AIM Magazine 2011 by AIM Magazine

M A G A Z I N E

AIM MAGAZINE 2011 Jan

Eva Githina Editor AIM Network

A.W. Wachira AIM contributor

Awuor Obel Editor AIM Network

Gerald Montgomery AIM contributor

Wangechi Ruguaru AIM Network

Wambui Wamutongoria AIM Network-Kenya

Tony Odufuye AIM contributor

Julia Opoti

Alita Watson Alita's Travels AIM contributor

Nyandia Kamawe AIM contributor/ graphic designer

AIM contributor

Live. Love Progress. Eat. Love. Pray. “My brother says that if I feel what I write then this must be me.This is me. My Pain. My Tears. All My Love.” I write about life’s simple complexities

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pick one, pick all

rock it how you live, not just a tee AIM MAGAZINE 2011 Jan

The concept of Utamaduni Wear is to incorporate African fashion and design into everyday wear. Utamaduni Wear will give you dramatic fabulousness!

To get more information or to order, visit http://www.utamaduniwear.com Email: utamaduniwear@gmail.com

AIM MAGAZINE 2011 Jan

G-spot

Contents

Gerald Montgomery

Alita’s travel Alita Watson

Tech Buzz

Anthony Odufuye

Health

Linda Obel

Talk Back Session

Gerald Montgomery

Asian Shiitake Mushroom Wangechi Ruguaru

Angelique Kidjo Eva Githina

See Hear Speak No Evil Eva Githina

Travel

Eva Githina

Shoe Care

Wangechi Ruguaru

Poetry

A.W . Wachira

Minnesota’s Immigrant History

New Vision Photography

Nyamal Both

Eva Githina (page 8)

Nekessa Julia Opoti

cover photography by Uche & design by BothDol

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Our AIM is to celebrate, and share our differences. We publish a monthly magazine that highlights" Africans in Motion" i.e Fellow Africans that are inspiring, driven, and successful in their various fields. For more information please contact Aim Network 612. 205.9828 aimminnesota@gmail.com www.isuu.com/aimminnesota

A Letter From The Editor A very close friend of mine hates Valentine’s Day. I have to agree with them on the fact that this is a holiday created to make us spend money, wear red outfits and/ or buy flowers, cards, candy or jewelry. Someone also decided that you have to go out to eat on this day to restaurants with overinflated “Valentine’s Day specials”. I recently found out that the average amount of money spent on Valentine’s Day is $116. That’s a bit much just to show someone you love them on this one day, don’t you think? I prefer to stay in with my loved one, watch a nice movie and have a nice meal together. Although Valentine’s Day seems highly overrated, I think the positive take on it is that it reminds us to show the ones we love that we care for them. It doesn’t have to be with flowers or candy. Sometimes just telling someone that you love and appreciate them goes a long way. Too often we get caught up in the stresses that life brings that we forget to look at the positive things and people we have in our lives. The people who love you are there not because of all the gifts you can give them, but because you bring something positive into their lives. My boyfriend sometimes has to remind me that I need to slow down because the minute I wake up I am running at 100 miles an hour, and this is only one of the

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many things I appreciate about him. So I pose these questions to you… When was the last time you actually hung out with your loved one and just had a good time? When was the last time you laughed at a joke together or even sat down to watch a movie together? Take the time to enjoy each other, it’s important because before you know it, all that time you thought you had to do these things will be gone. On the flip side to that, in the process of showing people that you love them, make sure to take care of yourself too. So what if you don’t have someone today to tell you they love you? You are special and amazing in what you have accomplished so far in your own life. So buy yourself something nice, cook yourself a nice meal and watch that movie you have been putting off watching for months. Do something nice for yourself because you deserve it. In order to be able to TRULY love others, you need to be able to love yourself first. Take care of yourselves, because if you don’t do it, who else will? Much Love and Respect,

Awuor Obel

photography by Uche

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by Eva Githina

I met Nyamal over four years ago and was in awe of herourage and talent. It was fashion show at the Mall of America, that was hosted by local MN TV celebrities and that also featured a performance by Jabali Afrika. All the guests, hosts and audience members were all in awe of Nyamal and the breakthrough fashion collection she presented on that saturday afternoon. Nyamal shook up the Minnesota scene and awoke the fashion scene. Nyamal Dol, is a 22 year Fashionista and a well renown model in Minnesota and beyond. She is also the creator of Both BothDol Fashion. She I has a wealth of talent and creativity so you may catch her on a runway, showcasing, and styling. For the last three years she has been working on national fashion marketing and networking in the fashion industry. In 2010 moved to the International level of professional modeling and networking. Locally, in the Twin Cities, she has been in the fashion market for working with two wonderful agencies, Iam Moody and Vision Models. She has received a few titles recognition; The Twin Cities Top Model for 09/10, MN Face of Africa, doing independent Fashion Designingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;www.BothDolFashion.com, and working with highend clients. As a designer, she sponsors yearly, the Miss Guinea North America and Africa International Modeling Competition located in the East coast. Nyamal pioneered a great fashion awakening in Minnesota and beyond and is on to great many other accomplishments. AIM Magazine caught up with Nyamal, and this is what she had to say...

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As I got more curious about my abilities, I started to get into sewing because I was always anxious of what the outfit I drew would look like. Ever since then, i just visualize and sew.

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received a few titles recognition; The Twin Cities Top Model for 09/10, MN Face of Africa, doing independent Fashion Designingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;www.BothDolFashion.com, and working with high-end clients. As a designer, she sponsors yearly, the Miss Guinea North America and Africa International Modeling Competition located in the East coast. Nyamal pioneered a great fashion awakening in Minnesota and beyond and is on to great many other accomplishments. AIM Magazine caught up with Nyamal, and this is what she had to say... AIM:Please tell us your name and tell us what you do? Eli Nyamal and I am a Fashionista. Overall a working Model, Fashion Stylist (including wardrobe and imaging look), and a Fashion Designer. AIM: What inspired you to be a designer, model and makeup artist? My creativity inspires me more. I tend to create a certain image in my mind that i can design into life. Also there

photography by Uche

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photography by Tieg

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Tyra Banks: She inspires so many people especially young girls. She is also very multitalented and I can definitely relate to that.

Pictured below is an outfit Nyamal would take if she was stranded on a deserted island

Me (Sorry I must say): Sometimes, I surprise myself by looking at what I have accomplished. I am a very fast learner and pickup things quickly, which gives me the ability to be anything I put my mind to. I am a strong intelligent young woman and I have the ability to become one of the most successful African women (God Willing). AIM:If you were in a deserted island and had to pick an outfit to be stranded in what would you choose (Could you provide pictures of these)? I may look fashionable but comfortable not thinking if I’ll ever get stranded. (see picture on the right) AIM:You have a fabulous physique, what do you do to stay so trim and beautiful? I am always active, it’s a great thing for health and body. Also, being of Sudanese descent hleps because we are known for our height and lean physical appearances. AIM:What is the one must-have accessory that you recommend for every woman? High & Great self-esteem AIM:What advice would you give to young upcoming designers, models and/ or make-up artists? Know the business and understand it well, because It is an important part of success. On a personal level, Nyamal’s limited free time is spent with her friends. She is also a college student at the MN School of Business for Paralegal Law and a PT Sale Associate at FOREVER21. Her two little ones (a four year old and a three year old) are also great blessings in her life. Nyamal has made a major breakthrough and she lives by the motto, “Being Driven is a part of the Journey.”

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www.elinyamal.com www.bothdolfashion.com Facebook and Tweeter as Eli Nyamal www.facebook.com/bothdolfashion Email: nyamalboth@yahoo.com

gSPOT Momentum & Inertia: a lesson in relationship physics Gerald Montgomery (Note: In this edition of G-Spot you will see Newton’s three laws of Motion revealed in reverse order) Why do rational intelligent grown-ups do things we regret shortly after? How do arguments between loving couples become so intense that horrible things are said which can never be taken back-relationships ended? How does horseplay turn tragic? When you turn on the news and hear a report of a murder-suicide involving a family of four, have you ever thought to yourself- “How in God’s name did things get to that point and what will it take to keep it from happening to me?” Seriously! Because we all know that the husband didn’t just wake up one morning from a near-perfect life and say, “I think I’ll murder my wife and children then kill myself!” Our lives, and thus the incidents that quantify our lives, are linear; we are born, we age and we die. There is a progression that bridges one moment in time to the next- like the connecting of dots. You cannot be an adult male in his mid 30’s working construction in the middle of Kansas one minute then an adolescent girl on a playground in California the next. These two “dots” could never connect because they are not “linear” to one another. Each dot is the logical progression of the previous dot, which means certain things have to happen to set the stage for the next thing. As usual, please bear with me. Without the previous “dot” a bridge cannot be formed to the next. While it is true that from one dot you could theoretically

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choose to “connect” to any one of a seemingly innumerable sphere of dots, you can only connect to one. However the available dots will be variations of each other, not completely random in nature from one another. So linear in this instance doesn’t necessarily mean a straight line collectively (i.e. all dot connections form a straight line), but it does mean a straight line from one dot to the next (as we know, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line). Whenever a girlfriend would ask, “What would you do if you were alone in a room with a beautiful naked woman; would you reward her or refuse her?” And since this is not a simple yes or no question (so guys be smart- never just answer yes or no to this question) I’d ALWAYS reply, “I would have had several chances to avoid this situation before it got to this point, so I must have already made several bad decisions which lead up to this moment! I am not a eunuch; I don’t claim to be strong enough to refuse a beautiful naked woman. But I can avoid this scenario all together by never making it to the room. I may secretly consider robbing a bank with the gun I bought that morning but I can’t rob it if I’m on the other side of town and never buy the gun!” The reality is we don’t just open our eyes and find ourselves in this or any other situation. We would have had to connect the dots in order to get there! Think of all the events, the dot connections if you will, that had to take place prior to her and myself ending up in that room and

The same goes for arguments; the sooner you get control over what you’re saying and how you’re saying it the sooner you can help to bring the hostility to a halt.

then with her ending up in her birthday suit. Consider all the warning signs I could have taken heed to. As each dot unfolds, and the next set of dots are revealed, we must be intuitive enough to assess what is taking place and be sober in the path we select, the next dot we jump to. When we are not in full control of our decision-making process there is a tendency of being “carried” to the next dot by momentum instead of rational choice. Okay, it’s time to bring it home. Discussions become heated exchanges because of momentum. Lives end in suicide because of momentum. Full blown affairs destroy families because of momentum. Momentum is essentially a knee-jerk reaction to what life presents to us, as if we are just going with the flow. So does this mean we are not accountable for our actions when we allow ourselves to get carried away by momentum? Absolutely not, we are still very much accountable! The reason why something happens doesn’t always excuse it, it merely explains it. Just as there is a straight line between two points, there is a point at which a civil discussion crosses the line and becomes a vicious dispute. I believe, more times than not, this line is identifiable. Sometimes you can even sense the transformation taking place. You can feel the momentum pushing you in that direction, then beyond it. You see your mate succumbing to the same impulsion. As if you were both on a runaway train heading towards a brick wall! You start getting loud so your mate gets louder. You say something hurtful so your mate returns the favor (for every

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action there is an equal and opposite reaction). While it is true that the very act of traveling from one point to another creates momentum, the goal is to achieve inertia at each dot before traveling to the next. In other words once you arrive at the next dot, stop! Take a deep breath, assess and choose wisely your next dot (or action in this case). Don’t be carried to the next dot, choose it! Please know that the more momentum you allow to build up the more difficult it is to achieve inertia (Force equals Mass times Acceleration). The same goes for arguments; the sooner you get control over what you’re saying and how you’re saying it the sooner you can help to bring the hostility to a halt. Likewise with an affair; the sooner you get control of your behavior the sooner you can end the affair, correct yourself and begin to repair your primary relationship. Ditto for an addiction, bad habit or bad behavior. Momentum limits our options because we are being propelled into a specific direction, which makes it more difficult to change direction. Due to this limited change in direction we tend to make discussions we will later regret (every object in a state of uniform motion tends to remain in that state of motion unless an external force is applied to it). Inertia, or coming to a complete stop, allows us to see more clearly all of the possibilities available to us. It gives us time to choose wisely our next course of action or to take a time out and seek the help we so desperately need! Iron sharpens iron, so lets be better because of it!

alitaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;stravels by Alita Watson

Ambato Ecuador Smile Mission The stunning beauty of Ecuador doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to fit the impoverished communities that inhabit this sparse and magnificent country. The volunteers that participated in the horse back ride prior to this years mission (raising funds for the surgeries Smile would provide) to Cotopaxi, a magnificent volcano that sits in the heart of the Andes, can certainly attest to this. There are hills beyond hills of rolling meadow, surrounded by snow-kissed mountains that surmount the daydream clouds. There are never-ending emerald green fields lined with pastures, farms and sweet cottages, that allow for a simple but difficult life. From these distant and rural villages surrounding Ambato, (three hours south of the capital city), over seventy men, women and children traveled to our mission site, hopeful that they would be candidates for surgery during the following week.

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To walk into a hospital and see all of these beautiful indigenous faces that greet your trusting eyes, is an image that one never forgets. Farmers with worn cinnamon skin wearing traditional brilliant colors, mothers that smile at you and bounce as they console the babies tucked on their backs, who curiously peek their round and windchapped faces out of their haven; everyone curiously stares at these unfamiliar gringos that parade in the room, clearly on a mission. We are greeted by the volunteer team of women from the hospital that wear pink from head to toe; from their eye shadow to their lipstick, from their arrangement of ornamental pins all the way down to their socks, they are pink and in charge! Maria is the leader of the pack who points and snaps as she designates jobs for the task at hand. The task at hand: Every patient and those who have

traveled with them today, will meet with each medical and non-medical station, to assess their need for surgery, and our ability to provide it. During this process, we learn about their life, their struggle, and their hope for a new beginning after surgery. 16 year old Jesus Wlaolimir Tacuri Troya arrived by himself, a handsome young man with dark curls and gentle eyes. Jesus was abandoned by his family when he was born with a cleft lip, and only survived due to his grandmothers fight for his life. She died when he was 14 years old, and he has been on his own ever since.

Manuel is loved by everyone in our village. He gives everything and expects nothing in return. It is because of him that our 90-year old disabled mother has someone to watch over her now.

He told the smile team his story and shrugged his shoulders when we asked if he had a guardian to sign his consent form. “I live alone,” he said, “I have no one but myself.” Although Jesus is on his own, he appeared to be a proud and composed young man…an old soul who had learned the brutality of life at a young age, and remained stronger because of it. Jesus supports himself as a tailor, a trade his grandmother taught him. He says he is shy to smile because of his scar from the first surgery he had when he was only three months old. He is left with an open palate which makes it difficult to eat, he turned red when he told us how embarrassed he gets when food and liquid comes out if his nose. We asked Jesus what he wants to do in the future, “I want to be a surgeon,” he said, “so I can give people beautiful smiles like you do.” Jesus was put on the schedule that day, as were 36 other patients inluding 61-year old Manuel Guevarra Castro, who had lived his entire life with a severe bilateral cleft lip. One would think Manuel would be timid and withdrawn in his condition, but that was certainly not the case with this charming fellow whom everyone wanted to meet! One of the volunteers asked him if he had a girlfriend (due to his flirtatious nature), and he responded “no…but I am looking!?” Manuel is one of nine children and his sister that traveled with him told us, “Manuel is loved by everyone in our village. He gives everything and expects nothing in return. It is because of him that our 90-year old disabled mother has someone to watch over her now.” Manuel paced the hallways leading up to the moment the surgery schedule was posted, and hugged everyone in sight when he found his name listed. Others searched for their names, and when they were’nt found, our team hugged and consoled mothers who were told to come back next year…as

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some were too small or fragile this time around. However, there was something in the air during this mission that moved us along at a record pace. After completing nine surgeries in one day, no one could help but wonder how the stars had aligned for the few patients who were able to come back to the hospital after we thought our schedule was full! We made some phone calls, and shortly thereafter one mother raced through the door out of breath with her son Gustavo in her hands. She had taken the 15-hour bus ride for the second time in three days, and within an hour her son was in the operating room. Everyone watches this experience from their various perspectives, but there is something that each of us can relate to throughout this process…the fear of having your child deprived of a normal happy life, the heartbreak of rejection, the injustice of poverty, the brutality of life itself, the joy in a new beginning, and the gratitude of voluntary kindness. I know this much is true; Smile Network isn’t only changing the lives of these patients, but also the lives of each and every one of these people who join us on missions, and make everything we do possible.

techBUZZ

by Anthony Odufuye

I have spent plenty of time trying to convince my significant other to try playing some form of video games but while most people would write this off as wishful thinking, it is not impossible given the nature of games released today. Gone are the days where video game consoles are populated mostly by hardcore first person shooters and side scrollers that make you want to break your controller out of frustration. There are now a few options that may look more appealing to the ladies.

Guitar Hero/Rock Band.

Most people who know me well can tell you I’m a bona fide guitar hero freak. I’ve played this game for years and gotten adept at the guitar instruments in the game. About a year ago, I decided to buy the full band and added a microphone, drumset and an additional guitar to my collection. For months after that, it provided endless humorous entertainment to my friends who would visit. Everyone male and female enjoyed picking up one of those instruments and either playing or singing their hearts out to recognizable songs.

Motion controlled games and systems.

There are lots of options in this category. The Playstation, Xbox and Wii all offer the ability to control games with body movement. The most popular of the three with ladies so far has proven to be the Wii with its huge collection of fun games for all ages. Even so, try not to narrow your options and check out the Playstation Move or Xbox connect if you already have those systems. They both offer interesting motion controlled games as well but with a more mature feel to them. Have a lovely valentines and remember to have some fun with your loved ones.

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Little Big Planet 2.

If you’ve never heard of this game, you need to drop by and pick it up when you get a chance. Little big planet is a fun multi player game that you can pick up and play by yourself or with up to three other friends. What’s not to love about sock puppets? Your significant other will find these cute sock puppets are fun to run around with solving puzzles and doing other wacky things. If you and your loved one ever played Super Mario as a kid, you should like this game as well. There are tons of worlds to explore built into this game but in addition, players can create their own levels and mechanics in any way they see fit. There are tons of player created levels to download and explore at your leisure. Do yourself a favor and experience this game.

“A slight contemporary twist to what could be traditional old school frames”

www.warbyparker.com AIM MAGAZINE 2011 Jan

health

by Linda Obel

aH Weight Loss has been categorized as one of the top New Year resolutions that a lot of people around the world make. It is an easy statement to say, “This year I am going to lose 20 pounds and I want to lose it before summer”. Ok, easy enough. In this world, people take it one step further and try to figure out the easiest way to achieve their goal. They soon realize that it takes a lot of work just to lose even 5 pounds. Instead of resolving to lose weight, a better goal would be to try to live a healthier life. This taken into consideration is the gateway to weight loss, and some people don’t realize this. A lifestyle change, rather than going on a diet until we have met our goals, is a surefire way of losing those pesky pounds and keeping them off. Here are 5 steps to take towards a healthy lifestyle, and in turn eventually taking those pounds off. It may take longer because you are not going for a quick fix, but eventually you’ll be the big winner in this never ending race for “the perfect body”

Know your body, or get to know it if you don’t

This may seem like a strange statement but most people don’t realize what’s good for someone else may not necessarily be good for them. Figure out the things that you like and that your body responds to and stick to that. Just because a specific diet or workout works for one person doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for you. This may take some trial and error on your part, but once you figure it out it will feel natural to do the workouts you like, or the eat the food you like to eat

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Clean up your diet

This may seem easy enough, but a lot of research goes into eating healthy. Again, this goes back to knowing yourself and what you like. A friend of yours tells you they have been eating salads for the past month and lost 10 pounds. Great! You hate salads but damn it they lost 10 pounds so you decide to force salads down your throat because you will lose weight too. I can guarantee you that in a couple weeks, maybe even one if you really hate salads, you will have given up on those salads and will be back to those unhealthy foods. Figure out what healthy foods you like. Go easy on the Carbohydrates and red meat. Carbohydrates are not bad for you when taken into moderation. Go for the whole grain carbohydrates instead. Red meat is not bad once in a while, but for the most part opt for the lean meats such as chicken, and fish. A good rule of thumb is to fill up half your plate with vegetables and the other half will be filled with equal portions protein and carbohydrate. Now I’m not talking about a plate the size that you get at a family style restaurant that’s enough to feed 2 people, you still need to be realistic about portion control.

Put Down The Pop/Soda!

And no, diet drinks don’t count just because they are 0 calories. Ask yourself what they did to whatever it is you

5 Easy Steps To Healthier Lifestyle are drinking to make it still taste like the original thing but make it 0 calories. I don’t even want to know that. Drink plenty of water instead. The recommended amount of water is at least Eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day. If you intend to work out then you need more than that. I once read somewhere that the easiest way of figuring out how much water you need to drink is to take your body weight and divide it by 2. This amount in ounces is what you need to drink a day. This may seem like a lot at first, but the easiest way of ensuring that you are drinking enough water is to have a glass of it by your desk at work. When you feel hungry at first drink some water because your body may just be giving you a signal that it needs hydration. If you just plain don’t like water, Crystal Light has small beverage mix packets you can add to your water to make it taste good without all the added calories.

Move something!

I love the BlueCross BlueShield commercial with the guy in some sort of waiting room who hears music and starts dancing to the music. The basic message of those commercials is that people need to get up and get some exercise in. It is recommended that you get about 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise 5 times a week. . Now remember we are talking moderately intense workouts here, don’t just go for a half hour stroll and expect to see results. You need to get your heart rate up! I know a half hour 5 times a week may seem like a lot but

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if you think about it, in the amount of time it takes to watch your favorite TV show, you would have your workout done and over with. Figure out what works for you. This still takes us back to point number 1. Figure out an exercise that you enjoy and do that. Just taking up running because you have been told it burns most calories but you hate it will get you nowhere fast, because in a few weeks you most likely will start to think of excuses as to why you can’t run that day.

Get enough sleep

People underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep and getting enough rest in general. If you intend to work out and get the most out of your body, you need to be well rested and ready to take on the next day’s challenges. I have noticed that on days when I didn’t get enough sleep, my workout was less than what it could have been, and I have the tendency to crave foods that are not as healthy. Also remember that you are not perfect. You are human so give yourself time to adjust to your new lifestyle. This is not a free pass to get a candy bar every day with the excuse that you are not perfect, but my favorite trainer says “Do your best and forget the rest”. So long as you know you gave it your all on any given day, that’s all that counts. The most important thing to remember is do what works for you, and eventually the weight will come off because you are not doing anything out of the ordinary other than enjoying your life and living a healthy lifestyle. Diets don’t work, lifestyle changes do!

So l have decided to type out my response to the G-Spot December article on Semper in-fidelis Always unfaithful! Cheating is ultimately a violation of Intimacy. I personally feel that the focus should be on why it happens, and how to come out of it better and not bitter and not the categories of the cheaters. By breaking it down to classifications it is like they are excusing it and thus creating a grey area where a cheater can get away with the act. At the end of the day, a lie is a lie regardless of how small or big it is, it is still a lie. There are consequences to the choices that we make, it is the one thing that makes us different from the animals. What does it say about you if you are treating the person you love in a different way from the way they treat you? Love is a choice, it is you doing something for someone else that you would not normally do because you want to see that person happy, it is you wanting nothing but the very best for that person. A weekend fling in some B&B out of town, correspondence with someone who gets you more, has nothing to do with love. It is a very selfish and self centered act and it can be very short lived. Search your heart and if there is truly love in the relationship make a choice to turn it all around and do right. It has been said that as long as there is someone willing to cheat with there will always be cheaters. We need to do better and make wiser choices, it is our blessing and curse at the same time. Kabura.

Dear Kabura, Thank you for your very heartfelt comments as well as being an active reader of the G-Spot column. We at AIM Magazine truly appreciate it. I’m sure there are many others who feel the way you do about the article. So my reply will not be directed at you, per say. I agree with you that a lie is a lie [is a lie] regardless of its size or intent. But please allow me to elaborate. Even the age old Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, Boogie Man, and Easter Bunny lies parents continue to tell children

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generation after generation, are in fact lies. The lies we tell our children to encourage positive activities; like when we tell them the unrecognizable picture they just drew looks great or the uncoordinated way they just danced or how awkwardly threw a ball was good, when we know it wasn’t. We just lied, plain and simple. We lie when we say we’re going to do something for someone later, but when the time comes we don’t. Sure, we might say we truly meant to do it when we initially said we would, until something beyond our control changed our ability or mood. But to the person we disappointed (from their perspective)

Talk back Session by Gerald Montgomery

On Semper in-fidelis Always unfaithful

we may have lied. No justifications, right? These are all lies! When we encourage our friends or significant others about how they look (when we say they look good in that outfit, but don’t really believe that they do). And my all-time favorite; when we tell loved ones that someone in critical condition will pull through, when we believe in our heart they have no chance. Then when they die, we tell the survivors, our loved ones, that their dearly departed is [definitely] in Heaven right now! We lie because we don’t know how the Creator will judge the deeds they did in the dark. The Semper In-Fidelis article wasn’t about “lying” or “excuses.” The article was written to help readers make more informed decisions about what they themselves must decide to do (not what I would do based on only part of the story because I have nothing to gain or lose in their situation) after an incident of infidelity occurs in their relationship. You see...I’ve been through a lot of things in my life, but I have learned even more from the experiences of others. My gift is seeing the wisdom in most things; which means I see the good and bad in it. And one thing I’ve learned is that infidelity is never as simple as staying together always or breaking up always; not across the board. Everything should be taken into account, especially if you’re married with children. By shedding light on the categories of cheating (something that is quantifiable whether I talk about it or not), I have in no way excused infidelity. (I even explicitly said in the article that explaining something doesn’t default to excusing it. It just means

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you understand something about it. Reasons are not the same as excuses.) Just as, by condemning infidelity across the board, you are in no way trying to say the only option in absolutely all cases is to break up (sense cheating is so wrong). At least I didn’t get the sense that you were saying that. There are gray areas, but gray areas are meant for us to transition between black and white, not exist in them. And as we mature, the gray areas should shrink. But they never quite go away. I realize how sensitive the subject of cheating is, especially to those who have been cheated on. Still many G-Spot readers wanted me to take on the topic. But as a columnist I felt being judgmental towards those who cheat or have cheated would have been way too easy. To simply throw stones at them would have not been worth my time writing the article. Not only does it stunt our mental growth but it puts those who has forgiving infidelity in a difficult I hope this sheds more light on why I chose to write about the categories. Again, the why’s are too specific to the individuals involve to generalize about on three or four pages in a magazine. But the categories are something we can all use in our decision-making process. (But if you read between the lines the “why’s” of cheating are somewhat encoded in the definitions and examples I provided for the categories. So by talking about the categories I am in essences cluing readers in on the dynamics of the “why’s.”) Thank you very much for the feedback. Sincerely,

Gerald Montgomery Please visit my website: www.memsripsofrhapsody.net

Asian Shiitake Mushroom Soup by Wangechi Ruguaru

Eat well & Laugh often! Hello, my name is Wangechi and I am addicted to soup! A good soup never disappoints. I was introduced to shitake mushrooms last summer at the farmers market, and I am hooked. The recipe below is for a Asian shitake soup, it takes very little time and is delish. Enjoy Ingredients: • 1.5 cups chicken stock • Half of a ginger, thinly sliced • 1 pound chicken breasts • 1 bunch baby bok choy, trimmed • 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, quartered • 1 cup snow peas, trimmed, halved diagonally • 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine • 1 cup trimmed bean sprouts • Lime wedges and freshly sliced red chili, to serve What’s Next: Place stock and ginger in a large saucepan and bring to the boil. Add the chicken, return to the boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover and gently simmer for 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside to cool slightly. Place the bok choy, mushrooms and snowpeas in the broth, add the Chinese rice wine. Shred chicken and divide, with bean sprouts, between four bowls. Top with the hot broth and vegetables. Serve with fresh lime and chili on the side.

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angelique by Eva Githina

kidjo

I remember the first time I saw her breakthrough video for Agolo; I was hooked. She is a no nonsense woman who tells you exactly what she is thinking. She is a huge force in a petite frame. I have seen Angelique perform twice. Two unforgetable and awe inspiring moments of my musical journey. Angelique performed at the Ordway on January 21st and this time around, Angelique shared the songs of her childhood that she released in her latest album Oyo. This album reveals the elements of musical influence that are part of Angelique. While on stage Angelique shared with the audience stories about the crush she had on James Brown and his music and how there were people in her village who were so enamored of James Brown, that they dressed like him, sporting even the wig to complete the look.

So, when the concert started, Angelique walked on to a dimly lit stage, and started singing “Atcha Houn” acapella. A rythm that is easy and reminiscent of traditional songs sang with the accompaniment of staccattic claps that had the audience mesmerized from the first. It was a simple and unassuming melody that Angelique’s unique voice carried to the rafters of the Ordway and the cold wintry evening slowly faded away and I was taken back home. Angelique recounted to the audience a couple of songs

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later that this was the first song she ever performed on stage. She tells that she was so nervous, that her tiny bones rattled so much that they made music. She recalls that when she stepped onto the stage and felt the lights, and experienced how the lights and stage elevated her and made it so that she could not see the audience, she felt the power of the stage, embraced and conquered it and was addicted to it from the age of six. Renditions of songs and music by Miriam Makeba, Carlos

You know, she talks in a way that is typical of Africans, punctuated by gestures. I got the point and the meaning of what she said.

Angelique Kidjo and Amy Miller, Community Events Coordinator at the Ordway, backstage following the show Santa, Manu Dibango including a special cocktail of hindi film scores, soukous, hi-life, jazz, and rythm and blues were shaken in her special mixer and shared in a way that was fresh and soul moving. Angelique told us this in her own special way. You know, she talks in a way that is typical of Africans, punctuated by gestures. I got the point and the meaning of what she said. The audience of mostly Minnesotans also got it and you could tell, by the claps and laughter that emenated from them, when she recounted stories of her childhood. Angelique does not dissapoint live or on CD. She has

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released 11 amazing albums to date and she made it very clear, that so long as she is able to by the grace of God, she will keep making the music she wants to make and not the music she is expected to make. She has performed with the best of the best and awed them all. These include and are not limited to Carlos Santana, Ziggy Marley, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Bono, Dianne Reeves and many more. I recommend seeking Angelique out, either live or on CD. She has a way with music that entertains, educates and that also feeds the soul.

see, hear, speak no evil! Hear

Anglique Kidjo’s Oyo - This album reveals the elements of musical influence that are part of Angelique. To learn more, read Angelique Kidjo; The Experience.

See Pumzi by Wanuri Kahiu - This film is set in set post apocalyptic Africa. The community of humans resides below the Earths surface in a self sustained environment where everything is recycled and purified, including liquid human waste, because water is a scarcity. Electricity is created as a result of the inhabitants “work” by means of riding stationary bicycles, walking on treadmills, and on rowing machines. This is a visually stunning film that tells of a future where resources are scarce and freedom is restricted. A future that is sadly entirely too believeable. To learn more, read the feature story of AIM Magazine’s November Issue here.

Speak Grab a copy of the Bridge Across Atlantic by IBé. The poems in this book tell of experiences in the voice of a Guniea man that has crossed over from Africa to America with eyes that are observant and a voice that tells of the experience of his life in a way that is totally unique. To learn more, read the feature story of AIM Magazine’s November Issue here.

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by Eva Githina

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The Sudan:now North & South Sudan

by Eva Githina

History Modern Sudan is situated on the site of the ancient civilization of Nubia, which predates Pharaonic Egypt. For centuries sovereignty shifted back and forth between the Egyptians and the indigenous empires such as Kush (modern day Sudan), and a succession of independent Christian kingdoms. Kush, Meroe and Axum (The first Christian empire in the world) are three of the 5 first and ancient iron working centers that spurred a new generation of industrialization throughout Africa. These are located in present day Sudan. It is also said to be the location of the Garden of Eden mentioned in the bible. After the 14th century AD the Mamelukes (Turkish rulers in Egypt) breached the formidable Nubian defenses and established the dominance of Islam. By the 16th century the kingdom of Funj had become a powerful Muslim state and Sennar, 200-km south of present-day Khartoum, was one of the great cultural centers of the Islamic world. Sudan’s history is long and tumultuous, especially now with the recent successful vote by the people of south Sudan to separate from the North. It is important to understand Sudan’s history so that we can understand what shapes those that will determine it’s future.

Presidential Palace

White Rhinoceros

Climate & When to go

Culture

Sudan’s climate ranges from hot and dry in the north to humid and tropical in the equatorial south. September to April is the best time to visit. Northern temperatures can exceed 40°C year-round, but peak from April to July. The heaviest rains are in July and August present few problems for travel in the north, though wreak havoc on roads in the Nuba Mountains. Fierce dust storms (the haboob) blow occasionally from July to August and November to January. In the slightly cooler south it rains year-round, but April to November is the wettest time.

Sudanese culture melds the behaviors, practices, and beliefs of about 578 tribes, communicating in 145 different languages, in a region of geographic extremes varying from sandy desert to tropical forest. Sudan is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse countries in the world. It has nearly 200 ethnic groups speaking over 900 languages and dialects, though some of Sudan’s smaller ethnic and linguistic groups have disappeared, especially in the 1980s and 1990s. Migration of various groups played a part, as migrants often forget their native tongue when they move to an area dominated by another language. Some linguistic groups were absorbed by accommodation, others by conflict. In all of this, however, due to the strong Arabic cultural influence in the country, particularly in the northern part of the country, the Sudanese dialect of Arabic is the language spoken most amongst Sudanese peoples, though the English language may be spoken among the Sudanese elite and portions of the Sudanese populace. Many Sudanese are multilingual.

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Khartoum

Rashaida women

Places To Visit Sudan before the separation into North and South was the biggest country in Africa. However, it is still an archeologist’s paradise with over two hundred, pyramids(which is double the number in Egypt), temples and archeological sites that date back towards the prehistoric era. The best sights are around the Nile River of the northern region. Diverse tribes with their music, dances and handicrafts are also fantastic tourist attractions. Visiting ancients souks to purchase some varied tribal handicrafts in the Omdurman Camel Market is a must. This historic market is located in Sudan’s holiest site because it is the burial place of the Mahdi. He is the prophesied redeemer according to Islam. Do also take a museum tour in Sudan’s National Museum to watch the archeological treasures that date back to 4,000 BC or earlier. Sudan also has one of the world’s biggest parks. Dinder National Park is a great place to see bushbuck, cranes, antelopes, giraffes or pelicans among other vast arrays of species such as the painted hunting dog. Sudan is bordered by the Red Sea which provides drinking water that is clear and has a variety of fish and marine gardens that are a wonder to behold. Khartoum, the nation’s capital, has only been recently developed as a tourist spot so communication and facilities outside the city will be difficult to come by. Volcanic streams, and waterfalls make up for that scenic beauty of Jebel Marra; the highest peak of Western Sudan and likewise a favorite resort place.

Karma

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Shoe Care by Wangechi Ruguaru

Growing up I was in charge of polishing my father’s shoes. I did this with love and always got a “great job” from my dad which was the most rewarding thing to me. For this reason and many others, I grew up wishing I was a boy. I enjoyed polishing shoes, washing my dad’s car and was very anti Barbie dolls and romantic novels. If you know me, watch me carefully and you will see a tomboy in me. I decided to write about this when I recently went to purchase shoe polish. OMG! Shoe polish is expensive and I found myself talking about polish at work the next day and I realized that people don’t polish their shoes anymore, because of the “oh, really?” and “boy I don’t remember the last time I polished my shoes” reactions. When it comes to shoe upkeep, most opt for the expensive shoe polish service, or they do not care enough about their shoes and instead go for the dull dirty look. Here is a wakeup call to those that don’t polish their shoes, especially when it comes to men. A majority of women look at shoes. (I Know I do!) It says a lot about a guy who keeps their shoes clean. But in reality we should take time to clean those expensive and inexpensive shoes that we buy. If you have kids, this is a weekend project to hand down to them; they will remember those shines when they get older. I still do!

How To Polish Smooth Leather Shoes With Shoe Products 1. Use a leather cleaner and soft rag to remove dirt and debris. Smooth leathers can be cleaned with saddle soap and a damp cloth. If no leather cleaner is available, use a slightly damp cotton cloth. Pay careful attention to stitching, soles, and heels. 2. Conditioning. Use a leather conditioner especially made for smooth leathers to soften your shoes. 3. If scratches or other imperfections are apparent, condition with a shade or cream formula that is one shade lighter than the actual color of the shoe. 4. Use appropriate polish. Pastes, waxes, and cream polishes are all effective polishers for smooth leather footwear. Apply polish in small, circular motions, beginning at the heel of the shoe. Pay attention to scuff marks, scratches, seams, stitching, and the toe area.

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Tips And Tricks PLACE your shoes on shoe trees in-between wearings. Shoe trees will help to retain the shape and form of your shoes. USE a soft cotton rag to wipe dirt from shoes in-between wearings. ALLOW shoes to air dry after cleaning, treating and polishing for the best finish and protection. LEATHERS can be oiled after being cleaned and polished with mink oil or other leather preservatives. PLACE shoes to be shined and all materials on top of several layers of newspapers before you begin to avoid spills and accidents. SHOELACES should always be removed from the shoe before cleaning or polishing. MILDEW can be removed from leather shoes with a cup of rubbing alcohol and an equal amount of water. Sponge on, working into the leather, and allow to air dry. Then, clean, condition, and polish as usual. SHOE ODOR can be treated with baking soda. Sprinkle a fine amount of baking soda inside shoe and allow to rest overnight. In the morning, shake out. CEDAR BLOCKS can also be placed in leather shoes to help control and combat odor problems. CLEAN leather shoes between polishing with a damp cloth. WATERPROOFING leather shoes not only helps to prevent moisture damage, but also protects against scuff marks and dirt and debris.

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The Foreign Story Immersed in solitude, Thoughts of cold summers, Leafless autums, warm winters, Flooded my veins, the foreigner in I attempting to understand what Growing up in a foriegn country Entails. as dollar bills hindered Visions, urging I to forget dreams; For money sweet as honey, Deals sorrows, Heals sorrows. Somehow becoming hypnotized To dollar signs and in blind belief, Satan led me to pimpaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise. Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dreams deferred; My being a wreck, the image Before me shattering helplessly; Screaming for God, for hope, for I...

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by A.W. Wachira

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Minnesota’s Immigrant history English-only ordinances largely ignore Minnesota’s immigrant history

Did you know that there was a time when there were non-English speaking towns in Minnesota that had nonEnglish schools and newspapers? Would it surprise you to learn that in 1890 election instructions in Minnesota were in nine languages? The current uproar over English-only ordinances like the one recently passed by the city of Lino Lakes largely ignores Minnesota’s (and the nation’s) immigrant history. The sponsor of the Lino Lakes ordinance said it seeks to save translation costs. Those would be unknown future costs, as the city has not had to translate any of its documents to date. And the possible future savings would be limited, as the resolution accommodates translation services in matters of “public health, public safety, the promotion of tourism, the administration of justice and the handling of emergencies.”Critics have argued that proposals declaring English the official language of cities or states are hostile to immigrants. Nativist sentiments are hardly

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new. Benjamin Franklin wrote in 1751, addressing the issue of German immigrants: Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a colony of aliens, who will shortly be so numerous as to Germanize us instead of our Anglifying them, and will never adopt our language or customs, any more than they can acquire our complexion? Much later, President Theodore Roosevelt would express similar sentiments, «We have room for but one language in this country, and that is the English language, for we intend to see that the crucible turns our people out as Americans, of American nationality, and not as dwellers in a polyglot boarding house.» As recently as 2006 and 2007, the US Senate has voted on amendments that emphasized on English as a symbol of patriotism. Although both amendments passed, they were part of a comprehensive immigration bill that did not become law.

In an interview with the TC Daily Planet, Katherine Fennelly, an immigration specialist at the University of Minnesota, said that, despite language and cultural barriers, most immigrants attempt to learn English. That takes a while, according to Fennelly, who said that “history has shown that it is not until the second generation that children of immigrants begin to be fluent in English.” According to Fennelly, the age at which a n immigrant enters a country strongly determines new language acquisition skills. “After puberty it becomes more difficult for people to acquire language skills.” Fennelly said that immigrants today learn and speak English faster than immigrants at the turn of the century did. She lamented, “It is sad that in many cases the offspring of immigrants tend to lose their parents’ language,” resulting in a loss of rich cultural heritage. Current immigration trends show that new immigrants, tend to be younger and more educated than immigrants of past generations. A report published by Fennelly through the Humphrey Institute, detailing the economic impact of immigrants in Minnesota, showed that nationally immigrants represent twentyfive per cent of physicians and forty per cent of engineers holding doctoral degrees. An immigrant›s ability to learn a new language as an adult is also affected by their education level. Fennelly cites the first wave of Somali immigrants, who were educated and learned English faster than more recent immigrants, who have had little or no formal education. (Before Somalia›s 1990 civil war, the languages of instruction in the country›s education institutions were English and Italian.) The Immigration History Research Center (IHRC) records show that in 1896, official election instructions were being issued in nine languages: English, German, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, French, Czech, Italian, and Polish. Today, the office of Minnesota›s Secretary of State makes provisions in six languages: English, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese. Not unlike present-day immigrants, foreign-language newspapers allowed non-English speaking immigrants to keep current on local affairs and news from their home countries in the late 19th and early 20th century. The IHRC reports that there were over 100

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non-English newspapers in Minnesota alone, and over 10,000 in the US. Towns like New Ulm were once German-speaking said Donna Gabaccia, the director of IHCR. According to IHRC, «fresh immigrants often lived on farms -- or in urban enclaves-- where there was little incentive to learn English.» Incidentally, New Ulm, which still has a strong German cultural influences, was named after the German town Ulm.

Immigration in Minnesota Here’s a quick history on Minnesota’s immigrants courtesy of the Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights: Various Native Americans tribes settled in Minnesota as far back as 6000 B.C. In the 19th century, the Ojibway and Dakota tribes comprised the largest inhabitants. The French and French Canadians would later move in as traders. By 1850, Minnesota’s farmland had attracted settlers from New England and immigrants from Norway, Sweden, Ireland, and Germany. The 1900 census also reports several thousand African Americans living in present-day Ramsey and Hennepin counties. (http://www.demography.state.mn.us/ documents/centuryo.pdf). Immigrants from the aforementioned European countries would continue to make up the foreign-born population until the 1980s when the first wave of Southeast Asians made their way to the state. The latest waves of immigrants have mainly been from Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Although the immigrant population is a lot more diverse now than it was in the 1900s, the percentage of foreign-born residents is smaller. The 1910 census found that twenty-six per cent of those counted in Minnesota were foreign-born; today, that number is only six per cent. Editors’ Note: This article was first published in the Twin Cities Daily Planet and has been republished in AIM Magazine with permission from the author. -Nekessa Julia Opoti mylowercase.tumblr.com Publisher: kenyaimagine.com www.twitter.com/kenyaimagine

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