On Legacy and great exemplary #courage: Muhammed Ali #muhammedAli

The greatest #MuhammadAli has left us a #Legacy of REAL COURAGE, showing #courage when it mattered most and for the benefit of all. To Echo the Obama's "He showed courage when others wouldn't, he stood up for his beliefs"

We are all better off for his being here and for him being himself. He is indeed the greatest example of a #Hero for our children to emulate, regardless of where in the world you are from.

Mr. Ali IS a hero of mine and lived a life I aspire to, in courage, conviction and leadership. Regardless of the consequences, he stood up and spoke out, even to his own detriment, if that is not courage, I don't know what is. During his opposition to the vietnam war, he expected to be executed for his stance, yet he did it, remember, in the 1960s assisination was commonplace, JFK and Martin Luther KIng Jr both fell to assassins plus the US armed forces could have court marshalled him and sentenced him to a firing squad, yet, just like my other hero, Nelson Mandela, He did it anyway. he stood up and spoke out. and famously said "what did those vietcong ever did to me? NO vietcong ever called me #nigga, why should I go over there to fight them." around the same time George W. #Bush was draft dodging, also not wanting to go to vietnam, but for very different reasons, not courageous at all in my opionion.

Would you be willing to put your life on the line for your beliefs? think about that a moment, and now you really begin to see the measure of Muhammed Ali. We all hear horror stories of the way black people was treated in this country, for hundreds of years, right into the 1960s, this aplifies the nature of his stance.

But to be clear, he was #courageous his entire life, it takes courage to aska police officer to train you, at 10 years old anyway, he was courageous when he represented the #USA and won #Gold at the #Olympics, he was courageous and some say outrageous when he decided the fight the toughest heavy weights in the world, from #Frazier to #Forman. He was courageous everytime he lost and came back to win. He spoke like a hero and he fought like alike Hero his whole life, in every arena.

We now must create comics books and videos, and more movies and classroom lessons for our kids about this, the greatest hero of all, a most exemplary of men, Mohammed Ali. #Prophet Mohammad himself, on whom be peace, is looking down and and marveling at the chance to finally meet his namesake. A hero for all, a Hero for all time.

TRINIDAD #DOUBLESDOWN ON #DIWALI WITH 10 DAYS OF CELEBRATION #India

That's Right #India, your #CaribbeanCousins in #Trindad and #Tobago (T&T) have doubled down on Diwali. while in India you celebrate for 5 days, in Trinidad we do 10 days, In 2015 it began with the opening of the of the Diwali Nagar (Diwali village) on November 1st. Today November 7th, 2015 #Diwali is the #1 trending topic on #Facebook. To say that Diwali is big in T&T, is like saying that we need air to breath. Regardless of Race or religion, it's a national event that's become highly commercialized and ritualized. while the Hindu folks still fast and pray and do their Pujas, the entire nation revels in the 10-day "Diwali Season", with both businesses and politicians going nuts to be seen as a supporter of Diwali.

The Diwali Nagar is also the first Diwali Theme park created in the world and is now being "imported" by at least one Indian municipality we know of, Trade missions from India is always brought to the Diwali Nagar, where the T&T Government shows off our massive theme park, which lies dormant during the rest of the year, save for the occasional concert and the annual "Hanuman ChanTTing". Diwali is loved so much by the Indo-Caribbean peoples' of Trinidad and Tobago, they bring it with them whenever they migrate, here in New York City this is evident by the annual Diwali Motorcade in South Richmond Hill, Queens.

In T&T, the 10 days is replete with activities that only happen at this time of year, the creation of Bamboo scapes (using bamboo to make designs and structures to hold and present Deyas), please see photos below. Deyas are the ubiquitous vessel made of clay that holds a wick and a couple ounces of oil, that was used to light the way for Ram and Sita as they return victorious from the forest. In T&T, coconut oil is the most common fuel used for the Deyas. There are competitions that reward winners for their Bamboo Scapes. In most towns and villages, the entire community gathers at the local #Cricket ground to build their Bamboo scapes, It doesn't matter your #race or #religion, in T&T, Diwali is a national event, everyone participates. while only #Hindus go to temple and pray for Diwali, everyone is involved in all the cultural events including plays and skits, singing and dancing and maintaining the Deyas during the night on Diwali day, just as I was when growing up in Trinidad.

In T&T, Diwali has also become very commercialized. Every business worth their salt, advertises extensively during the Diwali season, offering "Diwali specials" and buys a booth at the Diwali Nagar, where you can be fed and entertained exquisitely for 10 days of celebrations. In addition to the cultural and religious programme ever day and night, popular restaurants, and individuals, cook fresh Roti and Takari (vegetable filling) and make local drinks. of-course the big food chains also get in on the act like popular T&T ice-cream maker Willie's Ice cream with coconut usually the most popular flavour requested. Diwali is also as big a revenue stream for both Radio and TV in T&T as Christmas, as advertisers know the value of advertising at this time of year. Of-course the politicians ALL want to be seen celebrating Diwali, regardless of race or religion, political photo-ops and speeches during our 10-day celebration is a nuisance we have to endure.

Like North Americans do for Christmas, in T&T, preparing for Diwali includes fasting for Hindus, most people are also cleaning, fixing, painting and decorating houses and in some cases, making their own Deyas and coconut oil. Tile red is the most popular color of paint used at this time of year, with thousands of gallons being sold during the Diwali season. Many folks install "Christmas lights" to adorn their houses, particularly the ubiquitous veranda, which stays up past New Years day. While it's only Hindus who actually adorn their homes with Deyas, usually the neighbors, and particularly their children, who helps to lay them out and maintain them during the night by refilling with the oil or replacing the wicks, regardless of race or religion.

Migrants from India has been in T&T since 1845, and the Caribbean itself since 1838. With them they brought their Indian Culture, religions, foods, plants, intelligence, innovation, industrious nature and entrepreneurial spirit to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Though T&T is a plural multi-cultural society that includes peoples from India, Africa, China, Spain, France, England, Ireland, Scotland, the middle east, the indigenous Amerindians and from across the Caribbean islands, it is quite evident that the migrants from India has had the most impact on society. Innovation by Indians in T&T include the most famous street food known as "Doubles", Buss-up-shot (T&T Paratha Roti), Dhal Puri (very different from Indian Puris), Chutney Music and Chutney Dance.

Diwali, is quickly becoming a quintessential world holiday because as the Original Festival of Lights, it bears meaning to many people, not just Hindus, plus its so much fun to be part of this tradition. If there is no Diwali celebrations where you are, please plan your next vacation in Trinidad during our 10-day festival, it will be the experience of your family's life.

photos via aesthetic.glory.blogspot.com

BOLLYWOOD VICTORY FOR POOR INDIAN LADY

By SUHASINI RAj for India Ink in NEW DELHI — It sounds like the plot of many a blockbuster movie: A group of underdogs take on a huge corporate machine to right an injustice, and in the end, the underdogs win.

On Thursday, the plot came to life, as Sampat Pal, the leader of the Gulabi Gang, a crusading pink-clad women’s group in rural Uttar Pradesh State, was able to convince the Delhi High Court to delay the Friday release of the Bollywood movie “Gulaab Gang,” which she said took her life story without compensation or credit.

photo credit: Team Gulabi at Gulabigang.in            

In “Gulaab Gang,” the #Bollywood star Madhuri Dixit plays Rajjo, a woman who sports a pink sari and fights to set up a school in her village. In an interview with India Ink, the director, Soumik Sen, said that his movie had nothing to do with the real Gulabi Gang and that it was actually a tribute to all women, including Ms. Pal.

The movie was set to be released on Friday, the day before International Women’s Day, but earlier this week, Ms. Pal swore that that “come hell or high water” and “whatever it took,” she would not let this movie open in theaters this weekend.

When asked about Ms. Pal’s threats, Mr.Sen was nonchalant, saying that he would not be heartbroken if the movie was not released on the expected date. “If Sampat Pal does anything to stop the movie, there is always a legal system in this country and we will see what happens,” he said.

Ms. Pal acted on her threats, filing her petition on Wednesday with the Delhi High Court. In it, she contended that the script was based on her life and the activities of the Gulabi Gang and that the Bollywood movie defamed her. She sought a permanent injunction against the release of the film and unspecified compensation for damages.

“They show women with sickles and axes in the movie,” she told India Ink. “We do not do any of this. We just wield a stick, which is only symbolic. So what kind of impression are they trying to create in the moviegoer’s minds about us?”

READ THE FULL STORY HERE: http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/06/victory-over-bollywood-for-underdog/

IT'S OFFICIAL: NYC GOES TO SLEEP at Noon Saturday, see more Darrel3000.blogger.com

By Darrel Sukhdeo

For the first time in history all NYC public transportation, all Airports, Bridges and tunnels will stop running at Noon on Saturday Aug 27, 2011, including Amtrak, NJ Transit, Path Trains, JFK, La Guardia & Newark airports, Metro North Railroad, Long Island Railroad, all New York City, and New Jersey Bridges and Tunnels. Hurricane Irene is threatening the worst destruction ever seen in New York City. Officials are warning the worst and hoping for the best. City officials said it takes 8 hours to shut down the entire system as explanation for the early cut-off at noon on Saturday. Current forecasts expect Hurricane Irene to reach NYC by 8pm Saturday. According to ABCnews, there are 5,912 Skyscrapers in NYC, most of which have never faced a category 1 Hurricane. Lower Manhattan and some Subway tunnels are expected to flood.   

The City that never sleeps will finally get a rest.  

For the first time in history, NYC streets, subways, railways, restaurants, tourist attractions, entertainment, Broadway Theatres and Times Square will be empty. All in an attempt to keep everyone safe from the treachery of Hurricane Irene. We are expected to get at least 12 inches of rain that we cannot accommodate, along with category 1 hurricane winds (minimum 74 mph), 6-12 feet ocean swells and waves, downed trees, airborne debris and shrapnel. Regardless of what the reality turns out to be, we will have significant flooding, flood zones will flood, rivers will bank and we can expect many areas that rarely flood to be flooded. Some forecasts are predicting many low-lying areas, that have never been flooded, to swell with water. The try-state area (NY, NJ & CT) have received about 10" of rain this August (2011); we normally get 4" in August, so the earth is saturated, the rivers are full and the ground around trees are wet and pliable. Introduce hurricane force wind speeds (above 73 miles per hour) and only disaster will ensue. 

A Region holds it's breath.

Everyone has been warned to stay off the streets, not just in NYC, but all across the try state area. Barrier Islands and shore lines have been evacuated, along with hospitals and senior centers in those areas. Thousands of sheets of plywood have found their way over windows and doors. Highways across the region were closed by Saturday morning, some open only one way, letting folks get out of evacuation zones, with no option to return. Every authority, Governors, mayors, county chiefs, legislators, news anchors and reporters, OEM commissioners (Office of Emergency Management), borough presidents and the red cross have warned the worst, have been working to be prepared for at least a week and have battened down everything at risk. Subway and bus yards in high risk zones have been cleared. Commercial Aircraft are being secured in hangers or flown out of the area, while private planes are being covered & tethered to ground with steel cables.  

The aftermath 

There is a lot of data available from previous hurricanes to assist emergency planning on every level. However, NYC has never faced such a direct hit. Many outcomes can only be guessed, certainly, many formulas and models are being examined to determine what might happen given NYC's unique skyline. Emergency personal will be on alert all across NYC to monitor what happens so that the OEM can respond accordingly by Sunday afternoon when the worst is expected to be over. NYC has the largest and best equipped municipal workforce in the world, including police, fire, EMS, sanitation, transportation, information services, engineers and hospitals, all of which are in a state of preparedness for the worst. We expect that by Monday morning the city will be wide awake and ready to remain awake hour after hour, day after day, year after year, unceasingly.    

RED CROSS: Have a "GO BAG"

Get a Emergency Supplies “GO KIT”

Being prepared with the right emergency supplies can reduce the risk of harm when disaster strikes. Pack a “Go Bag” When disasters (fire, flood, hurricane) require a quick evacuation, a “Go Bag”—backpack with emergency supplies/important documents for each household member—is essential.

What’s in a “Go Bag?”
Water—small bottles
Food—nonperishable snacks
Battery-powered radio/flashlight (with extra batteries) or crank radio/flashlight*
First Aid Kit—bandages, scissors
Copies of important documents in a waterproof container (ID, proof of residence, insurance info, emergency contact card)
Prescription info—name, dose, doctor’s name and number
A whistle to signal for help
Silver foil blanket—also called a mylar blanket
Keys—a second set of car and house keys
Cash—small bills
Toiletries—hygiene items, toilet paper
Personalize your “Go Bag” for your special needs—baby supplies, contact lenses, pet supplies, etc.

More here: NY RED CROSS

NEW YORK CITY SLEEPS FOR 1ST TIME IN HISTORY

By Darrel Sukhdeo

You've heard it before, "New York City, the city that never sleeps", well that is about to change. NYC will be shut down come midday tomorrow, Saturday Aug 28, 2011. All transportation will be will be shut down, as a precaution, so that after the storm we can be up and running again. This affects ALL trains and buses, including Access-a-ride, Subways, NYC buses, Path trains, Long Island railroad and Metro North railroad. Airports, Bridges and Tuunels will also be closed. ALL BUSES ARE FREE THIS WEEKEND, SUBWAYS IN " ZONE A" ARE ALSO FREE. you will also be able to access FREE WIFI throughout New York City, unless there is damage to cell towers in your area.

A State-of-Emergency (SoE) has been declared in New York City, Nassau County and Suffolk County, New York and New Jersey. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in all coastal and low-lying areas declared "Zone A". Shelters are already open, with many more to be opened by 5pm on Saturday. Although, officials are asking people to seek shelter with relatives, friends and colleagues because limited shelter capacity is available.

GET UPDATES & DISASTER GUIDES HERE:
W
WWW.nyc.gov
www.nyRedCross.org
http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/
NEW JERSEY: State.NJ.us

Follow @darrel3000 on twitter.com for ongoing updates.
I also reecommend you follow @redcossny @notifynyc @NYTlive @NYTmetro @ny1

4 Alarm Fire in Richmond Hill Stops J-Train and guts two medical offices

The FDNY responded with 200 firefighters and 40 Engine & Ladder units.
By Darrel Sukhdeo

The call came in to the FDNY at 5:36 pm on Monday (Aug 22nd) right in the middle of rush hour. Two children and 9 adults were displaced and were put up in local hotel by the Red Cross. Seven different addresses were affected, as well as, four dwellings. Construction was on-going for a month at both of the properties that were gutted. Three firefighters and one civilian was injured. Construction was on-going at the two properties that were gutted, including Roof work .

The FDNY spent several hours fighting the blaze, despite their best efforts seven properties were damaged. Two properties, 112-12 and 112-16 Jamaica Avenue in Richmond Hill, were completely gutted, both were medical offices. Two other properties were badly damaged by the fire and water. Three other buildings were damaged in the firefighters’ efforts to prevent the fire from spreading, including water damage, broken doors, walls, windows and roofs. During his press statements, Chief Edward Kilduff, Chief of Departments, said, "3 firemen were injured when the roof collapsed", and, "a smoke & fire explosion occurred when windows were broken open, letting air in, which caused the roof to collapse. The firefighters are being treated at Jamaica Hospital for non life-threatening injuries". One civilian was injured and was treated by EMS on the scene.

A spokesman for the American Red Cross of Greater New York, Micheal Devuopilliere, in a telephone interview, said that nine adults & two children lost their apartments in the fire. As is customary, the Red Cross provided temporary housing at local hotels. The Red Cross also provided food, aid and counselling to the displaced, as well as, the first responders on the scene including firefighters, police and EMS. He said, “disaster assessments were being conducted at two other dwellings to determine if those residents would need assistance”.

The smoke from the fire was dark and intense and rose directly onto the tracks of the J-Train, which were mere feet form the building and the fire. The MTA immediately shut down the J-Train causing delays and disrupting commutes all along the J-Line; the Q56 Bus was re-routed in both directions. Many Straphangers were forced to take alternate routes, including many readers of Caribbean New Yorker. The smoke persisted incessantly throughout the fire and up to midnight, driving neighborhood residents to seek refuge elsewhere.

Several residents said that construction was on-going at 112-12 and 112-16 Jamaica Avenue, including Roof work laying down tar, both locations were completely destroyed. Chief Kilduff confirmed that there was construction at the properties for the last month, as well as Monday when the fire took place. The fire Marshall’s investigations will determine if the work being done by the construction company, JC Home Development, contributed in any way to the fire or may have been the cause of the fire. No one at the company would comment.

Everyone was evacuated safely and were remarkably calm, including business owners who lost everything and residents. I spoke with Dr. Shazia Sami, Medical Director, E-Z Medical, who left her office at 112-16 Jamaica Avenue minutes before the fire started. She said, “my staff ran from the building and called me”, she had no idea of the extent of the damage and in fact was leaving for Pakistan the next day. One resident said that Dr. Sami was very popular in the neighborhood. Other affected businesses include a physical therapy office, Podiatrist, Law office and Mortgage broker among others.

BREAKING: FIRE STOPS J-TRAIN IN NYC. PICS at Darrel.Posterous.com

112th Street @Jamaica Avenue in Richmond Hill, New York, during 4 alarm first that guts two medical offices and 5 other businesses