Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Catalans just exhumed Red-devils...


Samuel Eto'o of Barcelona celebrates after he scored the first goal for Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League Final match against Manchester United (Photo /Getty Image)

In the world of sports and entertainment it's known that every athlete strives to secure fifteen minutes of fame. Well 2008-09 European player of the year Christiano Ronaldo had 10 minutes before Samuel Eto'o demanded for space to confirm fame even before time ellapsed at Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Catalans, they are the European soccer Champs (Kings). They slushed down Red-devils twice, first courtesy of Cameroonian international Samuel Eto'o in the 11th minute before Lionel Messi confirmed the big win in the second half.
Manchester United were on the top of ball possesion creating five clear opportunities but, failing to converting them. Eto'o was fresh and aggressive as ever swift and fast dribbling skills, he was too much for Red-devils defence placing the ball on at the near post past Edwin Van-dar-ser.
Messi having had a number of shots on target tonight he celebrates his ninth goal and EUFA top scorer. His winning goal was the first one in the champions league against an English team.

Peace Love and Time

Swimming the mountain then climbing the sea seems like searching for inner core strenth.
I used to think that God' blessings come evenly to all Christians and all who know and read His word; wrong thinking it was. Trust and Obey it is the right thing to do, which I'm doing of course; no disappointments so far instead lots of inner peace with the most high which in return keeps the fire burning.
Why trust, obey and peace...I really long for peace on earth which will start by neighbours loving each other before states and nations coming together; wait a minute, did I just mention neighbours! How about family and the once we try all we can to show them the genuine love we have for them and in return fold their feast and tighten their hearts with anger and pain from past experience and self driven undefined attitudes.
It hurts the deepest to realize as much as we try it's not happening but, time has always been the best healer and it will tell as it does tells of the higher unconditional love through over 2000 years. We need to appreciate what we have more than what we don't for we know not if what we don't is meant for us.



... for many will come but, few will be chosen; who are this few? Peace.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Whose the European King...


Samuel Eto'o (Left)will be using his dribbling strength while Christiano Ronaldo (right) will be expected to utilize his skillful footworks and foulkicks.
Browing through some sporting sites, I came across a phrase that was kind of not playing it's intended role of uniting and celebrating fair play in the beautiful game of soccer.
The phrase states that, "If you are first you are first. If you are seond, you are nothing". I was challenged to decide on which among Manchester United and FC Barcelona should have a fair share of my support on this Champions league finals in Rome. Samuel Eto'o is currently topping the score board for Barcelona while Christiano Ronaldo is super legit to scoope more than one award for the season 2008-2009.
The game is set to kick off on May 27th at 2:00am eastern time, I'm confused either to dress in Reds' outfit or Barca's yellow... what if I decided to put on Barcelona's jersey and Manchester's Shorts; that'll be a fair share to both sides. Well, if you have no idear what I'm talking about; come back after the game-day and get my review and side thoughts.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Royals better walk the talk...

It's amazing how seasons come and go within no time.
Before I spill ink on this piece, I wanna appreciate God' creative art here there and everywhere. Few months ago it was humid then came winter; a season that if one has never experienced, they need not to. The season was super cold but the beauty that came with it was the super white snow drops that a times seem to have been blinding... from the reflection of the weak sun rays.
Spring was mean so to say, it came with prolonged downfall accompanied with fair share of cold winds from the east, the most funny and interesting part of these strange seasons it that they all bow-down to the man-kind ways of adjusting to it!. When it was cold and windy we played lots of indoor soccer and dressed in layers of cloth to maintain constant body temperatures, now summer is knocking with highs of 70°F Clear which seems not normal and yet back in Africa I guess that's the average number through the spring and summer. Derek, Katie and I had some time out to the Royals game yesterday May 21 and I must confess the sun seems closer that before.

Derek's knees were dark red and pealing from the burn, Katie was comfortable covered in the anti-sunburn gel while I was sweating like a pig in the Manchester United Jersey (die hard fan) which seem unusual for the baseball lovers and fans. My old-man once told me in the game of soccer 90 minutes will always determine and separate men from boys (guess what! it happened).
Well, after Royals dominating a better part of the game, they lost by a difference of 6 runs. It was even funny when walking off the supper legit Kauffman stadium (pictured above) as I was stoped by two huge African-American security officers at two diffrent parking spots posing same genre of questions; they both wanted to know why I had let Royals loose the game "Why did you let Royals loose?" duh... was I even understanding some of the decitions by the ref? do I have any feelings for the game apart from Royals are my home team...(here).
I need to credit the Royals for stealing points (Can I explain that?) which was credit to approximately 1500 fans who went home disappointed but with free drinks per ticket. From all that transpired, I came up with my own theory from my paps piece of advice and the game 'Home team is never the best team'.
I'm trying to ignore the fact that the tempratures are set to rise beyond 100°F...

Thursday, May 14, 2009

27th moon more brighter.





There are days in our lives that we choose to loosen and be outgoing; March 25th is one of those days. This time the moon came with lots of blessings that no man could make that happen except of the our good God in Christ Jesus; my friend Katie and I decided to drive to her place because it was also Spring break...we had fun with Prowler and Gracie (dogs).

Nairobi's 46th street...


Hey guyz...I had this photo in my gallary and been bargaining to publish it or not, finally it's up. This is part of Kawangware slum, as per the previous post; I spent 7 days doing research and interviews concerning the living standards. It is a challenging matter that not only the local government will be able to resolve before the Kawangware dweller stretch the cry for help from human rights bodies...lets keep watching and pray for this guys who are struggling to salvage a place they've called home for ages.

Liberal Arts!!!!


Walking to and fro college classes in an American college might be a dream come true. Oh by the way college education is not for everyone, may be true; still, how much hardwork does foreign student display or need to put in place in such institutions at the greatest dry-land.
I recently over-heard from one of my communications professor that fifty percent of foreign students perform above average and this is fostered by the background they are coming from and where they are aiming at; good stuff! "College education is not for everyone, only twentyfive percent of Americans go to college" He affirms (name withheld).
With the current down-falling economy in US including all the developing third world countries, scholarships and other grants have been the major boost as a source of financial aid to the qualified foreign and exchange programme students; but the trend is questioning...most kids coming from Africa give more than expected to to stay in class, leave alone room and all round meal plan. Having had an opportunity to research and understand more about African poets and authors, they kind of target at achieving and keeping the faith in making a mark in the world of quality living standard. For example Author Chinua Achebe, growing up in not about graduating from childhood to adulthood instead working harder in what so-ever challenges at hand to beat the mark that the ancestors made.
Park University is one of the community that's hosting over five hundred foreign students with different undergraduate and graduate programmes, as foreign student what are the benefits that are not clearly defined in our local universities; I'll say athletics, Kenya among other African countries has had a fair share of opportunities to sharpen education standard by receiving annual funds for improving higher-learning standards but, still the question yet to be answered is where are we in the map of creating opportunities for graduate students and or those still acquiring such like education.
Having had an opportunity to go to the most corrupt and poor quality primary school in the hearts of Africa's largest slam (Kibera), it takes more than just hard work to make a mark in the top notch education institution putting in mind there are no opportunities back home to make as much as we may have acquired at Liberal Arts Christian college in the States.
A promising citizen is challenged to think of a more greener pasture by putting aside the pride of being Kenyan (in this case) and thinking of being a better Kenyan in a foreign land while investing at the homeland. A cutting edge class and unit in the communications course titled interpersonal communication best describes the reasons why different culture approach life as they know it; an example is the Masaai community living along the Rift valley. This is a community that has really come miles from the bushman age yearning for not just education but quality education that will not only shape their living standard but instead sharpen the current unstable political status in the the country.
God bless your people...

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Some wide thinking...


Is it Khayega or is it Nairobi? In Kangemi Luhya is the "official" language

By Godfrey Miheso,
Nairobi July 17 2008
Women and kids feel the pain to the borns, this photo best describes concern for the cry of oppressed in Africa. (photo/courtesy)

As the Matatu cruises along the trimly tarmacked road towards Nairobi’s Kawangware area 46, in contrast, a dilapidated five minutes drive stretch of land unfolds, linking to the next estate. Here, unexpected armies of people progressively surface, and continue to build up further the same road into the slum as numerous rundown wooden shacks complete with rusted corrugated iron sheets for roofs come to full view.
The infrastructure therein is way below average with narrow dusty paths as roads. The region is Kawangware area 56, inhabited predominantly by a people with a common ancestry. Incidentally, most of them hail from Western Kenya. Not surprising, at the entrance to village, conspicuously stands an information centre that acquaints you with the culture of the Luhya community. ‘Orie, mbwena’ (Luhya for hallo, how are you), a middle-aged man salutes a neighbour, mounting his bike in readiness for another day of hard labour.
It is a common greeting, we learn later, since it is presumed that every one here speaks the language. Indeed not even strangers are spared this. Interestingly, the activity between area 56 and area 46 is no different from what you will find along the Shinyalu-Khayega Road. In both cases, scores of idle men and youth laze by the roadside, awaiting any passers-by in need of their services. On a good day, they might just land some few coins to meet their basic needs for the day.
“Ukiwa na bahati, waeza kupata kazi kama ya useremala, kutengeza sakafu, ama kazi yoyote tu ya mkono.” (If you are lucky, you land an offer on handy work such as woodwork, floor repairing or any other manual work),” says another resident. Economic activities are limited to such ventures since majority of the pioneers of the pioneer inhabitants lack professional skills to be absorbed in worthwhile employment..
A considerable number sell bricks, scrap metals or wood for a living while others trade in window and door frames. The women engage in less laborious tasks. They gather together in tow, at the shopping centres selling a variety of indigenous foods including a mixture of boiled maize and beans (githeri) and mandazi to supplement the family income. Mzee Hezbon Shiamala, a small-scale carpenter has been in the wood trade since the late 1960s when he, like his peers left the village for the city.
“We heard of tales of the first-rate life in the city and did not want to be left behind,” he confesses. Since he had some relatives living in the area, he moved in with them. But life had its twists and turns and it was not long before he was forced to fend for himself, many times straining too hard to make ends meet.
“I have been at this spot for about 41 years,” he confesses, as he carves out a piece of wood for seat.“ I am comfortable living here and have every reason to feel like I am back in the village.” Even though he has lived here for several years, Mzee Hezbon makes occasional visits to the village when he can. “ Christmas holidays are the best because I am sure to meet many of my long time friends and family.”
Meanwhile, he keeps in touch with his relatives via radio. Perhaps over the alleged obsession for radio amongst the Luhya speaking tribe, this well manifested here with the favourite radio stations either Mulembe FM or Kenya Broadcasting Cooperation radio. “This way we are able to keep in touch through the salaams programme,” Hezbon admits.
Residents say that laying a meal on the table is a challenge that far outweighs rent charges. The highest cost for instance, is Sh 500 for a single iron sheet mud house and Sh 250 for a single room and scrape pieces of iron sheets. A 24 year old Stanley Khayumbi is married and with two Children and admits that his greatest challenge is laying a meal on the table for his family “At least I can afford house rent”
Like a typical Luhya homestead, virtually each home boasts of at least two chicken. But for the lack of adequate space they share them with their masters. “ Mine sleep under my bed” says mama boi, as she is famously referred to . Like Hezbon’s story above, Pilot Yakahama a celebrated medicine man has lived in the region for decades and is reputed for his accomplishment in the treatment of a variety of diseases among them Asthma, Tuberculosis and various Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
He is particularly known for the dramatic manner he conducts his sessions which involve tones of unfathomable rituals. Over the years, a rare bond has developed in which residents pledge their undivided loyalty to pilot and believe his treatment is far more effective compared to the sparsely distributed dispensaries, not too different from the Shinyalu setting.
One kilometre from Khayega market a small village Called Museno, and recently christened Tusker, stands out. Here, a carefree drinking lifestyle dominates in which villagers drench themselves in local illicit brews. They say they do it to escape the frustrations occasioned by the chronic unemployment levels. Unfortunately, the youth like their parents have not been fortunate enough in securing worthwhile employment despite the fact that some of them pride in impressive credential from reputable colleges.
Like in Tusker, an estimated 50 percent of the men in area 56 consume cheap brews uncontrollably, with the youth, born and bred in the region hard hit. And with the prospects of further education appearing only as a mirage, most of them (youth ) have resigned to early marriages, alcoholism/ drug addiction their economic abilities notwithstanding. Consequently, the region’s Zebra pub is continually a beehive of activity where patrons imbibe cheap liquor, famously referred to as busaa.
‘Mbe malua malulu’ (give me well brewed chang’aa ) is a common phrase as the freely flowing drink exchanges hands . Dan Shikoli a graduate of the Maseno University in Political Sciences and also a regular customer at the Zebra pub says even university graduates who lack employment seek solace at this pub. Once a gardener at the nearby Lavington Estate, he was able to carry home at least Sh 4,000. “With this, only cheap liquor is affordable as one struggles to cater for his family”
Today, he is lucky to be working at a friend’s Cyber CafĂ© in area 46, proceeds from which are channelled to family use. Even so, he is grateful for the education he has acquired for he believes it has given an edge over the other youth in the region. Unlike Shikoli, Augustine Lumalas did not pursue further education after completing his O level, and now strains too hard to raise his a three-year-old daughter.
On this, Shikoli says, “ It is unfortunate since with minimal education and the circumstances at hand, it is quite difficult to foster the way forward.” Cristabela Ayisi now in her mid fourties, has been a bar hostess for over a decade and works long hours, her age not withstanding. She is grateful for the recent government legalisation on the consumption of local brew. “It is my sole source of income and without busaa, where will I go, and where will my children go to?,” She poses.
However, Kevin Shikokoti a patron in the pub laments that the government should not have done so since many youth are likely to loose their lives in the liquor at the expense of the countrys development. But the picture of life as a youth is not grim in its entirety. Those who care to do so are free to participate in one of a variety of worthwhile ventures. Kakamega United, a local football team is a preserve of the strong, and skilled youth was established to represent the area 56 village in both major and minor football tournaments within the city.
“It has also fostered good relations with the neighbouring youth,” says Shikokoti. Besides the close knit unity these residents have endeavoured to foster, Unfortunately the area they have called home for the last couple of decades may be no more since they face a possible eviction. It is alleged that the over 550,000 people are to be evicted by the end of the year and their homes demolished. The residents are adamant about this. “They will have to take us in handcuffs,” says Augustine Lumala an elderly man. “This is our land and we have no where else to go" says he. The residents are unanimous that area 56 remains their home, as long as they need to be in the City. ==== source: Kenya Times

Kenya Times work


Saturday, May 2, 2009

What to expect...


What does it take to be what one has always dreamt to be? Well, not much; with the power of pen and paper we are able to pour all our critical thoughts, aspirations and creative beyond life thinking. Wait a minute, should we allow critics...people to criticize what we do? I guess yes, what happens if we don't? we get worse in what we think we are best at.
I'm staging this blogger not to showcase my work, but instead to learn from those who are superior and creative thinkers in the art of authorship, creative and critical thinking and communications in general. I have lots of stuff soon to be published from photos to writings that have made a mark in others lives, so be sure to meet a unique thinker by watching this space.

-Come again.