Minh Pham Eagle Scout Project for National Vietnam War Museum in Oviedo

Minh Pham was born in Vietnam. He immigrated to the US as a little child. His father and I went to college together. When he was born we were sitting in class side by side. After class his father made the phone call to receive his son into this world.

Minh Pham and his father Tony Pham

Here is a Flickr link to my entire Photo Album of this wonderful activity.

The Vietnam War has a direct impact on this family. Minh's grandfather, a South Vietnamese police captain, was a prisoner of war. Minh's father has shared countless haunting stories with me about this ordeal.

Minh Pham Eagle Scout Presentation

As fate would have it, the entire family is now living in the US. Minh saw a need for proper signage on displays at the National Vietnam War Memorial in Oviedo and made it into his Eagle Scout project. At the same time giving a nod to the men and women who fought for his country of birth.

I am a veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Even though I did not serve in Vietnam, I was touched by his gesture to honor those who served. Although, this National Vietnam War Museum seeks to honor all veterans. Until Minh told me about this project sometime ago, I did not know this place existed. He achieved one goal of raising my awareness and here is hoping I can raise yours.

On behalf of all veterans I am honored that you, Minh Pham, recognize our service. It just goes to show the character of well groomed young people.

Memoir for Chaitram Mangal

It was 1987. As I walked off the main Public Road in #79 Village, Corriverton, Berbice, Guyana, down a side alley that lead to a backyard pavilion, I wondered what was I getting myself into. Little did I know, it was the beginning of life long relationships with people from all walks of life. One most memorable relationship was with Chaitram Mangal.

 

A short little dark skinned boy was wrapped with a broad yellow belt that held his starch white clothes together. My very first impression was, damn his feet can fly. This was Chait, as I grew to know him by, practicing his kicks. Great impression for a first timer at Karate School. Sensei Lionel Charran, conducted Power Karate, a Kyo Kushin Kai Japanese style of martial arts, dojo. Sensei Charran gave a place to call home for us impressionable young minds. Being a small group it was quick to make friends and bond with people.

Chait was a prominent fixture at Karate school. He showed up and practiced with vigor. Never did he back down from a sparring match. Even when he encountered the hurry up action of Azam Hamid. I recalled Chait asking in the middle of a sparring session, “Banna, can I get a technique in? Stop running me around the dojo, man.” He stood up to the brute force of Dhanraj kicks and deflected the solid punches of Gary. Even at this young age, Chait was a fighter.

Later as I got to know the boy behind those vicious kicks, it all made sense. Growing up in Guyana during those times was tough as it still is today. Young men hustled to make a decent living. Chait never rested, he sold cigarettes and anything else to make a dollar, at #79 Market. Many times, I saw him helping people with their baskets. He had a ring of brothers in Rovin and Boman. Those guys were inseparable. You saw one, look around, the other was right behind. They brought that same bond from the market into the dojo and extended it to anyone they met.

If Chait knew you, he never passed without saying hello. Even for a brief tap, or hand shake, he made sure you knew he was around. His radiant and infectious upbeat personality always followed wherever he went.

Now that you are resting, Chait, I will always remember that first impression. If that lil coolie boy can do karate why can’t I? You showed the world that life is what you make of it, for that I am forever grateful. Rest in Peace my friend, Rest in Peace.

Neeshan D Hitman Uncut and Raw on Xposed TV with Sarah Bacchus

In the wide sea of so called West Indian artistes, who really uses their platform of entertainment to drive positive messages? D Hitman took his trail blazing high energy performances and metamorphed into a vehicle of positive change. As he sat down for a riveting raw uncut conversation with Sarah Bacchus, host of Xposed TV, it is refreshing to see the evolution of a man who can move the masses with his rum songs and turn around to capture those same masses with a message of restraint, humble humility and respect for women. His daring question of, “who will the child look up to if not us,” is strikingly powerful.

You know all of his songs, you grooved and whittled, whined and grinded on every dancehall, bacchanal, battam house and beach party from New York to Trinidad and all the way to Guyana. When the party needed a little pick up, the DJs turned to D Hitman. When the crowd settled a bit, D Hitman blazed out with his exposed chest and sprinkled fire water. That same man who has collaborated with every name in the business to captivate a worldwide audience is taking a stance on the same material that made him popular.

His philosophy is not about popular lyrics that sells out to masses but rather about material that moves masses in a positive direction. When the soca chutney world dictates that a hit must be about rum or the degradation of women, D Hitman stood up and said no. Striking! Here is an artiste who made his butter with the same rum song, rewind and come again with a different tune. I can imagine his competition and the so called powers to be in the industry shaking in their sandals. Why would this guy turn around and want to stop a good thing? Is it really a good thing? With all the social issues of rum drinking and celebrating the revered spirit in its infinite destruction, it is staggering that someone has not stepped up sooner.

D Hitman is determined to use his influence and wide audience to change the culture of soca chutney music and West Indian culture as a whole. He has taken a bold approach to not record any more rum songs. If audiences followed his “wilder, younger side” and were thrilled, they would embrace his more positive and matured entertainment path. These positive steps have lead to major support for a new charitable foundation. Lead by Christine Khan, this new foundation is focusing efforts to build a Children’s Recreational Center in Berbice, Guyana. Take a view of the entire interview below.

There are many Caribbean entertainment and media outlets scattered across the Diaspora. But not many embrace content with a positive message. Xposed TV, from Stealth Productions takes a stand and consistently deliver high quality technical and positive programs. The common elements here are all positive forward embracing people working together for a greater good. Here is to more artists joining hands with Neeshan D Hitman for a better West Indian Community.

Negativism of Foreign Based Guyanese.

I am sick and tired of being sick and tired listening to grumpy overseas based Guyanese bitch and moan about a country they no longer live in. What gives you the right to constantly barrage a country that you don’t visit nor keep up with its current affairs? Are you the authority on global development when you make do with less than a high school education and live in a cold hole in the ground?

When was the last time you visited Guyana? Yes, you with the big mouth who seeks to comment on every positive post made on Facebook about Guyana. I guessing not in the last 30 years. When you ran out of Guyana, far away from the suppressive regime, you left everything behind. There is no shame in trying to have a better life for yourself and your family. Every person in this world is entitled to live a better existence. Tons and tons of people fled Guyana to England, Canada and the US. Great for all of us who are fortunate enough to have this opportunity. But have we gone back? We travel to exotic locales, flood our Facebook Profiles, Pages and Groups with the latest smart phone pics or super pics from our best of the best camera equipment that we still can’t use to its fullest extend. Bore our “friends” to death with constant pics of our pets, children and grandchildren. ( I am guilty of pet pics). Show off our Photoshop skills with unrealistic photo mastery and reshare every quote of majestic wisdom that we can find on the internet. But have we gone back?

Have we taken that same money we so lavishly spend in foreign excursions and put it into the Guyanese economy? Have you seen the majestic Kaiteur Falls, that you so passionately reshare 100 times on Facebook, up close and personal? Did you know that there is a canopy that stretches high in the Guyanese Rainforest at Iwokrama  Walkway Canopy, but you’ve visited the tropical rainforest of Belize and Costa Rica? Have you seen the Rupunni Rodeo, but you visit the rodeo in Texas all the time? Did you know there is an international standard hotel and casino name Princess, but you spent the week at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas? Have you dined at New Thriving Chinese Restaurant or the swanky Vintage Wine and Cheese Lounge? But you find is necessary to post and check into every paper plate and plastic fork little hole that you call fine dining? You didn’t know Guyana has some great establishments? Well, like I said….”You are not current.”

How are you the global authority on public development? You didn’t finish high school. If you did finish high school, your so called “superior British education” is not accepted in Canada and the US. Instead of digging in and adjusting yourself, you fell out of education to work three minimum wage jobs to take care of your family of 5. If, like the majority of people who migrate to foreign lands, you live in the cold tundra you are on the subways, buses or walking in several feet of snow and ice at ungodly hours of the morning and days struggling to make ends meet. Oh you thought money fell from trees over here, right. Yep, they lied to you. You have to work and work hard. Tell me when you have time or can really say you are the authority on public development. Oh so you were fortunate enough to slip into college or your parents worked those three jobs scrubbing toilets so that you can get a college education. Now that makes you the holier than thou authority on any kind of development in Guyana. Really, during your education did you study anything about Guyana or how to develop a third world country? You do what? Fix cars and equipment? Yet for all you are the authority?

Truth be told we are nowhere in any position to condemn what we know nothing about. We can render opinions. Our shared travels and living experiences can shed some light on “If it works somewhere else it could work for Guyana.” But it does not make our words gospel. Imagine, your mother tells you how disappointed she is in you everytime she speaks to you? Wouldn’t you eventually feel like a disappointment in yourself? So then, why do you feel the need to spew negativity about everything that comes out of Guyana? The next time you have the urge to make a negative Facebook comment about Guyana, stop and ask yourself, “How is my comment going to make anything better?”

The return of Xposed TV

Did you miss Xposed TV with Sarah Bacchus? The wait is over, they are back online. Known for casting a light on local New York and West Indian issues, this independent TV station has stepped away from mainstream and focus on issues that matter.

Long before there were Facebook Groups and social media, Stealth Productions brought Xposed TV with host Sarah Bacchus. The show broadcasted on Thursdays at 3pm on Ch 34 QPTV & Saturdays at 5pm on Ch 35 QPTV. Producer Neil Anthony Bacchus, created an avenue for local talent to showcase their music.

With the emergence of social media as an integral part of pop culture, Xposed TV reemerged with heavy focus online under Stealth Productions. From a fully professional studio that is equipped for television, with all the bells and whistles that larger studios envy, the show will create content to populate their YouTube and Facebook Pages. These two media outlets will serve to syndicate on other media channels. The focus will still give local artist a larger platform to showcase their talents. A stellar line up is in store.

First to step infront of the camera is long time Queens artist Frank Persico. This artist has dwelled behind the scenes of numerous independent performers and is now ready for his own close up. His musical style takes influences from James Taylor, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel. This results in notes of folk, rock, alternative and R & B. Frank’s first album, The Reminder (2011), is available on iTunes and CDBaby. The second album, Salutations from Ozone Park, is due summer 2014. Reverbnation, the popular music site will feature Frank Persico on their home page March 18.

Connect with Frank Persico on Social Media sites.
Website: http://frankpersico.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrankPersicoMusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/frankpersico
Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/frankpersico
You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrFrankwiz
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/frank-persico/id472566472

Check out the full Frank Persico interview with Sarah Bacchus on Xposed TV below:

Wanna know who is the next Xposed TV guest? Keep watching…..Let me know what you think about Frank Persico’s music.

Sarah Bacchus to showcase at New York Fashion Week 2014

Guyanese American Fashion Designer, Sarah Bacchus, is poised and ready to showcase her brand, 34-24-36 during New York's Fashion Week 2014, on Saturday, February 8th at 4pm.

Fashionistas from around the world will descend on one of New York City’s most versatile and sought after event spaces The Metropolitan Pavilion. With a history that dates back to 1896 B. Altman Department Store and spans across the 1927 Art Deco era, this space has morphed into contemporary esthetics while staying true to it’s roots. Being one of the industry's top venues to host Runway shows, especially for Independent Fashion Designers, it is seems like a perfect fit for Sarah Bacchus.

Sarah will showcase 34-24-36 brand’s latest work, The Aurora Collection. An array of bright colors, rich and luxurious textures and a proud 'Made in USA' label will captivate audiences. Her design philosophy 'Season-less wear’, which allows a piece to transcend across the seasons, demonstrates Aurora Collection’s  depth and versatility utilizing Natural Fibers such as Silk and Cotton.

With the countdown clock running, Designer Bacchus is checking and double checking that all garments scheduled to be on the runway are prepped for the show. Complimenting  jewelry and accessories are being selected. Each piece is hand selected and matched with a critical eye. When asked what she's expecting from this show she replied, “Having 34-24-36 shown at this reputable venue, with a larger audience ranging from fashionistas, celebrities, stylists and the list goes on. Making the process of getting here a tremendous one because it's recognized by the Fashion Industry”

The  34-24-36 brand will have a booth at the event all day. Stop by and introduce yourself. Schedule a private “Perfect Fit” session with Sarah.

Contact: Facebook, YouTube, Website.

Sarah Bacchus of 34-24-36 showcases colorful hues with the newly released Aurora Collection

FOR RELEASE September 30th, 2013
NEWS
34-24-36- For the Perfect Fit:

The Aurora Collection

34-24-36 is pleased to announce the arrival of our 5^th Collection! The Aurora Collection is a large compilation of colorful hues, presently showcased online at, www.34-24-36.com and by Appointment at our:

Queens Showroom

153-28 122^nd Avenue

Jamaica, Queens, NY 11434

The various Collections are now available for purchase on a Retail and Wholesale basis.
After launching in December, Two thousand and Ten (2010), the 34-24-36 name and brand has gained quite a positive reputation. Being the first Guyanese American Fashion Designer to emerge out of the West Indian community has certainly played an important role in the success of the brand. Also, equally important is the foundation on which 34-24-36 was built. We are an All-American brand. All aspects of our business are done within the New York State. The fabric qualities utilized are only natural fibers: Silks, Cottons, blends of Silk and Cotton, Rayon and rarely novelty manmade textures. The choice of qualities we render are based solely on the durability of the pieces, hence, we termed it the ‘Seasonless’ wear. Put these garments on, in every season. Pair with fine, trendy or no jewelry and these pieces will stand out and withstand years of the elements.

Now, the appeal factor for 34-24-36 as per various constituents, whether it’s Facebook friends and acquaintances, our foreign clientele, local boutiques, and our roster of clients, it’s just a small fraction of where we see ourselves in the coming years. While the brand has been attracting the likes of many, even those far and wide, with its avant-garde aesthetics, there’s more that the brand has in store, if given the right exposure. This year, we plan on meeting with many boutiques and organizations to take a look at our brand, with the hopes of becoming a part of their roster of designers. 34-24-36 plans on giving exclusive rights when requested to the various stores and boutiques, as we are flexible on that thought process!

Our mission is to continue our customizing feature to achieve the Perfect Fit for our clientele as well as honing in on new customers.

With a positive outlook for this season and the years thereafter, we want to proudly state that our New York sample room is fully functional and ready to take production on a large or more tapered scale. While the sample room is in Manhattan, our studio is conveniently located in Queens and our representatives have flexible schedules to meet with you at your convenience.

All in all, we look forward to meeting and forming a working relationship, beneficial to all.
We look forward to continuing our great relationships with our current clientele, Press and our fans. With the Holidays rapidly approaching, 34-24-36 wants to make a resounding statement— We are a Brand with lots to be desired! We do not come short or halt until our customers are satisfied. As our motto goes, we aim to deliver The Perfect Fit, each and every time.

For more information, please visit www.34-24-36.com or Contact:

Sarah Bacchus, Design Director

153-28 122^nd Avenue

Jamaica, Queens, NY 11434

Office: 1(718) 541-2096
Fax: 1(718) 322-2111
Sarah@34-24-36.com
Media Contact: Neil A. Bacchus, info@stealthtv.com

Fresh take on Bappi Lahiri from DFlex with Yaad Aa Raha Hai

If you know Bappi Lahiri renditions from the Bollywood blockbuster movie Disco Dancer then you are as fortunate as I am and as old. If not, then familiarize yourself with a legend in Bollywood Dance Music. DFlex has taken a page out of Bappi Lahiri’s own foray into synthesized music.

During the 80s, Bappi Lahiri teamed up with popular Indian movie star Mithun Chakraborty to showcase what is now known as Indian Disco Music. It was these times that I relished in being a little disco dancer of my own. Ah the frivalry of youth. Growing up in Guyana, Indian movies was a big influence in daily life. Whatever movie was playing that week or weeks, depending how big a crowd still lined up towards the end of showing, was all the talk at culvert corners. (What’s a culvert? It is at the end of a street, normally at an intersect of streets, where people gather to discuss the day’s events. Oh youngin.) I have vivid memories of Mithun shaking on the screen to Bappi Lahiri’s belting out Yaad Aa Raha Hai.

Fast forward 30 odd years later, those beats might loose a little luster. Enter DFlex, teaming up with Mohan Rishi Lakhan of X3me Band and Rick Ramdehall, with his vivid take on West Indian music. Flex has taken some great risk and produced great music. He has done some really interesting work in Reggae and Indian crossovers with Stealth Productions. It is a little surprising and caught me completely off guard that he added a Euro flair with Indian and Reggae undertones. The first few seconds had me taking stance for a full frontal Pitbull type assault. Then the mix came in and I was totally off balance. To take an already heavy dance beat from one continent and mix it with a different genre from another continent then add synthesized and vocals in two languages is no ordinary feat, all along keeping everything liquid.

I’ve heard fragments of this type of mixing in high energy clubs of Singapore and Miami years ago. Musical beats has a way of working itself around, evolving, morphing into a living, breathing being. Throwing caution in the wind and letting the creative juices flow only brings greatness. This mix has the hallmarks of a staggering summer closer and will increase the heat throughout fall as the temperature drops. I wouldn’t be surprised if this beat is heating up your Christmas parties or ringing in the New Year.

Here is an Instrumental Version

Grab your partner and Luv Luv Luv

Pop into the club, turn on your favorite mobile listening device, visit your family, go to the hundreds of outdoor reunions this summer; what are you hearing? Another rum song or derogative commentary on women. Whatever happened to luv and family?

Photo Credit: Nadeer Bacchus. Pictured Standing Neil, Steve, Mike, Ray. Sitting Rick, DFlex, Reina.

Stealth Productions, Gemini Band, Rick Ramdehal, and Reina Gonzalez set out to embrace love and return to family structure, this summer, with their new release of Luv Luv Luv. The raspy lyrical male voice of Rick sets the stage for a simple display of love to Reina. Her honey suckle pronouncing of “baby” brings sincerity and trust to the relationship. There is genuine chemistry and true affection with complex overtones and melodious balladry.

On a shoestring budget and keeping it simple, Neil Anthony Bacchus of Stealth Productions with assistance from DFlex, conceptualized and directed a scene played out in every loving couple’s living room. A steadfast declaration of love. There isn’t any big bells and whistles, with dramatic sceneries, and certainly no flower bush turn away, no hide and seek, nor drenching rain. There is just raw face to face sit down emotions that were captured through artful technical angles and shadows.

Musically, this song will have you reaching for the waist of your love and swaying. The musical sense of Mike, Steve, and Raymond Seelochan from Gemini Band combines a time tested melody that rings familiarity yet there are new elements standing out. A sweeping, loving, honest, mellow tone sets the stage for a simple relationship between two people. Sometimes we all forget how simple love can be. It all boils down to two people  being truly honest and giving.

In a complex world of ever striving for the newest and most advanced dynamics, true simplicity stands the test of time. Luv Luv Luv combines the undertones of modernity with time honored traditions. Two people sharing love and affection in an honest setting. We should all look around and have an honest conversation with our loved ones. Share some Luv Luv Luv….    
Credits
Video Concept, Director, Camera and Editor:
Neil A. Bacchus

Written By:
Rick Ramdehal
Steve Seelochan
Michael Seelochan
Raymond Seelochan

Music: Gemini Band
Arranged & Produced By:
Steve Seelochan
Michael Seelochan
Raymond Seelochan

Vocals:
Rick Ramdehal & Reina Gonzalez

Musicians:
Steve Seelochan
Michael Seelochan
Raymond Seelochan
Videsh Seelochan

Engineered & Mixed By:
Steve Seelochan
Michael Seelochan

Recorded and Mixed At
GEMINI MUSIC LAB
Queens, New York
1 718 644 7080

Video Production Assistant:
DFlex


Video Production Studio:
Stealth Productions
Queens, NY
1 718 322 2111
www.stealthtv.com
info@stealthtv.com

You waited long enough Enter the Newbie

If you were following my last few post, there was a missing element. You did not notice? Remember, where I hinted that Gemini Band was collaborating with the old and the new? Take a deep breath, I give you Reina Gonzalez!

Photo Credits: Neil Anthony Bacchus. Pictured: Reina

Reina was born in the home of Chutney and Soca, a little island better known as Trinidad. Hailing from greats who introduced a whole new genre to the world, Reina brings a fresh new spark to the music world. She currently resides in NYC.

Her passion for music transcends all genre, but the rhythmic sounds of R & B, reggae and soca takes her deeper nirvana. In 2010, Reina joined Gemini Band and performed live for the first time. According, to DFlex, she brought the house down!

What’s on the horizon? A collaborative effort with Stealth Productions, Gemini Band, and Rick Ramdehal releasing later this week. Next, her first single teaming up with Stealth Productions and Gemini Band releasing soon.

I had a sneak peek at listening to her sing and watching her performance. I’ll give you this, brace yourself! 

Veteran Gemini Band takes the stage

Look around and listen to recent music releases, can you recognize the so called bands? It is very hard to tell who has staying power or who has worked with blazing artistes. Strumming in the background, making good artist sound great has been a quiet veteran, Gemini Band.  

Founding member Ramdeo Seelochan blazed a trail with Gemini Band for the current crop of bands, performers, and musicians. Gemini was the first Indo Caribbean Band to play at Madison Square Garden. Fusion of Bollywood and Soca beats, with the release of Sally Edwards version of Piya Tu Ab To Aja, first echoed from Gemini speakers. Success came with multiple hits from Anand Yankarran, Sally Edwards, Rajdai Singh, Drupattie Ramgoni, Veena Khetani, Salima Mohammed, Terry Gajraj , Rick Ramdehal, DFlex, Jimmel Fortune, Mr. Lee, and Rasheed Bacchus.Gemini brought the house down with Live performances in Florida, Texas, Schenectady, Toronto, Guyana, Trinidad, Maryland, Boston and New York.They played back up for Sparrow, Calypso Rose, Crazy, and Super Blue.

With the exhausting regurgitation of the same old sounds and constant copying of another’s lyrics, the Band has heightened their focus on writing, creating and recording all new and original pieces. A new collaboration with Stealth Productions will sharpen and refocus. New project releasing next week.


Photo credit: Neil Anthony Bacchus. On left Steve, Middle Ray, Right Michael Seelochan


Founding Member: Ramdeo Seelochan

Band Members
Michael Seelochan
Ray Seelochan
Steve Seelochan
Videsh Seelochan
Mr Lee
Reina Gonzalez
Rick Ramdehal
Rasheed Bacchus
Randy
Engineers: Ruy and Richie

West Indians slow down a bit

The sweltering summer heat is causing a major sweat fest in the Americas. People who were born and raised in the Caribbean heat can’t handle a little mercury rising anymore. My guess is our blood got a little thicker with the white powdery stuff dem fariegna call snow. So why add heat to more heat?

Stealth Productions latest project is slowing things down a bit and offering a mellowed out vibe. Veterans and newbies come together with a fresh new take on an old stalwart. In the music world of ever evolving sounds, our Caribbean community seems stuck on regurgitating the same old same old. Over the years and several projects, Stealth Productions aim to break that stigma.

Photo Credit: Neil Anthony Bacchus. Pictured: Rick Ramdehal

Meet Rick Ramdehal, a veteran in his own right, who teamed up with a fresh new voice and a veteran band to mellow out the sounds of old and new. Rick has been honing his skills since 1982, with performances in the US, Canada, Trinidad and England.

Here is Rick Ramdehal’s full performance bio

1982	Started singing career	Clyfee Madhu Radio Show	W/ Members of the Swar Sangeet Group
		Diwali conert	W/ Members of the Swar Sangeet Group
1984	Swarangeet band founded	W/ Ramdehals	Isardat, Dharmendra, Surendra, Devindra
1986	Happy birthday to you	Bisram Bhagan	Music by Swarangeet
1989	Recorded 3 albums with	Devindra Pooran	Music by Swarangeet
	Shakespeare Competition	New York High School	Top 5 Finalist
1992	Soca Lambada	Terry Gajraj
1997	Musically Yours	Swarangeet	Music by Swarangeet
1999	Simply Chutney	Swarangeet	Music by Swarangeet
2000	Bollywood Movie Awards	As back up singer to Terry Gajraj		Nassau Coliseum
2001	Chutney Soca Monarch	Guest Singer		Trinidad
2002	Chutney Soca Monarch	6th Place		Trinidad
2003	Chutney Soca Monarch
2004	Sexy Dancin’	1st Solo Album
2007	Bollywood Movie Awards	Ecstasy, Sexy Dancin’, In Da Mood	W/ D. Flex, Vani (QCQD), Natraj	Nassau Coliseum
2007	Released songs	In da mood	W/ Dutty Flex
		All I need	W/ Dutty Flex
		Thinkin’ bout you	W/ Dutty Flex
2011		Dard e dil	Music: Surendra, Video: Devindra
2012		Chaand mera dil	Music: Surendra, Video: Devindra
2013	Wait for it!

Where is the rest of the project? Slow down it is hot outside. The rest is coming this week.

Short Story by Vishnu Doerga: Unlimited Potential

This is a guest post by Vishnu Doerga

My first attempt at short story writing! - complete story. Each line goes as deep as you want it to.
Once upon a time, on a beach called 63, a group of friends were enjoying the sandy shores.
One decides to enter the coffee colored waters in order to escape the sweltering heat. Being a non-swimmer, she chooses to carefully venture deeper, still standing on firm ground.
Suddenly....a steep drop, she goes under...soft, fluffy mud is all she feels below her feet.
Her friends, still standing on shore, now become aware of her predicament.
Now this is where it gets interesting...
Would our friend prefer her closest companion, a non-swimmer, such as herself or the best swimmer in the group to come to her rescue?
The choice, on her part, seems logical. However, at this point, logics fly out the door. Human relationships kick in...has she ever hurt the best swimmer? If so, how deep did the hurt go?
Back on shore, her closest companion goes into a frantic panic, knowing he can't swim as well. Going into the water will most likely cost his life as well.
With no other groups nearby, these friends look at each other, looking for one to volunteer.
The best and probably the only swimmer in the lot suddenly starts seeing flashbacks of the hurt inflicted over the years. Very deep hurt indeed. Is this faith?
A second passes.
The swimmer quickly realizes that her skill, her talent, perfected through hard work with the blessings of the divine, may have been hers for this very day.
Into the water she speeds, heading for an outstretched, disappearing hand. She returns dragging a shaken, still conscious soul back to shore.
Our shaken friend looks around and breaks down in tears realizing the fragility of life. Her faith lay in the hands of one she hurt deeply.
She wonders.....would I have been able to do the same?
Established human nature is a female dog.
Persons prefer to follow or befriend those like themselves. This is the easiest and definitely more fun option.
Nothing in this world worth having, comes easy!
Learning to swim, while others partied is definitely a skill worth having. A skill that can not be learned whilst drowning.
This short story plays out everyday with and around us. Realizing what is important and what really needs to be done is the trick to avoiding life/career/financial/family/etc threatening situations.
The story could have gone a different route if our swimmer had looked the other way. This is something we all do, everyday. We look away from those in need. We keep our skills to ourselves and those willing to pay in one form or the other.
This can not be right!!
We are all born with unlimited potential. The time and effort we put into unlocking our potential in any particular area should serve as an inspiration to those searching souls. Our skills should be given where and when needed in as high a volume as required and possible.
Our choices, many times, resemble the results of popularity contests. Popular persons will always feed you what you like to consume. This is how they stay popular. When you need the 'populars' they are more often than not, unavailable.
Respect the skilled ones who tell you what you need to hear instead of what sounds nice. This way you have the data available to make better choices.
The question facing our victim, faces us everyday. Would we choose to place our faith in popular hands or in skilled hands?
Popular and skilled is very rare.
Hope my attempt at a short story makes you think about your choices. And help you make better ones.
Peace.

Vishnu Doerga is the Director of The Best Management Company and Owner of Venu Shopping Centre.
Director Profile
Mr. Vishnu KPV Doerga, DME, MBA. –
Short Bio Data – Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Doerga is a member of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and Secretary/Immediate Past President of the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce & Industry (UCCCI). After joining the UCCCI in 2003 he held several executive posts, becoming President in 2010 at the age of 29. He was awarded the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Young Business Executive Award 2011, in recognition of his demonstration of ambition, skill, vision and tangible business success.
Mr. Doerga is qualified in several fields including Engineering and Business Administration and is currently preparing to pursue his Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA). Mr. Doerga is also a director/business consultant with Doerga Business Enterprises.
Mr. Doerga plays an active role in Private Sector Development making representation in among others, the Education (TVET Council), Health (BRHA board), Energy (ESG), Infrastructure (ISG) and Employment (SKYE EAG) sectors.
Mr. Doerga has represented the private sector as an Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce (ARCC) executive and Private Sector Commission (PSC) council member.

Thanks for sharing this inspirational story with us.

A musical mirage

Do we really know our partners before we make a lifelong commitment? How many of us take our partners at face value? We look at the exterior, a beautiful body, a great family, fancy cars, big houses, lavish lifestyles and popular circles. Do we ever look beyond, into the soul, into the darkest and deepest corners of another’s persona?


Photo courtesy Stealth Productions/Photographer: Sunil Persaud

Donald Andrews and Neil Anthony Bacchus of Stealth Productions, wrapped their creative minds around a very taboo subject in our Caribbean Community. In today’s “feel good” society we often tend to sweep heavy topics and unpopular dialogue out by the grass corner. In music, artists are encouraged to write and produce more of similar material that the public divulge in droves. How many more ways can one thing be said? Or is it, that we are too busy suffocating our own emotions, that we could care less for anything else?

Who are we in this world, if we cannot care for the perils of our fellow human kind? Our time and energies are taken up focusing only on what we see on the surface. Whatever we don’t see or comes to our doorstep is not our concern. But what happens when that concern is on our doorstep. What do we do? Do we turn away and sweep it out to the grass and hope someone else will take out the trash? Or do we open our eyes and deal with the issues?

I had the honor of talking for a few minutes with Donald Andrews, who wrote, sang, and performed this song. Here is an excerpt from our conversation:

Eric: What was your inspiration for writing this song?
Donald: This song was written two years ago with the intention of entering the Trinidad Chutney Soca Monach Competitions, in collaboration with Big Rich and the Pungalunks Factory. But the promoters decided that the subject was not ready for prime time. I felt that there had to be a more constructive way of approaching the issue.
Eric: Why did you choose to showcase this issue in the manner you did?
Donald: This is a very gender neutral issue. It can happen to anyone. However, given the scores of women issues that get suffocated, I felt that this was my way of bringing light to the subject.
Eric: You’ve been in the business a while, why tackle this issue now?
Donald: When I started out a long time ago, being the front man for Gemini Band, we tore up the New York music scene. We brought it everytime to clubs and shows. As time went on, I gravitated to gospel music and my fate. Now in a subtle nudge I think our community needs to pay attention to some of these social issues that affect us.
Eric: What do you hope to achieve with this song and video?
Donald: I am in no way an activist. Neither do I intend to take a hard stance on the topic. But I wish for our community to recognize that there are two sides to every story and sometimes the untold is the truth. What we hide in our bedrooms and closets are more damaging than what we face everyday. I think we can do better as a society.

Go Download the song for FREE on Donald Andrews SoundCloud HERE.

In dialogue with Tony about his direction for this video, I came to realize the artistic and responsive talent of a young man that is rare in the music industry. Many people would take the negative angle of depicting this issue for it’s big, bold, knock over the head sensationalism. However, Tony was determined to not showcase a derogatory side but let the audience read between the lines. The stage-set for this video is very simple but purposeful. If you look very closely there are subtle signs that tells the story. There is nothing in the scenes that are happenstance, every item and movement carries a line in the narrative. Notice the three candles? What do they mean? How about the artist rendering? Why? Visualize the camera angles that tell a story through smoke scenes.


Photo courtesy Stealth Productions/Photographer: Sunil Persaud

Like most of Stealth Productions projects, this also holds true to carrying a positive meaningful message to our Caribbean Community. As is said in their website Welcome message,  “We take pride in our work and we intend to uphold our reputation on the scruples that the company was built on, integrity.” Those are difficult words to live by in this world of insatiable desire for regurgitating music. The current trend in West Indian music is this butchering of classical music, remixing 5 songs to make one, overlaying words on music that is timeless, singing pieces of Indian music that translates to nothing in particular and blending it all into one. This practice has it’s place if done tactfully and respectfully. Stealth Productions seeks some form of originality, modern, cutting edge music that carries an impactful stamp.


Photo courtesy Stealth Productions/Photographer: Sunil Persaud

Who is the “She” in She’s Ah Drinka video? Former New York catalog model Rachel Persaud signed on to showcase the hush side. An excerpt from our conversation:

Eric: Why did you choose to participate in this project?
Rachel: The subject matter was very attractive. I wanted to be a part of showing how my younger generation is taking the perils of older generations to a more liberal level.
Eric: Why do you think that the younger generation is more liberal?
Rachel: We grow up with more open socializing, hanging out, clubbing, and other activities. This encourages us to indulge in questionable behavior at a young age. While most of this behavior is accepted in males, females are the same participants. But females are never assigned any responsibility.
Eric: Are you taking a hard stance against this issue?
Rachel: I am hoping to raise awareness that there are two sides to this issue and encouraging others to take a look at themselves.
Eric: Why choose to appear in a music video over catalog modeling?
Rachel: The video content is very appealing. I feel that this video carries a message that needs to resonate with my generation.

Often in our Caribbean Community we tend to shy away from social issues even though they consume our daily lives. The people who take on these challenges are brave and sometimes shunned. When we take a stand, whether hard or soft, we are marginalized. Yet there are outcries when major disaster strikes on our doorstep. Are we ever going to stop and think? Are we ever going to take a stand? Are we ever going to acknowledge and recognize the signs? Are we ever going to reach out and extend a hand to our fellow mankind? Tony, Donald, and Rachel did? Are you going to follow? 

Go Check out and Share the Stealth Productions YouTube video for She’s Ah Drinka HERE.

#ShesAhDrinka

 

Grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.                        

--Reinhold Niebuhr

A Business Place generates more activity than a Business Page on Facebook

As the internet crawls into the far corners of Guyana, it is time to get on board and embrace the power of social media. Letting people know about your business was, traditionally, done with newspaper and radio advertising. While these media platforms are not extinct, yet. They are increasingly expensive and often times extremely difficult to track. Why not try joining the rest of the world and use social media as a interactive tool to drive your business goals.

There are several social media platforms that go as quickly as they come. On any given day the balloon can burst and a new craze will take center stage. However, with all the hype and dazzle of newer shinier toys, Facebook seems to finally be digging in. As in any marketing plan, there are several medias to convey the message. Many more sophisticated and complex social media marketing strategies will integrate Twitter, Foursquare, Yelp, Urbanspoon, Travelocity, Tripadvisor, Pinterest, Foodspotting, Stumbleupon, Instagram, to name the most popular. However, the simpler more concentrated Facebook platform offers similar engagement and results.

The basic idea of any marketing plan is to tell your customer what you are offering, then engage and keep them coming back for more. This ultimately results in a sale or income generation. Facebook “Page” offers information across the board. Almost any kind of businesses can utilize a “Page” to their utmost advantage. Information pertaining to the location, phone number, services, goods, activity or any thing else can be added to a “Page”. With “Liking” your page, customers can follow the information you are sharing. Your customer can invite their friends to “Like” your page, hence increasing your customer base. Biggest disadvantage, “Page” does not allow a user to “Check in”.

With the increasing availability of mobile phones in Guyana, “Checking in” to Facebook so your friends know where you are and what your are doing is becoming the norm. As a business owner this screams a huge opportunity for you. How do you capture that “Check In” and make it work to spread your message? There is a “Place” for that. Facebook “Places” is everything your “Page” is with the added bonus of utilizing “Geo Location” mapping to interact with customers.

How does this work? When a person “Check in to Facebook” their friends are able to see their activity. Which means, if a person “Check in” to your establishment all of their friends are immediately aware of your establishment, hence the term “Place”. Your business just appeared in front of people who probably never knew you existed by using your customers as your marketers. Typical example, when someone checks into Venu Shopping Center in Skeldon, all of their friends around the world know that this place exist, without the owners lifting a finger.

So how does a business owner create a “Place”? Simple, search Facebook Help for

How do I create a new location?
Or follow the steps below:
You can only create a new location if one doesn't already exist with a similar name. On a mobile device with location services enabled:

1. Tap 
2. Select  Nearby
3. Tap Check In (top-right corner)
4. Start typing the name of the location you'd like to add
5. If there are no existing locations with similar names, tap Add "[New Location]"..."
6. Confirm the name of the the location you want to create and tap Add

You can then continue to post from that location:

1. Write a caption, tag friends or add a photo
2. Tap Post

The default location for any new place you create will be where you are currently located. Also, keep in mind that any location you create is public. This means that other people may see the location while browsing Facebook.

Tips
1. Notice I mentioned “Place” and Facebook Help used the word “Location”? They are the same thing. A “location” is the physical address using Global Positioning Satellite to pin point the exact location. A “place” is the place on Facebook where the location is attached.

2. This process can only be done through a mobile phone with location services enabled. It cannot be done from a laptop or desktop computer.

3. Adding a location does not make you the user in any which way or form attached to the business. Businesses must claim their location as the owner in a separate step.

Which brings me to what happens after the location is added. As a business owner you have to now prove to Facebook that you are indeed the owner of this business. This stops other people to claim your address as their business. Here is how to:

How do I claim a Page that already exists for my business? Can I merge it with my business's official Page?

A Facebook Page may exist for your business even if you or someone else from your business didn't create it. This happens for a variety of reasons. For example, when someone checks into a place that doesn't already have a Page, a new Page gets created to represent the location.
If you're an official representative of an existing Page that someone else is managing, report it. If no one is managing the Page yet, you can request to claim it:

1. From the Page, click the menu.
2. Select Is this your business?.
3. Follow the steps that appear on your screen. Add and verify information about your business, like its address and website, and click Continue.
4. Next, Facebook will ask you to claim your Page to prevent other people from becoming an admin without your permission. Choose to verify your connection to the business by Email or by uploading Documentation:
   • Email: Choose this option if you have an email address associated with your Facebook account that was officially issued to you by your business. Email addresses from generic providers like Yahoo! or Gmail will not be accepted. The email address should correspond to your business's name, ex: jane.doe@acmeproducts.com.
     
   • Documentation: Upload a scan or photo of an official document that shows your business's name and address. Ex: phone bill, business license, business tax file, articles of incorporation, etc.
5. Click Submit.

You're now an admin of the Page and can begin managing it. Please allow up to one week for the Pages team to review your claim request and respond. If your request is accepted, other people won't be able to become an admin of your Page without your permission.

Once you've claimed your Page, you can merge it with duplicate Pages that you may already have set up for your business. The Pages must represent the same thing and have similar names to be eligible for merging. Additionally, if the Pages have physical locations, make sure the addresses are the same.

Is any of this making any sense? Don’t fret follow these steps and you’ll see how easy it actually is. Social media is user friendly and all the information is online. Don’t be afraid to tackle this. Now sit back and watch the world come to you. Well not so fast, you do have to work at making your “Places” engaging and interactive.

Feel free to leave comments or ask me questions. I am by no means an expert, but I have done a few of these. If I can do this so can you. Run off and conquer the world.

Displaced Immigrant: What could have been might have been.

June 30, 1989 – Loaded taxi took off from Line Path A, Skeldon, Guyana carrying my grandfather, grandmother, mom and myself.
June 30, 1989 – Arrived at (then) Timehri International Airport, Georgetown, Guyana.
June 30, 1989 – Flew to Piarco International Airport, Trinidad. Missed the connecting flight because we did not know where to go and what to do. So we spent the night at the airport. Still unsure of what to do. Finally, my 17 year old self grew a pair and walked up to a counter attendant to explain our ply. They are wondering about us. We were sitting right in the lobby. First time on an airplane, first time leaving Guyana, first time my old grandfather was out of his element. It was a very fast maturity for me. Hours to be exact.
July 1, 1989 – Arrived in John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York. USA. Spent time reuniting with family and friends.
July 7 1989 – Got on a flight Minneapolis, Minnesota bound, where my step dad lived. This was the final destination of my mom. Her childhood sweet heart had finally got his childhood crush. When they we little kids growing up in #78 Village these two destined souls were giving each other the googly eyes. As time would have it, somehow parents were not in agreement to this. My mom was sent to live with her grandparents in Line Path A. Enter my swankadeen dad, the playboy of Line Path A, man of men amongst Sugar Workers, a friend to anyone who crossed his path. He swept the young girl from #78. They got married, I arrived on earth in 1971. My dad passed, in August 1977, from some would say his reckless behaviour of driving motor cycles without a helmet falling too many times and hitting his head. Others would say it was a hereditary brain disease, guess I would never know the real reason.

Back Yard Jan 18, 2013
My stepdad was divorced from a marriage that resulted in two kids, a boy and a girl. What better thing to do than pursue his childhood sweetheart? He came back to Guyana looking for her. They got married and sometime later off to the States we came.

Front Yard Jan 18, 2013
Having very limited knowledge of the geography and lay out of the US, I really never considered living in Minnesota. It was all about living in New York amongst my cousins. I was given a warm welcoming reception when we arrived at my stepdad. His kids, my now step brother and sister, were very accomodating and treated me kindly. I spent that first summer exploring and getting to know my new family. Never did it cross my mind that this could have been my home, had I choose to.
At the end of Summer 1989, I went back to New York to start my own journey. As faith would have it one day as I was walking around Times Square New York, I literally stumbled into the military recruiting office, a month later I was enlisted and attended United States Navy boot camp in Great Lakes, IL. Being the gunho sailor I was, I volunteered for the first Desert Storm onboard the USS Midway forward deployed from Japan. Which saw me serving out my time of enlistment in Japan. After military service, sailing around in the cold North China Sea, in the Korean, Japanese, and Chinese waters, I could not see myself living in a cold climate. I relocated to sunny Florida, where since 1994, I enjoyed the warm climate similar to my motherland.
During my years in Florida, at one time I gave Minnesota another try. For reasons apart from the weather, I could not find myself staying and living. Is it the way of life, is it the scarcity of West Indians? They are many Guyanese who call Minnesota their home. Many of them are spread out across the state. I never really felt right here. Yes there are many great things about this state, apart from my mom being here. There are magnificent lakes, nature parks, great fishing, great education, great living conditions, the state is always looking for ways to better systems, increased ease of transportation, and many more wonderful things. It was touted as one if not the best state to live in many years running. But I just can’t seem to get behind the eight ball.
They say hindsight is 20/20. Look back to see where one came from, look around to see where one is, and look forward to see where one must go. When I look back, there will always be that unanswered question. Did I make the right choice to not live in Minnesota? Some may continue to argue that it is never too late to make changes, I fully agree. However, I am still not convinced that I can make a life in Minnesota. I am very fortunate to be able to freely choose where I make my home. Who knows what might have been could have been.

An attempt at Guyanese Black Rum Cake

Recently I encountered a Caribbean Black Cake at a restaurant. It immediately brought back memories of my childhood growing up in Guyana. Since my later start at cooking Guyanese food, it dawned on me that I did not know how to make a Guyanese Black Rum Cake. So I set out to research and ask around, in the hopes of having Black cake this Christmas.

Black Cake as any West Indian descent should know, is a heavy dense cake made with fruits and liquor. Every island in the Caribbean have their version of this specialty. Since my interest lies in the Black cake of my childhood, I am focusing on the Guyanese version. If memory serves me right, I recall Guyanese rum and sweet red wine, in our recipe. This specialty of the Caribbean is very popular at weddings and Christmas.

My earliest recollection, being the only boy in a house full of girl cousins was to assist in the cake mixing. During the late 70s throughout the 80s, we did not have the luxury of an electrical powered mixer. I am not sure many households have a mixer even today. We mixed in a big enamel bowl and a wooden spoon. Of course, as any one knows the payment for slaving at the bowl was to lick the spoon and bowl clean. My aunts were gracious in turning a blind eye to my finger dipping or maybe they knew. In any case, I was too young to learn or remember recipes and ratios. Underage labor was tolerated.

During my research for this recipe I consulted with those same aunts. Who would you believe they still don’t have a recipe?  However, an older cousin sought to try and master her mom’s recipe. In as much as there was no fixed standard recipe to pass on, there was enough knowledge of little particulars that can only be learned from years of practice. Just talking to my family about Black Cake brought back memories of childhood, a simpler time, in rural Guyana. I can clearly remember my grandmother reaching for an overhead hung basket with a rod. That’s where she stored our Black Cake and other sweet goodies.

In this day and age of computers and the internet there is a wealth of knowledge to be found. Several websites and personal blogs depicted and offered information, recipes, tips, pictures, and step by step instructions. Some sources were particular to Caribbean Fruit Cake, while others identified individual islands. There are several schools of thought and views. However, since I really wanted to bring back a childhood memory I had no other option but to assemble a recipe taking the best of all sources. My black cake recipe is based loosely on Jehan Can Cook Blog, with some modifications.

Soaking Fruits VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

The essence of Black Cake is in the fruits. I remembered growing up people would dry local fruits and then soak them in rum and/or wine. Not having the time to dry local Guyanese fruits I opted for already dehydrated fruits from my local West Indian Supermarket. One such major supermarket in Orlando repackage their fruits in house with very limited information on the labels. One label said “keep refrigerated” and the product was left on a shelf. The American supermarkets carry most of the same dehydrated products, well packaged and stored accordingly. But I found a different West Indian Supermarket, in Clermont, that package in house but stored all of their products refrigerated. So I decided to support this supermarket. One huge West Indian liquor store, in Orlando, was out of stock for El Dorado 5 yr Old Rum, but carried El Dorado Gold Rum. Another Indian owned liquor store, in Clermont, had ample supply.

Fruits
¾ lb pitted prunes
1 lb currants
¾ lb raisins
¾ lb cherries
¾ lb golden raisins
¾ lb mix candied fruits
1 bottle of El Dorado 5 yr Rum
1 bottle Sherry Wine
1 bottle Port Wine

With my little stick food processor, I finely chopped each container of fruit and then put them all in a huge baking pan. This gave me room to hand mix all the fruits together. After they were well incorporated,  I added 1/4 bottle of rum and sherry. The semi liquid mixture was then placed in an airtight container. Periodically, over the next two weeks I checked and topped up the mixture with rum to keep it moist.

Dry Ingredients VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp mace

I passed the flour through a sifter to ensure all the grains were loose and the same size. Then used a whisk to gently combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl.

Wet Ingredients VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Wet Ingredients
1 lb or 4 sticks unsalted butter
2 cups brown sugar
8 eggs
5 tbsp burnt sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 tsp mixed essence

I started out by creaming butter and sugar until all sugar grains were dissolved. This is the part that finger licking is allowed. Maybe add a little more sugar and butter. Or be a disciplinarian and stick with the original measurements. Me, I tipped the sugar spoon. Crack and add one egg at a time while continue mixing. If you are using a table mixer, this part is easy for one person. If you are using a hand mixer, like I did, get help. As the mixture gets fluffy, add vanilla and mixed essence. 

I added 3 cups of fruits and continued mixing. Then place a spoon in the middle of the mixture to check for consistency. The mixture was a little loose so I added 1 more cup of fruits. A little more mixing and the spoon fell slowly. Time for Dry ingredients. Slowly add dry ingredients in one cup at a time until the spoon almost stays vertical but still falls. Add burnt sugar to your color preference. I added 5 Tbsp. Be careful this step could turn the whole thing bitter with too much burnt sugar.

		Baking VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

I divided the mixture into two pans lined with parchment paper. With a little slamming on the counter and smacking on the sides to ensure all the air was gone, I placed the pans in a pre heated oven at 275 degrees for 2 hrs. I started to check the center with a tooth pick. When the tooth pick came out clean the cake is done! Every oven has it’s own characteristics, so this is a crucial step. Keep checking. Time to let the cake take cake a swim, I poured rum and port wine over the cake until all was absorbed. The next day I brushed on more port wine. This brushing will continue every so often to keep the cake moist. Or until it’s all done!



All of the above was done with a recipe of 3 1/2 cups of flour, 1 tsp of spices, and 10 eggs; baked for 2 hrs. The result: a dry cake with very little flavor. So I adjusted the recipe for 2 cups of flour, 1 1/2 tsp of spices, 8 eggs; baked at 350 degrees. Then dropped to 275 degrees. The result: moist, flavorful, memories of my childhood.

		2nd Try VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL