Thoughts Of My Grandfather (WJW40)

If tears could build a staircase, and memories build a lane, I would walk right up to heaven, and bring you home again.
No farewell words were spoken, No time to say goodbye, you were gone before I knew it, and only God knows why.
My heart still aches in sadness, and secret tears still flow, what is meant to lose you, No one will ever know.
Since you will never be forgotten, I pledge to you today, a hollowed place in my heart is where you will always stay.
Today something happened that I thought never would. I wish it could be undone, oh, if it only could.
I realized that the memories I’ve made with him would always be there.
But I really miss him and want him here. See my grandfather passed away today and will never be back. And now it’s moments with him that I will sadly lack.
He won’t be there to see me get my license or my car. See me go to the prom or graduate because he is so far.
But I guess he’s in a better place. He resides In Heaven, and is surrounded by God’s grace.
Now he can watch over me throughout the night and day. And I can pretend t hat he’s not really away.
He can stay with me in a place inside my heart. And of me, he can still be a part.

Composed with love by Takisha Walker

Should Illegals Posses a Driver's Liscense?

ASSI - Should Illegal immigrants posses a drivers license is one of the many questions posed to the democratic candidates seeking the presidency. Obama believes that if illegals posed a drivers license it would allow America to track and monitor illegals, he stated something more intelligible but this all that I can recall; however, he is the only one who thinks this way. Edwards seems to agree but it is not as cut and dry, but the others at that moment was in opposition. It appears there was a heckler in the crowd who interrupted Obama's thoughts causing him to ramble more than anything. We are interested in knowing how you see, please share your thoughts by commenting on the National Democratic Debate.

The Secret Revealed

ASSI - Inspirational and encouraging reading is truly good for the soul and necessary for constitutional growth. "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne is a small book with life changing testimonials stories that are sure to influence your thinking. The Laws of attraction is the secret to living the quality of life you deserve. If you believe, feel, and think positive affirmations the universe will affirm you are what you think. Just as we are what we eat, same principle different rewards. As I see it "The Secret" is a great book to own. The mind controls your destiny; therefore, when you vier down a path that you know is contrary to your destiny. Read "The Secret" and remember that you are mentally in control. "The Secret" is a 4 blink experience.

Boston Celtics Big 3 Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are Making an Impact on the Team Early

As of right now, the Celtic's are the only undefeated team in the NBA. With the new additions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, the Celtics went from a below average team to the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. KG is averaging 22 points, 15 rebounds and 6 assists a game. Ray Allen, former University of Connecticut player, is averaging 22 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists a game. Paul Pierce, the veteran of the team, is definitely happy with the new editions to his team. He is averaging 23 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists each game. The Big 3 are making a name for themselves in the East and I am picking them as the early favorite to win their conference.

Neutrogena Visible Pore Revealer

ASSI - In my efforts to find a facial cleanser easily accessible I tried Loreal prior to trying Neutrogena Visibly Even. I was pleased with Loreal but was unable to find the cleanser, toner, and moisturizer in stock at the same time. Therefore, I tried Ambi, but was forced to switch back to Neutrogena due to bleaching ingredients in Ambi turned my facial hair and hair line blonde. I am generally pleased with Visibly Even, but not overwhelmed with how my skin looks and feels after using the product. I also purchased the Skin polishing enzyme treatment as a booster, but to no avail. My tone is still visibly uneven; however, I like the exfoliates in the foaming cleanser it is gentle on my skin. My pores were more visibly noticeable than an even tone. I continue to use the products because I have yet to find a facial cleanser that I can purchase at the local drug store, grocery store, Walmart or Target. Thus far the best facial cleanser I have experienced are purchased at the department stores. However, I will continue my quest to find an affordable over the counter facial cleanser. As I see it Neutrogena Visibly Even is a product with a great name that is packaged well, and may do what it claims, but how long does it take for results. Longer than six months? Neutrogena Visibly Even receives 3 blinks.

He Prefers Nike - She Prefers New Balance

AHSI......Nike makes the best sneaker for everyone to wear. Not only do you have your choices of color, style, and sizes but you can go to http://nike.com and create your own shoe. If you are an athlete, you can choose between a jogging sneaker, pair of cleats or everyday walking shoe. For the basketball sneaker wearer, you can choose between a new pair or retro pair of Air Jordan's.

For the baseball lover you have Derrick Jeter collection and for the golfer you have the Tiger Wood's line. AHSI gives Nike 4.0 eyeballs.

ASSI - I jogged six miles five days a week for years, prior to discovering that I had metatarsal defs., gait abnormality, and neuromas in my right foot. I am forced to wear custom made Orthotics. The podiatrist recommended New Balance as one of the best sneakers for Orthotics because of removable insoles and sizes come in wide. Prior to requiring Orthotics I was into Nike and Reebok and honestly I thought they offered the best fit and look that I wanted. I simply passed on New Balance because there inexpensive. The combination of the Orthotic and sneaker is ideal for a comfortable fit. I practically live in my new balance, I regret that a solid Blue, Green, Tan, and patent leather Black are omitted from my collection. New Balance is durable, affordable, and came in a multitude of colors and styles. I often receive compliments on the Chocolate pair that I have. It is a simple, but stylish sneaker that happens to be a great color. As I see it your feet deserves to walk and run in the quality made sneakers. New Balance receives 4 blinks.

Alfred Sung Prominent in Perfumes

AHSI.....Burberry Cologne by Alfred Sung is one of the best products on the market. It smells great, there is a wide selection to choose from and it makes a wonderful gift for men and women of all ages. The scent is not too strong and it is very pleasant. Sung colognes are unlike familiar scent of your parents' strong perfumes, Burberry is a wonderful alternative.
AHSI gives Burberry Cologne 4.5 eyeballs.

ASSI.... I wanted a new fragrance. I wore Este Lauder's Beautiful for over ten years, it was a fragrance that complemented me, and recognizable by family and friends who associated the scent with me. I switched to Alfred Sung's Shi after a coworker who entered the room wearing a perfume that was pleasantly clean and fresh. Shi is now my fragrance of choice until another arouse my senses and works with my body chemistry. As I see it Shi is a 4.5 blink fragrance.

Lombardi's - Food Over Service

The food display outside Lombardi's Ristorante is a teaser to lure patrons into the restaurant. A marketing tool that majority of the restaurants Downtown and South Beach, Miami have adopted. The presentations were far more impressive than the inadequate service. Gratuity included robbed us of good service. The food arrived hot, it was tasteful, and filling there was enough for two meals. I had rice with Scallops, Calamari, Mussels, and Shrimps mixed in tomato sauce. Lombardi's is located in Bayside Market Place an indoor/outdoor mall on the East South end of the mall. Inside the restaurant was clean, the tables were covered with White paper, and courtesy crayons were provided for fun and games, a deterrent to pass the time. We were tempted by the presentation and in the mood for a lasting meal. As I see it the quality of service requires some improvement, but the food is worth a visit. I give it 3 blinks.

AHSI.....The restaurant atmosphere was very pleasant. It had an open view of the Port of Miami and it was inside their outside mall. You could enjoy the sound of the live entertainment that was playing for the large crowd at the mall. I give the restaurant a 3.5.

Check Mate....The Patriots Win 24-20

AHSI.........The hype that surrounded the biggest game of the year, so far, in the NFL lived up to its expectation. As I watched the game it appeared that Tom Brady and Peyton Manning were playing chess. It was a great display of Defense vs Quarterback and Mr. Brady can claim the title of Best QB in the NFL and the Patriots can claim that they are the best team. If or should I say when the New England Patriots go undefeated this year, they will be considered the best team ever or in the argument for it with the 72 Miami Dolphins that also went undefeated. Randy Moss played wonderful as always and Joseph Addai played great for Indy. Both Defenses played well, Indy being able to knock Tom around and getting 2 sacks and 2 interceptions while New England was able to slap Peyton around getting 1 interception, 3 sacks and 2 fumbles.

ASSI - The biggest game of the NFL season proved that power house quarterbacks Peyton Manning, Indianapolis, Colts and Tom Brady, New England; Patriots can be held to less than thirty points a game. The defense made the difference in this game with sacks, fumbles and interceptions; however, Brady who personifies a calm, cool, and collective persona maintained his resolve and the patriots defeated the colts. The Colts offensive line did a poor job of protecting Manning preventing their QB allowing him time to connect with his receivers. Manning is a more spirited person who has an upbeat and likeable demeanor. Most football fans were rooting for the Colts because of Peyton's approachableness , but he receives too much credit for calling his own plays. I know they wanted his play calling to win over Brady's play following. Brady is the strong subdued type who is more modest and extremely capable of executing the coach's plays. I enjoy watching both QBs and looking forward to the Hell-Mary-Passes.

Black Squirrels Indigenous to Washington, DC

Black squirrels are extremely appealing to the eye with their shiny dark coats. They are a melanistic morpheme that scientist refer to as “Color Morph” The only distinguishable difference is their color; however, some believe Black Squirrels are more aggressive than the Gray or White Squirrels, but studies have shown there are no behavioral differences.Prior to residing in DC, Blacks squirrels had gone unnoticed; we have traveled all over the world, but to no avail. Lived in Connecticut, Florida, and we simply do not recall seeing them in Mitchellville, Laurel, or even Hyattsville Maryland other places we have lived. We were unaware that 18 Black Canadian Squirrels were released by the National Zoo during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency.According to the Smithsonian’ archives, the National Zoo received Black squirrels in 1902 and in 1906 from “The Department of Crown Lands” in Ontario, London. There is much speculation as to why the District received the squirrels. Some believe it was to increase the population of local Gray squirrels, which were decreased due to hunting. To our surprise we learned there are a number of towns from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Stevenage, UK that boosts about having Black squirrels.The town of Marysville, KS named the Black Squirrel its official mascot, holds an annual Black Squirrel celebration, and in 1987, the “Black Squirrel Song” became the Marysville’s official anthem: “Lives in the city park, runs all over town, the coal black squirrel will be our pride and joy, Many more years to come.”Although Black Squirrels are not indigenous to Washington, D.C., we are on the look out for Black Squirrels as we travel the world. We are hopeful that you will share your Black Squirrel sightings with us. Please share when and where you saw a Black Squirrel for the first time.

American Gangster the Movie

AHSI....The new movie starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe is based on the life of Frank Lucas. Frank who was the former driver/hitman for Bumpy Johnson is originally from North Carolina. He moved to Harlem New York and that is where the movie introduces you this notorious gangster's life. I would suggest to everyone to see the series American Gangster on BET. They profiled Mr. Lucas on Wednesday and the movie chronicles the events that were spoken by the real life Frank Lucas. AHSI gives American Gangster 4 eyeballs.

ASSI - American Gangster represents an era of gangsters: Military Personnel, Police Detectives, Street Hustlers, and of course the Mafia are all gangster who profit from Heroin epedimic that crippled Harlem. Frank Lucas played by Denzel Washington elevated the drug game when he acquired the purest heroin his money could purchase, and under cutting his competition by 50 percent. Making his product "Blue Magic" the best product on the street that was affordable for the average junkie. Frank was a low key narcotic dealer, who believed in nepotism, he relocated his entire family from North Carolina to New Jersey where they became entrepreneurs who operated store front business to launder drug money. He fell in love with Ms. Puerto Rico who purchased an extravagant Chinchilla Fur Coat and matching hat for Frank that changed the course of his life.

Ritchie Roberts (Russell Crowe) is an honest officer who has a reckless personal life. He is on a mission to bring down the drug Lords when he stumbles upon Frank Lucas who forgot his number one and golden rule "always maintain a low profile" became a target when he sported the Fur to an Ali/Fraser fight. To Roberts and others it was impossible for a Black man to acquire and import large quantities of heroin, but Frank was a street smart hustler who was unafraid and left with little options after his Mentor, Bumpy Johnson died. Frank had his pulse on society and used the war to his advantage. Roberts refused to profit from drug money, he wanted the drugs off the streets, the crooked cops, and military personnel who benefited.

American Gangster is a well written, directed, and cast delivers believable performances that captures your attention from the beginning. Rudy Dee, who plays mama Lucas brought southern charm and excitement to her scenes. As I see it American Gangster is great movie that sheds light not only on a notorious kingpin, a courageous unorthodox detective, but the true effects the war and heroin had on our country. I give it 3.5 blinks.

JAY-Z American Gangster

AHSI......Jay Z is back!!!!!!!!This is the album for the old school Jigga fan. Some of the hottest tracks off this 13 track lp are the single with Nas (Let that B breath) is crazy. You can tell that after Ether (the song that Esco destroyed Hova from the greatest hip hop battle ever) he definitely got better and thanks to Mr. Jones, Muhammed Hovi switched up the pitch and he is not trying to let God's Son outshine him again.....The song with Lil Wayne (Brooklyn) is hot. Jay went back to telling stories off the top, being witty as ever, and the beats all fit together creating perfect harmony. I will give this album 4 eyeballs and it actually might be a secret classic. You can tell that he watched the movie, went into the booth, and brought it back to 1988.