Maybe none will remain single...

Maybe if those who assume positions of parents look at chemistry rather than social class and hereditary titles, maybe if ladies place profound and caring affection over artificial SWAG (which unfortunately now stands for Something We All Get tired of hearing), and maybe if my type will look beyond hotties, titties and booties, maybe none will remain single.

Maybe there wouldn't people that will be so, so madly in love but cannot because they aren't allowed to be together, and maybe none will be caused to marry, make families, carry legal and social rights and responsibilities of a true couple but not necessarily in love.... and stop seeing me as the subject of the things I write on here. I cannot be going through all the situations I comment on.

Humans are of a great diversity...

It is natural to have feelings of intense liking directed at a place, a belief, an idea, etc. mostly because you were born in it or caused to believe in it. However, don't expect everyone to feel the same way about it. Humans are of a great diversity, and so are our beliefs and dreams. In fact, some of us don't believe in the God that others believe in, even though everyone on Earth is related, because we are all descendants of Adam.

Sometimes a certain viewpoint may dissent from yours not because you're wrong, but because the holder of the contrary view also feels right in his own mind, and being intolerant or too defensive of yours will cause you to become aggressive, creating a stalemate situation in which no progress can be made towards mutual growth. If you must be intolerant, let your intolerance be intolerance of intolerance.

Truth hurts...

When you are having a conversation, debate or a friendly chat with someone, one that is marked by a very free, forthright, and sincere tone and mood, and then the person suddenly goes all bonkers on you, like what in heaven's name did you just say to warrant such emotions... don't you worry, you are just being truthful. That's what honest truth does to the truthless, it hurts. But that's just a personal opinion.

Be OK for you...

In this 'twenty-fuss' century, any period of 24 hours that elapses without someone or something causing you to get really, really upset is not a normal day. But even in horror movies, there is what they call a "comic relief." It is the inclusion of humorous scenes and witty dialogues intended to relieve tension.

Same way, no matter what you're going through, even if favourable fortune is seemingly far-fetched, it is psychologically good to put the brakes on your feelings of dejection and try to be OK for you, even if cosmetic. It doesn’t mean you're indifferent, it is a source of new vigour,  and a damper on the spirit of the one trying to lower your morale.

Is it you, him or her?

Ask not what that sidechick is doing with your man knowing he's already in a relationship, ask what in God's name is your man doing with another lady knowing he already has you.

Better yet, ask what did you or did not do to warrant such disrespect. Could it be a breach of duty from your side? Is he just a ladies' man? Ask how enticing is the tool, because king-sized chocolate candy bar type of tools can be, you know...

But on a serious note, where I come from, it is said that rather than being angry with what's in the cup, be angry with the one that poured in the content. (Bul merreh li ci kass bi, merrel ki ko xelly).

Time...

So I asked this my instructor of a lawyer why judges are referred to as "Lords" and "Worships," and he said: "we represent God on Earth." Whether he was kidding me or not, I couldn't tell but my opinion is, except by sanctifying grace, no honourific prefix can elevate a natural human being beyond regular.

To me, the only thing that resembles a representative of God on this planet is 'TIME.' Time as in consequence, as the master, and the thing of essence; time that changes things, reveals true colours, renders grief finite and brings forth new beginnings; time that reminds you of how real your struggle was; time that heals wounds and gives hope, and time as in 'Surah Al Asr' (The Declining Day, The Time).

Happy World IP Day 2016

April 26, 2016 - It is World Intellectual Property Day today.  

Well, it should as well be intellectual and innovative liberty day, because to me, there is no use patenting or copyrighting mediocrity. And mediocre is what you produce when you have the ability and competence to produce but you do not feel comfortable using 'em. 

In other words, you cannot unleash the full potential of a human being unless you give him the conducive playing field and a sense of security to act on his own will, because even if the necessity to invent is there, you cannot be creative much if you or your ideas are being interrupted or suppressed.  

Personally, I am not an inventor, but writing being my hobby, I can confirm that the ability to create or invent will depend on how unfettered one's thoughts are, and that's just basic logic. You cannot even think straight if you're burdened with worries, and if you have to act with reserve or contain your full measure for fear of certain consequences.

Haters gonna hate...

Today that this world has already afforded us an adequate amount of psychos and nutcases to dislike, best thing is, stop wasting your time on someone putting in so much effort to be disliked, especially someone who is disliking because of your advancement over him in some area of life.

You need to realise that except by God's guidance, hateful people will always be hateful. And when they don't like you, they'll find a reason to dislike you, no matter how careful you're, or how stupid their reasons may be. It's just like when they like you; they'll think well of everything you do just because it's you.

Now in case you're wondering what to do amidst all the envy around you, here's what my favourite reference (Shannon L. Alder) said: "the battle you are going through is not fueled by the words or actions of others; it is fueled by the mind that gives it importance."

Forgetfulness...

The one in love with you will not see your flaws or your ugliness until you breakup, and those people you love out of friendship will cease to value the efforts you made to have them stay the moment the friendship goes south.

Some will like you for being truthful, but will call you names the moment the truth you speak threatens their self-regard. They will remember everything about you, but will refuse to talk about those favours that they don't want to be grateful for.

Some will see the need to give you a piece of their mind, but will say nothing until you can no longer serve their interest. But if you ask me, until the day that ungratefulness will become unacceptable by all men, let what is said about you not deviate you from your direction, because what you aspire to be is more important.

Miracles do happen....

As wondrously built as humans are, human endurance is not without limitation; even the strongest of men have their moments of fatigue. But there's always God to say: "you know what, take a break now, I got this! Let me see which naysayer will have a problem with that."

Then wonderful things will start to occur to you, and you'll say: "wow, this is indeed a miracle." But for a miracle like that to manifest into your life, you must try to give as much energy to your dreams and faith as you do to your worries and doubts.

Don't depress yourself...

Today, the two major factors that may increase your chance of depression are: having knowledge of the things you're not emotionally ready to know yet, and using social media, particularly Facebook as your sourcebook.

Relief:  Challenge your thoughts, especially the negative ones. Be positive in knowing that you're not as helpless as you're caused to think, and take comfort in knowing that in me you have someone who knows that feeling and loves you so very much.

Be sincere...

On moral grounds, it is sometimes good to choose to exercise your right to silence, without being indifferent, than to pretend to be in favour of that which, to the very core of your heart you find unsavory.

Pretending to dislike that which you prefer, or the other way round, and in favour of the favours in that which follows your pretense is insincerity.

Kindness...

What I know about genuinely kind people is: they are always willing to serve even when nobody's watching, and they do good for even those whose 'thank you' they probably will never hear.

Their willingness to take shared enterprises upon themselves is up there, and they do so without hesitation, regret, and without paying too much attention to petty details. So kindness is about going out of your way to do good and to be nice to anyone, anywhere, and at anytime.

What cannot constitute kindness is sailing under false colours in order to impress people, or in anticipation of something in return  - but this is just an opinion still.

Teamwork...

In any team, the finer talents are widely admired; that's natural, but no individual effort is less important. At the end of the day, it is only through teamwork, collective intelligence, unremitting diligence and sincerity of intentions that goals are won.

When 'the self' precedes 'the rest' in focus, the goal will naturally be shifted from what's being striven for, to too much attention to what the other players did or did not do, and a likely opening for competition, evitable rivalries, etc.

You what you say you don't want to sound like...more than likely.

When you talk and you commence by saying: "I am not an ex, wye or zed." Or "I don't want to sound like I'm ex, wye or zed, but...blah blah blah."

If you're already sounding like what you say you don't want to sound like, to me you're what you claim you don't want to sound like. You probably just don't want an open admission and that's okay. But at the end of the day, attitude evinces clearer than platitude.

Affairs of the heart!

Like heartbreak, there are feelings and conditions you will call unmeaning, and the afflicted silly or absurd, and you will not understand to be able to not wish on another person until you experience it.

Failure of your own will, not God's Will...

Some of us are so gloriously hopeful that we want it, and we think we can have it, but we want it delivered. So what we do is, we find a delegatee; someone to do the job, but someone we look forward to blaming when shit goes wrong. When we cannot find someone like that, we resort to: "Insha'allah" (if Allah wills it), and then sit in anticipation like embryos waiting to develop into fetuses.

But, oh yeah, wait! You're going to get it. "Good things come to those who wait." You don't have to earn it. You don't even have to try at all, just pray. God will serve up your request on a plate of gold, no doubt about that. But just do intelligent civilisation the favour of having the bloody courage not to be disappointed with what comes your way.

I know those who cannot read will as usual call me a kafir for saying this, but really, there are things we call God's Will that are in fact failures of our own will. I believe God's Will is sometimes not directive, that there are things He just permits, and permission, authorisation, consent or whatever synonym you wish to call it is a consequence of an intention, decision, or the will to act.

Ability, plus motivation, plus attitude...

Ability is not what you say you can do, it is what you're capable of doing, and that capability or capacity established by the outcome you're are able to generate. But you cannot be truly capable without the right reason for action; motivation if you like.

But also, if your ability and motivation are fully sufficient and your attitude sucks, winning will remain an unattainable pursuit. So it is ability, plus motivation, plus attitude - attitude as in good and selfless conduct, taking joy in playing your part and not belittling the worth of other players, knowing that hating on others for trying to reach their dreams is not the way to reach yours.

Shannon L. Alder said: "every game is winnable if you change your mind about what the prize should be and your perspective about the players at the table." I hope we are listening.

The irony in certain judgments...

If we formulate a general concept from a few or just a single instance, or we paint everyone with the same brush in circumstances where we could've or should've used the pronoun 'some,' and when we're not doing anything different from the rest, we should be careful of the irony thereof.

Excuse my choice of words, but what I mean is, demeaning or affronting a thing, an issue or people you're a part of is not unlike a mother calling her son a 'son-of-a-bitch.' That inadvertent insult shouldn't bother the son.

Hoping she'll get it...

She said: "My man is so like you Mike. He is so charming with words." I was like: "Really! I'm flattered but how so?" She showed me an SMS that the guy sent to her, and it reads: "You're incredibly amazing, just like your school in the summertime." And she was so over the moon with that.

I said: "Oh dear! He definitely is brutally efficient with words." Then she asked: "What do you mean?" I asked: "What's your school like in the summertime?" She said: "Well, no class, boring I guess." I said: "Ta-da, that's my point, because if you ask me, you may be a whole lot of things but certainly not boring and not classless either.

Those kind of promises...

The best way to deal with a spur-of-the-moment promise, or a decision made on impulse is to enjoy its spontaneity or pretend as if it was never made, because it won't last.

It's like a promise made during a vulnerable time in bed; you wouldn't be bothered or disappointed if you do not look forward to it with absolute certainly that it will be fulfilled. But, that's just a personal opinion.

Retirement plan...

I am not always inclined to passing stupid judgments on here. When I see something or someone of grace, elegance, skill and balance, I give proper respect and recognition, and it doesn't matter if you're a friend, casual acquaintance or not. But then when what you do sucks, shit yo', you suck. Admit it, it's only fair!

Maybe someday I will get sick and tired of policing mediocrity and shit, and if I'm no longer doing that, I will probably go to my adoptive home in Jamaica, Bull Bay to be precise, or just get myself a seaside crib here at Jinak Island in the North Bank.

You know, enjoy nature, eat fresh fish (no kobo and no yaboy typa fish), drink fresh coconut juice, wisely smoke the Holy Herb, feel freaking awesome, be part of the mosque committee, if they allow me that is, or just be at my spot like OMG! are you OK?  Yeah, just minding my damn business.

Personality Inflation...

Today, and thanks to personality inflation, there are more bare girls with fully sufficient titties parading our streets than you will see in a lifetime of Playboy and Penthouse magazines combined.

I will not tell how I feel about that and I'm not complaining. Where I come from, there is a saying that goes as follows: wear whatever it is that you want to wear. Just make sure your assumed role or manner of behaviour is one that your momma will be proud of.

Attitude, what you see is what you get...

There are three types of people in this world: the good, the bad, and the rest of humankind. The first two are innate qualities, and "the rest" are those who became what we made them to be, and those who pretend to be what we want them to be.

About "the rest," they could be more than good but also ruthless, depending on how we behave towards them. And don't get that twisted, I am not saying they're fake, I think they simply adapt. Theirs is a thing of perspective, like WYSIWYG (wiz-ee-wig). Ask the computer scientists, it is an acronym for "what you see is what you get."

Intellectual tolerance...

When you work or share table with someone so quick with sensible reactions to issues, no matter how academically unpapered you think he is, and especially on issues requiring quick, sensible and realistic considerations rather than your:

*Scratches Head* "Well, we guess! No, we don't know but, we're thinking it is, well yeah, because the 'con-sultant' said so..."

Best thing is to appreciate this person, knowing that his is a gift which if utilised, everyone will achieve more. Don't just pass judgment that he's trying to demonstrate prowess that doesn't exist within him.

As for you that is this endowed, don't be a lone wolf, and don't take the gift for an opportunity to assume superiority or to treat others as if they don't matter, or as if nothing can work without your consent. Your only advantage is your rapid intellectual and deliberative capacity. And in as much as it is a rare privilege, it is not a monopoly. I thought I should pen that.

Age like milk or age like wine...your call!

Just because you do not fit the definition of a "Coca Cola Red Bone" doesn't mean you are ugly - and just because you're as shapeless as a1971 Mini Cooper, or because you resemble a fifty year-old at twenty-something doesn't mean you should show scorn or disrespect those that are older but look younger than you. Stop trying to hide your emotional insecurities by throwing shade or using clichéd lines like:

"Kee mor mag cherreh." (She's older than processed/steamed millet) "Kee fehkay bi yallah don pentirr asamansi." (she was there when God was painting the sky) "Defa banya mag rek." (She's just refusing to grow old)

I have seen people droop their head to such nonsense like: "Oh! You see, I am not as old as you think," or even resort to reducing their birth dates, like what the hell! Can't you see having an ageless face or a Vivienne or Jennifer Lopez type of physique that is never seeming to age is a rare privilege; a gift to be appreciated and not scorned. If others are not comfortable or confident in the way they're endowed, let them petition God. If they are because of their lifestyle, let them work on that, because being all petty about it is straight up bullshiting.

About avoiding resentful desires and pettiness, let me tell you this true story: once I dated this young lady with a face that only her mother and I could love. As a fairly athletic and admired basketball player back then, folks couldn't understand how. But the fact was, her personality made her looks unworthy of notice. Now don't ask why or how the relationship ended.

My likes and dislikes...

If the rule is to love for others what I love for myself, then I think I am in observance. But I am not going to lie or pretend to like everyone because I don't. I don't like carriers of certain attitudes so I cannot like everyone, and not everyone is expected to like me. And I am sure I am not alone in this; just that some won't say it. In fact, if there was a scriptural directive that commands me to like everyone irrespective, like it is with some people and their obsession with "likes" on here on social media, I will go to hell because I can't.

Now about my dislikes, I hate to be a victim of gossip, but gossip hits home because I do it all the time, so I am not talking much until I am able to refrain from it for good. Apart from that, you'll notice that for the most part, my dislikes below are the same as my likes, but acted upon beyond accepted boundaries, making transgression my biggest dislike.

I like self-confidence but I hate arrogance and belittling attitude. I am okay with self-preservation but not when it leads to selfishness and grudge. I like frankness but I dislike rudeness. I like modesty but not when it is completely devoid of personal pride; that's foolishness. I like people who aren't empty; people who can talk, but only when they can listen too.

I like achievers but not achievements leading to empty boasting. I like people that are loyal to other people, but not when they go about snitching on others for personal gains. I like jokes that are motivated by habitual acquaintance, but I dislike open disrespect and willful scorn. I like precautions and forethought but I dislike needless naysaying and negativity, and last but not the end of my likes and dislikes, I like someone who is motivated to excel, but not when greed is the motivator.

In practice, is it really ECOWAS?

Having had a very terrible history of senseless tribal battles, genocides and wars for natural resources; having been taken advantage of by foreign corporations and evil slave masters; having been discriminated against and denied basic human dignities like living a want-free life, and having had our voices stifled for too long, Africans anywhere should know better than taking advantage of each other. But it seems to me that taking advantage of one's own was invented in Africa.

Just imagine an Africa where borders are so smooth that you can travel anywhere with a single passport and currency, and then pause and imagine going to Burkina Faso via Kaolack, Bamako, Bobo then Ouagadougou, and for a forty-two hour bus journey that could've been less, if not for going through at least fourteen points where a (commercialised) security check is performed. Imagine paying 5000 CFA francs in Kaolack for an uninoculated immunisation, and paying between 2000 and 5000 CFA francs at each post for no apparent reason. Imagine bailing yourself out of cuffs with 20,000 CFA francs at Mali's last checkpoint before Faramana, simply because you demanded an explanation and a receipt.

This was an experience I had over a year ago, but anytime I think about it, and having been to places beyond this continent, seen the disparity in treatment between natives of those places and those unlike them, I can't but ask myself: how can we unite the way we want it, or trade amongst ourselves if traveling to Dubai for business is easier than going to Bamako to buy Ganyila? Why can't ECOWAS and by extension AU citizens be afforded the type of privileges in Africa that citizens of EU are afforded in Europe? How can our institutions grow if one has to pay in exchange for some form of influence, or as an inducement to be afforded a service that the provider is salaried to do for you? You may say it's about security and that's essential, but won't we be risking both if we sacrifice freedom of movement like that in the name of security?

Let us pray..

Dear God,

Please save the soul of the slanderer from himself and from a state of perpetual ill will, or split him into two - oops! I mean create a clone of him in him, so one of him can say no to him as he seeks to injure reputations, or belittle the worth or causes of other people.

May his change-causing self be able to look at his own flaws in the face and accept their existence even while his slandering self is trying to hide them.

Thank you God!

Dear God,

Give us hands that help with focus and responsible regard, and hearts that pray when minds are about to give up beyond hope, not lips that seek to diminish or pull down those who have achieved or are about to achieve successes greater than ours. God, don't make us typical third world intellectuals that will blame everyone but themselves for the things they should but cannot fix.  

Thank you God.

Outsource your PR my friend...

I don't know when, but I swear down someday and regretfully very soon, dictionaries will define "self-publicist" with a selfie of a typical Gambian celebrity (wannabe) on Facebook. If y'all don't start hiring professional PRs like us to help you create the favourable public image you need and stop opting for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) for fame. Don't do to us what your bathroom selfies did to professional photography; it's unfair.

And also - being famous and able to sustain the status for an indefinite period without impairing your soundness, or without depleting your father's resources is a celebrity status worth the hunt. But just because you can afford to pay D250 for a poolside selfie at some hotel in Kololi, without food that is, and only to go back to your shack in Wellingara hungry doesn't make you a celebrity.

But then noise ba day barry rek, wye selfie captions aside, nyu ni nen ham nanj nyu nama everything ak nyu namut dara.

About being an artist...

As someone who creates art as an occupation, or any trade for that matter, but especially when you're a recording artist, try not to be influenced by your emotions and prejudices. Your priority should be a concentration of your attention to your work, and just be good enough. Fans and publicity will come naturally.

If your work is your priority, you don't need to set up a beef with another worker to get your work done, because if you do, you'll get distracted, and as an artist, once you allow distraction into your ears, it will take a miracle to be able to attain the quality of art you desire, and that's about losing your job's relative importance.

To our religious committees...

If your religious committee is looking for donations to start a religious project, don't just say: "Dear sir, we are seeking donations in cash or kind" and that's it. Don't stop at saying: "sayttal lo am rek, nyun heybunj dara" (see what you can afford, we'll take anything), and don't use your sermons to throw shade or to blackmail people's emotions into believing that it's a give or be doomed thing. These vague strategies have become so clichéd for my liking, because knowing what to afford to donate will depend on knowing the project details.

So, I'll rather you do a projection of the expenditure that the project will incur, provide information as to the expected result of your project and the funds you were able to generate on your own, because you too need that divine reward. So fund raising has to start from within; that way, whosoever is going to donate will know the exact funding gap and how much to part with. And a little progress report will also help boost confidences.

I hate to say this but really, look at how planned, ordered and procedural the Christian Council is in their projects, see communities of Muslim minorities in Europe and America, or even the Pipeline Mosque committee amongst the few that are right here under our nose; they are doing so well. But come to mosques like mine that's been under construction since I was fourteen. You'll wonder why we cannot think beyond collecting just marabou prescribed kola nuts, "mburu nanka" (rice pudding) "Kaitee tabakh" (copier paper) and alms in boxes on Fridays, half of which is shared amongst the mosque's front row sitters?

Or is it also biddah (a cursed innovation) to engage in halal (permissible) income generating activities that will spare a particular set of people from giving against their will, and to enable us to allocate modest but consistent allowances to our full-time Imams, so that they'll focus more on ministering our numerous rituals? Now think whatever you want, God knows I am not trying to be condescending here. I just think it's about time we make our religion attractive, and I believe thinking in that line is fundamental to our belief.

As-salamu ʿalaykum!

With love and for love - a thing of Romantic vs Insane...

Just like weed, love has the capacity to intoxicate, to enter your head, and take control of your heart and senses. And just as it can be fun and interesting, it can make you do crazy things. This is why when you fall in love, it is important to distinguish between 'crazy in love' and 'crazy insane,' and between the things you do 'with love,' and those you do 'for love,' because half the things you'll do for love will more than likely incite incidents exhibiting foolishness.

See the story of Romeo and Juliet - no, scratch that! That was a tragedy. See the Egyptian guy that was all over the news last week for instance. He wore a fake suicide explosive belt, hijacked a domestic Egyptian flight, caused it to be diverted to Cyprus just so he can talk to his estranged Cypriot wife and to deliver a love letter, and only to get arrested and treated like an idiot.

Okay, maybe the Egyptian guy was mentally unstable. But check the story of Neil and Jacqueline, the couple that loved each other so much so that they did surgery to look like each other - the wife died of cancer in '07 and the husband continued to shape his body to look more like hers, and he refers to himself as "we" or "us" and his as "ours." Also check the story of Jordan Cardella, who begged his buddy to shoot him with a gun so his ex-girlfriend would feel sorry for him and take him back - and just in case you're wondering if he had the attention and sympathy he was looking for, I understand the girl didn't even come to the hospital.

To be continued...

Don't be like Shinaynay...

Everything in life takes time -that's true. Have patience and take comfort in knowing that the perfect person will come into your life at the perfect time - that's also true. But it is also said that "patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting."

I hate to be a dream crusher but the fact is, if you're known for being extremely 'rakajou,' vulgar and ghetto like Shinaynay while waiting, you will get nothing short of Shinaynay, because according to the law of attraction, "like attracts like." So avoid a situation where a matter of when will become a matter of if.

About maliciously delight...

If you derive pleasure from the hurt and disgrace of others, or from observing someone else's misfortune, you will always be looking for reputations to grind and people to piss off or hurt, even if it means doing and tolerating things you don't like.

But you should also be attentive to potential danger, because in this connected world where you cannot tell who has a favourable rapport with who, or who owes who favours, you cannot expect to hurt many and not incur the wrath of many.