AIM Magazine December 2009

Magazine December 2009

PHOTO CREDITS Niculai Constantinescu

Editor’s Note ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEW YEAR? The year is coming to an end once again. For most of us it feels like just the other day it was January 1 st. Come New Year ’s Day, the most common question you will hear after “What did you get for Christmas” is “So, do you have any New Year’s resolutions?”

Most New Year’s resolutions typically have to do with breaking certain habits and forming new ones in the hope that we will be able to stick with them through the year and for the rest of our lives. A New Year’s resolution is supposed to be a goal you can accomplish, something you will have done or accomplished by the end of the year.

The ancient Spartans are said to have begun their military training from when they were 6 or 7. By the time they were 20 they were ready to begin active duty. The armor of a Spartan soldier was heavy so they had to ensure they were always in the best shape. Their shields, which were 3 feet in diameter, were constructed of wood and reinforced with bronze. Their chest plates were reinforced with metal and their shins were protected with bronze metal plates.

With this suit of armor and their exceptional military training they were always ready for battle.

If you chose to make a New Year’s resolution, set yourselves up for success. Do the necessary research to get started right come the New Year. You need to go into the New Year with a plan. Otherwise, you will resolve to begin working on your goals next week, which then turns into next month, and before you know it, the year will have gone by.

If your goal is to lose weight, what are you going to do about it? Have you signed up at a gym? Have you evaluated your eating habits and what you need to change about them if any?

If your goal is to save more money, have you started to analyze your finances and see where your money is going now? Are you honest enough with yourself to figure out where you need to make changes in your spending habits?

Have you decided on sacrifices you may need to make to reach your goal amount (if you have one)?

The New Year brings us an opportunity to have a new beginning, and hopefully make better choices for ourselves. If you decide to have a New Year’s resolution, make it a realistic one. Arm yourself with your suit of armor and make this coming year a successful one. Remember, your future and what you make of it all depends on you and no one else!

Much love and respect, Linda Obel

Jaqee

……

Nomad & Vagabond PHOTO CREDITS

Niculai Constantinescu

http://www.myspace.com/niculai

Content  Health & Food  Fashion  G-Spot  Art Scene  Therapy Session  The Buzz  Alita’s Travels  Blogs

Linda Obel……………AIM Editor Evalyn Githina………AIM Editor Wangechi Ruguaru……………… AIM Graphic Designer Gerald Montgomery……..AIM Contributor Alita Watson…………………AIM Contributor DJ Nyandat……………………AIM Contributor

AIM Magazine aimminnesota@gmail.com

Beaded Wonder

Safari Collection

Jac Collection Utamaduni wear has collaborated with jacaranda workshop to bring you these fabulous earrings. When you purchase these earrings you get to enjoy pretty earrings while ensuring that you give a hand up and not a hand out to the disabled individuals that made them. www.utamaduniwear.com

Nature’s Wonder

Feature Story

Nomad & Vagabond

J

aqee refuses to be put in a corner, pinned to one genre or stuck in one place.

She is a self-proclaimed nomad and when you listen to her music you feel like you are straddling more than one feeling, expression and identity. There is movement (both fast and slow, but always graceful) that is cathartic and that leads us to a place of solace, empathy and joy. Jaqee acknowledges in her biography, that she “is motivated to do what she wants in any particular moment, and seeks to express herself in all kinds of sounds”.

Jaqee was born in Kampala, Uganda. In her biography, she states that, “she began her vagabond-like life the moment she was born. During her childhood, she travelled the rural areas of Uganda with her parents. This is where she collected her first impressions of the life as a nomad.”

Jaqee’s “first two albums, Blaqalixious and Nouvelle Dámour each received a Swedish Grammy nomination and several appearances in the Swedish National Television. This increased her standing as a passionate and soulful Singer”. Her music is always moving in new directions. She reflects that her latest album, which is inspired by modernizing the old school Reggae sound is for her, a reflection of the fact that, “I grew up with African Gospel, in a sad and turbulent environment, so for me, this means I grasp and totally understand Reggae and its non ending struggle for the common man.”

I heard of Jaqee a couple of years back through a friend of mine. After watching a couple of her music videos on TV and on You Tube, I purchased her CD, Blaqalixious, and I was hooked from that time on. I understood from Jaqee’s music that she identifies with the modern African woman’s struggles in the traditional, modern and western society. She also expresses life’s tribulations very gracefully and even though the most hurtful expressions come through, she does not let the pain distract from the music and sometimes the deepest anguish is expressed through seemingly carefree, melodic notes. I find that important because when I need to sing along and express those feelings, I do not want to break down into tears and ruin my make up! You know what I am saying?

So AIM reached out to Jaqee and she gracefully told us a little about herself and gave us a glimpse of what led her to where she is today……

Blaqalixious

Nouvelle Dámour

Kokoo Girl

E: What is your full name and where are you from?

J: My Birth name is Jaqueline Nakiri Nalubale and I was born and partly raised in Uganda, and partly in Sweden. I now live in Germany.

E: How long have you lived abroad?

J: It has been 19 yrs now.

E: What was the hardest adjustment to living far away from home?

J: I would say the food and the sun and the smells of the red soil…But also, I have had a strong Identity crisis for many years. It's much better today.

E: What inspired you to become a music artist?

J: I believe it's because I felt that I had something to say, this is something that has been with me since I was a kid. I always felt that. So my life story became more solid after living in Sweden and going through what I went through.

E: How did you get into the music industry?

J: I basically started releasing my albums with self finance, because no record company wanted to release me. So I had to release my first two albums with the money I earned while working in the hospital and from concerts I did. And of course my friends contributed with a lot of their talent.

E: What was the main inspiration behind the Blaqalixious, Nouvelle Dámour and Kokoo Girl albums?

J: Blaqalixious = I was coming straight out of the ghetto, so I had a lot to prove and quite a lot to say. In those days, as a girl, you didn't get far if you were as black as I am, and once in a while I would get those punch lines in my face.

So, I let it all out on Blaqalixious.

Nouvelle Dámour = This one is again is very lyrical. I was listening to bands like Ali Farka Toure, Tinariwen, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Karen Dalton, Nina Simone, and I was fascinated by how lyrically and musical they all were. I felt I needed to get closer to a more live picture in my sound, so I let my second album play that role and let myself get influenced. It is still a critical album but in a poetic way.

“If your gut tells you No, then it’s probably right.” -Jaqee

PHOTO CREDITS Niculai Constantinescu. http://www.myspace.com/niculai

“

I grasp and totally understand Reggae and its non ending struggle for the common man.

”

Kokoo Girl = Felt like I was closing the first circle of my three series. I was now ready to do the reggae album like I had planned, while writing Blaqalixious. It's strange how it all worked out, because for me I really didn't see Kokoo Girl coming. It just grabbed me. On Kokoo Girl, I had experienced the lowest point of my life so far, so it could only go upwards. I had nothing to lose, and I promised myself that I would have fun. It's a very political album in many ways. And on this album, I really appreciate that "Teka", the producer really encouraged and supported the honesty I expressed. For us it wasn't about making a hit album. We wanted it to be good.

E: What advice would you give to young and upcoming music artists?

J: I would say, respect your values and surround yourself with positive energy and advisers. Be ready to work hard.

Most importantly, If your guts tell you ‘No’, you need to listen to that instinct because it is [almost always] right.

Few among us are as brave as Jaqee is in her life philosophy and music.

Though her life has had its share of tribulations, she has defied those odds, is defying those naysayers by sharing her voice with the world.

Do you dare, to be so free, think so broadly, let alone to express that in your everyday life? Do you dare to “Live Free and Prosper?”

By Evalyn Githina

Chunky Luvn

Fahari

Fachu

Royal Bangel

www.utamaduniwear.com

I’m not the Boss of You!

G-Spot

Why do so many of us define a relationship by restrictions we place on our mate and those we accept from them? You’re in a committed relationship now, therefore… “You are no longer permitted to come and go as you please without first consulting me for approval.” “You have to be home by midnight; only gremlins and single people hang out past midnight.” “You can’t dress like that anymore!” “I forbid you to be friends with that person!” “You need to do something with your day off other than lay around the house.” I have a right to know how you feel at this moment; I am your significant other!” “I don’t want to be embarrassed by what you’re wearing, please change into something better!”

[Man, if I had a dollar for every time I heard that last one…]

I know what you’re thinking- seeing these mandates in writing all at the same time seem dreadful, like the monolog from an abusive relationship. But if you’re guilty of barking out any of these commands (or the like) then you, too, like the controlling mate, buy into the idea that you somehow acquire parental-like authority or a stakeholder’s say in what you’re mate does by virtue of the relationship. Why? Why is this behavior the culture of relationships? We’ve all seen it done this way in real life and on big and little screens.

We hear old couples, men mostly, joke about ball-n-chains or how momma’s the boss!

Done in moderation most would say it’s actually kinda cute, it sorta adds to the stigma of being settled down. OK, I buy that. But it also adds to the temptation to liberate one’s self through forbidden acts; like an adolescent rebelling against a parent. But in general, adults in committed relationships have no business treating one another like property. Yes, a relationship is an investment of sorts and as such we naturally want to protect our investments. And yes, no one wants to feel disrespected by a lover. However we shouldn’t try to manufacture security and respect through control.

Supporting all of the above directives would make anyone seem like a controlling psycho. But typically one or two of these ideas are shared by most in a “healthy” relationship. The justification for imposed curfews, dress codes and activity approval is to prevent infidelity. But most would agree that infidelity requires desire and opportunity; a desire that typically exists prior to the opportunity. You may, through such ordinances, limit opportunity but you are unable to curtail desire through force. The truth is the only control over infidelity you have in your relationship is what you do, not what your mate does. If there is a will there will be a way!

An intimate relationship is dynamic in that there are two independent adults who are independently co-dependent on and co-dependently independent of one another. Trust me; I realize how that must sound but stay with me. The degree and frequency in which one is independent or dependent relative to the other is ever-changing. The relationship teeters between being independent enough to contribute, even support when necessary, without diminishing the usefulness of the other person while simultaneously being dependent enough to need without being needy, dragging your partner down. It’s the balance between taking and giving, multiplied by hundred.

It is this paradox that leads to the urge to “train” (i.e. control) our mate. But nothing, and I do mean nothing, is more liberating in a relationship than realizing you are not the boss of your mate. To know their self expression doesn’t have to be a source of embarrassment to you. To not make pointing out their imperfections your sole responsibility. To stomp out their new dreams for their own benefit, because you don’t believe they can do it. You’re grown, and so is your mate!

Try making it your job to enhance their quality of life, not hinder it. Advise and inform your mate, not dictate and indoctrinate. Control your actions, not your partners. Trust doesn’t have to be unmerited- it’s ok to expect them to maintain your trust through trustworthy behavior. Your relationship, unlike most everything else, is one thing you can’t control but that’s what makes it so special.

You place demands on your subordinates at work or the service person that repairs your BMW, but not your spouse. You make loving suggestions and requests to your spouse. You tell your children what to do and how to act, but not your spouse. You wisely advise and diligently compromise with your spouse. You yell out of your car window at the idiot who just cut you off, but not your mate. You have civil discussions about your concerns and differences. You “dump” a stock when it doesn’t grow at the rate you predicted it would, but not your spouse. You continue to patiently nurture your spouse with love and wisdom.

I on occasion come across people that ask, “If you were in my situation would you let your wife do [this] or [that]?” I just smile, look them right in the eye and say, “I’m not the boss of her!”

So how do we “make loving suggestions”?

Sure, he or she is an adult but what if our mate tends to behave a bit juvenile at times, how do we “motivate” them towards what we feel is their full potential without appearing demanding or controlling?

Well, to that I say start with integrity. Identify your honest feelings about the situation. If you can't first be completely honest with yourself you will never be able to see the clearest path to negotiating with your mate.

Know when you're just sharing an opinion or

forcing your will on him or her. If you don't want them wearing that outfit because it makes them look more appealing to others then don't try to convince yourself or your mate that it's for any other reason. Doing so makes you appear dishonest, which is detectable by your mate. This behavior leads to resentment. If you honestly think the outfit makes your mate look appalling, accept that he or she might like it and it is his or her prerogative to wear it.

Discuss your insecurities openly. Agree on what can be compromised and what would be a hindrance to him or her if they complied with your wishes (which might be the part you just have to overcome).

Next, I suggest you realize that it took 20 or so years for the person you're with to become who they are and some of what you really love about him or her is a by-product of one or two things you would be happy to see go away, or the reverse. If you could make changes (which by the way I'm trying to convince you to stop thinking that you have the right to) you have no idea which of the good parts you'd inadvertently kill off. Besides, if you do identify something even your mate agrees should improve change is not going to happen simply because you demand it. It will take patience, sacrifice and support on your part as well.

Reflect on your own imperfections as a way to limit judgmental behavior towards your mate.

And again, it's important to point out that you wouldn't be so gung-ho about changing these qualities in a friend, but because you are in a relationship you feel justified and in some cases obligated to force the issue with your mate. Realizing some of your own shortcomings can be a humbling experience.

And lastly, pick your battles wisely, sound familiar? If it really is an important issue to you, enough to end the relationship over if it is not dealt with, then communicate this to your mate. If not than give him or her space to be who they are. But realize that there are things about you that may also be less desirable to your mate and they have battles to pick as well. As they say, “what's good for the goose...?”

Iron sharpens iron, so let’s be better because of it!

Gerald Montgomery

Food & Health

With the mechanization of our world and the rampant use of machinery to simplify most physical activities, we have forgotten how to perform most physical tasks without injuring ourselves. With carpal tunnel, achy knees, back pains on the rise, it is important for us to condition our bodies so that we can prevent our bodies from being so easily injured.

It is even more important to stretch before undertaking any physical activity, and even for those more sedentary tasks, our bodies do well if we stretch every so often to keep the blood moving and for improved posture.

Here are a few stretches to incorporate into your daily life...

Southwest Chicken and Chili Stew INGREDIENTS 1lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs 2 ¼ cups chicken broth (from 32-oz carton) 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 to 2 medium jalapeño chiles, seeded, diced 2 teaspoons All-purpose flour 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (1 cup) 1 medium carrot, sliced (1/2 cup) 1 cup frozen corn ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper ½ teaspoon ground cumin 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro 1 teaspoon cornstarch ¼ cup cold water 12 baked tortilla chips, coarsely crushed DIRECTIONS 1. Remove fat from chicken. Cut chicken into 3/4-inch cubes. In 4-quart Dutch oven, heat 1/2 cup of the broth to boiling. Cook chicken in broth about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until white. Remove chicken from broth with slotted spoon.

2. Add garlic and chiles to broth in Dutch oven; cook over medium-high heat 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in flour. Cook over low heat 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually stir in remaining broth.

3. Stir in chicken and remaining ingredients except cornstarch, water and tortilla chips. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover; simmer about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink in center.

4. Mix cornstarch and cold water; stir into stew. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened and thoroughly heated. Serve sprinkled with tortilla chips.

Nutritional Information 1 Serving: Calories 240 (Calories from Fat 40); Total Fat 4 1/2g (Saturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 70mg; Sodium 760mg; Total Carbohydrate 21g (Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugars 4g); Protein 29g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 70%; Vitamin C 35%; Calcium 2%; Iron 10% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 1 Vegetable; 3 Very Lean Meat; 1/2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 1 1/2 *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Alita’s Travel In

the pursuit of all her endeavors, Alita is

blessed to be able to travel for work, passion and pleasure. These travels take her to countries in Africa and South America. While on the road, Alita is witness to a great many adventures. She pens these encounters in the most amazing way that captures our hearts, transports us to the regions she is visiting and traveling through and she unwittingly brings us face to face with all she encounters on the road.

Alita shares these writings with her friends and family and AIM Magazine is very honored that she has chosen to share this series of stories with us.

Thank you Alita!

“Everywhere I turn, I see women deprived of choice, rights, and even the little money they struggle to earn which passes through the hands of the men they serve”

The Maasai people are the nomads of Kenya; they travel with herds of cows, sheep and goat and survive on their livestock’s milk and blood, a cocktail made without killing a single member of the herd. As we drove out into the vast Great Rift Valley where a cluster of colorful people sat outside their mud-thatched huts, dressed in elaborate beads and head dressings, I knew I was about to experience something right out of National Geographic.

I hate feeling like a tourist, but there was no way to avoid it in this case. The children swarmed the car and as we got out they all bowed, waiting for us to touch the top of their heads in recognition and say “Sopaaa,” meaning, “I greet you” in Swahili.

We were here for two reasons, to research the incidence of cleft in this area, and to see the beadwork and crafts made by the women in this particular “cluster.” The surprisingly tall and slender chiefs greeted us first.

Our guide instructed us to bow to each of them as they shook our hands, and they smiled at each other and laughed as we repeated “Sopaaa,” likely way too many times.

Over 50 women and children sat under an Acacia tree behind them, and as I walked to each of them to shake their hands and attempt amusement by trying on their exotic and magnificent earrings and necklaces, they whispered and giggled with every motion I made.

Instead of me taking pictures of them, I passed my camera to an elderly woman who had a face of many years and many stories. As she snapped each shot, she howled in delight to see the image immediately portrayed digitally. That image was worth more than any picture I could ever show you.

As kind and welcoming as the Maasai were, I felt intrusive in buying their exquisite jewelry, which has traditionally been passed between generations, not foreigners.

It is always a fine line for me between

curiosity and exploitation in situations like this, so I treaded lightly and only bought a necklace that a young woman wrapped around my neck after the tribal dances were performed; whereby the men jump over six feet into the air while the women bob their heads in unison while they sing. LOVED IT. We traveled even further into the scattered-village territory to find a child with cleft who had just been born.

As we went from cluster to cluster our guide pointed out the young women who wore white beaded headdresses, symbolizing their recent circumcision.

While I adamantly avoid imposing or even suggesting Western ideas or practice in any foreign culture, this horrifying ritual embodies the disempowerment of women in its most blatant form. Before I leave this earth I will help the voices of these women be heard, and advocate for the end of this barbaric act.

Men rule all in tribal life, and when we finally met the seventeen year old mother of a chubby little boy with cleft named Jingongo, she stated that her son was from another man, to save face for her husband. It is a curse, a shame, and worthy of banishment to bare a child with a cleft in Africa. Only her husband would be able to decide if Jingongo could even have the surgery we would provide for free, as it could possibly further disgrace him if Jingongo’s deformity was exposed.

It is my hope that in leaving proof of possibility for this child, he will get the surgery that will allow him to go on and lead a normal and healthy life. Otherwise, the odds are not good that he will survive at all.

Everywhere I turn, I see women deprived of choice, rights, and even the little money they struggle to earn which passes through the hands of the men they serve. In the market women sit on the ground weaving, beading, and creating the beautiful crafts that men snatch out of their hands to sell at a passer buyers first hint of interest. This enrages me.

We have attempted at all costs to cut out the middleman with every purchase we make, but the reality is we will make little difference until women believe they have the right and capability to fend for themselves.

However, the change has begun and there are glimpses of women uniting, supporting one another, and getting educated!

We have traveled to the North and East of Kenya and as I write today I am at our final stop in Mombasa.

The trip has been a great success; I have visited three amazing countries with Smile Network, designated two hospitals for surgical missions, met with inspirational partners and women, and have experienced both the beauties and bafflements of Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya.

I have gotten to know these unique and splendid characters that have joined us for this journey and each of them contribute something different to the dynamic of the group and the cause we are each pursuing.

We have all kept our smiles and learned some valuable and interesting lessons over the last five days…I’ll share those in a different story.

On Monday, I bid farewell to my amazing boss and friend, and depart for Ghana. I cannot wait to see my girls! “guedete Mono,” much love- Alita

www.utamaduniwear.com

Therapy Session It’s a lazy Saturday afternoon. I am seated right next to my significant other minding my own business. If I am not reading a novel, I have my headphones on listening and arranging music on my hard drive. As always, I have my IM (Instant Messaging) portals up but I am not paying much attention to them. As the day winds down to evening, I see something on my toolbar flashing.

It's my "small sis" up in Minneapolis hitting me up. The conversation goes something like this: Her: Vipi?

Me: Chillin’ baby gal…

Her: Niaje therapy session? (Translation: What's up with the therapy session?)

Me: Umemaliza homework? (Translation: Are you done with your homework? ...[Yes, she is in School])....

Her: Bilaz bana…stress ni mob...niaje na muziki?

(Translation: Hell no... I am procrastinating big time…and the stress is high. What’s up with the music?

As this conversation goes on, I see my Personal Digital Assistant device... the social line, not business line flashing. I have just received a message from my pal Zao from the UK. Him: Omera Man U has just chapaad Arsenal like kids... I am smiling... si you ingia the basement we celebrate bana? (Translation: My friend, Manchester United has just beaten Arsenal...it’s like they were playing children. Can you get into the basement so that we can celebrate?)

Now, this has got to be a conspiracy because, my significant other tells me that she is being hit up

by Carol et al on facebook and they are all telling her to tell me to go downstairs. Note that this is happening just as I receive a message from Nixrique and MaMethuen aka Hammer up in Boston asking the very same question.

You ask what is all this about? It all begun a few months ago when I happened upon a site that my pal, DJ Banti was jamming on live. Now those who know me, know I love to deejay and love the old classics. So over the last few months I have been streaming music live at random times over the weekend.

I must say I did not imagine that this would actually pick up and get as popular as it has. It has been coined the "Therapy Session" by some of its most avid listeners. I also call it the "recession free, DUI free, Stress free party zone. Enjoy good music from the comfort of your abode. This medium has managed to bring together people from as near as my hometown Atlanta to as far as Afghanistan and Hong Kong. People log in and listen to nice old school music (my policy is if you want to listen to new music, tune into your local radio station or go play your CD or mp3 player).

So the next time you are cooped up in your abode on a Saturday evening, join us for the Therapy Session. Be warned, it’s highly addictive. Good music, good times, good conversations and best of all its entirely free.

By DJ Nyandat For more information, send an email to: info@nyandat.com or visit http://nyandat.com

In the November Issue of AIM Magazine, we profiled DJ Nyandat in the Therapy session. In an effort to get AIM Magazine readers acquainted with him, we engaged him in a brief Q & A that goes a little something like this: • How long have you been a DJ? Many years.....it’s my hobby.

• What inspired you to become to become a DJ? I actually started Deejaying because of people requesting that I play music at their parties because they knew I loved music and had a large collection. That was many years ago and I decided that if I was going to do that, then I might as well teach myself to do it properly and in a professional manner.

• If you had to play only 10 music artists who would you pick?

That’s a difficult thing to do but I can easily say they will all be old school artists like Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson and so forth • What advice do you have for upcoming DJs? Be a dj for the love of the art. Let your work speak for itself, accept constructive criticism and use it to improve your skill.

The Buzz  Buying and giving Christmas gifts is a tradition for those that celebrate.

AIM put together some gift ideas to help you find the perfect gift at the lowest price possible.

 Jamhuri Wear is a purveyor and trendsetter in African-inspired street wear clothing. "Jamhuri," a Swahili word, translates to FREE STATE or REPUBLIC in English. Clothing Inspired by the true meaning of Love, Pride and Family-- the essence of being African. Jeffrey Kimathi is the brains behind Jamhuriwear, a fashion statement that has made many music stars like Jay-Z and Akon take notice. His brand of fashion is a statement of pride that highlights the things that are great about Africa. jamhuri@jamhuriwear.com Toll Free 1-866-9-JAMHURI Telephone 212-234-7788 http://www.jamhuriwear.com/

Introduce your friends and family to Jaqee’s music, featured in our magazine. Both of her first two albums each received a Swedish Grammy nomination and several appearances in the Swedish national television increased her standing as a passionate and soulful Singer. http://www.amazon.com

Tech Buzz READ MUCH? In this digital age we have phones that can be used as a computer, video game console, digital camera and for internet access. For the most part, anyone with a Smartphone doesn’t really use it as much as a phone in comparison to the other features they use on the phone.

So, what if I told you that you could have a device that you could carry with you everywhere you go, which would allow you access to a library of hundreds of thousands of books and magazines at your fingertips?

Introducing eBook Readers. At first you might think it’s weird to have to read from a screen about 8” by 5”, but then there are ways to adjust the font on the reader to make your reading experience more… enjoyable. Some of them come with touch screens and allow you the option to make notes as you read.

Some Readers come with an option to have the text read to you; instantly you can switch to having an audio version of the book that you can listen to while on the go. The library (for some) is accessed using the Reader’s wireless capabilities from a dedicated service. Of course, this will only work where there is wireless service. For those who travel to areas in which you do not have wireless service, some eBook Readers give you the option to download your book of choice onto the computer and then transfer the content onto your Reader.

The Amazon Kindle 2 is the most popular one, but the Sony Reader and Barnes & Noble Nook are also available for a competitive price. For you Apple fans out there, Apple is slated to release the Tablet, which is supposed to put all other Readers to shame. Of course this comes at a much greater price. This is still a “rumor” but anyone who has paid any attention to Apple knows that these “rumors” are typically very close to reality.

So if you’re willing to spend anywhere from $250, let me know how this works out for you, unless of course you’re buying it as a gift for me.

By Linda Obel

Art Scene FELA! On Broadway…Again.

On November 24, 2009 FELA! The musical opened on Broadway. For the second time! I know right? Most of you are surprised that FELA! is on Broadway, let alone as a musical. Some of you also, know how outraged I was early this year when I learned that I had missed the first production that was on Broadway late last year.

FELA!’s first run was directed by Bill T. Jones who was said to have presented a “lyrical” depiction of Fela Kuti that highlight’s “Fela’s struggle for authenticity”. Afro pop Worldwide has been instrumental in spreading word of this momentous event on Broadway. It was the loudest voice (mine being a tiny echo in comparison) in seeking a return appearance of FELA! on Broadway.

Lo and behold, you could have knocked me over with a feather when I read on Banning Eyre’s blog that the show was back on Broadway and that Jay-Z was its newest Producer, and that Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith have also just signed on as producers.

Banning blogged about the show and stated that he was “absolutely knocked out--on the verge of tears”. He goes on to say that the “energy level, tightness, timing, passion was palpable from the start” Ben Brantley of the NY Times said the following of the audience: “A kaleidoscopic blend of Afro centric hipsters, Broadway socialites, stuffed shirts and regular folks almost equally proportioned between white and black.”

Of the performance itself, Brantley stated, The "Breaking it Down" segment in Act 1 is the most compelling and lucid deconstruction of Afro beat imaginable.

It spans Yoruba drumming, highlife, jazz, Sinatra, and James Brown and makes it absolutely clear how all these things are parts of Afro beat, and yet that Afro beat cannot be reduced to them--all in five mind-blowing minutes. The scene where Fela argues racial politics with his Black Power L.A. girlfriend Sandra Iszadore is also a great hook. Their playfully contentious, fast-paced exchange revisits the familiar racial arguments of the late 60s and 70s and lets you see them as never before--from the viewpoint of a savvy, rebellious African. It is funny, eye-opening and ingenious in its accessibility.”

I wanted to see FELA! with every fiber of my being and now that I hear that it is scheduled for an open ended run on Broadway, I am hauling a** and getting my ticket to see this life-changing performance as soon as my limited pocket will allow. Who’s coming with me?

By Evalyn Githina

Fela Anikulapo Kuti (15 October, 1938 – 2 August, 1997),

Fashion Cocktail Options

CUFFLINKS

Ladies, let your date know what colors you plan on wearing to make it easier for your date to shop for his outfit.

Formal events call for conservative attire that is composed of dark-colored suits. Having a plain white shirt might get you mistaken for a waiter.

Switch it up with a splash of color!

Less is more! ∞ Add splashes of color to bring out your outfit. ∞ Carry a pack of wet wipes in case of a drink spill or makeup stains. ∞

FUNKHOUSE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP INVITES YOU TO

A formal evening of elegance to usher in the New Year in style THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31ST, 2009 | 7 PM TO 3 AM $79/seat, $690/table/10 seats Minneapolis Marriott Southwest 5801 Opus Parkway, Minnetonka, MN The night will begin with an intimate cocktail hour with champagne and wines of Africa while guests will be entertained by a live pianist playing classical music and jazz. This will be followed by a dinner of African-inspired cuisine prepared by an award-winning Marriott chef. The night will feature live performances and end with a dance into 2010.

A special Kids Splash pool party has been organized so the children can also usher in the new year in style!

The Marriott will offer a limited number of rooms at a discounted overnight rate of $59.

This is a formal black-tie affair. Step into your tuxedo and that gorgeous New Year's dress. For ideas see the fashion section of AIM.

For details and to purchase tickets visit:

www.champagneballmn.com

Blogs I have a morning ritual that I observe that starts my day off right. While I sip my tea I read the following blogs that simply make me happy. I share with you my absolutely favorite blogs. Enjoy!

-Wangechi Ruguaru-

1.

● ● ● Writer. Photographer. Artist. Baker. Dinner Party Organizer. Correspondence Queen. Frugalistia. Lover of all things Africa. Triathlete. Daughter. Sister. Kelli writes a daily blog on everything from her lasagna gardening to her travels. http://www.africankelli.com/ ● ● ●

●

●

●

A snazzily dressed Nigerian girl who aspires to change the 2. world somehow. But for now, she’s focused on being a stylish accounting student and an explorer. This blog is a mostly daily log of her outfits. http://www.africanawardrobediary.com/ ● ● ●

●

3.

4.

●

●

A wife of a rugged cowboy and the mother of four spirited children. Ree Drummond, is also known as The Pioneer Woman. To read more about her adventures, cooking, and photography visit her website, ThePioneerWoman.com. ●

●

●

●

●

●

Derived from a portmanteau combining the words ‘can you imagine', KenyaImagine is set up as an alternative media system, one that is free and policed not by editor prejudices but by the common bounds of decency. They set out together to provide a platform, for the promulgation of ideas in communion with Kenyans from around the world.

KenyaImagine.com ● ● ●

Advertise with us‌.

Email: aimminnesota@gmail.com

AIM NetworkŠ