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Susan
Mangatal - susan@ariousentertainment.us
Greetings
On-Line Family:
Our hearts go out to the residents of New Orleans, as well as to
the residents of the many cities on the Gulf Coast who are
suffering from the effects of Hurricane Gustov – Houma, Morgan
City and Thibodeau to name a few.
It’s a relief that Gustov weakened to a Category Two
storm when it arrived in Louisiana, but really didn’t do major
destruction. However,
it was certainly strong and “packed several good punches”,
dropping intense amounts of rain, with its approximately 110 mph
powerful winds that downed trees, ripped roofs off homes and
business, snapped power lines, flooded areas and even produced
approximately 8-12 feet storm surges, as well as tornados.
Unfortunately, approximately 94 people lost their lives and
several thousands are homeless as Gustov passed over Haiti, the
Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cayman Island and Cuba, and then
slammed into the United States on Labor Day 9/1/08.
Currently in
New Orleans the tens of thousands who were ordered to evacuate
the city prior to Gustov’s arrival are returning to their
homes. Unfortunately,
about 50% (actually 700,000) of the homes and businesses are
without power, and many are without water.
Clean-up are underway, but the overall conditions are bad
- which are gradually and slowly improving.
Thankfully
everyone was proactive with Gustov, and what transpired after
Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast 3 years ago didn’t take
place this time. Everything
was in place, and the National Guard, along with local Police,
and special Security forces were deployed early so that a good
watch was kept on the cities, its homes and businesses.
I’m not quite sure how many people actually lost their
lives in the US due to Gustov, but I know it was minute compared
to the approximately 1800 lost of life from Katrina.
I understand President Bush visited the state and
assessed the damage, which was a far cry from what he did after
Katrina struck in 2005. Good
for him!!
Our hope and prayers go out to the many in the other countries
that was struck by Gustov, I know in Jamaica there were lots of
flooding, and destruction to bridges and roads, with several
lost of lives. May
the families suffering obtain help and comfort immediately.
On the heels of Hurricane Gustov, several
other severe storms are heading towards the United States.
The first is Hanna which drenched the Turks & Caicos
and Puerto Rico, slammed into Haiti killing 61, passed close by
Bahamas and is expected to reach the US (North and South
Carolina) by Friday night 9/5/08.
Ike which is predicted to be very severe - a
Category 4 storm (winds approximately 145 mph) moving
approximately 35 mph, may hit Cuba or North of The Bahamas
before “tracking up” to the United States (keep in mind due
to the undetermined movements of storms, it’s difficult to
predict the actual places they might affect).
As for Josephine she is brewing up in the Atlantic and
gained some more strength on 9/4/08 after weakening the day
before.
Please
on-line family with these storms approaching “back-to-back”,
I beg you to be prepared for each of them.
You must know how dangerous they can be, so “buckle
down” and be extremely safe.
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Click
the picture below to view a report on the storms on
Hanna, Ike and Josephine by the Associated Press and
powered by YouTube!
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Over this past week, I tuned into the Republic National
Convention (RNC), so that I could learn more about the
Republicans. I
believe in listening to everyone, in order for me to obtain as
much knowledge as I can, and so that I can learn everything on
every topic and situation.
I felt with the Republicans I needed to learn about their
beliefs, their ideas, their ideals and most importantly their
goals. I honestly
spent a lot of time focusing more on their views and goals, and
really saw where they were coming from.
To me it was an “eye-opener” and a bit baffling,
because we (the Republicans and I) were not on the same page.
In fact, I
truly couldn’t see the Republicans being on the same page with
many of the American people.
It was all about “Country First”, which is not a bad
thing nor a big problem with me.
However, I had to ask myself - what about the people in
“the Country”? Shouldn’t
it be about them FIRST? Don’t
get me wrong, I honestly do love and appreciate America, but the
souls in this country is what I feel should be important!
What about the many who are suffering because of the
declining economy, the energy crisis, the lost of their homes
because of this crazy housing crisis, the jobs lost due to them
being shipped overseas, the many suffering because of no health
care, and I can go on and on.
Don’t you think the people in this Country should be
the FIRST THING on the Republican’s mind?
WAR…WAR…WAR and military
is all I heard during the Convention, along with talks and
insinuations about possible threats, which seriously made me
scared. They
actually succeeded with making me scared.
Freedom too, was another factor that was stressed at the
Convention, which I simply don’t get.
Being from the Islands and coming here to America I’ve
always known America and its citizens to be free (one special
aspect of wanting so badly to come to America).
However, my current status and life here in America is
what’s important to me and to many.
Numerous amounts of folks in this Country are suffering
badly, and I heard nothing from the Republicans addressing these
issues...my issues. Just plain and simple War Mongers who
refuses to address the issues the people so need to hear.
We absolutely need to hear a plan that addresses changes and
resolutions for the betterment of many lives, a plan about our
troops returning home. Most
importantly, it was weird that I did not see or hear anyone I
could relate to, or who reflected me at this Convention on their
stage and in the audience.
That to me, was disturbing.
Certain things that were
spoken in speeches during the convention I picked up on and
which stood out in my mind.
(1) The First Lady Laura Bush spoke some striking words
as she introduced her husband President George Bush on Tuesday
night (9/2/08). She
stated: “…And here's another inspiring statistic. When my husband took
office, fewer than 50,000 Africans suffering from AIDS were
receiving the medicine they needed to survive.
Thanks to the president's emergency plan for AIDS relief,
that number is now nearly two million. You might call that
change you can really believe in.
George is using American's influence to lift up lives
around the world. Millions of children are protected from
malaria by mosquito nets the American people provide.
In Afghanistan and Iraq, 50 million people are now living
in freedom. And
let's not forget President Bush has kept the American people
safe...” On-Line Family as much as I appreciate and is thankful
for what President Bush has done for so many people in other
countries, I cannot help but ask what has he and his
Administration done for those in this country, including the
many victims suffering from Aids right here on American soil.
Why does it seem that he is more occupied with helping
everyone else in other countries and is involved with every
other country’s business other than America’s?
How about that uproar which took place outside the Xcel Energy
center in MN, that lead to numerous arrests (hundreds and
hundreds), along with pepper spray and tear gas being released
by the authorities on the protestors, as well as rubber bullets
being shot at those who were peacefully protesting
(approximately 10,000 on Monday during the Anti-War March and on
Tuesday Welfare Rights demanding human rights for low-income
Americans.) Was all that necessary?
It was an image of a war zone, not in this country. However, sadly it was in this country, and the unnecessary
tear gas bombs and rubber bullets were released on the American
people who were exercising their god given rights.
When I watched ordinary folks being arrested and treated
like criminals, I was appalled!!
Even many from the Media were arrested (Click
here to See Video of Amy Goodman – Radio Host of Democracy Now
as she is being arrested.) Click
Here to read more about the Protests!
Again, I asked why was this
taking place at a Convention, and why on American people?
Why was that excessive force necessary?
The protestors did not seem to be of any harm to anyone
at the Convention, they were protesting for their cause and
belief. Actually,
it was reported that they were in a particular area away from
the Convention. Anyway,
it was truly shocking to me, and I must admit I reflected on
this situation and felt that the American people are not
respected at all.
You must ask yourself, do we
really want this? Do we want an extension of this type of craziness to continue
by the leadership of this country?
I truly hope not!!!
This Sarah Palin situation is
completely out of control.
When I first heard about her being Senator John
McCain’s pick for Vice President, I honestly thought it was a
great move strategically on McCain’s path. You
see he had certainly believed the hype, and was trying to
capture the 18 million Hillary Clinton voters (the cracks in the
ceiling as Senator Clinton called it.).
However, I believe Clinton’s supporters really takes to
heart the issues she dealt with during her run of becoming the
Democratic Presidential Nominee.
As the week
passed so many issues arose with Mrs. Palin herself, her
experience, her governorship, and her family, which was a bit
shocking and was on the lips of everyone in America. After learning some things through the media and Internet, I
along with many others in America began to seriously question
the Republicans values on morality, Christianity, and most
importantly their ideals. I
wondered…did John McCain really think over his VP pick?
I agreed with Senator Obama’s statements regarding any
attacks on Sarah Palin: “I
have said before, and I will repeat again: People's families are
off-limit. And
people's children are especially off-limits. This shouldn't be
part of our politics. It has no relevance to Gov. Palin's
performance as a governor or her potential performance as a vice
president. So I would strongly urge people to back off these
kinds of stories. You know, my mother had me when she was 18,
and how a family deals with issues and teenage children, that
shouldn’t be a topic of our politics."
On Wednesday
night- 9/3/08 however, as Mrs. Palin took the stage people were
able to get a good glimpse of her. To me she delivered her prepared speech very well!
She didn’t address any policies or any social issues,
nothing at all about bringing our beloved troops home from Iraq,
nor did she answer any questions I had.
Instead she was excellent with lashing out against
Senator Obama and his camp.
A “tough cookie” she seemed to be when belittling and
ridiculing her opponents, which was un-motivating for me, and a
major “turn-off”. Absolutely
nothing I needed to know was shared, nor were any of the
questions that were very important to me answered.
I still don’t know who she is, don't know much about
her experience, and I am still "up in the air" and
left trying to figure out what makes her a good nominee for the
2nd top job in the land.
As
for Senator John McCain' s Presidential nomination acceptance
speech, it was the “same ole thing" continuously.
Clearly, one must be a veteran, served in a war, become a
prisoner of war, and get some scars to be President. Lots
of "biting" on slogans such as Change and "it's
about you and not me". Certainly Senator McCain said
a lot of stuff, actually lots about himself, but WAR...WAR...WAR
and FIGHT...FIGHT...FIGHT was all I heard throughout his speech
and throughout the entire convention. For me, I need to
hear about health care, more details on the economy, solutions
to the energy crisis, solutions to the housing crisis, etc.
there was absolutely no appeal from him to me (the average
citizen or resident of this county.) It seemed he was only
talking to the folks from his party, and it was really nothing
new just more on war and fighting.
As
I close, I must say surly we all love this country just as much
as Senator McCain and the Republicans, but we need so many
things in this country to change for all of us to prosper, and
for me he really doesn't show me change nor does he reflect
Change. I am interested to know how you felt about the
convention, their speeches, their attacks and your thoughts on
all the issues addressed or may I say not addressed.
Please feel free to share them with me.
This
week in History - September 4-September
10th: Knowledge is power, so learn about your
history!!! I have listed several
important facts and historic issues that took place during
this week. Please take the time to read and
become educated, because education is the key to pretty
much everything in life, and surly what is needed to fulfill
your purpose. Again, remember knowledge is power!!! Click on to the titles
(underlined) listed below to learn
everything about these important issues and check out the
additional information on each issue.
1915 -
September 9th: Carter
G. Woodson founds the Association for the Study of Negro Life
and History in Chicago! This association
produces the Journal of Negro History the following
year. Click the highlighted date above to read about
ASNLH, and Read more about ASNLH and Carter G. Woodson
accomplishments and works by CLICKING
HERE!
1922
- September: William
Leo Hansberry of Howard University teaches the first course in
Africa History and civilization at an American University.
Read all about Mr. Hansberry and his accomplishments by CLICK
HERE or on the date above!
1926 -
September: Dr.
Mordecai Johnson becomes the first African American President
of Howard University! Mordecai Johnson was
born on December 12, 1890 in a small Southern town, Paris,
Tennessee to former slaves, Wyatt and Carolyn. His father was
a preacher and a mill worker. Click the following date
above to read all about Dr. Mordecai Johnson.
1979
- September: Hazel W. Johnson becomes the first
African-American Woman General. Hazel
W. Johnson becomes the first African-American woman General in
the United States Army. http://history.amedd.army.mil/ANCWebsite/superintendents/16_Johnson.html;
http://culturebus.com/site/?page=profile&url_id=107&n=Johnson,_Hazel_W.
1993
- September 7, 1993 M. Joycelyn Harris becomes the First
African-American and Woman to become U.S. Surgeon General.
Click the highlighted date and portion above or Here
to read Ms. Harris biography or the following link: http://www.biography.com/search/article.do?id=212141
 Ronald P. Bell,
a lovely man and the uncle of My husband Todd - passed on
recently. We will miss Ronnie tremendously, because of his
lovingness and kindness. We fondly recall the numerous
amounts of time we spent with Ronnie and his companion Penny
soon after moving back to Maryland (our home) from
Florida. The long talks while sitting in his back yard
around a bon fire, while watching the stars and munching down on
the exquisite foods he would prepare. Boy, it seemed
everything he prepared was excellent, and for me it was the way
he prepared his vegetables - they were the best! We will
always recall his jokes, his stories, his special view on life
and this world, and the special stimulating outings he would
take many of the family members on. A very intriguing man
Ronnie was, and he could never be replaced. We know
Ronnie is at peace and is certainly out of pain. We
believe since Ronnie's dad (Grand-dad William Bell, Jr. ) passed
on a little over a month ago, they both are together in that
special place we call "Heaven", and they continue to
walk, talk, fish and laugh together. To Ronnie's sons,
please know we share your grief, and may the fond memories of
him forever live on in your hearts and minds.
Recently we got word about one of the biggest Reggae shows
coming to the Crossroad Entertainment Complex in Bladensburg
Maryland. The One Love Reggae Festival will be taking
place on Sunday, September 14th. This exciting annual
festival is one that many look forward to each year, and as
always this year the show features several fabulous Reggae
artists. Headlining the show this year is International
Reggae Superstar Buju Banton (known for his most recent hit song
"Driver", along with Tarrus Riley, Queen Ifrica, Dean
Fraser, Maxi Priest, Duane Stephenson, Culture featuring
Kinyatta Hill, DeMarco and Serani. For more details on
this show and on purchasing tickets click on the flyer above, or
scroll down to our "Featured Events" Section to read.
* Friday,
September 26th, the first Presidential Debate will be
held. It will take place on the Campus of the University
of Mississippi. Also, look out for the Vice Presidential
debate on October 2, 2008
* The
General Elections are exactly 60 days
from Thursday, September 4, so to make sure
your voice is heard and to be a part of the nations most
exciting elections, you must register to vote NOW. Log
on HERE to see the voter registration date deadline for each
state, and proceed
with registering to vote by logging on HERE, and filling out the registration
form at "Rock The Vote.com". (To
access the form, click the "Register To Vote" Button
from the menu at the top of the page)
 Thanks
to the many who have sent me e-mails in
response to my past E-Newsletters and lots of important
information to use for our future E-Newsletters. Most importantly, I thank you for your
encouraging words! So until next week... please enjoy, and
be safe this Weekend and the upcoming week!!
 
     
Also
to all of you, thanks for reading, sharing your thoughts
and comments with us, and for always supporting
us. As you know without you there would be no us, so thanks very much for your support and One Love!
For All Events
Go To
Our "Events"
Page
Check out our
"Featured Events" listed below.
Also, there are
several events taking place this weekend, next weekend and beyond, so to view all the Events please log on
to our "Events" Page above!
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September
6, 2008
Washington
DC
 
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September
12, 2008
Washington
DC
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September
14, 2008
Bladensburg,
Maryland
TICKETS
AVAILABLE @:
Brown's
Bakery: 202.882.1626
Crown Bakery: 202.291.3009
Bamboo Grove: 301.429.8780
Caribbean Superior: 301.277.1868
Caribbean Delight: 301.439.1270
Caribbean Carryout
Caribbean Market: 301.439.5288
Montego Bay Restaurant:
410.367.3450
Caribbean Sea: 301.897.3497
Jerk Pit: 301.982.5375
Simba Internatinal Records:
301.445.1670
Lion’s Deli
International Cuts
VENDING
INFO:
VENDING@CROSSROADSCLUB.COM
OR CALL
(301) 927.1056 EXT. 4
EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE
UNTIL
SEPTEMBER 7: $40
/ $50 AFTER
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or Click
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