40,000 Hits

Thank you!

This blog has officially received 40,000 hits from YOU, and YOU and YOU.

That song is dedicated to all the new viewers to this blog and all the lovely bloggers that visit this site on a regular basis. Welcome to the blog!

This blog is growing and I am excited about that. Moving on, I will be Guest Blogging on other sites officially. My first post on Young Brothas will be on March 1, 2010. We have agreed for me to officially write for that blog, once I submit entries. I am happy for the opportunity and do not worry whatever is on that site will be provided here.

Can someone say Celebration!

The final song is from The Oprah Show which featured Celine Dion and The Canadian Tenors. A little background. Both are from Canada and The Canadian Tenors have not met Celine Dion. So Oprah ‘surprise style’ she invited the male group and invited them under the premise that they were there because they were rising talents (although they are). The big surprise, watch and see. I love this.

Each time you click on this blog and some bloggers may leave a comment – I am surprised. The expression on their faces when Celine Dion walks out is the same moment I share, even now.

Thanks a million.

Water Cooler Ed 13

Welcome to the thirteenth edition in the series of the Water Cooler – appears every Sunday on this blog. This feature will highlight what’s hot, topical and up for discussion.

Here we go.

Politics

Flopped Copenhagen

With millions of people being added to the world population it is a time bomb waiting to happen before we start destroying planet Earth. For many scientists, Al Gore and others we have started that process already. One would think that the researched data presented would be based on facts but the disparaging rumours of the skewed data cannot rest well when making policy decisions.

With this Copenhagen Summit surrounding Global Warming and the damages to the environment I do not think how positive an outcome can be if politicians from around the world meet to solve a world crises. They cannot even solve their local country issues (recession etc) so how can they solve a global problem.

The best way to resolve this issue is to have each country develop policies to protect their own country – their own piece of the world. Having world leaders all congregate and pander on a stage – some of them built on egos – they cannot solve or begin to attempt to solve the myriad problems that face us as global citizens. With each country having dialogue with their own manufacturers in their respective countries there and then we will begin to have real dialogue on how we can all help the world to become a better place.

What was not also encouraging was the fact that most of the world leaders flew personal and individual private jets to the summit in Copenhagen. This cannot be sending the right signal to the world that we are in a mode of crises when your intentions are to damage the planet. I am baffled that at all these international summits as well that the sole leadership seems to rest on the American President. It cannot be that we hold the American President to a different level and esteem than the other countries. Small islands, huge nations must see their role as important in saving the planet.

Entertainment

Buju Banton

Mark Myrie popularly known as Buju Banton is still behind bars in Florida, USA. This continues to memorize many Jamaicans who still do not believe that the international reggae artiste was able to commit such wrong – conspiracy to deal drugs (cocaine). As a Rastafarian, Buju Banton believes in the smoking of the controversial herb marijuana. They (Rastafarians) despise the use of cocaine. Jamaicans and the millions of fans internationally are upset he was found dabbling in this kind of drug. Some even say it was a set up by the homosexuals who want to see the mango down. I am not shocked by these developments surrounding Buju Banton. Below are lyrics from one of his popular songs called ‘ Driver”.

So driver, don’t stop at all, mi seh drop this Arizona round a Alba Mall
Driver, mi seh don’t even hitch, collect dat likkle food deh yah and come back quick
Driver, just rememba di damn speed limit
Cau if yuh, run in di Feds my friend dat is it

In English it reads:

Driver, Don’t stop at all, Drop this at Arizona around Alba Mall

Driver, I tell you do not stop, collect the food and come back quick

Driver, Just remember the speed limit

Because if you exceed the speed limit, the FEDS will come after you.

Although that’s a poor attempt at translating Jamaican patois, Buju Banton in his song Driver details clearly how to avoid the police in retrieving the drugs. A Grammy nominee for 2009 Buju Banton could see himself winning the reggae/dancehall category. If he does, the Grammy nominee prides themselves with his nomination. The organization states they support free speech.

Buju Banton is a real icon in Jamaican music. For many years he has toured Europe etc blazing the trail for reggae. For many people, this is a direct attack on reggae music and will reduce the popularity of the music in certain quarters of the world. This could be Banton’s darkest moments. If he was caught by Jamaican cops, he would have been a free man now. The fact that he was caught by American police Jamaicans are not hopeful he will leave lock up for anytime soon.

He is innocent until proven guilty.

Love and Relationship

Try this exercise and see how well you like it. With your partner his/her likes and dislikes. This can be fun. Try i!

Photo of the Week

Photo by Craig A. Bloomfield

Water Cooler Ed 12.

Welcome to the twelfth edition in the series of the Water Cooler – appears every Sunday on this blog. This feature will highlight what’s hot, topical and up for discussion.

Here we go.

Politics

The speech at West Point was disappointing. Obama has pledged to send 30,000 more troops to the Afghan war. Here is a President who campaigned with his whole heart and who convinced many around the world that he would have ended the war. In his speech Obama mentioned he was against the war initially but with him being in office his actions shows the opposite.

There is no way anyone can support this war at this time. It has been going on for who knows when and no one knows for sure when it will all end because you don’t end a war in a night. The withdrawal of the thousands of troops is another war in itself and a new process. I support conservatives and Republican beliefs sometimes and support those issues important to Democrats alike. However, this decision to continue a war goes against everything Obama stands for. His support to continue the war pushes America in a deeper recession and those developing countries and developed ones that depend on the growth of the USA are also terrified about their future. The situation of skyrocketing unemployment figures and the housing sector is going to get worse. The fact is the trillions of dollars that could be spent on supporting national security (God Bless Lou Dobbs’ heart), generating small businesses, getting people back to work etc those monies are shipped overseas to support a losing war. No one expects the USA to win the fight against terrorism. They are fighting ideologies and a radical movement that will continue indefinitely. I would support a decision to end the war and secure your own borders because we all know, not even the borders of the USA are secure.

The effects this will have on Obama will be disastrous. This week I read a report where Angelina Jolie spoke out against Obama being a one term President. When you have Jolie making a statement like that – things are bad. It’s not a statement that you laugh at, it may be reality. Obama needs to take stock of the situation. What we are seeing being played out is straight politics. Whether that will hurt Americans in the future, who knows? As a generation we need to make decisions that the future generations will look back and say they did the right thing.

Entertainment

What would we do without a Cheetah I mean Tiger Woods?

Red turns him on. Just do it!

The drama surrounding Tiger Woods gets deeper and deeper and wider and deeper and wider. This week was a roller coaster ride for the best golfer we have ever seen in our lifetime. Let me first start out by saying that Tiger Woods will go down. There is no way he can keep all of his endorsements. Tiger Woods is a brand and that brand in public opinion has been tarnished, dragged in the tabloids dirt and there is no way he can recover from this one. When you project an image of ‘the best’ and ‘refinement’ and when those qualities are questioned, you have a problem.

What a pity! To have everything the world could offer and live a nasty lie, it makes you look silly. I do not think she will come out supporting him. Instead, I hope she divorces his ass, receive the millions she is worth and then have those endorsement deals end. All of this is a sideshow. My concern is about the children because we never can underestimate the impact this will have on the kids for their entire lives. To have their father cheat on their mother not only once but the tens of mistresses that are coming forward and forward I want them to.

No matter how it’s sweet to hear how good and endowed he is and his freakiness in bed that does not comfort the many lives he has wrecked. His family must be hurt, not to mention his immediate. This is a message to all those who live a public life. You do not use the media to promote yourself and then blame it when you have suffered pain. I want the media to drench the internet with his messy lifestyle and ensure this guy does not benefit in the future.

I overheard people talking this week about how wicked the media is and they should all leave him alone. Leave him alone for what! I also blame his wife.

Love & Relationship

I blame his wife for not doing enough. Many men and women enter marriages and they are clueless. Through the mistresses that have come forward we are learning how freaky Tiger can be. I have no problem with someone being freaky and wanting to explore. If Tiger’s wife Elin is a holy-ghost, spirit filled, Christian, conservative in bed then we know why Tiger left the matrimonial home to satisfy his needs. The days are gone and times have changed, you better be willing to satisfy your partner or suffer like many other wives and husbands who leave their partners to satisfy themselves. One of the mistresses from Tiger’s past reveals he like red underwear and how he likes it in different places. It may be too much information but this whole story shows a man who is desperate for love or he loves a good time. My advice to dating and married couples are you better be willing to satisfy your partner, change things up, mix things up, go somewhere else, because God knows if you won’t someone else will. The world may come crashing in or cashing in when you find out.

HOLD ON! How could I have forgotten other cheaters. You remember Kobe who when he cheated on his wife bought a house for her finger – the ring. Well I have a suggestion for Tiger Woods. This song was leaked to the internet and I think it is so appropriate for Woods now. The song is by Alicia Keys feat Beyonce – Put it in a love song.

Extra

How could we foget? The hungry wanna be celebrities who crashed Obama’s party. I do not think they should be charged for anything. They should have been turned away and not allowed to enter the area. I like SNL’s take on the issue and who knows what you will see in the video could have gone down at the Whitehouse.

Inspiration

Be kind one to another. Sharing is caring.

Water Cooler Ed 10

Welcome to the tenth edition in the series of the Water Cooler – appears every Sunday on this blog. This feature will highlight what’s hot, topical and up for discussion.

Here we go.

Politics

Palin

Oprah

Sarah Palin’s interview with Oprah Winfrey will be a hit. It will have the media talking for the next two weeks and beyond. The political pundits who spewed hate against this lady will cringe when their deepest fears are realized when she inevitably runs for President the next time around. Please clear the thought of a second term for Obama. The economic situation will change all those dreams. The fact is Sarah Palin represents to the ‘tee’ the ideal Republican Party candidate and could be a force to reckon with if she makes that decision to do the right thing. I am compassionate to those folks who today think Palin is not dignified or unqualified to serve as President. That would mean the others who served and is serving in that same position aren’t worthy themselves. The Palin brand will see traction in the coming years and it gives her more time to create the right image for the post. Do not forget a day in politics is a long time.

Obama

So Obama faces a decision to send more troops to the war torn Middle East country. This decision will define his presidency and I can’t wait to what is going to come of it. Obama campaigned to end the war. I don’t know if this is a broken promise but I would have loved to see him with the balls to leave Afghanistan and really bring about that change he preached – campaign and joked about.

 

 

 

Entertainment

I got to watch The Kardashians yesterday – the one featuring the infamous wedding with Khloe and Lamar. I am a fan of the show – have always been. Don’t we love the drama? There is one thing I have noticed from the show. Of all the drama we have known the family to deliver you get the picture family values are at the foundation of this family. Of course, we can imagine the disgust and quarrels a family goes through when someone plans to get married after meeting the other under a month. We normally think the person is crazy because of the sudden decision. All in all, families are best when they come together and share the joy of others.

Many may think its another fake marriage and fake love. Who knows?

Photo & Inspiration

My friend took some pictures at the famous Rose Hall Resort & Spa. Enjoy some pictures below. They are lovely – hope you’ll like them.

What is this?

Love & Relationship

The tip for the week is “Do not nag your partner.” Quit it.

Water Cooler Ed. 9

Welcome to the ninth edition in the series of the Water Cooler – appears every Sunday on this blog. This feature will highlight what’s hot, topical and up for discussion.

Here we go.

Politics

There is never a dull day in politics. I mean today you’re in; tomorrow you’re out with the possibility of getting in again. Just a few days ago republicans were celebrating their wins in the governor races, last night they lost the bid in reforming health care. This is a win for Obama and I’m sure he rested well on Saturday night. The fight isn’t over as yet though. The bill goes for a fight in the Senate and then we will see what becomes of the unread bill. I didn’t believe the bill would have been passed but congratulations for to the Democratic Party and to Nancy Pelosi for bringing on the fight.

I did not see the news coverage on the vote in its entirety but I certainly heard the cheers from the Democratic supporters who have wanted this for a long time. It may be good timing and it may a political disaster for politicians.

I am not going to fight the bill this week just to say that politicians owe it to their constituents to read the bill in its entirety. The lies that were told about this bill were outrageous. We cannot even trust news agencies anymore to provide the factual details on the bill. Moving on I only hope the truth about this bill, its effects on taxpayers will be told.

Entertainment

Rihanna Speaks

Below are videos that show the 20/20 interview by Sawyer. This interview was intimate, damning for Chris Brown, and it made Rihanna look amazing. From a PR point of view, this is what you want to accomplish in an interview like this. This interview outclasses the Oprah, Whitney Houston interview by far – made it look like a joke. This will give Rihanna the comeback she deserves from the battering Brown gave her on that night. It also makes Brown look bad, with his career in limbo.

Inspiration of the Week

Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine. – Lord Byron, 1788-1824

Obama’s Nightmare!

Just mere hours ago two republican representatives won their governor races. This is an exciting time for the Republican Party since their landslide loss in the general elections. This means that Obama will have a harder time passing his agenda based on the politics.

With this the only election before 2010 the media was excited about this ‘local’ election. I watched wall to wall coverage on Fox News and CNN as they delved in on the issues and messages within the wins. It is a horrible time to be President because of the myriad challenges Obama faces. He has failed to deliver on stimulating the economy and what is being stimulated aren’t jobs, jobs, jobs which the people really need.

Today, Obama is looking back wondering what went going wrong. Is the honeymoon all over?

If you noticed, liberals and moderate democrats have been distancing themselves and the President from the democratic candidates – which is only politics. However, Obama campaigned especially for the former Governor – Corzine. So to say Obama’s role was absent should not accepted as an argument.

It is interesting to see how future elections will go since the two democrats who affiliated themselves with Obama lost. It is an exciting time for politics and we just can’t wait for 2010 to come.

Interpretation of this win

People are upset with Obama. He ran a campaign saying he was different and he was about to change Washington. The truth is this is all political talk and he has failed to change it. He has pushed forward legislation which increases spending at a time which governments should be cutting back. As this goes on, more jobs are being lost, more homes in foreclosures and people are struggling. These wins are intended to send a signal to Obama that hey it’s not all democratic country yet. Weeks ago there was a report saying that republican numbers are dying. Well we saw what happened. Republicans are on the rise and are back on track.

Will we see more republican representative elected in 2010? Or will be see democrats retaining their seats?

Time will tell. The fact is if Obama continues on this road of high spending, higher taxes, he will not see a double term. Was he ever thinking of one?

Water Cooler Ed. 8

Welcome to the eighth edition in the series of the Water Cooler – appears every Sunday on this blog. This feature will highlight what’s hot, topical and up for discussion.

Here we go.

Politics

What motivates you to vote for a political candidate?

Is his/her marriage really important to you?

Is marriage a prerequisite to serve at the highest level?

NO, if you ask me.

However, it appears that politicians have to be married to even start a campaign. While divorces are on an all time high, it would seem we have forced politicians in a life that they don’t personally desire and that makes everything a lie.

Most times in political commentaries we focus on family life; to say political marriages makes the candidate more normal and thus has the capacity to vote on legislations that matters to you as a citizen. Married politicians are projected to be more caring and family oriented in campaigns. Although that may be true; when it isn’t going well our ‘expectations’ force them to live a lie to remain where we have forced them to be. Being married doesn’t say you have higher moral standing than those who aren’t.  What is says is that you have decided to walk life’s journey with this special person.

What say you?

Business

In a bid to stimulate the economy, the Jamaica Observer organized Fashion Night Out where fashion/retail outlets slashed their prices by large percentages up to 70% to generate high sales. Weeks ago, I had a haircut in the capital city, Kingston and at around 6pm after leaving the barber salon it was like a ghost town outside. I wondered to myself why the city was so quiet. I blamed the current economy and the recession. I should have considered that we have cultured our habits this way and this was the result. More recently, I had an acquaintance who moved to Jamaica from New York (the city that never sleeps) and after a week here he returned because the city was dead by sunset. It struck me then that we have a major problem. I appreciate the efforts what Fashion Night Out promoted and anticipate more FNOs. Over in Barbados, our neighbouring Caribbean island they have introduced legislation to have retailers open 24-7. Talk about competition and new ways of doing things. Retailers claimed the night a success which can only be good at the end of the ‘night.’

Entertainment

This is it – Review

Michael Jackson

I watched the Michael Jackson documentary and thought it was stunning. The producers of the 50 minute documentary were able to capture the king of pop in his rehearsals before he passed away. I was impressed with the footage because it told the story we heard of Michael Jackson. Now we were able to relive the intimate moments of him without the screaming fans and blaring lights. We saw the perfectionist in action, directing the minute details of his to be last tour. There is a message within the documentary for every aspiring entertainer which must not be missed. Giving your best each time is of paramount importance and ensuring your delivery – the passion will be remembered by those who see it. That is what made MJ, what he was and so many artistes today. I sat and only imagined This is it with all the lights, screaming fans and Michael Jackson delivering his final set of shows stamping This is it into history; he never got the time.

Quote

“Readiness is all.” – William Shakespear

Water Cooler Ed 7

Welcome to the seventh edition in the series of the Water Cooler – appears every Sunday on this blog. This feature will highlight what’s hot, topical and up for discussion.

Here we go.

Politics

Reggae music is very popular worldwide and whilst it is known for its Rastafarian culture, Jamaican reggae artistes are also known for their homophobic attacks in their music. Recently, Mark ‘Buju Banton’ Myrie – popular international reggae performer met with gay advocates in the United States of America (USA) to have dialogue on his violent lyrics targeted to the gay community. Back in Jamaica, because of its homophobic culture, Jamaicans were lamenting and began to hate Mark ‘Buju Banton’ Myrie because of his meeting with the gay community. Some claimed they would not be listening to his music, while others were just disappointed. Yesterday in the newspaper here Sunday, October 25, 2009 an article declared the church finally agrees with the reggae performers; they support reggae acts who express their negative opinions on the gay community. However, the international gay community should know these facts about the operations in Jamaica – by no means it is perfect. Jamaicans claim to be a Christian society; with this the country sees a high murder rate – third in the world. No Jamaican is safe these days, not even tourists who are caught in the cross fires sometimes. In the entertainment industry rising reggae talents wanting to make an impact locally sing songs that incite violence towards the gay community and songs that sexualize young children. By doing this they become instant celebrities being played on radio stations and television programmes. Politicians get in the act as well bashing gay people even in the House of Parliament and some may bash gays to get votes. You see, the Jamaican society is not as educated as others, they are ignorant and are caught up defending Christian values but on the other hand the outcry against other crimes are not expressed with such disdain. No one living in Jamaica is shocked a 5 year old is snatched, raped and killed. Killing people and depriving legal abiding citizens on their rights have become so routine that you wonder who is next; praying you are not.

For Jamaica to change, it will take a new generation, one that is educated and see the world like a global village – accepting diversity. I share with you a perfect example, Barbados. Barbados is a Caribbean nation, 99% literacy rate, first world status and they accept fully people from different orientations.

In the House of Parliament, they have raised the issue of Charter of Rights – someone told me it includes fundamental rights for all WoW- and nowhere in the document have politicians on both sides acknowledge that they will be discussing the issue as it relates to one’s sexual orientation. Instead they have both offered early statements signaling their stance on the issue which they have ignored in the bill. Last year the Prime Minister of Jamaica declared in a BBC interview that no gay cabinet member will ever serve the Jamaican people under his leadership, while the Leader of the Opposition statements justified the position of the government. Politicians in Jamaica do not care about the Jamaican people, they are a set of corrupt, inefficient group whose main aim is to divide so long as they remain in their positions. They could not care less about the thousands of people who are affected by this decision. Instead to secure their votes they ensure that Parliament does not debate gay issues and they pander to the ignorant masses to get votes. Historically Jamaican voters do not vote on issues. Voters in the USA vote on issues such as health care, economic stability, securing the border, Foreign Policy – Wars in Iraq etc. Nooooo! In Jamaica for a politician to win, you better fork out the cash to fill those mouths with chicken, curried goat and lots of beer if you can give cash, then you are the big man able to represent the Jamaican people. Corrupt politicians run for new posts all the time, it’s the norm!

So the only, well not the only solution but the most powerful solution is to hit the artistes where it hurts most and its in their pockets. Fight and keep them from performing in your cities – the ones who support for the mass killings of gay people.There are local artistes who are trending on a new path one that does not incite violence, only if more will follow and they have been but there are a few bad apples still.

There is no way in 2009 that we can condone people supporting those heinous actions.

Inspiration

After several months of unemployment my quests to search for a job was drained. I was disappointed in myself because I think that I am an astute hard worker who would be a great asset to any firm. Realizing the reality that my small network failed I became uninterested in the professional workforce exploring entrepreneurial opportunities that could come my way. Although they are still open I landed a job recently.

I observed days after starting to work that it will take a few days or weeks to get into a work routine. It took a while because I was home doing nothing for months. Going from unscheduled days to a minute by minute schedule, reporting to a superior I became flustered because I was not in the frame of mind to work.

After weeks in my new job I have recognized that I may not be enjoying this job. Keep in mind that I am not lazy or have a bad attitude on the job. It will take a toll on any employee who doesn’t have job security or even a scope for growth and improvement. I have been approached by other firms for new employment opportunities. Although nothing is in black and white yet, I am excited!

I can understand anyone who at this moment is unemployed. I have not celebrated my employment yet because personally I do not consider myself in a real job yet. I hope when the other opportunities materialize I can. For those who are unemployed, stay focused by applying, remain motivated and patient, things must change.

Mine took six months to, your time will come.

One advice, please keep your mind active. Read a book, read newspapers online or even read works in your particular field. Employers want you to be on top of things as you step through the door. I’m just saying!

Photo of the Week

A 70-foot female blue whale that officials believe was struck by a ship is seen washed ashore on the Northern California coast on Oct. 20 near Fort Bragg.

Water Cooler Ed 6

Water Cooler Ed. 6

Welcome to the sixth edition in the series of the Water Cooler – appears every Sunday on this blog. This feature will highlight what’s hot, topical and up for discussion.

Here we go.

Politics

Whitehouse vs. Fox News

Winner: To be Announced

Obama

The Obama administration got off to a blistering start. They delivered on fixing the economy, the debt is down, American citizens are back on the job, manufacturing is good, no worries about the new levels of unemployment, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are successful and the next move is to pull all the troops and the vote to secure health care reform is on the way. Barack Obama is also seeing great favourable figures and most of his critics are visioning a double term for the current President.

That is far from the truth and Obama faces more issues locally than he is fighting internationally. The Obama administration has been a failure in regards to lies about the stimulus package, the new rates of unemployment never seen, the rising debt and now a fight with a news organization. How clever of Obama?

First Obama ignores FOX NEWS on his media run to push health care reform (remember that) and one would think that this disrespect would continue because after all who watches Fox News. Annita Dunn, a member of Obama’s communication team said this in a CNN interview about Fox News saying Fox is like “a wing of the Republican Party”.

Now, all good thinking, objective media junkies may agree that Fox News’ coverage on major issues may lean to the Republican Party. There is nothing wrong with that conclusion, after all, all the major networks CNN, MS NBC etc are all in favour of a particular position. So to go all out against Fox News is rather cynical and makes the Obama administration looks immature and afraid of the opposition’s views. Obama’s war with Fox News will see his image diminish more and his policies will be scrutinised more.

This is the reality with the news media in the 21^st Century. No longer are they objective, fair, balanced, the most trusted name in news or a world leader in breaking news. They have become so invested in presenting opinions that most of their coverage is twisted along these lines misleading millions in the way they present news. So instead of airing 100% opinions on issues (if they like that version) they have mixed journalist reports with their opinionated pieces which blur the real purpose of journalism.

The news media can be good and it can be bad. Certainly Obama isn’t benefiting in any way from the right winged reporting of Fox News, so to hit them where it hurts, Obama sends his communication team to bash Fox News saying they are not a real news organization. Like CNN etc are. I wished the Obama team could talk about health care reform like how they bash news agencies that does not support their socialist thinking.

I am disappointed in Obama. I expected much better from the Noble Prize Winner who is becoming more of a warrior than a ‘Mother Theresa’. For Obama to claim that Fox News isn’t a legitimate news agency is simply playing politics. Will he succeed with an all out war against Fox? He cannot, people should see this as him not being able to accept the truth.

TV & Entertainment

Do you know the Heene family? No. I’m sure you know them, they are the ‘balloon hoax team’, now you know the Heene family.

I will not go over what happened with the family in the past week but just to say that it takes nothing to be a celebrity these days. I was watching cable news recently and they covered a car chase for hours on end. I am not surprised that they were obsessed with this story. Don’t we love crazy families with interesting stories? This just makes my point that ridiculous behaviour will always be rewarded, this was just hot air. The world is so crazy that most people immediately thought of this family having their own reality show. J I think they should get their own show, why not?

With the drama they created I think they would make great reality t.v. The dad gets crazy when he’s upset and the boys are used to the screen.

Photo

Portland, Jamaica

Thanks Daddy

We never can overemphasize a father’s impact in his child’s life. Many times those who have a father’s presence take it for granted. While those who are without a father find ‘father figures’ in the form of boyfriends, uncles and other relatives, it is not surprising that statistics emanating from fatherless homes and lives are horrendous. Many of the myriad problems societies face are a result of fathers not playing a role in their child’s early years. Of course, the same happens when mothers abandon the parent-child relationship. However, there are more negligent fathers than mothers today. Culturally, we have accepted the absence of the father as normal. We have also accepted the ridiculous excuses that may be given by the father to justify his absence as a parent. Even those who live in the same home with the children need to realize that a father is more than a ‘pay-rent.’

The paternal role as sole financial provider is rapidly becoming obsolete as more and more women make their way in the corporate world. Fathers must come to the realization that all the money in the world can never replace the bonding and interaction that characterize healthy parent-child relationships. The relationship should not be forced. It should be built over the years with trust and communication. Certainly, money plays a role, but children must be made to feel independent and should therefore be provided with their own cash. Parents must secure quality education for their children.

Today marks the eighth anniversary of the war in Afghanistan. The soldiers who are deployed in the war-torn areas, to serve their country in an endless war have rocked millions of families in America. Evidently, both mothers and fathers are away from their families but can you imagine the absence of a father? Many of the stories that are told highlight expecting mothers; and that makes the situation even more devastating. The memories these fathers miss cannot be repeated even if they are recorded. Memories like seeing your child going off to school for the first time, seeing them graduate, play in the park, looking at their report cards are all events that parents anticipate. Fathers suffer but more so the children are impacted emotionally because ‘daddy’ is not at home to share in those private ‘Kodak’ moments. Bonding is reduced to letters and phone calls.

Who can forget the video of the dad hugging his daughter after the little girl threw the ball back on the field? It melted hearts but what should never be missed is the father’s reactions. I watched the video over and over again and wondered how many fathers would have reacted the same way. It makes me wonder because here you have a dad who is clearly a baseball fan who decides to hug his daughter in a moment where he could have been upset.

Fathers are important from the fertilization of the egg to adulthood. We should never at any point think mothers should raise children on their own – even though some women beat the incredible odds of single parenthood. Both mothers and fathers are important in the development and nurturing of a child. We need to ensure more than ever that fathers play that role in a child’s life. Fathers may not be aware but children are watching parents and are learning from their attitude and actions.  A father’s presence in his child’s life makes a difference. Only those who have experienced it can begin to express what it really feels like.

It is time for men to be fathers again.