Queen Of Chess

One Man's Trash Is Another Man's Treasure

This saying never seems to get old, especially during this time of year. "One man's trash is another man's treasure. A couple days ago, while rushing to work on my way to catch the A train. I bumped into a gentlemen who was doing some Arts and Crafts  for the holiday season.  I couldn't resist, I asked him why he was doing such a creative project. After talking a couple minutes to introduce ourselves, I said,  "I wanted to do a featured story on you." He hesitated at first, asking me why I wanted to do a story on him. I told him I wanted to do a story to help him out with his business, because what he was doing was extremely generous and thoughtful thing. His contributing to environmental solutions was something people needed to see. After taking a few seconds to think about it, he agreed, but not before agreeing to certain terms and conditions. He told me it would be alright to use a photo of him, but he didn't want his name mentioned in the story. Its often times when we look for the most expensive gifts to show how grateful and appreciative we are to the ones we love. In a perfect world that would be awesome but such world doesn't exist. Thanks to unemployment, natural disasters such as hurricane Sandy. There are some whom are not fortunate. As I stood there watching him take regular soda cans and demonstrate to the crowd  how to make candlestick holders, vases and incense holders my attention shifted over to a box next to where he was sitting. On the box it read. "All  proceeds and donations go to the victims affected by hurricane Sandy." The true meaning of what it means to give sometimes goes unnoticed, but for this gentlemen this is what life is all about. First question; How long have you been doing this? "I have been doing this for 35 years,  I really enjoy doing what I do, especially when you can think outside the box and give the people what want without  the cost and expenses" Second question. Where do you get your materials needed to craft your candle-holders, vases  and incenses? "Simple, all around me, Whatever people throw out, whether soda cans, bottles or plastic, I capitalize on every opportunity I see. I go through recycling bins or trash cans or wherever people dump trash." Last question; What made you want to take on this project? "I really want to make a difference and help those in need who are going through a difficult time right now. This is what this time of year is all about and also contributing by helping our planet  can go a long way with a little creativity and a little imagination". After watching him complete a candlestick-holder out a sprite can, I thanked him for taking the time to chat with me. As I looked at my phone to see what time it was, I smiled. I thought what this world could become  if more and more people thought  outside the box. If you want to take a look at his display. He is located at the Port Authority Bus terminal across where you get catch the seven train. Check out his display.

Florida Fair Share-Working for Progress

Coming together to make a difference that was the idea and concept I took with me for the month long political campaign in Florida. I wanted to get involved and do my part as a American citizen. The Presidential election was a month away and in spite of what was going on in the country instead of complaining about it, I wanted to do something about. After doing my research, I stumbled about a nonprofit org that was working for progress that would address many issues to the American public. There was the economy, medicare, gun control, woman's rights, gay and lesbian rights and civil rights. We had a month to address these issues to the Floridian public, but it wasn't going to be easy. I got a position as a campaign volunteer going door to door canvassing in the Orlando. It was a challenging position, as I had to go to different  neighborhoods and speak to different classes of people from the poor to the middle class and the rich. I wanted to take my curiosity to explore and find out the truth. The first week was a  bit of a challenge, as we not only  had to learn about the Democratic candidates, but we also had to  familiarize ourselves with the Republican candidates we were going up against. Outside the lines of providing the information and literature I had the opportunity to witness some disturbing things. Walking around neighborhoods shed some light on  issues that I thought was in our past times. In poor white neighborhoods, there were some who wanted to relive the glory days of the south, where the confederate flag was flying high. It creep me quit a bit to tell you the truth, because some of the looks I received weren't welcoming at all. Doors slammed in my face threats of leaving the property or else I would be attacked by their dog, or the occasional blank look of what the f... are you even doing at my door step, but as time I knew it came with the job description so I had to man up. Issues that surfaced during the second week were gun control and civil right. I asked several sources who want their identity to remain anonymous that the issue of gun control needed to be dealt with quickly and more aggressively. Having the opportunity to drive through Orlando I can see why many people where concerned as gun and pawn shops where easy to spot on local roads. That was disturbing to many, because guns can now be controlled by criminals or those with  mentally disorders. Which takes me into my next issue of civil rights and stand your  ground law. Talking with a couple relatives from Florida, they filled me in to why the law was  implemented and problems it posses to the African- American community. In Florida if you feel you  threaten you have every right to defend yourself. It many cases this hurts African-Americans and other minor groups. Many nights when I would be driving with my cousin after a long day of canvassing, I would see police officers in numbers of two to three squad cars on the side of the road searching for either guns or drugs.  Many times I would see an African-American or a Hispanic person on the side of the road. Having spoken to my cousins whom are firm  believers in having the rights to bare arms, because protecting their families were their first priorities. In their argument they said, law enforcers want to disarm the Africa-Americans community because they want the white supremacy to remain in power. By the third week I was getting feedback when it came to woman's rights and medicare. The women I spoke to while I was canvassing  stated that the role of woman have grown significantly within the last fifty years, but they would like to see more woman in more cooperate positions receiving the same pay as men.When it came to medicare, many elderly persons I spoke with said, Obama care was the right step in the right direction, but it needs to be past through quickly, so they can start receiving medicare insurance quickly. They are some who opposed the idea, saying the country needs other incentives, because Obama care is going to cause the country an arm and a leg in the long run. The last issue was the gay, lesbian and transgender rights. Since its been a state by state issue there are many who wanted it to be dealt with on the  federal level. They added it's only fair that the government should intrude and past laws given gays and lesbian the right to marry whomever they choose, because the principals of America gives them the right to do. By the fourth week canvassing I had the chance to know an incredible group of passionate and dedicated people. First there was Aaron Carr, who was a New York native.  He was in charge of finding out the areas where we needed to go and canvass. He was a very passionate person and great leader who took the time to fill us in on all the news and briefings. He kept us motivated and prompt and I learnt a great deal from him. Keith Hubbard was the director of the campaign, he kept us informed on all the issues and he kept us motivated to why we joined that campaign in the first place. I learned from him by seeing. Then there was Jane Gilmartin, she was in charge of keeping the office running in a orderly fashion. She was in charge of hiring new recruits as well as making sure we were on top of our game every time we step out to canvass. I learned from her how to be organized. Then there was Kelly Sanders, she was the assistant director, she was in charge of debriefing us at nights end. She would coordinate with the directors to make sure sure we were on top of our game. She taught me how to handle negative criticism and turn into a positive. Then there were the other canvassers whom I had a great time and pleasure getting to know. Andrew Bryan was one of the most carefree and outgoing persons I've ever met. I called him my brother from another mother. Britt Ham was one of the coolest chicks I've ever met. Her personality was very carefree and very fun loving. Mary Claire was very sweet, she would be down for anything, which made me fall in love with her personality. Ramon De Moya was a clown and every opportunity he got he would joke and laugh. He was a very cool and interesting person, once you got to know him. Lizi Bourassa was such a cool person, her openness to life made her such an interesting person to know and talk to. Gina Jo Gesting was a very sweet girl, and a great dancer might I add. Paul Goldstein was loads of fun, he was the ring leader of the group when it came to partying. I enjoyed watching him drum on the last night during our victory campaign. Michael Soldati was a great guy. I enjoyed hearing his travel stories. He was a very worldly person with a very open mind. Steven Ospina was a very down to earth, and I enjoyed sharing my stories with him. All and all it was an amazing experience and I couldn't think of a better group of people to have shared this experience with. We made history that night, not only turning Florida into a blue state,but we can tell our kids we were apart of something that truly reflected what it meant to be an American.  It was the right to excerise our rights. It was a pleasure and honor being apart of something so momentous. Best of luck to everyone and hopefully we can cross paths again in the future.

World's tallest mohawk

Here is something you don't see everyday, according to the  Guinness World Records, Japanese fashion designer Kazuhiro Watanabe  holds the world record for the "Tallest Mohawk. Outsizes do stands at 3 feet 8.6 inches. He says it took 15 years to grow it out.  I guess somewhere in the world someone is always doing something superable. Keep your eyes and ears glued to the world.  I wonder what's next?

911 A Look Back

Eleven years ago was a moment that stood still, and in our minds plays over and over again. Not just for America alone, but for people from all walks of life. 911 changes the way we look at the world today. The land of opportunity and freedom gave way to a new dawn of being aware of those who poses attack on our freedom. In a world full uncertainty and fears, there are those who take advantage and pree on the weak. Eleven years ago, which was like yesterday to me, I remember attending my first class English Lit, an unusually strange day, as I thought to myself at the time, because my college professor was never late for class. He was normally the first one there and the last one to leave. That day changed the way I looked at the world from that day forward. There are those out there who want to attack our liberties and rights, so we have to be smart and knowledgeable about what evil threaten our world. As we sat awaiting for our professor to come, I remember a student saying, "If he doesn't show up in the next fifteen minutes we would be free to leave". As we sat there in the hopes of not having morning class at 9am in the morning, I remember my English coming in a few minutes saying. "Didn't you hear, A plane just flew into the world trade center, not giving much thought to what happened at the time, the first thought that came to mind was, Man! someone really needs to train these pilots how to fly. That was 8:48 pm, the first plane that flew into the World Trade Center. As we were getting ready to start class, A few minutes later at 9:03am, another plane hit the other wing of the World Trade Center. Shortly after, we were dismissed from the campus and was told to go home. That moment in history changed my life forever because looked at America in a different light. What made the experience so unforgettable, it was the first time, I saw New Yorkers coming together, in time of horror and grief. I will never forget those who sacrifice the life for the well being of others. Our local police Departments, Fire Fighters, Emergency units, everyone contributing and playing their part. Especially the brave man and woman, who fought the enemy in the plane just before they crashed, knowing that this was their last time on earth, but they sacrifice they made can not go unrecorded. 911 was not only an attack on American soil, but it was a wake up  call for the rest of the world. In these times, we have to be smarter and sharper and consider that there are things going on around us. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, as well as those who were affected by the tragic events of 911. One Love...

The 45th West Indian Caribbean American Labor Day Parade

Yesterday marked the 45th Annual West Indian Day Parade. On the brink of 50 years of Independence from the British, Its a time for many nations to look back and reflect on how far they've come and where they  need to be. What better way to do so, than turn out to the biggest celebration on Flat bush Ave, in Brooklyn New York. Every year, countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad, Guyana,  Barbados, Haiti, among others, turn out to chow down on some hot and spicy Island foods, such as curry goat, jerk chicken, rice and peas, among other Island cuisines.  Many come out displaying their countries colors of  t-shirts, pants, head wear, wristbands and etc, as they dance to to reggae, dance hall, soca and ska music. It very common to see people dancing, waving their flags, as they go on roof tops and floats.This year was special for me, especially of what just transpired in the Olympics games. Jamaica is a small country, but throughout the world, were looked at or seen as bigger than what we truly are, because we're a people full of pride and patriotism. Through music, sports, entertainment, we're seen on the world stage. Proud to be a Jamaican!!!  Here is a video displaying the fun and festivities.. Enjoy!!!

Living Legend - Dedicated to Usian Bolt (2012)

I took my Olympic dream and awoke to Olympic gold,
For a moment, something that the world can now hold,
After being crowned, I saw a pot that lead to an endless rainbow,
Where legends live and never get old ,
At that moment, I knew that's where legends get immortalized,
Just for the chance to do it one final time,
The whole world knows your face,
The world screams your name,
Never to be forgotton again..