freedom ring!
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/Ihaveadream.htm
Do you feel that the MLK holiday gets its fair share of respect in America? If not, why?
Poem and Birthday Salutation
My father and youngest brother’s birthday is on the 19th of January. My father loves my poem The Storm. My brother really took to what I had to say in the book. The following verse is from page 4, As the World Burns Copyright 1995 Zamounde Allie:
The Storm
Thundering thoughts of lightning accelerate my very being. Some stir turbulently striking, forcefully moving onward through calm seas.
Do I have the key to thoughts that pour freely from my misery, taking turns to attack and lead me?
Waves of thoughts come and go, some to the heart to make the tears flow. Others come to light in angry winds; what or who is the tormenter that builds the walls that sometimes cave in?
Sharpened knives of inner thoughts sometimes bring my spirit to a halt. Stealing, draining, leaving, me empty. What are these thoughts? I do not know, for the answer evades, but one day the battle will end, and this will be the battle within.
The Storm
Thundering thoughts of lightning accelerate my very being. Some stir turbulently striking, forcefully moving onward through calm seas.
Do I have the key to thoughts that pour freely from my misery, taking turns to attack and lead me?
Waves of thoughts come and go, some to the heart to make the tears flow. Others come to light in angry winds; what or who is the tormenter that builds the walls that sometimes cave in?
Sharpened knives of inner thoughts sometimes bring my spirit to a halt. Stealing, draining, leaving, me empty. What are these thoughts? I do not know, for the answer evades, but one day the battle will end, and this will be the battle within.
- Happy birthday Kahlil, and dad.
Why Obtain a Degree
The number one question that plagued me for years was the question of a college degree. I fought against it for years. I think it had something to do with my childhood (sounds like something you hear in pyschology class); however, it was a prevailing attitude that prevented me from taking a step in the collegiate direction for years. I found many other excuses like writing books, co-hosting a radio show, and touring the spoken word scene. After all my excuses I finally reached a conclusion: a hard working smart person can overcome great odds, and with a good track record the opportunities are vastless.
* A degree adds to your value when competing for jobs. For example if you have bachelor's degree you break even on the salary worksheet, but if you don't have one it takes $4,706 dollars off of your value. A master's degree gives you the right to add $1,975 to your asking salary. Last year when I completed a salary value worksheet I was worth $70,000 a year with bonuses, but due to my new job I moved up to $72,014.
* You meet a lot of interesting people, and increase your network capabilities while completing a degree.
* You don't need a degree more than you need knowledge, timing, and knowing the right people.
* You don't need a degree to obtain the skills, knowledge, and abilities (SKA's) to make money.
* A degree is a stepping stone established by society to enhance its citizens, and increases its potential for the future.
Why obtain a degree? Do it for you, and your family's well being. Despite all of the reasons not to get one that many including myself used for years--it is worth it in the long run.
P.S. I heard it even helps when buying a house or other major purchases. What do you think?
The Media Detergent
Attention: Stop the Media's Useless Babble.
- I’ve been avoiding the CNN’s and Fox News etc lately due to the inundation of babble. I can’t stand it no more. Hours and hours of useless babble.
- Do we live for the babble?
- Are we addicted to the babble?
- Has the brainwashing babble gone to another level?
The First Time I: Performance Poetry and More
Copyright 2004 Zamounde Allie
M.E.D.I.A
Manipulation Engineers Destroying Interdependent America
Why must we see what you want us to see
Can not our eyes be free from your imagery
Day by day you slap us with your pictures
Night by Knight you sick marshaled lawmen on us
Yelling it’s a raid, it’s a bust…
Well you have to get the book to read the rest, but my point is I’m pissed off by the media daily. They spread negativity around the world instantly, and allow fools to become famous. I know there is some good that come from it; however, I’m just tired of having to filter through so much babble. I’m glad that I have the Internet to quickly see what others feel and think besides the mainstream media—it let’s me know that I’m not tripping. So thanks to all of you worldwide that post your rhymes and reason.
Try to Live Right
I know there are so many avenues to travel when it comes to our health and well being, but keep fighting the good fight to eat right, and work out--run or whatever to burn some of that fatback off. I think we all are carrying some extra baggage with the preservatives etc that the FDA allows companies to put in our food and water. Have you ever wondered how so much food is produced in order for restaurants to keep their chains stocked with so-called "meat"? Something fishy is going on in the food industry--be careful of your intake.
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