The above subject was the topic of one of the articles in "The Economist of Friday August 28th, 2009. I responded to the article and my response is printed below.
I don't know if the heading is appropriate for a serious issue as this. Attempt to plaster this demographic shift as either a gain or loss, depending on how Africans manage their "God sent" increase, is not intellectually challenging enough.
It is a fact that there are chances to make or break, with any growth. the growth of supply side economy in US led to a disastrous collapse of many aged and fabled institutions. The resultant push of combination of greed, avarice and loose management or oversight.
Same scenario as indicated above can be replayed, at the demography management levels in Africa, but that itself does not suggest "Sodom and Gomorrah". Let it be known, that not all failures come from"sin" and not all success come from fort-rightness.
African must master their own destiny ultimately.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Trip to Branson, Mo
I was eager to make this 3 day vacation to Branson, for a couple of reasons. The first time I ever traveled to Branson, i was invited by a vacation package organizer, Surrey vacations.
I thought about going back one more time, to revisit the scenic views of the Orzark mountains, and the hospitality of it's people. But I wasn't going to head out to this vacation spot without my family, so I ask my wife if we could accept an invitation , to visit the city, by another vacation share company, Grand Crowne Resort. Her reply was yes, she said it would afford us, a chance to getaway for the summer. Since we had not planned any vacation, at the time the discussion came up, this way last October 2008. She agreed, under one condition though, that i would drive the whole journey. to which i answered in the affirmative, it was a long 7 hours trip with all the stops( distance about 530 miles), the last time we were there. And that was me blasting away in a car i term "pride" of Chrysler, the Chrysler 300.
This time there would not be a Chrysler 300, we would have to travel in our Nissan Pathfinder. not an equivalent vehicle, if you ask me. She wanted to me assume a more responsible attitude, towards driving, especially with long distance travels. I was well aware of the limitations of driving a truck, as compared with a fast car, comfort, ease of travel and the need for speed.
I decided that the Pathfinder, almost new, was comfortable enough for the distance. The truck also scored high for me, in ease of travel, but I had to agree it had offered less in terms of speed. Working with 2 positives, i agreed to drive the Pathfinder. A decision that I would later be pleased with.
When i signed up for the chance to view what Grand Crowne had, in terms of property units, and to learn the advantages of owning one of their vacation units, I asked to be upgraded to 2 bedroom suite. The original offer was a one bedroom unit, which was inadequate for my family.
We had to book and rebook our reservation, as it became difficult to travel. two of my children were attending summer schools, at the very beginning of the summer vacation, while the many travels and schedule of my wife, made it nearly impossible to affirm any date. With some divine intervention, we were able to find a three day weekend/ weekday, in which we could squeeze in travel. that was exactly what we did, so close to the end of summer vacation, and right in the middle of a travel plan for my wife. Yes we did it, and it was fun. The drive was smooth and comfortable as i predicted, but to my plesant surprise, the acceleration was excellent. I did not need any crazy speed though, I was determine to take it "easy".
We had a stop over at St louis, did a bit of sight seeing, without the legendary Arch, which was sold out. We retire to our hotel Hilton at downtown, for the night, after we had dinner at TGIF.
Next morning we set out to Branson, drove a little over three hours, through the beautiful scenery called the Orzark country.
The next two days in this city would prove lovely, boat ride with a show on board, visit to lakeside beach, shopping at the out let mall and lots of good food, including a very nice dinner at Shorty Smalls.
Now back to reality , i have return to ideas about conservation, renewable energy and price of gas. You can read more about these and other stuff @ www.truecomfortzone.com
I thought about going back one more time, to revisit the scenic views of the Orzark mountains, and the hospitality of it's people. But I wasn't going to head out to this vacation spot without my family, so I ask my wife if we could accept an invitation , to visit the city, by another vacation share company, Grand Crowne Resort. Her reply was yes, she said it would afford us, a chance to getaway for the summer. Since we had not planned any vacation, at the time the discussion came up, this way last October 2008. She agreed, under one condition though, that i would drive the whole journey. to which i answered in the affirmative, it was a long 7 hours trip with all the stops( distance about 530 miles), the last time we were there. And that was me blasting away in a car i term "pride" of Chrysler, the Chrysler 300.
This time there would not be a Chrysler 300, we would have to travel in our Nissan Pathfinder. not an equivalent vehicle, if you ask me. She wanted to me assume a more responsible attitude, towards driving, especially with long distance travels. I was well aware of the limitations of driving a truck, as compared with a fast car, comfort, ease of travel and the need for speed.
I decided that the Pathfinder, almost new, was comfortable enough for the distance. The truck also scored high for me, in ease of travel, but I had to agree it had offered less in terms of speed. Working with 2 positives, i agreed to drive the Pathfinder. A decision that I would later be pleased with.
When i signed up for the chance to view what Grand Crowne had, in terms of property units, and to learn the advantages of owning one of their vacation units, I asked to be upgraded to 2 bedroom suite. The original offer was a one bedroom unit, which was inadequate for my family.
We had to book and rebook our reservation, as it became difficult to travel. two of my children were attending summer schools, at the very beginning of the summer vacation, while the many travels and schedule of my wife, made it nearly impossible to affirm any date. With some divine intervention, we were able to find a three day weekend/ weekday, in which we could squeeze in travel. that was exactly what we did, so close to the end of summer vacation, and right in the middle of a travel plan for my wife. Yes we did it, and it was fun. The drive was smooth and comfortable as i predicted, but to my plesant surprise, the acceleration was excellent. I did not need any crazy speed though, I was determine to take it "easy".
We had a stop over at St louis, did a bit of sight seeing, without the legendary Arch, which was sold out. We retire to our hotel Hilton at downtown, for the night, after we had dinner at TGIF.
Next morning we set out to Branson, drove a little over three hours, through the beautiful scenery called the Orzark country.
The next two days in this city would prove lovely, boat ride with a show on board, visit to lakeside beach, shopping at the out let mall and lots of good food, including a very nice dinner at Shorty Smalls.
Now back to reality , i have return to ideas about conservation, renewable energy and price of gas. You can read more about these and other stuff @ www.truecomfortzone.com
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Hillary Clinton and 2001 Elections- the Nigerian connection
Last night the news was a buzz about Mrs Clinton's speech in Nigeria where she mentioned the ill fated elections of 2001. She was quoted as having said, that the elections which brought the president in, came to just one state, in which the Governor of that state,was the President's brother.
The uproar generated will definitely have it's opponents ( largely Conservatives) on one side of the argument, her sympathizers ( mostly the Liberals) on the other side of the divide, at least here in the United States. The same can be said of the statement as it will affect the discussion on the last Nigerian Presidential elections of 2007, which saw Umaru Yar'adua as the winner.
Here in our country, the major news channel have gone to town, suggesting the secretary of state needed rest, or visit to the gym and even some said of her as having a bad hair day.Here is what i think, back off guys, everyone is entitled to their gaffes ( we tolerate Vice-president Joe Biden's). I think she meant that while the US is the best example of the a democratic governance, she still makes mistakes. it is a accepted fact that the Presidential elections of 2001 was contentious, the Supreme court had to legitimize it.
I also think that Senator Clinton is doing a wonderful job as the foremost US ambassador to the rest of the world. Did she let the pains of the Democratic party's loss of that election come in the way of her better judgment? I think she is the one to answer that.I covered this issue in my soon to be released book Barack Obama the first African American President- successful timing. You can also follow my thoughts on twitter @ http://twitter.com/yakit70
Back in Nigerian, i know lots of people who will be disappointed by her speech, many would be looking to her for chastisement of the ruling party, for allegedly rigging the elections in 2007.To these group of people, i say take heart. She after all, did speak to the major issue that appears to be tearing the fabric of the nation, greed, corruption and avarice of it's leaders.
And to the guys in PDP( the ruling party),I say this to you all Shame, if you think that the respected secretary of state gave your party, a reason to celebrate your ineptitude or a even an acquiescence on any intentions to rig further elections.
The uproar generated will definitely have it's opponents ( largely Conservatives) on one side of the argument, her sympathizers ( mostly the Liberals) on the other side of the divide, at least here in the United States. The same can be said of the statement as it will affect the discussion on the last Nigerian Presidential elections of 2007, which saw Umaru Yar'adua as the winner.
Here in our country, the major news channel have gone to town, suggesting the secretary of state needed rest, or visit to the gym and even some said of her as having a bad hair day.Here is what i think, back off guys, everyone is entitled to their gaffes ( we tolerate Vice-president Joe Biden's). I think she meant that while the US is the best example of the a democratic governance, she still makes mistakes. it is a accepted fact that the Presidential elections of 2001 was contentious, the Supreme court had to legitimize it.
I also think that Senator Clinton is doing a wonderful job as the foremost US ambassador to the rest of the world. Did she let the pains of the Democratic party's loss of that election come in the way of her better judgment? I think she is the one to answer that.I covered this issue in my soon to be released book Barack Obama the first African American President- successful timing. You can also follow my thoughts on twitter @ http://twitter.com/yakit70
Back in Nigerian, i know lots of people who will be disappointed by her speech, many would be looking to her for chastisement of the ruling party, for allegedly rigging the elections in 2007.To these group of people, i say take heart. She after all, did speak to the major issue that appears to be tearing the fabric of the nation, greed, corruption and avarice of it's leaders.
And to the guys in PDP( the ruling party),I say this to you all Shame, if you think that the respected secretary of state gave your party, a reason to celebrate your ineptitude or a even an acquiescence on any intentions to rig further elections.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Hillary Clinton in Nigeria
I am glad to hear that the secretary of states Senator Hillary Clinton is on her way to Nigeria, the most populous country in the African continent, it has been said that may be 1 in every 5 persons of African descent is a Nigerian. It therefore makes it imperative for the US to consider some form of engagement with the leaders of that country.
this is a country that was skirted by the President, Barack Obama during his tour of the West Coast of Africa recently. Many leaders of thought in Nigeria were not at all pleased with, what they considered a slight, when he the President chose to visit Ghana, a relatively smaller country, but a more stable economy. Many of us Americans who share the feelings of this administration, on avoiding the country at least on his maiden visit, were not amused at the statements credited to our Nigerian leaders and other citizens who shared their leaders views.
We felt that a nation that could not organize elections in a free, and fair manner, should not be rewarded. A nation whose leaders only have poor infrastructure to show the world, as evidence of progress need to be told that Obama, was not impressed by the so -called face lift of Lagos state. A state that clears the road for construction, without adequate compensation to those laborers who did the job, and does not offer to clear the log jam created by inadequate remuneration to it's doctors.
As i mention in my soon to be published book Barack Obama, 1st African American president- successful timing, I indicated that many Nigerians in diaspora, preferred Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama, during the Democratic presidential primaries, for the single fact, that they trusted her more, to deal with issues arising in their country. This feelings dated back from the days the Clintons were in the white house, many Nigerians, see her and her husband Bill, as very close to Africans, particularly, Nigeria. This closeness, they felt would translate to better relations and good treatment from the US.
It therefore comes as a welcome news that she is in Abuja for talks. I will twit about this on my twitter site http://twitter.com/yakit70.
this is a country that was skirted by the President, Barack Obama during his tour of the West Coast of Africa recently. Many leaders of thought in Nigeria were not at all pleased with, what they considered a slight, when he the President chose to visit Ghana, a relatively smaller country, but a more stable economy. Many of us Americans who share the feelings of this administration, on avoiding the country at least on his maiden visit, were not amused at the statements credited to our Nigerian leaders and other citizens who shared their leaders views.
We felt that a nation that could not organize elections in a free, and fair manner, should not be rewarded. A nation whose leaders only have poor infrastructure to show the world, as evidence of progress need to be told that Obama, was not impressed by the so -called face lift of Lagos state. A state that clears the road for construction, without adequate compensation to those laborers who did the job, and does not offer to clear the log jam created by inadequate remuneration to it's doctors.
As i mention in my soon to be published book Barack Obama, 1st African American president- successful timing, I indicated that many Nigerians in diaspora, preferred Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama, during the Democratic presidential primaries, for the single fact, that they trusted her more, to deal with issues arising in their country. This feelings dated back from the days the Clintons were in the white house, many Nigerians, see her and her husband Bill, as very close to Africans, particularly, Nigeria. This closeness, they felt would translate to better relations and good treatment from the US.
It therefore comes as a welcome news that she is in Abuja for talks. I will twit about this on my twitter site http://twitter.com/yakit70.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Health care
Sometimes i say to myself, there are all kinds of people in the world, those who know what they want and how to get it, those who do not know what they want, but think they know, those who know what they want, but do not know how to get it, and those who do not know what they want, but like to know if they could get something no matter what it is. Then there are those who truly know nothing and wish every was like them, while still there some who know something everyone should know but deny people the opportunity of knowing.
Make up your mind as you read this blog and decide for yourself which category you belong. I think as a group, the some republicans have been behaving of late like a group of people who know what is truly good for the people, how to get it done for the people and are getting the job done. However, a small portion of those who refer to themselves are angry white males, anti- Obama, Rush Limbaugh followers and the racists among them who know next to nothing but think that they know and infect their unsuspecting followers with viruses of hate , lies and ignorance.
For further readings @http://www.realclearpolitics.com/public_opinion_polls/topic/health_care/. Also check out energy issue @www.truecomfortzone.com.
It is time the true conservatives wake up and lead. That's my two cents.
Make up your mind as you read this blog and decide for yourself which category you belong. I think as a group, the some republicans have been behaving of late like a group of people who know what is truly good for the people, how to get it done for the people and are getting the job done. However, a small portion of those who refer to themselves are angry white males, anti- Obama, Rush Limbaugh followers and the racists among them who know next to nothing but think that they know and infect their unsuspecting followers with viruses of hate , lies and ignorance.
For further readings @http://www.realclearpolitics.com/public_opinion_polls/topic/health_care/. Also check out energy issue @www.truecomfortzone.com.
It is time the true conservatives wake up and lead. That's my two cents.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Hot summer day
I stayed in most of the day today, did twitter after the loss of service affected my twit, eh bad. yesterday was much fun, got up after early riser for fajr salat, at past wee hours. A planned trip to the zoo in Chicago was in the works.
Some weeks earlier, my family signed up for the family membership with Brook field zoo in Chicago. This was to avoid paying too much, when we visit the zoo with family and friends. Free parking and additional guest at no fee.
The drive through I290 was tite, traffic was a snare, but we finally arrived at the zoo. Parked the car, got everyone out, the kids running all over the place excitedly, but moms and I were alarmed, as they ran through lines of parked cars. My brother's children were really still just babies, the oldest, the girl barely 7 years of age, and her brother just about 5 years old, visiting from Lagos, Nigeria. We called out to them to behave, and screamed at my children who are much older, the oldest a girl, closer in age to 16 years as could get, and the youngest approaching 11 years, to stick close to their cousins, grab their hands and ensure there are no surprises.
But in stock for us were surprises, as we got through the gates of the zoo, the older children were first to spot the carousel, ran towards it, dragging the younger ones along. It was a refreshing sight for me, I could not imagine the much older ones to be excited by this ride. We let them do this, as we the parents and my daughter begin to wonder how we left our drinks back home. The weather man had predicted a very hot and muggy day, yet here we were, with no cool drinks on us.
Buy costly drinks and ice creams, that was what we had to do, while we sight see. The Alligators were a good view, the river Otters swarm to our delight, the Turtle went about their business lazily, while the Snakes were evidently asleep. If the sleeping snake was seen as lazy, we would learn later that the Lion - male ones, sleep for about 20 hours in a day, while the female ones hunt.
After our first stop at the gator's den, the entire party was fatigued. I found that curious, we barely walked half a mile, it must be the sun, scorching hot, humid and unforgiven. Is this a sign that we need to plan for conservation more? I have attempted to bring "green talk on my web site http:// www.truecomfortzone.com.
It was a beautiful outing after all, Giraffes, Polar bear, Camels, and a host of other animals were a delight to experience.
Some weeks earlier, my family signed up for the family membership with Brook field zoo in Chicago. This was to avoid paying too much, when we visit the zoo with family and friends. Free parking and additional guest at no fee.
The drive through I290 was tite, traffic was a snare, but we finally arrived at the zoo. Parked the car, got everyone out, the kids running all over the place excitedly, but moms and I were alarmed, as they ran through lines of parked cars. My brother's children were really still just babies, the oldest, the girl barely 7 years of age, and her brother just about 5 years old, visiting from Lagos, Nigeria. We called out to them to behave, and screamed at my children who are much older, the oldest a girl, closer in age to 16 years as could get, and the youngest approaching 11 years, to stick close to their cousins, grab their hands and ensure there are no surprises.
But in stock for us were surprises, as we got through the gates of the zoo, the older children were first to spot the carousel, ran towards it, dragging the younger ones along. It was a refreshing sight for me, I could not imagine the much older ones to be excited by this ride. We let them do this, as we the parents and my daughter begin to wonder how we left our drinks back home. The weather man had predicted a very hot and muggy day, yet here we were, with no cool drinks on us.
Buy costly drinks and ice creams, that was what we had to do, while we sight see. The Alligators were a good view, the river Otters swarm to our delight, the Turtle went about their business lazily, while the Snakes were evidently asleep. If the sleeping snake was seen as lazy, we would learn later that the Lion - male ones, sleep for about 20 hours in a day, while the female ones hunt.
After our first stop at the gator's den, the entire party was fatigued. I found that curious, we barely walked half a mile, it must be the sun, scorching hot, humid and unforgiven. Is this a sign that we need to plan for conservation more? I have attempted to bring "green talk on my web site http:// www.truecomfortzone.com.
It was a beautiful outing after all, Giraffes, Polar bear, Camels, and a host of other animals were a delight to experience.
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