Issue #2 2013 Deconstructing America…
Dear Diary… Featured Poet: Des Johnson Beautiful and Phat! What’s Cookin’ Kitschy Kitchen, Outreach Ministries Slavery alive and thriving today
Love Notes by…Terri Durden “Let’s talk about it” with A. Lee Brinson Thoughts for Food…
Everyday People…People Everyday "The Multi-Cultural Lyfestyle Report" For the People/Of the People/By the People
Our Mission is to be the people's report...with a fresh take on life and community. We want to be the platform where people can voice their opinions freely/tactfully. While enhancing their knowledge. We wish to keep unity in our community by being more productive and forward thinking. With ideas for a resolution to the current issues or problems in various communities. By keeping positive solutions flowing peacefully through those communities…as they’re awakened by the arts. Our Goal is to keep American's abreast of what's happening within various cultures and in their communities. By empowering them through awareness in all areas of life.
Disclaimer: All content in “Everyday People…People Everyday” Magazine may not be reused nor republished/copied or otherwise…unless by written consent and or permission by Editors and Respective Contributors and or Collaborating Individuals. All content in “Everyday People…People Everyday” Magazine is Copyrighted materials and shall not be linked, reproduced and the selling of any portion and or all content found therein is strictly forbidden.
As regards to any and all articles, any information included in articles by contributing writers/poets…it is their own thoughts/opinions and views and is not and should not be mistaken as the thoughts/opinions and views of “Everyday People…People Everyday” Magazine.
A special Thank You goes out to all of our readers, supporters and contributing writers/artist.
Everyday People…People Everyday Magazine Staff: Founder, Editor-in- Chief {Terri A. Durden} Page Layout/Design & Features Editor {Terri A. Durden} Copy Editor/West Coast, Interviewer: { Natasha Simone Durden} Staff Writer/East Coast, Interviewer {A. Lee Brinson} Send all submissions & inquiries to: terridurden@yahoo.com or peopleveryday@yahoo.com
Founder, Terri A. Durden
The Most Beautiful Tree I Ever Saw
Christmas in Atlantic City, New Jersey Is so amazing!
As an artist “I’m attracted to the glitz and glamor of the bright lights. I have always loved beautiful things…and through the eye of my camera I can bring amazing things to life.” We hope you’ll enjoy the Christmas scenes…along with the view of the snowcapped trees…and other treasures we have tucked away in this 2nd issue for you. -Terri A. Durden
…Christmas at Taj Mahal…
…The Borgata’s all a Glow…
Lancaster General‌
Dear Diary… I’ve been noticing that people, so called friends…they don’t communicate with one another anymore. Not face-to-face anyway. They text, they tweet or contact one another on face book. When people are together, they are always texting someone else. Relationships have changed as well. People seem to be less attentive to one another’s needs. It’s getting to the point where every man is for himself. I don’t think that’s the way it was meant to be. What do you think? I mean, Where’s the love, the laughter, the good-times and togetherness? Have we become socially crippled by all of this social media stuff? Has it made us unable to enjoy real human interaction? Remember back in the day when the holiday’s rolled around…like at Thanksgiving, everyone couldn’t wait to visit with their relatives. Sometimes you’d eat dinner 2-3 times in one day because of visiting that many different relatives and friends. We’d all get together…play games…sit around telling them same ’ol stories about our childhood…telling who did what to who. The Men would gather ‘round the television watching football all day long. The Women gathered and gossiped in the kitchen…and the children would entertain the old folks with dance routines and singing contest. Those were the good old days…I wish we could go back to. Today, kids play with guns, sell drugs…or join gangs. While their parents are out someplace all drunk-up or high and partying all night long. Somebody’s got to show these children the real meaning of family-love. Someone has to step-up to the plate and teach them before it’s too late. They are the future leaders of the world…at this rate, what will their future look like?
…Holiday Cheer…
…
Where the heart is…
…There’s where you’ll find Christmas Joy…
…Twas the night before Christmas…
…The Great Cookie Swap…
Good friends, Good food and Great conversation
…Everyday People…
…People Everyday…
…The Party’s over, See you next year…
Every New Year’s Eve hundreds of thousands of people gather in New York City to post their Wishes upon the wishing wall.
Make A Wish
…Happy Holidays…
Featured Poet
Des Johnson, BIO: -Born in the mid-eighties era -thrives off motivation, positive influence, youth enrichment, inspiration, love and happiness
-North Carolina native -recent self-published author of poetry -studying Business Administration
-Male mentor
personal consultant
-devoted father of three
(Renee ♼) The lord took his time to make you special in every way symbolic of why the thought of you is the pinnacle of my days Always and forever is the timeline which I define my longing for what we share through heartbeats entwined confined within a constant emotion that is ever-so rare As the sun and moon trades places I'm fixed with eminent love to share
unaware of tomorrows bestowed between my thoughts of yesterday’s so full of grace--oh how u do glow as I see the lovely smile upon your face I seem to face a glimpse of heaven as I look in your eyes with stardust following each step you take as you stand by my side I've realized that you're a gift from above-- so heaven-sent I love you with all my heart..... ~my angel of benevolence
( R.I.P. Grandma <3) As a child, I clinged to my blanket for warmth within this cold world In no form or fashion would I have changed it for any money, diamonds, or pearls labeled me Des-Earl and taught me to pray to the lord above with no question Eternally, a force of love from you dwells within "Desmond" my blanket was with me- guiding me thru several seasons protected me from the storms of the world for many reasons Even Heaven would smile upon the bond that we created Prior to destiny fulfilling the night we physically separated without my blanket those yesterdays appeared as mere dreams but tomorrows seemed longer than ever as I pursued a means -of an outlet on account of all I possess in my mind often reflecting how time flies like the winds of time She always said that I should attempt to be a blessing as my words could display a means of allowing others to discover why they should smile each day for that I can never stray away from what she saw within me (poetry) for I know that my lost blanket (grandma) is in a place that I will always long to be (Heaven) <3
God sent me an angel to share my dreams our souls are intertwined within a realm of love by all means the woman of my dreams from a literal basis destiny was revealed and fulfilled; symbolic of the words that made this to be or not to be, if that indeed is the question my response would be congruent to the blessings of Desmond guessing is not a factor when it comes to why i smile each day her smile is the sun that casts the shadows of my heart away til the sands of time are all washed away. I will still love my angelâ&#x20AC;Ś. Forever and a day (Renee â&#x2122;Ľ)
I’m proud of you even if you never hear it For i know u view me as your worse critic To relive this in your mind so many times is a message in itself without a reason or rhyme I’m fine if my mind and faith remains in the proper perspective To emit positive influence is my prospected objective I see you in love with 3 kids and all smiles with an angel by your side that was born to meet you down the aisle Don’t let life get you down; you’ll see things clearer Keep your head to the sky Sincerely, Man in the mirror
Each word from her sweet lips is the sweetest sound one could hear The mere thought of her smile is the pinnacle of my enchantment- so warm; so dear Like a constant breeze on a midsummer's night Hand in hand its her and I as the earth spins just right As sure as a rainbow could beautify the image of a starless night's sky I envision stardust in the trails of her every step towards "I" Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve replied with thanks to the Heavens for creating her just right for me above Birthing the elated emotions within my soul as we share this rare depiction of love Thinking of her is such a joy and pleasure with no other thoughts to intervene Together we can make the impossible possible-- for with her...... Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve touched a dream........
(A)stounding,(B)eyond measure is the equate of ur smile"s(C)onstant(D)epiction of(E)legance (F)or Id(G)ive my last second of(H)umbleness to(I)nstitute(j)ust (k)ind (l)ove when (M)ere words can(N)ever(O)fficially(P)ortray the(Q)uest of our(R)eality im (S)ure as im forever pleased to say that (T)houghts of (U) are like (V)ivid (W)onders of e(X)tremity explaining wh(y) ur love is my heart's pacifiying remedy til im counting sheep and cathchin (z)zzzzzzzzz's
Until the stars fall from heaven ill always feel the same using them to decorate the sky with a heart surrounding your name to claim this happiness that you've given me extends beyond all time and space; more than the eye can see within this life let's share the essence of destiny I thank God for creating you as he was thinking of me "Des and me" would be your reply if they asked you how true love should be your smile compliments the earth more than any diamond or pearl my expression and love serves as the paintbrush while the canvass for production is our world
In my mind there is much contained ironically, I have no definite point of introduction to explain deliberation is maintained amongst all that I've longed to know beyond the yellow brick road, to the end of a rainbow if Dorothy could fathom the motives of her life's demands then maybe Alice could dodge the malice and ill wonders of the land but on the real its been a thrill to discover down the hill the prospected motives forJill to lure jack up the hill similar to a black widow but we can't blame Eve for Adam may have had potential notions that we wont believe as we proceed to see its two sides to every story and often possibly three for we all never know the date and time in which the pale horse will face thee upon our knees with open hearts we shall rejoice to the producer of life as we know returns to reclaim his own as the loyal hearts are endowed with whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s destined to be bestowed....
(Thanksgiving)
Dear God, thank you for enabling me to be all that I am as a man, I pray that I'm bestowed with all the destined blessings of your hands with demands that don't concern me, for I know its your plan
this gift that I've obtained leaves me endowed with the greatest joy I intend to spread cheer to any heart of the willing; being man, woman, girl or boy I know its you that guides me thru but before I can question I simply put my faith in your hands and commence to just be Desmond second guessing is of no option for I serve the purposes of you please bless all my children, my partner in life and our families too thru all the tough times I never worry anymore because I'm aware that when I saw two sets of footprints..... It was you beside me there
Beautiful and PHAT There’s this underlying message in the world…an unspoken silence. It spreads like a virus…through our work place, in Churches, Schools, Colleges and Universities…you can see the distain on their faces in Restaurants, in Clubs…at Shopping Malls and so many other places that we frequent. The message is crystal-clear…like a billboard posted way up high…for all to see the fat girl has entered the room. Some women are born thick…it has nothing to do with their eating habits. Some women eat out of depression…from the lives they have not chosen to live, but they have live them anyway. Some women are fat because of health reasons…just like some women are anorexic or bulimic…it’s a mental health issue. Then there’s the ones that just don’t care. What we all must remember is…these women are creatures of God, he created them…just the way they are. Just like he created you, just the way you are. Fat girls are human beings and they deserve the same respect as any other human being. The people of the world have made fat girls ashamed of themselves…so ashamed that they hideout from the rest of the world. They binge eat, they are depressed and insecure…with very low self-esteem. Do you think they want to be insecure? Do they choose to be depressed? No! It’s your fault…if they didn’t have to feel under the watchful eye of a world of skinny people…there might be hope for some of them. Do you like being stared and gawked at? How do you feel when people point at you, laugh at you or make you the object of their mean jokes? If the shoe were on the other foot…and every skinny woman was the joke in the crowd. How would you feel then? When the Aids virus came in to the light…skinny wasn’t so popular. Then skinny people had to explain their thin frame to others…explaining how they were always thin…they were born this way. People have gotten cautious of
jumping into relationships with very thin women…scared they might have the “BUG” (Aids) and they shied away from sleeping with them. Now was it right? To pre-judge you because you were thin. No! But you do it to fat girls all the time.
Since Aids, more fat girls got dates…got married and had families of their own to love. They felt good about themselves…it was a beautiful feeling loved and being accepted. Then there’s Monique…she’s a Badd-Ass Sista’ who was fat and proud of all of her womanliness. Monique had nothing shy about her. She showed fat girls how to take back their power…and to be proud of who they were born to be. Monique dressed sexy and didn’t care what people thought of her. Then she got on that stage and did that Beyonce’ Shake/Move…she and all of her fat backup dancers dropped it like it was hot and kept right on steppin’. The crowd roared and was amazed that fat girls could move like that. Another myth buster!
Big girls have so much to offer…but they first have to offer love to themselves. Be proud of themselves…then the world will respect them. Because they respect themrselves. There are so many beautiful woman out there that are FAT! Yeah, Fat! That’s what I said…claim it! Love being it! You are beautiful and round…full of love, with caring, giving spirits. Some fat girls are funny as hell! And their laugh is so infectious. Fat-Girls…you are Badd! In your own right. Stay strong…don’t let nobody keep you down. Cause…you are beautiful and Phat.
WHAT’S COOKIN’ “Food and Drink”
Pomegranate Chicken Salad 4 Chicken breast 6 fried chicken strips 8 Tbs. Olive oil
Âź cup Balsamic vinaigrette Âź cup Pomegranate syrup 6 Blood oranges 4 Boiled eggs 1 lg. Red onion 1 lg. Green bell pepper 1 Tbs. Garlic 1 bunch Romaine Lettuce 4 Roma Tomatoes 1 sm. can Mandarin oranges 1 lg. English Cucumber Dried cranberries Pomegranate seeds Won-Ton Strips
Directions
Pour olive oil In skillet sauté onions and green peppers, add garlic in more olive oil…when chicken is cooked through, add juice of about 4 blood oranges and ¼ cup of balsamic vinaigrette and ¼ cup pomegranate syrup. Cook until reduced to syrup consistency. Return onions and peppers to skillet and toss…remove from heat.
On each plate, add chopped romaine, then arrange English cucumbers, Roma tomatoes, boiled eggs, mandarin oranges. Top with sautéed chicken mixture…then top that with chopped fried chicken strips and pomegranate seeds and dried cranberries…spoon some of the balsamic/pomegranate reduction sauce from skillet over each salad and sprinkle won ton strips over the top. Serve with warm buttered crusty bread…Eat and Enjoy!
Minty Watermelon Punch
In ice trays freeze red raspberries and blueberries. In punch bowl mix ½ pitcher simple syrup with ½ cup silver Bacardi Rum, ½ cup Tequila and the juice of 2 fresh squeezed limes and 2 fresh squeezed lemons. In a blender puree watermelon…remove pulp…pour strained watermelon juice over torn mint leaves and muddle the leaves with some of the blueberries and watermelon mixture. Pour mixture into the punch bowl. Add sliced lemons and limes. And the red raspberry and blueberry ice cubes and serve.
1st Featured Business:
Kitschy Kitchen “Outreach Ministries”
It’s Christmas-time again…and at this time of year…when everyone is in the mindset of giving. Three women had a vision…to offer meals at a minimal fee…which turned into a “Pay what you can” meal-night at the church. Almost 1yr. old “Kitschy-Kitchen is thriving well in this Manheim Township Community in Pennsylvania. These three women’s vision… remain in the spirit of giving to those less fortunate than themselves. Offering a glimpse of hope…a beam of light…shining through the darkest of hours. Not just at Christmas-time…but all year
round. Through Government shut-downs and through the bad economy…This Pay what you can establishment…offers meals that are prepared with loving kindness. A gift from the hearts of Laniesh Kipp, Founder and Co-founders’ Jenn Kipp and Marla Kipp. Located 10 minutes away from the town of Lancaster, Pennsylvania…at 2660 Lititz Pike. “Kitschy-Kitchen” is housed in the lower level of and donated by Long Memorial Methodist Church. Each and every week different members of the Church gladly volunteer their time…to pitch in and help in this “Community Outreach Ministry.” It must be a joy to be part of such a loving community that gives back with open arms and hearts.
Laniesh N. Kipp One of the founders of KitschyKitchen…Mother of three Sons, wife to Pastor Larry Kipp Jr. business partner with Pastor Larry’s cousins…Jenn and Marla Kipp who just so happen to be sisters. It’s a family affair…as well as a community of hearts…
Jenn Kipp, Co-founder of Kitschy-Kitchen…
Marla Kipp, Co-founder of Kitschy-Kitchen…
…Working together…
…For the good of all…
Elbow-to Elbow with Volunteers
Mixing the right ingredients
Which is love of community…patience with one another and the spirit of giving. We never forget that these gifts all come from God. Which are key tools needed tin order to be successful.
The joy of giving
Helping-Hands
We must all do our parts
To help the machine run smoothly
The Community that Prays Together
Stays Together
Young and Oldâ&#x20AC;Ś
The joy of giving
The Children
Learn what they live
...Slavery, Alive & Thriving Today…
At this time of year…we all must remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves. We must remember those suffering…those with family members they can’t celebrate the holidays with. We must remember in the spirit of giving to lift them all up in our prayers…as we go out to the various homes of our families to eat and exchange gifts. Remember to send a blessing out to those that are forced to spend the holidays without their loved ones.
The Numbers
1st India has the most enslaved with 14 Million 2nd China has 2.9 Million 3rd Pakistan has 2.1 Million
The total is 29.8 Million enslaved people including those enslaved in: Nigeria, Russia Thailand, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar and Bangladesh. To complete the list of the top 10 places with slaves in the world…which was listed in the “Global Slavery Index” “CNN’s Freedom Project” “freetheslaves.net” and the Australia-based “Walk Free Foundation”. Human beings trafficked into the United States yearly is between 14,500 – 17,500 – 2005 report from the United States Department. 54% of the traffickers were strangers to the victims and 46% of the traffickers knew their victims personally.
There are between 600,000 – 800,000 people trafficked across international borders yearly. 70% of all trafficking victims are female and half of them are children. -2007 United States Department report.
In 2009 a report from the United Stated Department found that 20% of trafficking victims are children.
Comparing the average price of a Slave…by todays value system.
1809 Slaves were worth $40,000 2009 Slaves are worth $90,000
This CNN Post below by: Christian Sabyan, Emily Smith, Manav Tannery
Human Trafficking is Slavery…not the same as slavery in historical times…but forcing any human being against their own will is considered slavery. Let us look at the various types of slavery in today’s society. Human trafficking is a billion dollar business annually. It’s victims are caged physically and mentally…financially and psychologically against their will. It happens in the United States not just in Romania and other faraway places as you would like to believe. Who’s at risk? Each and every woman and female child is at risk of human trafficking. Farmers in California and Florida have been enslaved and made to harvest against their will…made to work for no pay. Slaver today…the same as in the past is a money-making machine. Them that’s got…shall get whatever it is that they want! “God bless the child” Innocent little girls have been forced into prostitute at 8, 10, 12 and 13 years of age…in Atlanta, Los Angeles and many other Cities and Towns across the United States. No matter where you live in America…you can best believe there is some form of human trafficking going on in any given area. It could be
your neighbor, or maybe the waitress that waits on you every morning…at your favorite little diner…the one serving you coffee with your breakfast before you head off to work each day. Cause you’ll never know who she is…there are no tell, tell signs that you can catch at a quick glance. They walk beside you on a daily basis. Some work with you in nail salons, hotels and in the restaurants you frequent. There is no set place, person or look. This horrible business of dehumanization takes place in all areas worldwide. In rural towns or in bright light big Cities like New York and Chicago…it’s happing in a Town near you. Please believe it!
I fear what the future looks like for my granddaughters…because they are all so beautiful…and under the age of 18.
If you have a beautiful young wife and or daughters and granddaughters…start praying now for their safety. Because no one is truly safe from the grips of human trafficking. Pray that God wraps them up in his wings of protection and never lets them go. Male and other adults can become victims of human trafficking as well. No matter what your race, age, gender…there is no discrimination when it comes to human trafficking. Those fancy clothes that your children beg for, to fit-in society. Those fancy shoes with matching handbags…could all have been made by the victims of human trafficking. Go to: Productsofslavery.org and see how many products that we purchase and use on a daily basis was actually made by the victims of human trafficking. If your pantry is stocked with products such as…rice, coffee and your fridge is filled with fresh produce or fish, if you snack on Chocolates…they all may have been planted and grown by the hands of human trafficking victims. Human trafficking has grown and continues to spread like a virus through our homes…in the products we purchase and
endangers the safety of our family members daily. If you are heath conscious and exercise often you are wearing sneakers that was possibly made by the hands of human trafficking victims. Date night with your spouse…you want to look your best, nice clothes, fresh smelling…the finishing touch is gold bracelet/necklace or earrings…all that glittery gold may have been made by the hands of an enslaved person. If your underwear are cotton, if your floors are wood and you purchase a nice area rug to throw down to take the chill off a bit…yep! It might have been made by another victim of slavery. So it’s your anniversary and you bring home fresh flowers for your spouse…what a perfect gesture of love and romance…but! Those too may have been products made by victims of slavery…all of us at one time or another have touched, worn, purchased the many products created by the hands of enslaved persons. Human trafficking in the production of consumer goods is so entangled in every aspect of our lives…that nearly all of Americans have had something that’s touched their skin…cushioned their feet…adorned their neck…decorated their homes at Christmas time, not all but some of it was made by the hands of an enslaved person. The soccer balls your children play with…the cell phones we all use to stay in contact with our friends and family on a daily basis. Some enslaved person’s blood, sweat and tears made it possible for us to live such charmed lives. To stop human trafficking in your community…write to your State Representative…make your Government take a stand
against human trafficking, make them accountable. If we all did our parts…ban together to end human trafficking now! So in the spirit…of the season of giving. Let’s give another human being a chance at a better life. Let’s ban together and make a better future for the children…they deserve a chance at the good-life. Try buying goods made in a slave-free environments. Help to make others aware of what’s going on in the world around them. Save-TheChildren!
While staying in the spirit of giving like “Kitschy-Kitchen” why not give hope to someone in dire need of it…why not reach out and touch someone else’s heart…why don’t we all “GIVE PEACE A CHANCE”? May Gods light lead your way through the dark nights…and get you back home safely.
“Joy To The World”
2nd Featured Business:
Love Notes by…Terri Durden “The Art of Designing Beauty” Custom Wedding Vows, Love notes, Save-The-Date Magnets, Floral Centerpieces, for events, home or office, Wristlet Corsages, Flowergirl baskets and headpieces…Gift baskets for all occasions, {Lullaby baskets} this is Terri’s own creation since 1990, a custom Baby Shower gift Basket, wedding hairbands, Shoe Jewelry Embellishments, Party Favors/Capias Custom Designs for weddings, showers, Proms, Quinceaneras and more custom designs. For more information or to place an order: lovenotesbytad@yahoo.com
SAMPLES:
“The Cube” A Lighted Centerpiece
Wristlet Corsageâ&#x20AC;Ś
Shower Centerpieceâ&#x20AC;Ś
Made to your specs…with your color choices, your flower choices…we’ll handle it from there.
Wristlet Corsage
…Deconstructing America… “Nothing comes to Sleepers…but a Dream” –Gap Band
Everyone used to have an undying belief in the American-Dream. Times have changed drastically. With Government Shut-downs...bad economy…tax increases and inflation. What’s a person to think about that once bright and shining star (America)? We were sold a dream…of streets being paved with gold…stairways to heaven and all that jazz. We believed it when it was sold to us. It was said if you educate yourself…you can be anything that you dream of becoming. It was also said if you work really hard…and save, save, save! Then your dreams are within arms-reach. Then there was Bush and the 7-Billion Dollar deficit…Obama is the scape goat for that. Now we, the American people have to suffer for the Testosterone wars in Washington DC. We, the middle-class/under-class…have been declassified all together. The lyfestyles of the rich and shameless...has pissed on us once again. We were sold a bill of goods…that no longer hold true in today’s society. 50 people were interviewed and here are some of their thoughts and opinions on the evolution of the American Dream. A person attending college 4-8 years comes out of college all hopeful and dreamy-eyed…after his/her job search stretches into months and maybe years. That dreamy-eyed look dissipates. Now they’re in survival mode…where is their next meal coming from? How are rental agreements going to be met? You have college graduates working at 7-11 and WAWA mini markets…or shoveling shit for a means to and end of starvation. Something’s got to change! The middle-class is shrinking, the cost of living is way up and minimum wage is way too low at $7.50 per hour - $12.00 as an average pay rate…how can one feed their family? Here in America…these corporations would rather ship jobs overseas…to pay foreigners less money…so that they can keep profits growing for their companies. Forgetting the American people that are suffering…due to lack of job opportunities in America. It’s just greed…and it’s so sad, isn’t it? It used to be a time where American people…took pride in being an American. Because we helped each other to survive. We’d give our mailman Iced Tea or Lemon Ade on a hot summer day. We’d look out for one another’s children as they passed
by on their way home from school. Not today! Everyone is so self-absorbed. So greedy and power hungry. That no one has time to look out for the other guy. It used to be a time when you’d go for a job and the owner of the company would say “I used to go to school with your father” or “your father and I were in the military together” and they’d try you out/give you a chance just on the belief that you came from a decent family. All kids get in to trouble, do they have to pay for being a stupid youth for the rest of their lives? It shouldn’t be that way…but sadly enough it is that way here today in America. The media advertise luxury vacations to beautiful Paradise Islands…cruses. Showing mansions with A Rose Royce, Lamborghini and 4-5 other cars plus a yacht parked on the property. “The Land of the FREE” is what all other Countries believe America to be. This is what we all were fed…that our lives are supposed to be like. They only need to look deeper…see the broader picture. Because for real, for real! There is a shortage of opportunities in America today. From Government corruption and with all of this race/class/gender separation in America, this land of the free…made just for you and me. WAKE-UP! Everybody needs more than one hustle to survive in America today! You go to college…then you can’t get a job. Have to make ends meet so you take any old job just to survive…telling yourself that it’s just for now. Then now turns into then…and then turns into forever. So you have garage sales, porch sales. Get a food cart/truck vend in the towns square to make up the difference in your budget. Still you keep coming up short. Because we’ve been setup to fail…we have been shortchanged since day one! This crock they sold to us a long time ago…is getting harder to achieve. When our Government can’t see eye-to-eye on something as simple as passing a healthcare bill. What will they do when they have to come together on really important issues? Say like…contaminated waters, from all of the oil spills…or food shortages, famine and disease? What about the Education crisis in America. Maybe them dealing with homelessness in America! When the time arises, and it surely will. Will our Government be able to come together as a unit…standing firm, together for the good of all Americans. Hummm. These social agencies get grants and federal funding to educate those in need. With promises of giving them the tools needed to achieve success…or to gain employment. But in today’s society…if you have a record from your past and have been incarcerated there are no jobs available to you. Prisons like social agencies make idol promises…giving false hope to those in dire need of employment. Prisons are supposed to rehabilitate people. While
incarcerated…they take classes, get certified, get their GEDS and upon release they are ready to start their new lives. They get dressed up…pound the pavement searching for these jobs, but no one will hire them because they do background checks. They go back (7) seven years into your past, when they find that you have a record, even if you’re honest and tell them that you were incarcerated…they judge you from your past indiscretions. No one wants to give you a chance. So what was all that talk of rehabilitation all about? Why bother to study, get educated, earn certifications and degrees while in prison? If there is no hope/no jobs/no future…they feel like, what’s the point. Once hunger sets in, their survival mode kicks in. They head back to the streets of drug dealing or abuse and robbery. Then society wants to point the finger at them saying “I knew they’d revert back to those criminal behaviors” (and) “I knew they would never change” Society doesn’t see the part in which they have played in the demise of these persons. Society wouldn’t give them the second chance they deserved…because they’ve studied and worked so hard to attain it. They wouldn’t give them a job when they came out of prison with hopes of a life renewed. We must look deeper into the parts that we play in the assistance of the successes or failure of these people once released into society…because yes, we are our Brothers keepers! If we keep believing in this farce of a dream…we are all doomed! That dream has most certainly changed. Not being homeless is an American Dream worth striving for. Just being able to keep a roof over our heads and food in our bellies is widely becoming the big picture that we strive for. Staying alive or surviving the streets until age 21 is an American Dream worth striving for. With all of the cases like Trayvon Martin, February 26, 2012, Oscar Grant, December 31, 2008, Amadu Diallo, February 4, 1999, Sean Bell, November 25, 2006, Abner Louima, August 9 1997,assaulted, brutalized and forcibly sodomized with the handle of a plunger, by New York City Police Officers. Timothy Stansbury January 24, 2004, Patrick Moses Dorismond, March 16, 2000, and so many others, too many to mention here. Black boys aren’t the only racially profiled boys. If I were an Asian/Indian/Pakistani/Muslim Mother…I would fear for my Sons life. If I were a Hispanic Mother…I would fear for my Sons life. Because for all nationalities other than, the chosen ones, the white privileged of this great American hype. All others are in danger…and racial profiling is equally on the rise...for them all.
Women are exploited in videos. Some exploit themselves…as a means to make some fast cash. These vixens hang with the Rapper/hip-hop moguls…thinking they might get some crumbs thrown their way. They are constantly degraded…they degrade themselves for chump-change. When all they really are is a toy for the boys to play with…once board and their new toy becomes old to them…just like an old matchbox car or a rag doll they are toss in the trash. By that time…these once beautiful, sexy women have had so many sex partners…and have snorted so much coke…and have partied so damn hard that they are no good, not even for themselves. That saying “All that glitter isn’t gold” holds true in this situation…due to the fact that living off of somebody else’s dreams…will surly end abruptly. You’ve got to have your own dreams…go after them full force. Once you’ve attained your dream…never let it go. Some young boys live on the basketball courts all summer long. They have dreams of becoming the next NBA B-ball zillionaire. Some boys live out on the field…dreaming of one day becoming the next #3/#5 or #23 for the NFL. Some make it, some may not make it. So you’ve got to have yourself a backup plan…a Plan-B, just in case that Sports-Star Dream doesn’t reach fruition. Everyone has a dream. Everyone has a God-given talent instilled in them…like a computer chip. You just have to search within your own souls…take a long hard look at yourselves. Learn what you’re good at, I mean really, really god at. Find that thing that gnaws at your brain…won’t let you sleep cause you can’t stop creating…or inventing new and different aspects of it. Once you have found your true calling in life. Whether or not it’s a music becoming a producer cause you can’t stop making beats in your head…even when you’re sleeping, the beats wakes you up in the middle of the night wanting to be created. You may like helping others to be the best that they can be…Perhaps you were born to be a Nurse or a School Teacher. Maybe you’re a very dramatic person, who is lively and the life of the party…needing to be the center of attention…no matter where you are. You may be destined to be a movie star. Perhaps you’re shy and don’t like being the center of attention. But you love movies, seeing how they work. When watching a movie you’re paying close attention to the scenes…to see if the music being played matches that scene. Maybe you notice that a person stance doesn’t go with the attitude he’s projecting. You may be destined to be a filmmaker. All I’m saying is pay close attention to the things that inspire you. Find your passion in life and go after it. Educate yourself in that field…so that you can be the best at your craft. Make it your own. Once you’ve discovered your dream within yourself…the possibilities are endless. I’m not saying it’s easy, because it’s not. Becoming the best at your craft takes
devotion to your craft. It takes time and education…above all else, it takes determination and patience. IT TAKES A VILLAGE, A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE…WORKING TOGETHER CONSTANTLY! How do we get back to the simple pleasures? Of more love…more joy…and of making our American Dreams come true. How do we survive in a society that has gone to sleep on itself? Something’s got to change. All of America is at stake…and we must all be held accountable for the future of our future generations, lest they all be forgotten.
…Let It Snow…
“Let’s Talk About It” with A. Lee Brinson The Illuminati ate my homework With all the conspiracy theorist today, it’s kind of hard to tell who your friends are and who is trying to control your mind thru fruit loops commercials. But when my 10 year daughter comes home from school ranting about the Illuminati… IT’S TIME FOR ACTION! Just who are these evil geniuses that have ruled everything from rap music, president Obama’s speeches, our favorite T.V shows and basically 99.9% of everything else in the world? Well… fear not! Thru some (non- extensive research) I have brought to LIGHT these enigmatic figures of the underbelly of secret society! I have uncovered what they have kept shrouded in darkness and mystery for centuries! I have done what any seeker of truth and justice in my position would have done…I GOOGLED IT! The Illuminati which is the plural of the Latin illuminatus, simply means to be “enlightened or one who is enlightened. (sounds like someone who knows what they are doing.) According to Wikipedia… It is also the “name given to several groups, both real and fictitious. Historically the name refers to the Bavarian Illuminati, an Enlightenment-era secret society founded on May 1, 1776 to oppose superstition, prejudice, religious influence over public life, abuses of state power, and to support women's education and gender equality. The Illuminati were outlawed along with other secret societies by the Bavarian government leadership with the encouragement of the Roman Catholic Church, and permanently disbanded in 1785, in the several years following, the group was vilified by conservative and religious critics who claimed they had regrouped and were responsible for the French Revolution” The Illuminati that we hear of today seems to be the exact opposite of what the Bavarian Illuminati represented. According to the “Urban dictionary online…the Illuminati is “a secret organization of the most powerful and influential elite in the world. They go back for centuries and maintain the same bloodlines. They set up the council on foreign relations, the Bilderberg group and the tri-lateral commission. Those 3 groups all meet to plan the fate of the world. They consists of international bankers, top government officials, leaders in the energy cartel and media monopoly owners and have control over the U.N. , unesco and their subdivisions (and have the ability to) reach into everyone’s daily life without most (people) even being aware of it. They also have ties to the freemasons,
skull and bones, and the knights Templar. Their ultimate goal is for a one world government which they will control, also a one world currency, and they want control and ownership of all land, property, resources and people. Also they manipulate political parties, and the legal and illegal drug trade and federal agencies related to all matters listed above”. WOW! They certainly have their hands full, I mean doing all of that and orchestrating the deaths of Tupac, Biggie, Lisa Lopez and what seems to be every public figure who has died since Christ. Not to mention managing the careers of Jay Z, Beyonce, Kanye and many, many others. I wonder if they are taking applications and if so what are the requirements for induction? Do I have to sacrifice my first born? Hmm…he’s lived a good life. Make a random blood sacrifice? That lady who cut me off yesterday because she was talking on her cell would be the perfect candidate! I mean think of it…controlling everything that really matters in the world…everything…the whole enchilada, the whole ball of wax, the 99.9%...come to think of it… seems like a big headache, forget it! I’ll just stick to trying to raise my family with values and morals and leave the Illuminati for God to sort out but that another article within itself. Peace love and hair grease! A. Lee Brinson aka G.I
Sincerely.... PM. A. Lee Brinson #14 Worshipful District Lecturer 5th Masonic District Lancaster PA. MWPHGL
Thoughts For Food “By The People” If you, our readers…the people of the world, have an opinion on something going on in your community or in the world…you can express it right here! If you must complain about a subject…please have a solution to the problem included in with your complaint. It could be about Trayvon Martin and Subtle Racism. Whether it be something Political, or life affirming subjects. If it affects the world economy or people in general and you’d like to get something/anything off your chest. Here is where you can do it tactfully. Feel free to share your views with us. Send your comments/views and concerns to: peopleveryday@yahoo.com it can’t get resolved unless we talk it out.