The Motorcycle Diaries

The Motorcycle Diaries is a fantastic film that I, in my usual tardiness, have only just managed to see long after most of my friends had long since seen it and put it out of their minds. Executive Produced by Robert Redford, interestingly enough, and starring Gael Garcia Bernal whom I don't believe I have ever seen before, tells the story of one year in the life of Ernesto Guevera, later known to the world as Che Guevera, the famous latin American revolutionary. This one year in the life of Guevera, and his humorous friend and travel companion, takes them across the latin American world, from Argentina to Venezuela and perhaps beyond (I don't quite recall). Senor Guevera is 23 years old when the journey begins. During the course of their travels, they observe both the incredible hardships as well as the indomitable spirit of the Mestizo American race that Che would one day give his life in an attempt to unite.

I did not know anything really about Che Guevera before I saw this film (save for the iconographic t-shirt that so many liberal young people are fond of wearing). I only know a little more about him now. Walking on a trail out near the Pacific Coast highway the other day, me and my Dad came across a young guy wearing one of those shirts. My Dad asked him, "who killed Che Guevera?" He responded, "the CIA." Dad responded, "wrong, Fidel Castro," and later took it to be evidence of the shallow anti-americanism that the adorners of such shirts tend to possess. A little research seems to indicate that he was ultimately killed by Bolivian soldiers while leading an effort to over throw that government. Whether the CIA supported this move as the movie indicates at the end, I can't know for certain. But it interesting that the name Che Guevera has made its way rather deeply into our American culture. One scene from the movie above all gives me a glimpse, perhaps, as to why.

Young Ernesto Guevera, as he was then called, was a medical student just shy of graduation at the time of his journey. In route he and his friend, a bio-chemist, volunteered their services at a Peruvian leper colony. While being taken by boat to the island or beach head where the isolated was located, they were informed by the resident Doctor that, though leprosy is not contagious under treatment, the Sisters running the facility required the use of gloves by all medical staff. But Che, understanding the symbolism of this rule, refused to wear. That is not the scene but it illustrates this mans attitude. From the first day to the last of their interment, Ernesto Guevera proves himself to be capable in medicine, but moreover tremendously loving all those whose lives he touches.

The scene that touched my follows as so: on the night of his 24th birthday, the sisters and medical staff give him a great celebration in a building some distance off the coast of the leper colony. He softened their hearts and perhaps changed the sort impersonal attitude that seemed to exist between the medical staff and the Nuns, and the sick people whom they helped...but at an emotional distance. Thanking them for their good will, Ernesto tells the people gathered that in his travel across America (latin America) he had learned that the supposed division between the people of these nations was false; that they were all one united, mestizo people who could band together to better their lot. Something to that effect. But what happened next was more powerful, and I wonder if it is really true. The young man walks out the building to look at the water of the lake separating them from their patients on the other side. He tells his friend that he wants to spend the rest of his birthday with those people, and proceeds to jump in the water and swim a perilous distance to their shores. His colleagues call from their side for him to swim back. Vaguely hearing the commotion, the lepers gaze from coast in the dark night and, when they perceive that he is swimming towards them, cheers for him not to give up. He makes it, and cheers erupt on both sides. It is a powerful scene.

Whether such a thing happened or not, and it may well have for the film is supposed to be based upon his actual accounts of these events, it shows us how wonderful it is to travel great distances to wed peoples hearts. How worthy it is to do so. For what else does God ask of us but to love each other, and in so doing showing others the way to do so as well? No matter what virtues or vices this individual may have exhibited in his life, I believe that God must have blessed him and must have loved him for having a heart so determined to strengthened the bonds of love and fellowship between his people. We should all be willing to go the greatest distance in doing the same.

Take Charge of Your Credit!

I read an article in Essence magazine about credit ratings and the importance of staying on top of it. I like this article. It gives great advice on what to do to stay out of "credit" danger! Here are a few tips:

1. Open all mail. Read every correspondence from your card issuer and keep a lookout for changing credit limits or changes in other terms. Get an up-to-date copy of your credit agreement, and prepare to go through the fine print.

2. Make timely payments. Watch out for a universal default clause, which may be buried in your agreement. This policy lets creditors scan your credit report regularly to check for late payments or exceeded credit limits on all accounts. Pay one bill late, and a separate creditor can stick you with a higher default rate or an additional fee. Federal legislation restricting these clauses won't go into effect until July, 2010, so pay all accounts as soon as you get the bill.

3. Stay out of the credit danger zone. Issuers are looking for red flags indicating a consumer trouble. Late payments, high balances and cash advances could be a sign of cash flow problems and prompt a change in terms. If issuers sense you're at risk, they may assess a monthly fee, lower your credit line, or raise your APR.

4. Reassess credit. Know which cards you use and which you don't. Are there any you are saving as a rainy-day credit line? Charge a small amount at least every three months to keep them active.

5. Get a fixed rate. If possible, ask for a lower rate, pay down your credit card, and try not to build it back up. Do everything you can to bring your card balances down as quickly as possible.


I know these economic times are tough, but please try to do your best to keep your credit rating good.

The Amethyst Gemstone

I am a lover of gemstones and one of my favorites is the Amethyst. It's beautiful purple color is stunning. I have an amethyst gemstone that I keep in a pouch, in my purse at all times for constant spiritual enlightenment. Read on for more information about the Amethyst gemstone.

Amethyst is an extremely powerful and protective stone with a high spiritual vibration. It guards against psychic attack and transmuting the energy into love. A natural tranquilizer, Amethyst blocks stress and negative energies. It enhances higher states of consciousness and meditation. Amethyst has strong healing and cleansing powers, and enhances spiritual awareness. Traditionally, it was worn to prevent drunkenness and has a sobering effect on overindulgence, physical passions and supporting sobriety. It overcomes addictions and blockages of all kinds. Used at a higher level, Amethyst opens to another reality.

Amethyst is extremely beneficial to the mind, calming or stimulation as appropriate. When you meditate, it turns thoughts away from the mundane into tranquility and deeper understanding. Mentally, it helps enhances the assimilation of new ideas and connects cause with effect.

This stone facilitates the decision-making process, bringing in common sense and spiritual insights, and putting decisions and insights into practice. Mentally, it calms and synthesizes and aids the transmission neural signals through the brain. It is helpful where insomnia is caused by an overactive mind and protects against recurring nightmares.

Amethyst is one of the most spiritual stones, promoting love of the divine, giving insights into its true nature, and encouraging selflessness and spiritual wisdom. It opens intuition and enhances psychic gifts. This is an excellent stone for meditation and scrying and can be placed on the third eye to stimulate it. Sleeping with Amethyst facilitates out-of-body experiences and brings intuitive dreams. It transmutes lower energies to the higher frequencies of the spiritual and etheric realms.

Amethyst boosts production of hormones, and tunes the endocrine system and metabolism. It strengthens the cleansing and eliminating organs and the immune system. Amethyst relieves physical, emotional, and psychological pain or stress, and blocks stress. It eases headaches and releases tension.

Amethyst balances and connects the physical, mental and emotional bodies, linking them to the spiritual. It cleanses the aura and transmutes negative energy and stimulates the throat and crown chakras. It is helpful for people about to make the transition through death.

Wear or place as appropriate, especially as jewelry. Amethyst is beneficial worn over the throat or heart.

Lillo Thomas - Your Love's Got A Hold On Me

This takes me back! I love me some Lillo Thomas. When I discovered this rare video of him performing on Soul Train, I had to blog about it. I met Lillo when he appeared on Soul Train (yes I was a Soul Train dancer) back in the early 80's. One of my favorite male singers of all time, Lillo's voice was smooth, sexy and inviting, he definitely deserved more recognition as a vocalist and songwriter. I haven't spoken to Lillo since 2002 and I do hope he is still performing and bringing ear pleasure to all who is listening.

Enjoy "Your Love's Got A Hold On Me" by my friend forever LILLO THOMAS!

p.s. If you get a chance youtube his version of the Temptations "Just My Imagination" it is beautiful.

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN - Radio Show on KPFK

Every Monday morning at 3:30am, D.J. Teddy, soul brother of the night comes on and plays soul music of the 60's and 70's and it is phenomenal! This morning he played The Whispers "Loveland" and Lenny Williams "Cuz I Love You" (Steve Harvey's theme song). He followed up with The Spinners and the "Over Easy" section of the show where he plays an album (yes a album) on the first side and then flips it "over easy" to the second side. For those of us who are old enough to remember record albums, you know you had to flip it over nice and easy to avoid touching the record itself. You did not want to scratch it or get it dirty! This morning he featured Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, featuring Theodore (Teddy) Pendergrass. Do you remember "You Know how to Make me Feel so Good, Wake up Everybody, Don't Leave Me This Way and Tell the World How I Feel About You? Well these are just some of the memorable songs D.J. Teddy played this morning. Want more, then "wake up everybody" at 3:30am on Monday mornings, turn on the radio to KPFK, 90.7 on your radio dial and listen to the soul brother of the night!

Alfredo's Granada - Fine Mexican Food

Visiting the Ikea in Burbank, California? Want great mexican food? Then you must eat at Alfredo's Granada. Alfredo Bernal founded Alfredo's Granada in 1971 and his picture graces the entry way at the restaurant. This is family dining at its best, with great food, good prices and a warm friendly atmosphere. I especially loved the ensalada with avocado and the taco/enchilada combination. Additionally, they have a terrific brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday.

Alfredo's Granada is located at 110 West Victory Blvd. Burbank, CA 91506.

Enjoy!

Citrine Gemstone

For those of you who know me, know that I wear a citrine ring and bracelet everyday. The citrine gemstone is very pretty and I am complimented often on its beauty. But the reason I wear it everyday is because of it's attributes. The citrine gemstone is most popular for its capability to attract money. They say if you wear it or place it in your wallet, you will never be without....money. Here are a few more attributes about the citrine gemstone. Enjoy!

Citrine is a powerful cleanser and regenerator. Carrying the power of the sun, this is an exceedingly beneficial stone. It is warming, energizing, and highly creative. This is one of the crystals that never needs cleansing. It absorbs, transmutes, dissipates, and grounds negative energy and is therefore extremely protective for the environment. Citrine energizes every level of life. As an aura protector, it acts as an early warning system so that action can be taken to protect oneself. It has the ability to cleanse the chakras, especially the solar plexus and navel chakras. It activates the crown chakra and opens the intuition. Citrine cleanses and balances the subtle bodies, aligning them with the physical.

Citrine is one of the stones of abundance. This dynamic stone teaches how to manifest and attracts wealth and prosperity, success, and all good things. Citrine is a generous stone and encourages sharing what you have and yet helps you to hold on to your wealth. It has the power to impart happiness to all who behold it.

Psychologically, Citrine raises self-esteem and self confidence, and removes destructive tendencies.

Mentally, Citrine enhances concentration and revitalizes the minds eye. It is excellent for overcoming depression, fears, and phobias.

Emotionally, Citrine promotes joy in life. It releases negative traits, fears, and feelings at the deepest of levels.

Healing, Citrine is an excellent stone for energizing and recharging. It is highly beneficial for degenerative disease, stimulates digestion, the spleen and the pancreas.

Citrine's color ranges from Yellow to yellowish brown or smoky gray-brown. It's appearance is transparent in all sizes often as point or cluster.

Journey For Change

Malaak Compton-Rock, is the Founder and Director of The Angel Rock Project. Wife of comedian Chris Rock, and brainchild of Journey For Change: Empowering Youth Through Global Service, an organization that provided 30 at-risk teenagers ages 12-15 years of age from Bushwick in Brooklyn, an opportunity to go to Johannesburg, South Africa and provide service to the children who live in the shanty towns of Diepsloot and Soweto. The teenagers made daily visits to the towns and volunteered in schools, homes and clinics. The teenagers asked what the children needed for school supplies, food and other necessities and then went to the market place and shopped for them. In addition, they painted and fixed buildings.

The 30 teenagers were encouraged after each day to journal their experiences and to write on CNN's blog outlining the days activities and to express their feelings about what they had experienced. They also attended the Apartheid Museum, the Hector Peterson Museum, and went on a safari in Sun City.

I certainly enjoyed this segment of Black In America 2 with Soledad O'Brien. I would love for our children here in Los Angeles, California to be able to experience such a trip. I am positive the 30 teenagers who went on this trip of servitude have found their innerselves and hopefully will use the experience in South Africa to uplift and motivate their lives and the lives of others.

To learn more about the Journey For Change: Empowering Youth Through Global Service, visit the website: http://www.angelrockproject.com

Jo Malone! Jo Malone!

I am in love again! The Jo Malone cologne line is just exquisite. The enticing, sensual smell of white jasmine and mint is delicious. The Grapefruit scent is lovely and intoxicating. What makes this cologne so special is that the fragrances can be combined to make a unique scent.

If you love cologne, stop by your nearest department store and ask for a free sample. You will adore the scents.

Oh I Love My Cosmetics!

I love cosmetics and I recently purchased some outstanding items. First, I must tell you that for my face, I love Arbonne NutriMin C RE9 Gelee Creme Hydrating Wash, REality Day Creme with SPF8 to moisturize and I followup with REstoring Mist Balancing Toner. I have tried many facial cleansers and this is one of the best!

Next, I use Smashbox Photo Finish Light (oil free) Foundation Primer. I love Smashbox's primer, it goes on smooth and doesn't flake. After that I apply Smashbox's High Definition Healthy FX Foundation as a concealer (only) on dark spots and blemishes. This foundation works great as a concealer, although it is a foundation.

The finale, bareMinerals! Oh this is a fantastic product, swirl, tap and apply! Less is definitely best with bareMinerals! You only need a small amount to cover your entire face. Yes there are several steps to apply, but after a few trys it will only take a couple of minutes out of your morning. It last all day and all night (for those of you who run to happy hour after work), just keep a compact with you, swirl, tap and apply.

Oh and we mustn't forget eyeshadow! Smashbox REIGN eye shadow palette has beautiful colors for darker skin tones and comes in a very attractive case.

Mickey's Mood at Kaiser Permanente

I have never heard of Mickey Bridge before today. Amazingly, Kaiser Permanente....yes Kaiser Permanente introduced me to the sound of a great musician. "Mickey's Mood" is just one of the cd's that Mickey Bridge is selling at the Kaiser Permanente Market Place. His beautiful sound is heard live every Thursday at the Kaiser hospital in Woodland Hills, California. The Jazz Standards in his cd "Mickey's Mood" is a reminder of the great days and fantastic nights shared by so many whose lives were filled with simplicity and love.

Check out Mickey's website:

www.imthesaxman.com

Agape International Spiritual Center

I am a regular attendee at the Agape International Spiritual Center, located in Culver City, CA on Slauson and Buckingham Parkway, and if are an open hearted, spiritual person of any or no religious faith, then perhaps you should be too. Even if you are not spiritual, but would like to explore that part of yourself, than you too might benefit from being a part of a tolerant spiritual community, whose goal is to see the shining light of God's grace awakened in all of us by nurturing a conscious oneness in the greater spirit that we all share.

I began going to the Agape Spiritual Center about fifteen or sixteen months ago, but had not become a regular participant in the activities of the center until earlier this year. What is it all about, you may ask? It starts with the understanding that we are all the children of the loving spirit of the universe, that you may understand to be the ONE God. I would think of it as the God that is one. We are all a part of this force, this energy, this spirit that is God. Hence our lives are governed by the laws of spirit, and that is what Agape is dedicated to exploring and realizing in peoples lives.

The ministry was founded and is run by Reverend Michael Bernard Beckwith, whom you may possibly know from his appearance in the documentary The Secret, which was featured on the Oprah Winfrey show. Reverend Beckwith preaches a philosophy that tells us that our responsibility for the happiness and fulfillment of our lives begins not with our physical actions but with our mental actions. Everything that we think and feel emits an energy that disperses into the universe. In turn the universe returns to us the energy that complements our expressions of thought and feeling. It cannot be therefore that we feel prosperously on the inside and remain outwardly impoverished forever. If we believe and therefore feel the energy of happiness and abundance within us, it shall be reflected in the circumstances of our lives. Even if we never become millionaires, when we have learned to master the feeling of being at one with the generous spirit of creation, we will have riches in abundance in our relationships with ourselves and with others, and that is surely what we all desire. This is God's gift to us, and we need not be of any particular faith or philosophy to partake of it. We need only understand that the wealth that we seek through money or the approval of others exists in its essential form in the very fabric of creation, and we need only give ourselves to it to experience it.

There is more to the purpose of Agape than this powerful message however. It is part of a greater effort unfolding in the world right now to raise humanity to a higher level of consciousness. In my own life I find that I am able to relax and embrace my natural identity in spirit, and need not prove anything to anybody but myself as a being who was put in this world for a definite purpose in God's design. At Agape everyone is free to be themselves, because that is the very point. No judgment, simply the recognition of the innately divine quality from which every human being is made. The experience that is created there, every Sunday morning and Wednesday night is one that simply cannot be put into words. I encourage you to come for yourself, and see what it is all about.

Basil and Cat Nip!?

The flies are out and in abundance! The mosquitoes, I believe, think I am their midnight snack! Well, I heard that if you mix basil and cat nip together, the flies and mosquitoes would magically...go away! So I decided to try it. I went to the market and picked up some basil but what...no cat nip! Okay I will try it without the cat nip and see if it works. I bought a cheese cloth to make a pouch for the basil (I recommend using fresh basil it doesn't slip through the holes of the cloth). I placed the pouch near the front door and waited to see if the little annoying flies would try and get in. Hmmmm after 10 minutes I checked...no flies! Usually the flies are on the screen door, but not this time!

Okay the second test. I was relaxing out back on the patio and here we go flies, mosquitoes, and every flying insect buzzing in my ears (I think they wanted to be part of my experiment). How annoying! So I went into the house put some basil on a plate and placed it on the table next to me and hip hip hooray....no flying insects!

Apparently the cat nip brings out the smell of the basil and the flies don't like the smell, but if you have a cat, the cat nip might make your cat crazy. In other words, don't use cat nip if you have a cat!

Copy and paste the following link:

http://www.eartheasy.com/live_natpest_control.htm

for more information on how to control insects the natural way.

Daily Kabbalah Tune Up

The Daily Kabbalah will send you a "tune up" message everyday if you join their email list. I find the messages very inspiring. Here is today's "tune up" message:

The only things that last are those done with others in mind.

Do Something everlasting today.

Cafe Cordiale

What a great place! If you like R&B music, dancing, great ambiance, nice people and to top it off, good drinks! Then definitely check out Cafe Cordiale on Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks. They serve up live music Wednesday thru Saturday. Mystique, featuring Chauncey Hines had the crowd jumping, singing and dancing in the aisles. I will definitely recommend this venue to my friends. My husband and I had a great time.

Mystique, loved the Marvin Gaye tune!

My Sister's Gooey Butter Cake

My sister makes this very wonderful Gooey Butter Cake. I can't remember where she got the recipe, but it is incredible. If you have a sweet tooth and want a fast, easy to make cake recipe then get your pen and paper ready because here it is! Email me and let me know how you liked it.

Prepare Cake

1 package of yellow cake mix
8 tablespoons of butter, melted (real butter please - it tastes better)
1 egg

Gooey Butter Filling

1 8 oz of cream cheese, (I like Philadelphia Cream Cheese) softened
2 eggs
1lb box of confectioner's sugar (powdered sugar)
1 tsp of vanilla
8 tablespoons of butter, melted (remember real butter!)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Combine the cake mix, egg and butter with an electric mixer and mix well. Pat the mixture into the bottom of a greased 13 x 9 inch pan. (please try and get the exact measurements for the pan. If the pan is too big you will have to add to the mixture to accommodate the size of the pan. If the pan is too small the cake filling will overflow and make a huge mess!)

Prepare the filling. (Yum yum. Try not to eat too much before filling the pan)

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and then add the eggs, vanilla and butter. Next add the powdered sugar (this is when the taste tests start) and mix well. If there is any batter left (yum yum), spread the batter in the cake pan and cook for 40to 50 minutes. Do not over cook! The center should be gooey and the topping will be slightly hardened.

I like to add a tiny bit of cinnamon to my filling. My sister also adds a sweet potato mixture to her cake. This is a recipe you can definitely experiment with.

deondatheus@sbcglobal.net