A dream doesn't become reality through magic. It takes sweat, determination and hard work.

Friday 25 February 2011

Happiness is a Voyage... in pursiut of happiness'

We convince ourselves that life will be better once we are married, have a baby, then another. Then we get frustrated because our children are not old enough and that all will be well when they are older. Then we are frustrated because they reach adolescence and we must deal with them. Surely we’ll be happier when they grow out of the teen years. We tell ourselves our life will be better when our spouse gets his/her act together, when we have a nicer car, when we can take a vacation, when we finally retire. The truth is that there is no better time to be happy than right now. If not, then when? Your life will always be full of challenges. It is better to admit as much and to decide to be happy in spite of it all.
For the longest time, it seemed that life was about to start. Real life. But there was always some obstacle along the way, an ordeal to get through, some work to be finished, some time to be given, a bill to be paid. Then life would start. I finally came to understand that those obstacles were life. That point of view helped me see that there isn’t any road to happiness. Happiness IS the road. So, enjoy every moment. Stop waiting for school to end, for a return to school, to lose ten pounds, to gain ten pounds, for work to begin, to get married, for Friday evening, for Sunday morning, waiting for a new car, for your mortgage to be paid off, for spring, for summer, for fall, for winter, for the first or the fifteenth of the month, for your song to be played on the radio, to die, to be reborn before deciding to be happy.
Happiness is a voyage, not a destination. There is no better time to be happy than NOW! Live and enjoy the moment.
- Now, think and try to answer these questions:
1 Name the 5 richest people in the world.
2 Name the last 5 Miss Universe winners.
3 Name the last 10 Nobel Prize winners.
4 Name the last 10 winners of the Best Actor Oscar.
Cant do it? Rather difficult, isn’t it? Don’t worry, nobody remembers that. Applause dies away! Trophies gather dust! Winners are soon forgotten.
Now answer these questions:
1 Name 3 teachers who contributed to your education.
2 Name 3 friends who helped you in your hour of need.
3 Think of a few people who made you feel special.
4 Name 5 people that you like to spend time with.
More manageable? Its easier, isn’t it? The people who mean something to your life are not rated the best, don’t have the most money, haven’t won the greatest prizes They are the ones who care about you, take care of you, those who, no matter what, stay close by. Think about it for a moment. Life is very short! And you, in which list are you? Don’t know?
Let me give you a hand. You are not among the most famous, but among those who are implicated. Some times ago, at the Seattle Olympics, nine athletes, all mentally or physically challenged, were standing on the start line for the 100 m race. The gun fired and the race began. Not everyone was running, but everyone wanted to participate and win. They ran in threes, a boy tripped and fell, did a few somersaults and started crying. The other eight heard him crying. They slowed down and looked behind them. They stopped and came back All of them A girl with Down Syndrome sat down next to him, hugged him and asked, Feeling better now? Then, all nine walked shoulder to shoulder to the finish line. The whole crowd stood up and applauded. And the applause lasted a very long time.
People who witnessed this still talk about it. Why? Because deep down inside us, we all know that the most important thing in life is much more than winning for ourselves. The most important thing in this life is to help others to win. Even if that means slowing down and changing our own race. Perhaps I will succeed in changing our heart, perhaps someone else’s heart, as well.
A candle loses nothing if it is used to light another one.

Tuesday 22 February 2011

Mungiki: A Mysterious Sect, a Thorn in the Flesh


They have the instinct of predators, preying over their victims with no remorse. Sanctity of life is not in their vocabulary, making their thirst for blood only comparable to that of so called vampires. That is the dreaded Mungiki sect, now sprouting in Kenya and assuming the characteristics of a blood-curdling monster. Authorities seem to be having difficulty in eradicating them.
The formation of Mungiki sect remains a mystery to many Kenyans. There have been contradicting statements.
Some reports say the group possibly started in 1988 with the aim of toppling the government of immediate former president of Kenya, Daniel Torotich arap Moi.
Those who share this thinking believe the group was an offshoot of Mwakenya, an underground movement formed in 1979 to challenge the Kenya African National Union (KANU) regime.
Other reports indicate that Mungiki was founded in 1987 by some young schoolboys.
The activities of the sect, however, came into the limelight in late 1990s, when reports started flowing in of groups of suspicious looking youths, many donning dreadlocks, being seen taking unusual oaths, and engaging in strange prayers.
Confronted by authorities, their swift defence would be that theirs was a group of traditionalists interested only in re-introducing and promoting traditional way of life among the Kikuyu ethnic group. They posed as a traditional religious group, but an unusual one because taking snuff during worship was their trademark.
But their hardline stand against Western idiologies put them on a collision course with the police. They started stripping naked in public, ladies wearing miniskirts and long trousers, and violently promoted female cut [Female circumcision - AI] .
They would engage police in fierce running battles, and on a number of occasions, violently raided police stations to ‘free arrested members’.
Their violent activities intensified. They systematically and forcefully began taking over management of commuter service vehicles, popularly known as Matatu.
In March last year, they clashed with a vigilante group in Nairobi, and later unleashed terror on residents of a slum area, killing 23 people and injuring several others. This prompted the government to outlaw their grouping. They however, continued to exist, and even more openly propagated their warlike activities

The formation of Mungiki sect remains a mystery to many Kenyans. There have been contradicting statements.
Some reports say the group possibly started in 1988 with the aim of toppling the government of immediate former president of Kenya, Daniel Torotich arap Moi.
Those who share this thinking believe the group was an offshoot of Mwakenya, an underground movement formed in 1979 to challenge the Kenya African National Union (KANU) regime.
Other reports indicate that Mungiki was founded in 1987 by some young schoolboys.
The activities of the sect, however, came into the limelight in late 1990s, when reports started flowing in of groups of suspicious looking youths, many donning dreadlocks, being seen taking unusual oaths, and engaging in strange prayers.
Confronted by authorities, their swift defence would be that theirs was a group of traditionalists interested only in re-introducing and promoting traditional way of life among the Kikuyu ethnic group. They posed as a traditional religious group, but an unusual one because taking snuff during worship was their trademark.
But their hardline stand against Western idiologies put them on a collision course with the police. They started stripping naked in public, ladies wearing miniskirts and long trousers, and violently promoted female cut.
They would engage police in fierce running battles, and on a number of occasions, violently raided police stations to ‘free arrested members’.
Their violent activities intensified. They systematically and forcefully began taking over management of commuter service vehicles, popularly known as Matatu.
In March last year, they clashed with a vigilante group in Nairobi, and later unleashed terror on residents of a slum area, killing 23 people and injuring several others. This prompted the government to outlaw their grouping. They however, continued to exist, and even more openly propagated their warlike activities.
Personalities associated with Mungiki are Maina Njenga as the sect leader, and Ndura Waruinge as its national co-ordinator. The hierarchy of the group includes provincial and district co-ordinators.
According to a source close to the sect, Maina, the leader, had a vision from God, commanding him to bring together all the people oppressed by Western ideologies. He chose the name Mungiki, which in Kikuyu language means ‘many people’.
Big names in political circles are said to have joined in to offer financial support. The sect quickly grew in membership to an estimated 1.5 to 2 million members today. Its membership is drawn possibly entirely from the Kikuyu community.
The source, who asked for anonymity, says Mungiki mission at its inception, was to propagate African culture and to frustrate Christianity, which to them, was a cultural manifestation of Western civilisation that perpetuated neo-colonialism.
It is no wonder that the sect at one time sought to have close ties with the Islamic faith to intensify fight against Christianity. This was ostensibly to win support of Muslims in their acts of destruction and orgies. Unfortunately the Muslims, through their superiors, disowned them.
If one was to follow the chronology of mayhem and trail of blood left by Mungiki, it would be hard not to link them with drugs, the same thing they claim to preach against.
The March incident in Nairobi was just one of the many innocent killings Mungiki has engaged in. Last month, 16 other lives were lost in Nakuru town, in Rift Valley Province in yet another Mungiki attack.
Within the same month, several other people were killed by the same group in Laikipia and Muranga districts in Rift Valley and Central provinces respectively.
These happened just as the current government (NARC) gave ultimatums to the sect members to surrender, or otherwise face the wrath of government machinery. Mungiki vowed not to give in, but to counter any attacks on them by the authorities.
Their adamant stance, observers say, could be a manifestation of the leniency with which the past government (KANU) handled their cruel behaviour.
This became evident last year in the run-up to the general elections, when members of the sect thronged the streets of Nairobi to express solidarity with Uhuru Kenyatta, former president Moi’s choice of successor.
The police stood by as the club, machete, and sword-wielding Mungiki members took charge of the city centre. People were baffled at how such a volatile and outlawed group could easily chant around the streets carrying crude weapons without police interference.
But there was an answer. The Mungiki were simply responding to a challenge by two former Members of Parliament and ardent KANU supporters, Mr. Kihika Kimani and Steven Ndichu, that they ‘parade up and defend KANU’. Silence from the then government gave the impression that it tacitly supported the idea.
Close observers thought Uhuru Kenyatta, then a presidential candidate, would come out and denounce the cult. This did not come immediately. A mockery of the highest degree, observers said, when he finally disassociated himself from the sect.
Mugambi Kiai, a lawyer by profession, deduces that KANU regime must have tried to use the carrot-and-stick trap to deal with Mungiki. A pseudo-Mungiki was created to infiltrate and neutralise the real Mungiki. This, however, did not seem to work.
It was a relief to many Kenyans when violence-free elections were finally conducted on December 27 last year. It had been feared that Mungiki, would strike to intimidate voters.
But as Kenyans craned their heads high in a show of pride for having set a good example to the rest of the continent, Mungiki suddenly struck with the Nakuru killings. The celebration dust had hardly settled.
Mungiki’s contention was that they had been barred from controlling a Matatu terminus in Nakuru Town, about 200 kilomtres from Nairobi.
The Matatu industry has been a target, says a Mungiki member who asked for anonymity, because it is vulnerable and run by young people who the sect is trying to convert. According to the source, they are succeeding in this.
But for whatever reason the sect was formed, the heinous act of killing with impunity has brought the members into a tricky warpath with the government and the public at large. Observers say their acts can potentially scare away foreign investors as they depict insecurity.
Outlawed
The Muniki movement was outlawed in March, 2002:
Attorney-General Amos Wako yesterday ordered police to arrest and prosecute the people who took part in Tuesday’s demonstration organised by the proscribed Mungiki sect.
Wako said Mungiki is among the 18 outlawed organisations and accused the police of negligence in carrying out their duties.
“For the police and law enforcement to stand by and witness offences being committed is a dereliction of their duties,” Wako said.
He said the Mungiki movement together with 17 others were outlawed on March 15 this year through Legal Notice Number 42 in the Kenya Gazette.
Wako said the Legal Notice means that Mungiki together with 17 others are dangerous to the good government of the Republic of Kenya.
A special issue of the Kenya Gazette supplement number 20 of March 15, 2002, by the Minister of State in the Office of the President in-charge of internal security, Mr Julius Sunkuli, outlawed 18 vigilante groups under section 4(1) (ii) of the Societies Act.
The groups were named as Mungiki, Jeshi la Mzee, Jeshi la Embakasi, Jeshi la King’ole, Baghdad boys, Chinkororo, Amachuma, Banyamulenge, Talibans, Dallas Muslim youth, Runyenjes Football club, Kaya Bombo youth, Sakina youth, Charo Shutu, Kuzacha, Kamjeshi, Jeshi la Nazir and Kosovo boys.
Yesterday, Wako said: “In law the said societies became unlawful, consequently, criminal offences are committed by any person who manages or assists the management of the said unlawful societies,” said Wako.
“Any person who is a member, or attends or allows a meeting of the said unlawful societies, incites or assists such proscribed societies to engage in any activity is committing an offence,” he added.
A-G Orders Arrest of Mungiki Followers
Attorney-General Amos Wako yesterday ordered police to arrest and prosecute the people who took part in Tuesday’s demonstration organised by the proscribed Mungiki sect.
Wako said Mungiki is among the 18 outlawed organisations and accused the police of negligence in carrying out their duties.
“For the police and law enforcement to stand by and witness offences being committed is a dereliction of their duties,” Wako said.
He said the Mungiki movement together with 17 others were outlawed on March 15 this year through Legal Notice Number 42 in the Kenya Gazette.
Wako said the Legal Notice means that Mungiki together with 17 others are dangerous to the good government of the Republic of Kenya.
A special issue of the Kenya Gazette supplement number 20 of March 15, 2002, by the Minister of State in the Office of the President in-charge of internal security, Mr Julius Sunkuli, outlawed 18 vigilante groups under section 4(1) (ii) of the Societies Act.
The groups were named as Mungiki, Jeshi la Mzee, Jeshi la Embakasi, Jeshi la King’ole, Baghdad boys, Chinkororo, Amachuma, Banyamulenge, Talibans, Dallas Muslim youth, Runyenjes Football club, Kaya Bombo youth, Sakina youth, Charo Shutu, Kuzacha, Kamjeshi, Jeshi la Nazir and Kosovo boys.
Yesterday, Wako said: “In law the said societies became unlawful, consequently, criminal offences are committed by any person who manages or assists the management of the said unlawful societies,” said Wako.
“Any person who is a member, or attends or allows a meeting of the said unlawful societies, incites or assists such proscribed societies to engage in any activity is committing an offence,” he added.
In a hard-hitting statement, Wako said it is duty of the police and other law enforcement to prevent and detect crime.
He said the police are supposed to apprehend the offenders where crime has been committed and enforce the law.
“I therefore call upon the police and other law enforcement officers to ensure that they take timely and effective action when any of the unlawful societies engage in activities of any kind”.
Wako said Kenyans have a constitutional right to support a candidate of their choice and to hold peaceful demostrations. He, however, pointed out that it is a criminal offence to abet a proscribed organisation.
“To exercise these rights as members of an unlawful societies is to commit offences for which they will be apprehended, tried, convicted and punished in accordance with the law,” he added.
In a separate interview, Spokesman Peter Kimanthi said the police will investigate the circumstances under which the demonstration took place and those found guilty will be arrested and prosecuted. He said that Mayor Dick Waweru applied for a notification from the police to hold a demonstration which he was issued with, adding that if other groups hijacked it, the police are yet to investigate.
Kimanthi said that there are laws to be followed when people want to hold such activities, in which case the Mayor met and was allowed to hold a demonstration within the city.
He said the mayor will be charged because him together with Mungiki leaders Ndura Waruinge and Maina Njenga and others committed an offence contrary to law. However, the Nairobi Provincial Police Officer (PPO) Stephen Kimenchu said the police could not act because they were out-numbered by the demonstrators.
Elsewhere, legislators William ole Ntimama and Shem Ochuodho condemned the demonstration by Mungiki people, saying they made very dangerous threats, reports Ochieng’ Ogodo.
Ntimama said it was a move in the wrong direction as inciting tribal animosity may lead to a volatile situation that those who are masterminding may not be able to control.
He said Molo MP Kihika Kimani and Juja MP Stephen Ndichu were setting Kenyans against one another and should be stopped as this may result in serious lawlessness.
“Setting Mungiki sect members against other Kenyans will affect the whole country. It will boomerang to all corners of the country and every body will be affected,” Ntimama said.
Ochuodho said the incident could be a prelude to the tribal clashes like those that claimed the lives of hundreds, left scores maimed and displaced thousands before the general elections of 1992 and 1997.
He said Ndichu and Kihika should be interrogated thoroughly to unravel the mystery behind Mungiki so that the thuggery its members have been committing is not repeated.
[...]
However, two Members of Parliament from Thika District yesterday came out in support of the Mungiki march in support of Mr Uhuru Kenyatta, adds Eliud Miring’uh.
Gatanga MP David Murathe and Ndichu said the sect members demonstrated a high degree of discipline because they did not destroy property, or harass pedestrians and motorists.
But Kasarani MP Adolf Muchiri and his Embakasi counterpart, Mr David Mwenje, said the demo was in bad taste because the Government has already banned the sect, along with 17 others.
Mungiki resurgence must be stopped
The notorious Mungiki sect is back with all the insecurity this represents.
Its main target as has been the case since the gang reared its ugly head is the matatu business from which it demands money. Matatu crews and owners are expected to pay some kind of protection money daily, failing which the consequences are brutal.
Matatu owners, drivers and conductors have been killed and maimed for refusing to obey. In Nairobi, the public transport has resorted to withdrawal of services to express their disgust, anger and woes.
But it is not just in Nairobi where the Mungiki menace is a security threat. In Kahuro Location in Murang’a District, the sect gangsters reign supreme and it is said to be their main hide-out. The situation is so grave that Central PC Mr Kiplimo Rugut has ordered a 24-hour police surveillance of the location.
The resurgence of the Mungiki is worrying because it seems to follow a national trend of rising insecurity. What has been happening in Molo and Kuresoi in Nakuru District, Samburu and Baringo among other areas, should be seen in this light.
The Mungiki gained notoriety in the late 1990s in what appeared to be a cultural movement of sorts. It advocated bizarre rituals, including female circumcision. It was frowned upon and ignored until it spiralled into a security threat.
But it later gained acceptance in some political circles and by the 2002 General Election, various politicians and political parties were linked to it.
When Narc came to power, it made headway in fighting it and pushed it out of city and town centres. The cartels that had formed around the matatu business were largely broken.
But it seems that was temporary, a lull before the storm, as recent events have shown.
The sect seems to have taken cover from the authorities and withdrawn to the city and town estates and the countryside. From these hideouts, it intermittently comes out to engage in illegality and make a point.
A few months ago, attempts to break the sect’s hold on the matatu business resulted in the shooting and injury of a senior police officer in the city.
This daredevil buffoonery should worry the security agents and they must once and for all come hard on the Mungiki and its network. As the country enters an election year, the gang will only get bolder.
And why not? Politicians and political parties will be ready to hire their services to intimidate or even eliminate their opponents. The Provincial Administration and the public should form a major plank in the war against Mungiki, cattle rustlers and those who torch houses.
These people must be arrested and made to face the force of the law for only then can wananchi be secure enough to go about their daily chores.
This is the time to test the community policing programme that was launched with a lot of fanfare as a complementary source of security. It will emerge whether security agents and the public have learnt to trust one another and use the information received well and responsibly. The war against crime — its success and failure — will also measure how the recent Office of the President Rapid Results Initiative is fairing.

The American pipe dream

Do you want to go to America? I was asked this question six years ago while sipping a cold Coke at a restaurant on the first floor of the Kenya Cinema building in Nairobi. I remember the hurried “yes” that I blurted out unconsciously.
And, now, as I walk down the streets of New York, I realise the complexity and intricacy of the question had eluded me at that point.
Would my answer be any different now? Probably not, but if I had known what I know now about America, I would have made a similar but educated response.
I look into the distance and see the statue of liberty. It represents a woman wearing a crown and carrying a torch in her raised hand. It’s a gift from the people of France after the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence, representing friendship between the two countries.
Most important, it welcomes visitors and immigrants, international students like me, Green Card lottery winners, parents attending their children’s graduation, and couples on their honey moon to America.
I walk through Central Park and feed the birds with rice grain as my mind pensively wonders. Maybe there are a few things Kenyans need to be refreshed on before making that bold move to America; jobs, college, immigration.
Priority would have to go to jobs due to the impression by most Kenyans that America is the land of milk and honey. We Kenyans watch MTV and look at pictures sent by our friends abroad and we get the impression that the streets in America are paved with gold.
I remember my exact words to Mum the day before I boarded the plane. “Mum, as soon as I get to America, I will get a job and send you lots and lots of money!” What I did not know was that, as an international student in America, one is not authorised to work without a social security number.
What is a social security number? A nine-digit number issued to US citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents. Its primary purpose is to track individuals for taxation purposes.
Now, international students are issued with a temporary social security card which has a stamp saying “Not authorised to work off campus”. This means that an international student is confined to work a maximum of 20 hours a week, doing odd jobs on campus.
So it was to my chagrin when I found myself washing dishes in the college cafeteria while I tried to find a way to explain to my mum why the bucks were not flowing as I had promised.
To beat this system, most Kenyans work odd jobs off campus that are not very strict with the paperwork. These include house cleaning, waiter jobs, caring after old folks, moving boxes, overnight shelf stockers, watchmen, etc.
These jobs are degrading and the only comfort that the Kenyans derive from doing them is that they are able to send money back home to their families, keep enough to help them survive and, for the lucky few, pay tuition.
Green Card lottery winners are the most advantaged in this situation. They automatically qualify for a social security card and have as many rights as the American citizens. The only problem is when they seek a good job.
Most American companies don’t recognise degrees from Kenyan universities and one is either forced to re-enter college and try and transfer as many classes as possible from the Kenyan campus.
Alternatively, one who has a Kenyan degree is forced to take up a master’s programme in a recognised American university. But there are a few recognised institutions in Kenya that could make transition swift, such as USIU or working for the United Nations and some NGOs.
My Kenyan roommate used to work at the New York Airport carrying bags for the arriving and departing passengers. His wages were inconsistent as they were based on tips from grateful passengers and empathisers. One day he came home with a “lost” Kenyan girl. She had just arrived from Kenya and he had found her stranded at the airport.
“Someone from college was supposed to pick me up,” she said in an exhausted voice. We took care of her and eventually got her college.
For Kenyans students flying to America, it is important to verify all the information about who is picking you up and to what address you are going. It’s always an advantage if you know other Kenyans abroad. They can make your stay more comfortable by showing you the ropes.
The tuition fees in American universities range from $10,000 to $30,000 (Sh755,500-2,266,500) a year depending on the status of the university.
Most Kenyan students are awarded partial scholarships and, after the second year, most drop out due to lack of fees. Many students take up odd jobs and the smart ones take part-time classes as they finance their way through college. The Green Card lottery winners are the lucky ones because they qualify for financial aid, which is a student loan repayable after graduation.
Nodding off
Can one work and take classes at the same time? Yes, but it involves a lot of sacrifice. It involves kissing good sleep goodbye. It involves dozing off in the middle of lessons, running home to take a nap in between classes, or doing homework at your workplace.
As a student, I worked all night in a factory doing hard labour. In the morning I would take a shower and rush to class. In the afternoon I would rush home and sleep for four hours and in the evening I would be in the soccer field training with the college soccer team. Life was no picnic; my eyes were always red. This was my new life – my life in America.
Finally, the biggest obstacle to Kenyans in America is the immigration department. Kilonzo, my college mate, wanted to go visit his family back in Kenya.
“I miss them so much!” he said. I tried to talk him out of it because his student visa had expired and he would have to go to the American embassy in Kenya to renew it. “I have been in school for two years,” he said.
What he forgot to remember was that in one of those terms in college, his grade had dropped below a 2.0 GPA, which is lower than a C grade in Kenya.
Needless to say, Kilonzo was denied re-entry into the United States. His life took a tumble down the cliff, from the glamorous America to the ghetto life back in Kenya where he was born. His dreams were shattered, his heart ripped from his body.
The international students’ requirements by the immigration department are very simple; one has to renew his visa before it expires, and one has to stay in school until graduation.
All students have the luxury to drop out of college for a maximum of five months after which the privilege expires. The catch is after college when most Kenyan students suddenly realise they are about to fall from status. They are thus required to go back to their country.
The college issues graduating students with a one-year temporary work permit as a farewell gesture and a key to their new life. It’s very hard for a graduating student to get a job without papers.
American companies in need of accountants, doctors, pharmacists and pilots will issue students with H-1B visas. This requires a sponsoring US employer to file a labour condition application (LCA) with the Department of Labour attesting to several items, including payment of prevailing wages for the position, and the working conditions offered.
The employer must then file an I-129 petition with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (previously INS) and, unless specifically exempt under the law, an additional $500 fee to sponsor the H-1B worker. Based on the bureau petition approval, the alien may apply for the H-1B visa, admission or a change of non-immigrant status.
After graduation, my roommate was in a dilemma. He had graduated with a business administration degree, which is not characterised as a profession worthy of a H-1B visa. What was he to do? Should he get married to an American woman for the sake of getting a Green Card like some Kenyans do? No, he couldn’t do that. He had vowed to get married once. His parents had brought him up on strict African morals and profound ethical guidelines.
One day, while we were sleeping, there was a knock on the door. It was 6 o’clock on a Monday morning. My friend sleepily stumbled to the door and flung it open. Two men were standing outside.
“Is your name Titus?” one asked sombrely.
“Yes,” he replied groggily.
“We are from the immigration department and we have a warrant for your arrest and a deportation order for you, back to Kenya.” My roommate was jailed for three months in America before we could bail him out and raise enough money to acquire the services of an immigration lawyer.
Most Kenyan students abroad are confused as to the way forward after college because they fall out of status. The immigration department receives a report from universities on all international students and they have a right to pick them up and deport them. It is imperative for all Kenyan students to figure out the way forward before graduation. It’s the prudent thing to do. It’s the only thing to do.
So, if someone took me back to the restaurant at Kenya Cinema and asked me, “Do you want to go to America?” this time I would pause pensively and then say, “Yes!” But then I would exhaustively address the delicate matters that would affect my life forever: jobs, college and immigration.
mrobertto@yahoo.com

Thursday 17 February 2011

Arsenal 2 - 1 Barcelona - Making History.

Thursday, 17 February 2011
When you qualify from your Champions League group second and you are drawn against Barcelona for the last-16 stage of the competition, it is fair to assume that most teams would be shitting it, as I was when Arsenal were drawn against them and in the run up to the game last night. However we outplayed the Champions League's elite favourites last night at the Emirates in the first leg of the tie, to give us a one nil advantage against Europe's, and the world's, finest. A touch of class from Arshavin sealed the match after a moment of genius from van Persie drew us level with an early David Villa goal. An epic game calls for an epic blog, so here I go...

For neutrals, last night's game was a mouth watering affair and easily the most inticing of all the last 16 fixtures. It was a case of big brother v little brother. The encounter is always seen as the inspiration (Barca) taking on the inspired (Arsenal), two of the classiest teams playing the same minded football and always Barca would come out as victors, because who could beat Barca at their own game?

It's no secret that Arsenal aspire to the greatness of the Barcelona team, of their 'pure football' methods and their one-touch, silky, tika taka football. The encounter last year, in the quarter final stage of the competition, resulted in Barcelona running circles around us, with them catching each of our players, one after the other, in one of their intricate triangle passing moves, their small accurate and deliberate passes tieing us in know.
Everyone knows that we are two teams cut from the same cloth, but also that Barca are always able to repel any threat we might pose. After last night however we proved that we have grown up and that maybe we should no longer be the 'little brother' but maybe, as Nasri put it, the 'cousin' to Barcelona.

This year, the team vowed that the game would not be the same as it was last year, a 2-2 draw at the Emirates. Last year we showed them too much respect, never daring to interrupt their flow and let them spin the game into their 'Barcelona show', more so at the Nou Camp than at the Emirates, when Lionel Messi single handedly brought down a naive and inexperienced Arsenal side, with a 4-1 victory over us. A draw against Barcelona will always send shivers down a Gooner's back, but maybe after this display, it will more be in anticipation rather than dread.

What made the encounter ever so slightly more appealing was the Catalan in amongst the Arsenal rows of red, instead of in the mint green of Barcelona. Cesc Fabregas, who will forever live his life being linked back to his former club, is of course a proud and devoted Arsenal captain, who spent much of last summer involved in rumours of a move back to Barca, despite the Spanish club only able to offer a miniscule amount, no where near his actual worth. Fondly known by the Arsenal fans as El Capitan, he will remain the leader of our team, at least until the end of the season, and an inspiring figure to play alongside for the likes of young Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott. Much has been made of the fact that the reason he wants to return to Barcelona is because Arsenal haven't won anything for a good five, maybe more now, years and that such a talented player should be winning trophies and have more than one major honour for a club he has been a part of for 8 years now. With a Carling Cup Final looming and a one goal advantage when we return to the Nou Camp, maybe this year will be when he finally gets what he deserves. The team of this year maybe had an advantage over last year's side due to the fact that we didn't have as many players injured. The team lined up to face the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Messi and Villa included Fabregas, van Persie, Walcott, Wilshere and a healthily returned Nasri. All of them played a vital role in securing our home win, and in making history. Last night was the first time we beat Barcelona, making us all very proud gooners.

I usually start this part of the blog, the match analysis, with something along the lines of 'We started the game in full control...'. However when you play Barcelona, you have to expect long periods of being the chasers of the ball, of spectators of the game instead of being part of the game, that being the way in which they go about playing their football. And they go about it with ease and composure, so much so that I realised that this muct be what it is like for other teams to play us, as our basic ideas and mindset are based on 'Barcelona's game' and their football.

We handled the Barcelona pressure and their snappy, creative and sharp tactics extremely well for the first twenty minutes or so, and were extemely lucky not to go one down as early as the fifteenth minute. It's not very often Leo Messi misses a sitter but he somehow managed to prod the ball wide of the post in a one-on-one with the Szczesny, to the relief of the 60,000 strong in the stadium. And his curse of not scoring in England continues to be true, as he failed to convert his chances against us.

But before Messi failed to open the scoring, we had been powering into the Barcelona half determined to make the night a very different story to last year. In the 6th minute of the game, Walcott used his astounding pace to give the Barca back four a bit of a fright, or maybe a taster of what was to come. The winger used his speed to hurtle through into the final third of the pitch, on a run that Maxwell couldn't keep up with but his attempted through ball was overhit to van Persie when Nasri was on the left, completely free and crying out for the ball. Walcott cut a speedy figure for the rest of the match and by the end of the evening it was obvious to see that Barca did in fact have weaknesses, they were vulnerable to pace like Walcott's at the back.

Only a minute later Walcott was back on another mesmerizing run and played in Fabregas whose dinked pass came to van Persie but the shot was blocked by an alert Valdes. After that came Messi's perfectly timed run to see him onside and beating our back four, guilty of a spot of ball watching, but Messi ended up slipping the ball wide, cue the Emirates crowd letting out a collective sigh of relief.

We were on a classic Arsenal counter attack ten minutes later, after some intricate possession from both sides, which saw Walcott away down the left wing only to find Fabregas on the right whose ball into the waiting van Persie was intercepted frustratingly by Maxwell. By this stage of the game I wasn't disappointed by failure to score or produce chances, I was thankful that at least we knew we could get the ball off Barca. Song was also booked within the first ten minutes

and from then on had to be extremely careful, which he wasn't, treading on very very thin ice with the referee by the time he was substituted, to keep us with 11 men on the pitch.

The goal that saw Barcelona take the lead came from the feet of David Villa, one of Fabregas' World Cup winning team mates, among many others in the Barca side. This time our back four were very, very guilty of ball watching as Messi slipped through a ball for Villa to get on the end of and nutmeg Szczesny cheekily to put Barca in front. The clinical finish was likely to come from this man, a talented striker who has, since last night's events has gone on to say that Barcelona were the better side and deserved to win. Slightly disrespectful, however he is a neat and powerful finisher and has proved that he is a force to be reckoned with when we visit the Now Camp.
Going one down to Barcelona can result in different reactions. You can park the bus, give up and say that nothing can be done against such a formidable side or you can be encouraged by the goal difference and make it mke you want the goal(s) even more. We decided on the latter, to my joy, which involved Wilshere and Kocielny playing what must have been their game of the season. Van Persie somewhat annoyingly scuffed his shot wide on the half hour mark after a pass from Wilshere which meant we were still trailing to a forceful Barcelona team at half time.

Before the whistle went for the break, Messi had put Barcelona two in the lead, but his goal was ruled, fairly, offside, as were many other chances Barcelona had in the first half which was encouraging as it meant we were holding a high and steady line at the back, playing them offside, apart from a lazy moment to allow Villa through the defensive line, onside. The team that played this first 45 minutes against Barcelona was definitely an improvement on last year's. This time it was like we actually believed we could do something, and you could feel the desire and belief within the team. However at the start of the second half we really came into our own as the fact that we were playing Barcelona seemed to fade to the back of our minds and we began to concentrate on the task at hand. It has to be said that in the first half we also held up better against them as opposed to when we just let them walk all over us last year. We were stronger and more determined this time around, meaning that both teams were having equal amounts of possession and it wasn't a training session-esque game for Barca.

The start of the second half was even more encouraging as we surged forward and pressured Barca. They of course retailiated. When Koscielny brought the ball forward form the back for Fabregas to drill in a delivery for van Persie at the near post and Pique came agonizingly in between van Persie and the ball, Barca responded minutes later with another chance for Messi to score after he received a through ball from Iniesta but he could only hit the side netting, and we were again, thankfully, let off. As the game progressed with spells of possesion from both sides it looked as if the magic would never come, if maybe this year wouldn't be the year.
Koscielny continued to be our rock at the back, making vital, clean challenges and clinical touches to prevent Barca form slipping someone through and in a midfield alongside Xavi, Iniesta and Cesc, 19 year old Jack Wilshere was the one who shone, his creativity and deft touches never ceasing to amaze the Arsenal fans. Arshavin was brought on for Song before Walcott was taken off for Bendtner. At times the visiting side were playing as if they are at home, in their own backyard but the fact we kept Messi, Xavi and Iniesta reasonably quite for the whole game speaks volumes.

The moment of truth came in the most unlikely of forms. An unspeakable angle at which to score was presented to van Persie in the 78th minute, after Clichy sought him out with a pass on the left and the in form striker took on the challenge, finding the back of the net at the most ridiculous angle possible at which to smash the ball home. The crowd was uplifted, the manager who had previously been cutting quite an agitated figure on the sidelines was reignited with hope and the team was raring to go.

The atmosphere in the ground was no doubt electric as the fans willed the team to go forward and find another and to keep the Barca team under pressure. We kept the ball confidently and well before Messi broke through only to be held up by Clichy and denied progression deeper into our half. 5 minutes was the time we had to wait for the winning goal to arrive, from non other than slightly disappointing this season Arshavin who has only of late been finding his best form once again.

Nasri broke away down the left in acres of space and was left to cut back for Arshavin who kept his cool, kept the ball down and floated it into the top corner of the net, completing our breathtaking comeback and our mesmerizing resurgance. The fans were asking for a third and while we did try, Barca were also trying to equalize and kept us pegged back in our own half despite us trying to press high up the field. The ref waited an agonzing thirty seconds longer than the allocated three minutes and so when the whistle came, the feeling was fantastic.

I can only dream of what it was like to be there, in that corwd, cheering on the players who came from a goal down to beat a strong and exceptionally talented Barcelona side. While many of us will get carried away with this stunning victory, it only provides us with a mere chance of progressing further in the comptetion as not many teams can beat a now even more determined Barcelona side on their home turf. However the one goal advantage will give us a huge morale boost to see if we can be one of those few teams and this night has secured our first ever victory over our 'big brothers/cousins' and, regardless of what happens in the second leg, we can forever be proud of what we achieved and cherish the night of 16.2.11, when we beat, undoubtedly, the best team in the world at their own game.

It also bodes well for us that we have a Carling Cup final looming as this victory will no doubt instill all kinds of hope in the team. The players of the game for me, were Koscielny and Wilshere. Despite Fabregas not having one of his best nights he still played a vital role in the team as did Nasri and the ever surging forward, Walcott. The performance is incredibly encouraging, but Fabregas said it well when he said that it's only half time. Now we have to go to Barcelona and outplay them at the Nou Camp, no mean feat to achieve. At least now we have a stepping stone to help us try and achieve that dream.

16.2.11 - Making History.

Thursday, 17 February 11,

Arsenal 2 - 1 Barcelona

When you qualify from your Champions League group second and you are drawn against Barcelona for the last-16 stage of the competition, it is fair to assume that most teams would be shitting it, as I was when Arsenal were drawn against them and in the run up to the game last night. However we outplayed the Champions League's elite favourites last night at the Emirates in the first leg of the tie, to give us a one nil advantage against Europe's, and the world's, finest. A touch of class from Arshavin sealed the match after a moment of genius from van Persie drew us level with an early David Villa goal. An epic game calls for an epic blog, so here I go...

For neutrals, last night's game was a mouth watering affair and easily the most inticing of all the last 16 fixtures. It was a case of big brother v little brother. The encounter is always seen as the inspiration (Barca) taking on the inspired (Arsenal), two of the classiest teams playing the same minded football and always Barca would come out as victors, because who could beat Barca at their own game?

It's no secret that Arsenal aspire to the greatness of the Barcelona team, of their 'pure football' methods and their one-touch, silky, tika taka football. The encounter last year, in the quarter final stage of the competition, resulted in Barcelona running circles around us, with them catching each of our players, one after the other, in one of their intricate triangle passing moves, their small accurate and deliberate passes tieing us in knots. Everyone knows that we are two teams cut from the same cloth, but also that Barca are always able to repel any threat we might pose. After last night however we proved that we have grown up and that maybe we should no longer be the 'little brother' but maybe, as Nasri put it, the 'cousin' to Barcelona.

This year, the team vowed that the game would not be the same as it was last year, a 2-2 draw at the Emirates. Last year we showed them too much respect, never daring to interrupt their flow and let them spin the game into their 'Barcelona show', more so at the Nou Camp than at the Emirates, when Lionel Messi single handedly brought down a naive and inexperienced Arsenal side, with a 4-1 victory over us. A draw against Barcelona will always send shivers down a Gooner's back, but maybe after this display, it will more be in anticipation rather than dread.

What made the encounter ever so slightly more appealing was the Catalan in amongst the Arsenal rows of red, instead of in the mint green of Barcelona. Cesc Fabregas, who will forever live his life being linked back to his former club, is of course a proud and devoted Arsenal captain, who spent much of last summer involved in rumours of a move back to Barca, despite the Spanish club only able to offer a miniscule amount, no where near his actual worth. Fondly known by the Arsenal fans as El Capitan, he will remain the leader of our team, at least until the end of the season, and an inspiring figure to play alongside for the likes of young Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott. Much has been made of the fact that the reason he wants to return to Barcelona is because Arsenal haven't won anything for a good five, maybe more now, years and that such a talented player should be winning trophies and have more than one major honour for a club he has been a part of for 8 years now. With a Carling Cup Final looming and a one goal advantage when we return to the Nou Camp, maybe this year will be when he finally gets what he deserves.

The team of this year maybe had an advantage over last year's side due to the fact that we didn't have as many players injured. The team lined up to face the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Messi and Villa included Fabregas, van Persie, Walcott, Wilshere and a healthily returned Nasri. All of them played a vital role in securing our home win, and in making history. Last night was the first time we beat Barcelona, making us all very proud gooners.

I usually start this part of the blog, the match analysis, with something along the lines of 'We started the game in full control...'. However when you play Barcelona, you have to expect long periods of being the chasers of the ball, of spectators of the game instead of being part of the game, that being the way in which they go about playing their football. And they go about it with ease and composure, so much so that I realised that this muct be what it is like for other teams to play us, as our basic ideas and mindset are based on 'Barcelona's game' and their football.

We handled the Barcelona pressure and their snappy, creative and sharp tactics extremely well for the first twenty minutes or so, and were extemely lucky not to go one down as early as the fifteenth minute. It's not very often Leo Messi misses a sitter but he somehow managed to prod the ball wide of the post in a one-on-one with the Szczesny, to the relief of the 60,000 strong in the stadium. And his curse of not scoring in England continues to be true, as he failed to convert his chances against us.

But before Messi failed to open the scoring, we had been powering into the Barcelona half determined to make the night a very different story to last year. In the 6th minute of the game, Walcott used his astounding pace to give the Barca back four a bit of a fright, or maybe a taster of what was to come. The winger used his speed to hurtle through into the final third of the pitch, on a run that Maxwell couldn't keep up with but his attempted through ball was overhit to van Persie when Nasri was on the left, completely free and crying out for the ball. Walcott cut a speedy figure for the rest of the match and by the end of the evening it was obvious to see that Barca did in fact have weaknesses, they were vulnerable to pace like Walcott's at the back.

Only a minute later Walcott was back on another mesmerizing run and played in Fabregas whose dinked pass came to van Persie but the shot was blocked by an alert Valdes. After that came Messi's perfectly timed run to see him onside and beating our back four, guilty of a spot of ball watching, but Messi ended up slipping the ball wide, cue the Emirates crowd letting out a collective sigh of relief.

We were on a classic Arsenal counter attack ten minutes later, after some intricate possession from both sides, which saw Walcott away down the left wing only to find Fabregas on the right whose ball into the waiting van Persie was intercepted frustratingly by Maxwell. By this stage of the game I wasn't disappointed by failure to score or produce chances, I was thankful that at least we knew we could get the ball off Barca. Song was also booked within the first ten minutes and from then on had to be extremely careful, which he wasn't, treading on very very thin ice with the referee by the time he was substituted, to keep us with 11 men on the pitch.

The goal that saw Barcelona take the lead came from the feet of David Villa, one of Fabregas' World Cup winning team mates, among many others in the Barca side. This time our back four were very, very guilty of ball watching as Messi slipped through a ball for Villa to get on the end of and nutmeg Szczesny cheekily to put Barca in front. The clinical finish was likely to come from this man, a talented striker who has, since last night's events has gone on to say that Barcelona were the better side and deserved to win. Slightly disrespectful, however he is a neat and powerful finisher and has proved that he is a force to be reckoned with when we visit the Now Camp.

Going one down to Barcelona can result in different reactions. You can park the bus, give up and say that nothing can be done against such a formidable side or you can be encouraged by the goal difference and make it mke you want the goal(s) even more. We decided on the latter, to my joy, which involved Wilshere and Kocielny playing what must have been their game of the season. Van Persie somewhat annoyingly scuffed his shot wide on the half hour mark after a pass from Wilshere which meant we were still trailing to a forceful Barcelona team at half time.

Before the whistle went for the break, Messi had put Barcelona two in the lead, but his goal was ruled, fairly, offside, as were many other chances Barcelona had in the first half which was encouraging as it meant we were holding a high and steady line at the back, playing them offside, apart from a lazy moment to allow Villa through the defensive line, onside. The team that played this first 45 minutes against Barcelona was definitely an improvement on last year's. This time it was like we actually believed we could do something, and you could feel the desire and belief within the team. However at the start of the second half we really came into our own as the fact that we were playing Barcelona seemed to fade to the back of our minds and we began to concentrate on the task at hand. It has to be said that in the first half we also held up better against them as opposed to when we just let them walk all over us last year. We were stronger and more determined this time around, meaning that both teams were having equal amounts of possession and it wasn't a training session-esque game for Barca.

The start of the second half was even more encouraging as we surged forward and pressured Barca. They of course retailiated. When Koscielny brought the ball forward form the back for Fabregas to drill in a delivery for van Persie at the near post and Pique came agonizingly in between van Persie and the ball, Barca responded minutes later with another chance for Messi to score after he received a through ball from Iniesta but he could only hit the side netting, and we were again, thankfully, let off. As the game progressed with spells of possesion from both sides it looked as if the magic would never come, if maybe this year wouldn't be the year.

Koscielny continued to be our rock at the back, making vital, clean challenges and clinical touches to prevent Barca form slipping someone through and in a midfield alongside Xavi, Iniesta and Cesc, 19 year old Jack Wilshere was the one who shone, his creativity and deft touches never ceasing to amaze the Arsenal fans. Arshavin was brought on for Song before Walcott was taken off for Bendtner. At times the visiting side were playing as if they are at home, in their own backyard but the fact we kept Messi, Xavi and Iniesta reasonably quite for the whole game speaks volumes.

The moment of truth came in the most unlikely of forms. An unspeakable angle at which to score was presented to van Persie in the 78th minute, after Clichy sought him out with a pass on the left and the in form striker took on the challenge, finding the back of the net at the most ridiculous angle possible at which to smash the ball home. The crowd was uplifted, the manager who had previously been cutting quite an agitated figure on the sidelines was reignited with hope and the team was raring to go.

The atmosphere in the ground was no doubt electric as the fans willed the team to go forward and find another and to keep the Barca team under pressure. We kept the ball confidently and well before Messi broke through only to be held up by Clichy and denied progression deeper into our half. 5 minutes was the time we had to wait for the winning goal to arrive, from non other than slightly disappointing this season Arshavin who has only of late been finding his best form once again.

Nasri broke away down the left in acres of space and was left to cut back for Arshavin who kept his cool, kept the ball down and floated it into the top corner of the net, completing our breathtaking comeback and our mesmerizing resurgance. The fans were asking for a third and while we did try, Barca were also trying to equalize and kept us pegged back in our own half despite us trying to press high up the field. The ref waited an agonzing thirty seconds longer than the allocated three minutes and so when the whistle came, the feeling was fantastic.

I can only dream of what it was like to be there, in that corwd, cheering on the players who came from a goal down to beat a strong and exceptionally talented Barcelona side. While many of us will get carried away with this stunning victory, it only provides us with a mere chance of progressing further in the comptetion as not many teams can beat a now even more determined Barcelona side on their home turf. However the one goal advantage will give us a huge morale boost to see if we can be one of those few teams and this night has secured our first ever victory over our 'big brothers/cousins' and, regardless of what happens in the second leg, we can forever be proud of what we achieved and cherish the night of 16.2.11, when we beat, undoubtedly, the best team in the world at their own game.

It also bodes well for us that we have a Carling Cup final looming as this victory will no doubt instill all kinds of hope in the team. The players of the game for me, were Koscielny and Wilshere. Despite Fabregas not having one of his best nights he still played a vital role in the team as did Nasri and the ever surging forward, Walcott. The performance is incredibly encouraging, but Fabregas said it well when he said that it's only half time. Now we have to go to Barcelona and outplay them at the Nou Camp, no mean feat to achieve. At least now we have a stepping stone to help us try and achieve that dream.

Tuesday 15 February 2011

Bob Marley Quotes Serve As One Way Of Examining His Thoughts, Beliefs And General Outlook On Life.

Bob Marley: Word Smith and Messenger

"People want to listen to a message, word from Jah. This could be passed through me or anybody. I am not a leader... The word of the songs, not the person, is what attracts people."Bob Marley's Quote

Bob Marley QuotesBobb Marley quote most times come from stories related by an individual and speaks to his or her past or present experiences while at the same time reflecting their dreams and aspirations for the future.

Therefore Bob Marley quotes serve as one way of examining his thoughts, beliefs and general outlook on life.

Bob Marley’s Quotations can come from a variety of sources as communication can take place in through any medium once a message is transmitted and understood. Therefore Bob Marley’s music, interviews and writings for instance can serve as sources of quotations.

In the this case we are examining some of the most famous quotes of Bob Marley the man who “had so much things to say” during his lifetime and even posthumously, that his body of work compiled over a twenty year period, still speaks to us about life, love and eternal struggles.

Below are listed some of Bob Marley’s quotations and sayings.

I have listed 25 of the most powerful Bob Marley Quotes.

"The first thing you must know about me is that I always stand what I stand for. Good? The second thing you must know about yourself listening to me is that words are tricky. So when you know what me a stand for, when me explain a thing to you, you must never try to look 'pon it in a different way from what me a stand for."

1 "Every man gotta right to decide his own destiny."

This is Marley steadfastly adhering to the philosophy speaking to self determination of which one of the greatest Pan Africanist Marcus Mosiah Garvey spoke about.

Marley realized that the doctrine of inferiority was one that served to limit the potential and outlook of People of African descent.

2 "Facts an' facts, an' t'ings an t'ings: dem's all a lotta fockin' bullshit. Hear me! Dere is no truth but de one truth, an' that is the truth of Jah Rastafari."

3 "I don't stand for the black man's side; I don’t stand for the white man's side. I stand for God's side."

In light of the fact that Marley was being marketed as a rock star to an international audience, it is not surprising that he would hold such a sentiment.

Songs like Zimbabwe and Africa Unite prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that he was very much aware of the status and struggle of people of African descent.

However it can be assumed that his Rastafarian faith with a doctrine of love combined with increased spirituality and the need to be marketable to a “one love” audience provided the necessary middle ground that Bob the artist needed.
4 "Don´t forget your history nor your destiny."

5 "In the abundance of water, the fool is thirsty."

6 "The harder the battle the sweet of jah victory."

7 "Open your eyes & look within, are you satisfied with the life you living."

8 "In this great future you can’t forget your past."

9 "If you get down and quarrel everyday, you're saying prayers to the devil, I say."

10 "Just can't live that negative way...make way for the positive day!"

11 "Life and Jah are one in the same. Jah is the gift of existence. I am in some way eternal, I will never be duplicated. The singularity of every man and woman is Jah's gift. What we struggle to make of it is our sole gift to Jah. The process of what that struggle becomes, in time, the Truth."

12 "Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts; put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!"

13 "Until the philosophy which hold one race superior and another inferior is finally discredited and abandoned...WAR! So that is prophecy, and everyone knows that is truth. And it came out of the mouth of Rastafari."

This is one of Bob Marley quotes come from Ras Tafari or His Imperial Majesty; however Bob with his lyrical genius immortalized them by putting these sentiments, originally delivered by H.I.M as a speech, to music.

14 "The first thing you must know about me is that I always stand what I stand for. Good? The second thing you must know about yourself listening to me is that words are tricky. So when you know what me a stand for, when me explain a thing to you, you must never try to look 'pon it in a different way from what me a stand for."

15 "Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds..."

16 "The good times of today, are the sad thoughts of tomorrow."

17 "You can fool some people sometimes, but you can't fool all the people all the time."

18 "Don't gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold..."

19 "When the race gets hard to run. It means you just can't take the pace."

20 "The more people smoke herb, the more Babylon fall." Bob Marley quote on herbs

21 "Rise O fallen fighters, rise and take your stance again, He who fight and run away, Live to fight another day"

22 "The power of philosophy floats through my head, Light like a feather, Heavy as Led"

23 "Rastafari not a culture, it's a reality."

24 "The only truth is Rastafari."

25 "My music will go on forever. Maybe it's a fool say that, but when me know facts me can say facts. My music will go on forever."

Bob Marley Quotes Still Relevant

The fact of the matter is that although Bob Marley has made his transition over 24 years ago, Bob Marley’s quotes still reflect in current life, economic and political situations. Bob Marley’s quotes are by no means archaic references but still speak with a great amount of relevance to the human condition and possible solutions for a future that hoped for but did not live to see.

"Open your eyes and look within, are you satisfied with the life you are living? We know where we are going, we know where we are from." –Bob Marley’s quote from Exodus.

Bob Marley Quotes Serve As One Way Of Examining His Thoughts, Beliefs And General Outlook On Life.

Bob Marley: Word Smith and Messenger

"People want to listen to a message, word from Jah. This could be passed through me or anybody. I am not a leader... The word of the songs, not the person, is what attracts people."Bob Marley's Quote

Bob Marley Quotes
Bob Marley quote most times come from stories related by an individual and speaks to his or her past or present experiences while at the same time reflecting their dreams and aspirations for the future.

Therefore Bob Marley quotes serve as one way of examining his thoughts, beliefs and general outlook on life.

Bob Marley’s Quotations can come from a variety of sources as communication can take place in through any medium once a message is transmitted and understood. Therefore Bob Marley’s music, interviews and writings for instance can serve as sources of quotations.

In the this case we are examining some of the most famous quotes of Bob Marley the man who “had so much things to say” during his lifetime and even posthumously, that his body of work compiled over a twenty year period, still speaks to us about life, love and eternal struggles.

Below are listed some of Bob Marley’s quotations and sayings.

I have listed 25 of the most powerful Bob Marley Quotes.

"The first thing you must know about me is that I always stand what I stand for. Good? The second thing you must know about yourself listening to me is that words are tricky. So when you know what me a stand for, when me explain a thing to you, you must never try to look 'pon it in a different way from what me a stand for."

1 "Every man gotta right to decide his own destiny."

This is Marley steadfastly adhering to the philosophy speaking to self determination of which one of the greatest Pan Africanist Marcus Mosiah Garvey spoke about.

Marley realized that the doctrine of inferiority was one that served to limit the potential and outlook of People of African descent.

2 "Facts an' facts, an' t'ings an t'ings: dem's all a lotta fockin' bullshit. Hear me! Dere is no truth but de one truth, an' that is the truth of Jah Rastafari."

3 "I don't stand for the black man's side; I don’t stand for the white man's side. I stand for God's side."

In light of the fact that Marley was being marketed as a rock star to an international audience, it is not surprising that he would hold such a sentiment.

Songs like Zimbabwe and Africa Unite prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that he was very much aware of the status and struggle of people of African descent.

However it can be assumed that his Rastafarian faith with a doctrine of love combined with increased spirituality and the need to be marketable to a “one love” audience provided the necessary middle ground that Bob the artist needed.
4 "Don´t forget your history nor your destiny."

5 "In the abundance of water, the fool is thirsty."

6 "The harder the battle the sweet of jah victory."

7 "Open your eyes & look within, are you satisfied with the life you living."

8 "In this great future you can’t forget your past."

9 "If you get down and quarrel everyday, you're saying prayers to the devil, I say."

10 "Just can't live that negative way...make way for the positive day!"

11 "Life and Jah are one in the same. Jah is the gift of existence. I am in some way eternal, I will never be duplicated. The singularity of every man and woman is Jah's gift. What we struggle to make of it is our sole gift to Jah. The process of what that struggle becomes, in time, the Truth."

12 "Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts; put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!"

13 "Until the philosophy which hold one race superior and another inferior is finally discredited and abandoned...WAR! So that is prophecy, and everyone knows that is truth. And it came out of the mouth of Rastafari."

This is one of Bob Marley quotes come from Ras Tafari or His Imperial Majesty; however Bob with his lyrical genius immortalized them by putting these sentiments, originally delivered by H.I.M as a speech, to music.

14 "The first thing you must know about me is that I always stand what I stand for. Good? The second thing you must know about yourself listening to me is that words are tricky. So when you know what me a stand for, when me explain a thing to you, you must never try to look 'pon it in a different way from what me a stand for."

15 "Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds..."

16 "The good times of today, are the sad thoughts of tomorrow."

17 "You can fool some people sometimes, but you can't fool all the people all the time."

18 "Don't gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold..."

19 "When the race gets hard to run. It means you just can't take the pace."

20 "The more people smoke herb, the more Babylon fall." Bob Marley quote on herbs

21 "Rise O fallen fighters, rise and take your stance again, He who fight and run away, Live to fight another day"

22 "The power of philosophy floats through my head, Light like a feather, Heavy as Led"

23 "Rastafari not a culture, it's a reality."

24 "The only truth is Rastafari."

25 "My music will go on forever. Maybe it's a fool say that, but when me know facts me can say facts. My music will go on forever."

Bob Marley Quotes Still Relevant

The fact of the matter is that although Bob Marley has made his transition over 24 years ago, Bob Marley’s quotes still reflect in current life, economic and political situations. Bob Marley’s quotes are by no means archaic references but still speak with a great amount of relevance to the human condition and possible solutions for a future that hoped for but did not live to see.

"Open your eyes and look within, are you satisfied with the life you are living? We know where we are going, we know where we are from." –Bob Marley’s quote

Sunday 13 February 2011

Arsenal Vs Barcelona

“Individuals might win matches, but groups win titles,” Former Brazil coach and captain Dunga
Come 16th February, a mouth watering clash awaits us, FC Barcelona versus Arsenal, a replay of last year’s Champions League Quarterfinals.

Both Arsenal and Barcelona have near-identical philosophies, and are doing well in their domestic leagues. Guardiola, has the likes of Iniesta, Xavi and Messi, the three musketeer’s to boost his ranks while Wenger’s first squad features Samir Nasri, Van Persie and Fabregas. Wenger’s big problem may be adapting his tactics to cope with a potential dearth of possession against the best passing outfit in world football.

Barcelona’s defensive record this season has been phenomenal which has less to do with the quality of their defenders than it does their refusal to give their opponents the ball.

Lionel Messi v Gael Clichy
Clichy was impressive when Arsenal played Arsenal in the first leg of their quarter finals last year. Curbing his attacking flairs and staying in position would be a key to stopping Messi from running havoc at the Emirates.

Emmanuel Eboue is also tipped to start the game given the fact that he is right footballed, and would prevent Messi cutting in from the right. Messi has not been in spectacular form as off late and the bulk of Barcelona’s scoring in the last few Liga games has come from David Villa and Pedro. Perhaps, a center stage like this is required for Messi to run havoc at Emirates.

Alex Song/Fabregas v Xavi
Cameroon international Song is most likely to be given the responsibility of cutting the supply line to Barcelona’s forwards at the heart of the Gunners midfield. Xavi, Barcelona’s midfield general is unlikely to give away any cheap possession in key areas and rarely plays a bad pass. Moving the ball at speed from man to man, and from one channel to another, makes space. Here Xavi and Cesc Fabregas will be the key. Once they sense they have opened up a gap, they are capable of sliding a penetrative pass to a forward.Whoever wins this midfield battle is most likely to take the game.


Samir Nasri v the Defense
Samir Nasri is the main threat for Barcelona. He has displayed great skills in the League this season and has been in phenomenal form. He is most likely to cut into the final half through the wing and both Puyol and Pique would have to try and stop his clever passes. In the midfield, he is also likely to run into Busquets who himself has been in good form and it would be interesting to see what strategy Pep plays to try and curb the Nasri threat.

Barcelona’s overall strategy would be to keep possession and hence make sure that they control the game. Man to man, Barcelona is much more stronger than Arsenal but it would be interesting to see what strategy Wenger deploys this time around.

Cant wait.

A journalist’s personal story of Moi era purges

Daily Nation - Posted Friday, February 11 2011 at 21:31

Njuguna Mutonya joined the University of Nairobi during its most turbulent period under Daniel arap Moi’s regime. He was arrested for sedition in 1986 and held for 14 days at the infamous Nyayo torture chambers and then jailed at Industrial Area, Kamiti Maximum, Manyani and Shimo la Tewa prisons.
The skies were overcast and a slight squall swept the tarmac road giving it a slimy, slippery sheen. I took shelter at a petrol station at Bora Bora, Bamburi.


A man wearing the light blue overcoat of a Daily Nation vendor stood near, shielding his papers from the wetness. I could read the newspaper’s headlines beneath the plastic cover. ‘Mwakenya: two more jailed.’ In spite of the cold I felt, a light sweat broke out on my forehead, and my heart skipped a beat.

Every day of that year, Kenyan police arrested left-leaning,
former student leaders and radical politicians in a purge, which had enveloped the country in a blanket of fear. I had more than enough reason to worry because I knew most of those arrested as they had been classmates at the University of Nairobi. Most were close associates with whom I had for example, volunteered to produce the student newsletter, Sauti ya Kamukunji.

I called out to the vendor and bought a copy of the newspaper. I read the main story quickly, and identified the new arrests as two former student leaders who were then teaching in the Western Province. I sat in the bus headed for town and my new office in Kwale with a deep sense of foreboding. For the first time, I thought of the possibility of fleeing the country, as a few others had done.

Although I had committed no crime, I felt an invisible net closing around me. It seemed inevitable as my circle of friends and associates were taken in one by one. I could feel the tension growing each day, waiting for the police squad to come for me.

I resolved to collect my salary as soon as it was ready, and cross the border into exile in Tanzania, and possibly further away in Europe.
But I remained hesitant. My life was just starting to show signs of a bright career with my recent promotion as head of the government’s District Information team.

I loved my job and I was already planning the changes I would implement, where I had replaced an ineffective alcoholic who had been recalled to head office. I had already been allocated a house, Jayne had accepted my hand in marriage, and we were planning to move in together immediately her university term ended in July. I therefore wavered about exile.

Two weeks before, my best friend J.M. Adongo, who was a lecturer at the National Polytechnic, had been arrested and no one knew where he was being held. We had been neighbours in Tudor estate and constant companions because of our common political orientation. He had been the secretary-general of the student union during my time at the university. Three days after his arrest, his housemate, who also worked at the polytechnic, was arrested.

My stomach was churning. A knot had formed inside my chest and I was short of breath; a mood of impending doom was all over me. Even the weather remained foul that day, with grey clouds hanging over the Kwale Hills, and an unusually chilly wind that bit into the bones.

I got off the bus and walked to the office, greeted by my secretary, Mwana Siti. She smiled at me in her usual disarming way. Talk of sunshine on a gloomy day!

At 10am, I headed for the Town Hall where the district executive committee, of which I now was a member, was meeting to discuss development options for our region.

Half-way through the meeting, I noticed a messenger come into the hall and discuss something with the DC, who glanced at me briefly before he continued with deliberations.

A few minutes later I saw a tall, dark fellow lumber across the room to where I sat. He politely asked for my name. I told him and he requested me to step out for a short chat.

“I am Inspector Maritim of the Special Branch and I have instructions to search your office.” He told me this while his narrow, shifty eyes ran up and down my body. My heart skipped a beat, a sweat broke out on my forehead, but within a few seconds, I found myself surprisingly relaxed: at least the tension was finally over. This is it, I told myself, as my mind whirled, and I tried to look ahead where all I could see was darkness. What happens next? I wondered.

I returned to the meeting hall, picked up my files, and asked a fellow officer, who was a common friend to Adongo and I, to inform my housemate that I had been arrested. We went to my office where Inspector Maritim quietly stripped my desk apart. He found nothing incriminating apart from some post cards, which I had written to my younger brother describing Mombasa’s invasion by boisterous United States navy marines during a port call.

After the search, Inspector Maritim informed me I was under arrest.

We drove straight to the Provincial Headquarters where I was put in an empty room as the senior officer mobilised a squad to search my house at Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach.

We left in a convoy of three vehicles and were joined by another contingent of police from Bamburi station.

Over 20 officers descended on our three bedroomed house, which they searched from top to bottom. They found an assortment of books and magazines from my university days, which seemed to satisfy them that I really was a dangerous dissident.

One of them called ‘Doctor’ was the proud finder of my copy of Nicollo Machiavelli’s The Prince. His excitement knew no bounds when he read the blurb on the back page, ‘Instructions on how to take over a government! Although the story was based in Europe in the middle ages, it made the agents lick their lips with pleasure. Lenin’s Imperialism: the Highest state of Capitalism and a few other books and magazines on socialism proved beyond reasonable doubt that I was an enemy of the State.
My housemate, Peter Karanja Gichigo, a trade officer and a truly magnanimous friend, arrived just then and stared, dumbfounded, as they tore the house apart. I bade him farewell and asked him to inform my parents and friends.

I was driven to the Port Police Station where a cell was cleared of its inmates for my benefit.

One of the constables on duty gave me the centre page of the day’s newspaper, which I used to protect my face from the mosquito onslaught.

I fell asleep some few hours to dawn, but was soon woken by a senior officer early in the morning. He wanted to know what crime I had committed. Apparently, I had slept in a holding cell as my arrest had not been entered in the occurrence book. I told him about the search of my office and private house. I explained that I too, was in the dark about any charges against me. He sounded sympathetic and even agreed to make a call to a friend, Kenneth Mwema at the local newsroom.

The police came for me that evening and told me to collect my stuff for a short journey. I panicked. Why did they have to wait for darkness?

We headed for Nairobi Highway, and I thought then, that they planned to take me to the forests beyond the airport. In the Landrover with me were four officers and a driver. We drove past Miritini and Mazera’s until we reached Mariakani where we stopped for fuel. That was when the senior officer informed me that we were going to Nairobi.

We arrived in Nairobi very early the next morning to a chilling drizzle, dark clouds, and mud on the streets. I was taken to a very cold cell at the Kileleshwa Police Station and my escorts, with whom I had developed some intimacy during the long journey, actually bade me farewell.

I was put in a cell with a man who was suspected of robbery with violence. He showed me scars from torture by the police who were demanding that he show them where a certain gun was hidden. Was this too, going to be my fate? I wondered, as I drifted to an uneasy sleep.

I could tell that I was in an empty room even with the blindfold on. A fat, jolly cop had picked me from the cell, accompanied by another dark, slim joker who was to become a good friend in later days. We passed through corridors before we entered what I recognised as a lift because of that vacuous feeling in the pit of my stomach as we ascended — for a long time.
When we stepped out of the lift, I felt the vertigo that accompanies heights as I was led across the building. Fleeting sunshine hit my forehead, and for a moment I had the sick feeling that they planned to throw me off a tall building. Instead, I was thrown into a room and the blindfold was removed.

The windows of the room were sealed with dark cloth, but there was a single bulb which hung from the middle of the high ceiling to reveal the brown walls of a modern building. Something about the colour and architecture of the room rang a bell and it took only a few minutes to recognise it — Nyayo House.

Soon after graduating, I worked on the eighth floor of that building in the provincial information offices, so I knew very well the building’s interior decor. I also knew that the top floors housed the notorious police unit.

A few minutes later, my escort returned and put back my blindfold; I was alarmed at the way I was getting used to it. After a few metres’ walk through corridors, I was pushed into a room and onto a chair.

Suddenly, the blindfold was whipped off. I was made to sit on a wooden chair in the middle of a huge, windowless room. Sitting directly in front of me, was a row of ten or twelve smartly dressed men sitting behind a long, wooden table. The chair in the middle was empty. I felt disturbed and agitated: why can’t they say something? I asked myself, scanning their faces. One of them, a bald, grey haired man in a shabby tweed jacket looked familiar, but I was not too sure.
The door opened and a huge fellow with a pot-belly and trousers belted at his midriff swaggered in. The seated men stood and snapped to attention as he took the centre chair. A file was quickly placed before him. He scanned it for a few minutes then turned to stare at me.

“How are you Mr Njuguna? How is Mombasa?” the big man asked me with a sneer.

“I am fine.” I managed to croak back. Let me make it very clear to you before we start. I am sure you know why you are here and that you are going to cooperate with us. The more you cooperate, the easier it will be for you. But let me warn you: if you try to play games with us, you will only have yourself to blame. Keep in mind that we have the means, the time and the capacity to get all of the information we need from you — so it is up to you — clear?” he ended firmly.

“Yes sir, but since I was arrested, I have never been told what I have done and I have no idea why I am here,” I retorted.

He tapped the file in front of him as he continued, as if I had not said a thing. “You alone will determine the course of this interrogation by either making it easy for you, or difficult. I guess I have made myself clear.”

With these words he gave a short curtsy to his colleagues who breezed out of the room without another word. “Njuguna,” he began. “Tell us what you know of Mwakenya which we know you are member of.”
“I know absolutely nothing apart from what I have been reading in the papers,” I answered.

“Have you taken the oath of the group?”

“No, I have not.”

“Have you ever attended a meeting of the group or attended its congress anywhere?”

“No I have never.” I replied.

“You liar! Remove all your clothes immediately!” The genial face turned into a terrifying, angry mask. I removed my shirt, trousers and shoes and stood in my socks and pants.

“All of them!” He thundered.

I could not believe it — stark naked? I peeled off the socks, then my underwear. I was embarrassed to see how small my penis looked.

“Do a hundred push-ups!” the man ordered as the grey haired man stood over me, holding in his hand the leg of a broken chair. I have to say that I am not much of an athlete and the last time I had done exercises was many months before. A hundred push-ups! Out of the question! I huffed and puffed, trying my best until I finally collapsed in a heap. The grey haired man hit my ankles and elbows with the chair’s leg and I started again — one, two, three, four...eight…I collapsed again.

I was beaten thoroughly despite my screams of pain. Then I was ordered to lie on my back facing the men, and do legs up in such a way that while my legs were in the air, my buttocks, and my shrivelled testicles faced the panel. “Ten degrees, ninety, fifty five, apart, 10 degrees...” it went on.

For the next two days, I was called up to the interrogation room more than six times, and on each occasion I was placed before a panel of two or three interrogators who questioned me persistently about my relationship with known, left wing former student leaders. Their aim was to make me accept that I was a member of Mwakenya, a fact I vehemently denied. The interrogators produced what they claimed was signed confession by Adongo linking me with Mwakenya. I learned later that it was false.

They produced entries from my diaries in which I had mentioned meetings with people they considered dangerous to the security of the country, but I denied all their charges.

“How can you be so friendly with all those people against whom we have proof that they are working illegally against the government, and yet claim innocence?” they kept posing.

I explained that most of the people were classmates at university.

“You received a copy of the Mwakenya documents. You agree the contents were outrageous — why did you not inform the police?” asked the slim, bespectacled officer whose sharp intelligence I could not deny.

“I have read dozens of pamphlets and leaflets accusing the government of all manner of crimes against the people and calling for change. To me the Mwakenya document was no different and that is why I did not take it seriously,” I replied.

“Can you deny you were oathed at the Ngumba Estate house where you were given the documents?” another asked.

Then came the shocker. “It seems you have been properly trained in the art of evading interrogations and because you are refusing to cooperate with us, we will deal with you as a hard core. Take him down!” barked a previously quiet officer.

Throughout the interrogations, I had been sure that my performance was convincing. I could even imagine my soon to come freedom.

Suddenly, all that was shattered, and I was faced with new, more grotesque forms of torture. My despair quickly turned to anger and as I was being led down to the lift, I demanded that I be allowed to contact a lawyer.

“Why don’t you just accept the charges and this will be over?” the fat, jolly agent asked me.

He guided me into the black cell and ordered me to pass him the mattress and to remove all my clothes. I paused, and he shouted at me. I immediately stripped. I stood naked in the cell, clutching at my privates, anticipating the worst.

Then I heard footsteps and the door was yanked open. Before I knew what was happening a jet
of icy water from a fire hose wielded by the fat agent hit me so hard that I was thrown against
the wall, gasping. He trained the jet on my face, private parts and back for over 10 minutes of

painful hell, then closed the door leaving me wet, shivering and shocked, standing in four inches of water in the dark cell.

“I can handle this” I told myself bravely, assuming that this torture would last for a few hours and then I would be called up for interrogations again. I was terribly wrong.

Njuguna Mutonya lives in Mombasa where he writes for local and international media on politics, human rights, the environment and culture.


Prison Memoir of a Kenyan Journalist jailed in the 1980s for 'sedition' under Arap Moi's dictatorship. It is a fast paced, true account of imprisonment and torture told with humor and candor.

Saturday 12 February 2011

The history of Valentine

There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.
Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.
In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards. Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800's and now the date is very commercialised. The town of Loveland, Colorado, does a large post office business around February 14. The spirit of good continues as valentines are sent out with sentimental verses and children exchange valentine cards at school.

THE HISTORY OF SAINT VALENTINE'S DAY

Valentine's Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia.
The lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl's name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry.
Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II. He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, about the year 270. At that time it was the custom in Rome, a very ancient custom, indeed, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia, feasts in honour of a heathen god. On these occasions, amidst a variety of pagan ceremonies, the names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed.
The pastors of the early Christian Church in Rome endeavoured to do away with the pagan element in these feasts by substituting the names of saints for those of maidens. And as the Lupercalia began about the middle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine's Day for the celebration of this new feaSt. So it seems that the custom of young men choosing maidens for valentines, or saints as patrons for the coming year, arose in this way.

ST. VALENTINE'S STORY

Let me introduce myself. My name is Valentine. I lived in Rome during the third century. That was long, long ago! At that time, Rome was ruled by an emperor named Claudius. I didn't like Emperor Claudius, and I wasn't the only one! A lot of people shared my feelings.
Claudius wanted to have a big army. He expected men to volunteer to join. Many men just did not want to fight in wars. They did not want to leave their wives and families. As you might have guessed, not many men signed up. This made Claudius furious. So what happened? He had a crazy idea. He thought that if men were not married, they would not mind joining the army. So Claudius decided not to allow any more marriages. Young people thought his new law was cruel. I thought it was preposterous! I certainly wasn't going to support that law!
Did I mention that I was a priest? One of my favourite activities was to marry couples. Even after Emperor Claudius passed his law, I kept on performing marriage ceremonies -- secretly, of course. It was really quite exciting. Imagine a small candlelit room with only the bride and groom and myself. We would whisper the words of the ceremony, listening all the while for the steps of soldiers.
One night, we did hear footsteps. It was scary! Thank goodness the couple I was marrying escaped in time. I was caught. (Not quite as light on my feet as I used to be, I guess.) I was thrown in jail and told that my punishment was death.
I tried to stay cheerful. And do you know what? Wonderful things happened. Many young people came to the jail to visit me. They threw flowers and notes up to my window. They wanted me to know that they, too, believed in love.
One of these young people was the daughter of the prison guard. Her father allowed her to visit me in the cell. Sometimes we would sit and talk for hours. She helped me to keep my spirits up. She agreed that I did the right thing by ignoring the Emperor and going ahead with the secret marriages. On the day I was to die, I left my friend a little note thanking her for her friendship and loyalty. I signed it, "Love from your Valentine."
I believe that note started the custom of exchanging love messages on Valentine's Day. It was written on the day I died, February 14, 269 A.D. Now, every year on this day, people remember. But most importantly, they think about love and friendship. And when they think of Emperor Claudius, they remember how he tried to stand in the way of love, and they laugh -- because they know that love can't be beaten!

VALENTINE TRADITIONS

Hundreds of years ago in England, many children dressed up as adults on Valentine's Day. They went singing from home to home. One verse they sang was:
Good morning to you, valentine;
Curl your locks as I do mine ---
Two before and three behind.
Good morning to you, valentine.
In Wales wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favourite decorations on the spoons. The decoration meant, "You unlock my heart!"
In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.
In some countries, a young woman may receive a gift of clothing from a young man. If she keeps the gift, it means she will marry him.
Some people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire.
A love seat is a wide chair. It was first made to seat one woman and her wide dress. Later, the love seat or courting seat had two sections, often in an S-shape. In this way, a couple could sit together -- but not too closely!
Think of five or six names of boys or girls you might marry, As you twist the stem of an apple, recite the names until the stem comes off. You will marry the person whose name you were saying when the stem fell off.
Pick a dandelion that has gone to seed. Take a deep breath and blow the seeds into the wind. Count the seeds that remain on the stem. That is the number of children you will have.
If you cut an apple in half and count how many seeds are inside, you will also know how many children you will have.