Friday, June 26, 2009

My Body Gone, My Soul Remains With You

A farewell note from Michael Jackson aka Jay Nagbe Sloh

My dearest fans worldwide:

After an exciting and memorable stint with this troublesome world, I write to inform you that yesterday was my last day at work. I have left my position as King of Pop Music at Hollywood International, a "company" you and I formed and faiuthfully served over the past 45 years. I bid adieu to you - my children, my brothers, my sisters, other relatives, and - above all - my esteemed fans accross the world. But, before leaving, I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know what a great and distinct pleasure it has been to sing and dance for you throughout my life. For nearly as long as I have worked here, I knew I would leave this company one day, somehow. And, now that this dream has become a reality, please know that I could not have reached this goal without your unending support. No amount of words can express my gratitude for the support expressed in many ways.

Why now?
My body needed rest, and so it is gone to where there is no more sweat, no more tears, no more painful medical drugs, no more suffering. I wanted to do my best in completing my existing responsibilities and then ensuring a smooth transition, but when the Heavenly Father calls, we must answer. He has called, and I must abandon everyone and everything to respond. This decision was not an easy one, and it took a lot of consideration. I really wanted to continue working with this wonderful "company" of ours, including a planned trip to Europe next week. However, He knows best, and I must obey His orders. I think His decision is in the best interest of all of us. Yes, my body is gone from you, but my soul and spirit remain. I have enjoyed the wonderful opportunity of working with you all. During the last 45 years, you all have provided me unflinching support and, through your encouragement and guidance, I have been able to excel easily. With many of you, I have shared a unique camaraderie which I hope will continue in the years to come, eventhough I will not be here with you anymore. I thank God for giving me such a wonderful army of supporters.

Prior notice
I could not give you prior notice of my departure because I, too, did not know His call was coming. But that's how our Father designed it. I am sure He planned it this way because He did not want all of us to suffer cardiac arrest and go together. I believe He wants to meet and greet each of us at different intervals and different times set by Him.

Place for you
I am going to prepare a place where you and I will sing and dance together again sooner than you can imagine. As I move on, I would like to take a moment to remember and cherish our times together. It has been great interacting with each of you in so many ways.

New career
Even though I will miss you all, I beg that you worry not, for I am going to start a new phase of my career - the new challenge of singing and dancing before a bigger and happier audience, which includes our Father who is in Heaven. My new assignment brings forth new challenges and adds more diverse experience to my career.

I am sorry
I admit I was not perfect as a mortal being. As such, I did somethings that anger some people. It was difficult for me to please all. Even Christ, our Savior, could not. But now that I am out of the way, I ask those who held things against me to forgive me and let go their anger. For you, too, I am going to work for a reunion that knows no anger.

Gates of Heaven
I love you all, but I must go now for our Father awaits me at the Gates of Heaven. Please don't bother responding as, at this very moment, I am in my shuttle doing a million miles per hour with the windows down.

See you, not good-bye
Remember, this is not a goodbye. It is only "hasta luego" or "see you later."




BIOGRAPHY of Michael Jackson
Culled from http://www.allmichaeljackson.com/biography.html

The Bio History of Michael Joseph Jackson began when he was born on the 29th of August 1958 in Gary, Indiana. He was the 7th of nine children. (brothers: Sigmund "Jackie", Toriano "Tito", Jermaine, Marlon, Steven "Randy", and sisters Rebbie, Janet and La-Toya JacksonMichael began his musical career at the age of 5 as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 who formed in 1964. In these early years the Jackson 5, Jackie, Jermaine,Tito,Marlon and lead singer Michael played local clubs and bars in Gary Indiana and moving further afield as there talents grew and they could compete in bigger competitions. From these early days Michael would be at the same clubs as big talented stars of there days, such as Jackie Wilson and would be learning from them even back then. In 1968 the Bobby Taylor and The Vancouvers discovered the Jackson five and from there they got an audition for Berry Gordy of Motown Records. The Jackson 5 signed for Motown and moved to California. Their first 4 singles, "I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I'll Be There" all made US No1 hits. The Jackson 5 recorded 14 albums and Michael recorded 4 solo albums with Motown. The Jackson 5 stayed with Motown until 1976, wanting more artistic freedom they felt they had to move on and signed up with Epic. The group name Jackson 5 had to be changed as it was owned by Motown, so they reverted to The Jacksons as they had be known in the early days. Brother Jermaine married Berry Gordy's daughter and stayed with Motown. Youngest brother Randy joined in his place. The Jacksons had a number of hit recordsand in total made 6 albums between the years of 1976 and 1984. In 1977 Michael made his first film debut when he starred in the musical 'The Wiz' playing Scarecrow with Diana Ross in the lead role of Dorothy. It was at this time Michael met Quincy Jones who was doing the score for the film. Michael teamed up with Quincey Jones as his producer for his first solo album with Epic Records. The album titled "Off The Wall" was a big success around the world and the first ever album to release a record breaking 4 No1 singles in the US. In 1982 Michael Jackson released the world's largest selling album of all time, 'Thriller'. This album produced 7 hit singles, breaking yet again more records, and went on to sell over 50 million copies worldwide. Michael was keen to use music video or short films as he called them to promote his singles from the album. He worked with the best directors and producers, using the latest technology and special effects.for the hit song 'Billie Jean' The short film 'Thriller' used the latest make-up artists technolgy combined with fantastic dancing and cherography, to produce a 14 minute video, with a start, a middle and an ending. So successful was this video that 'The Making Of Michael Jackson's Thriller' became the world's largest selling home video combined with soaring album sales. In 1983 Michael performed the now legendary moonwalk for the first time on the 'Motown 25 years' anniversary show. This performance alone set Michael undoubtable into the realm of a superstar.
In 1984 Michael won a record breaking 8 Grammy awards in one night. The awards were for his work on the 'Thriller' album and his work on the narrative for the 'ET Storybook'.
On December 9th 1984 at the last concert of the Jackson's Victory Tour, Michael announced he was splitting from the group and going solo.
In 1987 Michael released his much awaited third solo album, titled 'Bad', and lauched his record breaking first solo world tour. 1988, Michael wrote his first autobiography talking for the first time on his childhood and his career. At the end of the 1980s Michael was named 'Artist Of The Decade' for his success off of his 'Thriller' and 'Bad' albums. In 1991 Michael signed with Sony Music the largest ever recording contract and released his fourth solo album, 'Dangerous'. He toured world again in 1992, taking his concerts to countries that had never before been visited by a pop/rock artist. Also Michael founded the 'Heal the World Foundation' to help improve the lives of children across the world. In 1994 Michael married Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of rock legend Elvis Presley. The marriage only lasted for 19 months, as they divorced in 1996. 1995 saw Michael release a fifth solo album, 'HIStory', which was a double album, first half new material and second half half greatest hits. Michael toured again over a legs covering a 2 year period. In between legs of the tour on November 14th 1996, Michael married for his second time to Debbie Rowe who was a nurse that Michael had met in the treatment of his skin pigment disorder. Together they had their first child Prince Michael Joseph Jackson jr born on February 13 1997 and a daughter Paris Michael Katherine Jackson born on April 3rd 1998. In 1997 Michael released the remix album 'Blood On The Dance Floor' which also contained 5 new song linked with a 38min film "Ghosts". This film Michael played 5 roles using the latest special effects and make-up artistry, combined with his dance and music.In September, 2001 Michael celebrated his 30th anniversary as a solo artist with two concerts to be held in New York, USA. Many artists such as Whitney Houston, Usher, Destinys Child, Shaggy and many more performed there own and Michael Jacksons past songs. Michael then reunited with all of his brothers performed there biggest hits. Michael then went onto perform solo some of his biggest hits. In October 2001 Michael released the album 'Invincible' so far releasing only 2 singles including the big hit "You Rock My World". Since the release of this first single the album has been surrounded by rumours of a rift with Sony Music and a clear lack of promotion of the album.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Why Grand Gedeh Association Should Change Leadership On May 24th

Introduction: On May 24, 2009, the great people of Grand Gedeh County in the Americas will assemble in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for their annual convention. This convention promises to be a crowd puller for two primary reasons: First, Pennsylvania and its neighbors host the highest amount of Grand Gedeans in the Americas. Second, this year’s convention will elect a president and other executive officers who will run the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas for the next two years. Already, the Association’s Elections Commission has cleared candidates for the various positions – president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and chaplain. Maryland-based current President Henry Kohn Glay, seeking a second term, is being challenged by Pennsylvania-based Martha A. Kannah, referred to by supporters as the Association’s “Iron Lady.” Following a thorough research into the lives and community activities of the two presidential candidates, coupled with a careful analysis of their campaign platforms, the Sloh Information Service, the world’s fastest and most accurate media outlet, endorses “Iron Lady” Matha Aldolphine Kannah for the presidency of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas.

Always composed in any situation: Martha, seen here, is poised to restore lost confidence and credibility in the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas. She tells the truth consistently.
Why Kannah, and not Glay: There are times when people look at someone in society and say, “He or she is a born leader.” This statement is usually based on certain characteristics found in the person that naturally make others see him/her as a leader. Whether a person is born a leader or develops skills and abilities to become a leader is open for debate. However, there are some clear characteristics that identify good leaders. These qualities can be developed or may be naturally part of one’s personality. Below are few of such qualities that informed our endorsement of Mrs. Kannah:

Honesty and integrity: A leader must be trusted and be known to live their life with honesty and integrity. True authority is born from respect for the good character and trustworthiness of the person who leads. Martha is a good leader with an exemplary character. She is trustworthy to lead others. She is a good leader who “walks the talk” and, in doing so, earns the right to have responsibility for others.

Enthusiasm, passion, and dedication: Good leaders are enthusiastic about their works, causes, and roles. People respond more openly to a leader of passion and dedication. A leader must be a source of inspiration. S/he must be a motivator towards the required action or cause. The responsibilities and roles of a leader may be different from others, but the leader must be seen as part of the team working towards the goal. Martha is enthusiastic about any assignment she is given. She has a history of working with passion and dedication. She leads by example. She is not afraid to roll up her sleeves and get dirty.

Confidence: A good leader is confident. In order to lead and set direction a leader needs to appear confident as a person and in the leadership role. Such a person inspires confidence in others and draws out the trust and best efforts of the team to complete the task well. A leader also needs to function in an orderly and purposeful manner in situations of uncertainty. People look to the leader during times of uncertainty and unfamiliarity and find reassurance and security when the leader portrays confidence and a positive demeanor. Martha has proven to be a leader who conveys confidence towards the proposed objective and inspires the best effort from team members.

Tolerance and composure: Good leaders are tolerant of ambiguity and remain calm, composed and steadfast to the main purpose. Martha is the kind of leader who takes storms, emotions, and crises as part of the journey and keeps a cool head.

Focus and analytical skills: A good leader keeps the main goal in focus, and is able to think analytically. Not only does a good leader view a situation as a whole, but is also able to break it down into sub parts for closer inspection. Not only does Martha keep her goals in full view, she equally breaks them down into manageable steps and makes progress towards them.

Conclusion: A good leader is committed to excellence. Second best does not lead to success. The good leader not only maintains high standards, but also is proactive in raising the bar in order to achieve excellence in all areas. The above characteristics are foundational to good leadership. Some characteristics may be more naturally present in the personality of a leader. However, each of these characteristics can also be developed and strengthened. A good leader whether they naturally possess these qualities or not, will be diligent to consistently develop and strengthen them in their leadership role. This is where Martha Kannah is always at her best. And, based on the information above, we urge the people of Grand Gedeh County to lift their great organization above the fray by voting for a change that helps both their organization and its people back home in Liberia.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Young Liberian in the Skies

As a little boy in Ducorfree, Sinoe County Sloh Wea told himself "I believe I can fly" and some of us heard him. Today, that little boy with what seemed at a time an impossible dream is not only flying but teaching others how to fly. See story below:

Meet Assistant Chief Pilot Shannon Wea
When you first meet Shannon, you immediately get a smile and hear a wonderful accent. His back-groung is lengthy and admirable, as he was born in Liberia, which is located on the west coast of Africa.

Since early childhood, he has always wanted to be a pilot. Well, after a long trek, he achieved his goal. Shannon joined our school late last summer when the airlines cut back - their loss was our gain.

Shannon takes great joy when someone walks through the door with no knowledge of aviation and he can make him/her learn to fly - he feels very proud.

Shannon received his primary, elementary and middle school education in Liberia. In 1989 while in middle school, a rebel incursion launched by Charles G. Taylor toppled the legitimate government of Samuel K. Doe, the elected president of Liberia. The Taylor militia disrupted and destroyed the political, social, academic infrastructure and the fabric of Liberia, a peaceful nation. The name Liberia originated from the word liberty, which means free. Liberia was founded to repatriate the freed slaves who were willing o return to Africa from the United States after the emancipation proclamation by Abraham Lincoln. The freed slaves who were sent back to Africa joined the aborigines they met there and the two groups lived in harmony in what is now called Liberia.

The Taylor rebel incursion haunted Liberia for the next 14 years. Shannon and two of his sibling sought refuge in Ghana, also located on the west coast, to survive the tyranny and anarchy from the rebels that preyed on Liberians. After receiving no formal education for four successive years due to the Taylor rebel war, Shannon was left with a 9th grade education at age 20. But throughout it all, Shannon never stopped pursuing his dream to become educated and become a pilot. He enrolled in Prince Boating Middle School in Nsawam in eastern Ghana. There he completed his middle school education and later enroll in the secondary school where he completed 11th grade.

After 11th grade, Shannon and his siblings joined their mother who had migrated to the UN in 1987. In 1996 when he arrived, he took the GED and completed his high school education. He relocated to Trenton to make his aviation dream a reality when he enrolled in Mercer County Community College. He earned his Associates Degree in Aviation Flight Technology and all of his FAA ratings. Eventually he earned a BS in Flight Technology from Thomas Edison State College and a Masters degree in Management from Thomas Edison State College.

When asked what was his most memorable day as a pilot, "My first solo!" And Shannon's favorite airplane is the Cessna 172 - it's very forgiving, especially with students, and it is very comfortable. Shannon hope to fly for an airline in the near future, however he happily works at RVFS.

Shannon has a six year old son, also Shannon Wea II, who is in kindergarten in Trenton.
We enjoy having Shannon on our staff, and we hope his dreams are kept alive.

Culled from the Princeton Airport Newsletter

Monday, March 30, 2009

The terror Liberians faced every day

ABC News' Tom Sawyer takes you into Liberia's brutal civil war. Click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DA7tZD2OLc&NR=1

A touching message for all Liberians

Liberian musical stars, Zack Roberts and Geebah Swaray, have a message for all Liberians. Click here to hear that marvelous song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-dSUUBkldw&feature=related

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Harry Fumba Moniba Foundation Established

Philadelphia, 03/12/09 - A foundation honoring the late Dr. Harry Fumba Moniba, former Vice President of Liberia, has been established by the Moniba Family. The formal launching of "The Dr. Harry Fumba Moniba Foundation" is scheduled for Monday, March 16, according to his widow, Mrs. Minita Kollie Moniba.
Dr. Moniba died in a two-car accident on November 24, 2004 in Michigan while preparing to launch his campaign for the Liberian presidency in the 2005 election Ellen Sirleaf "won."

Mrs. Moniba told the Sloh Information Service today that although her late husband may not have driven his putting “Liberia First” campaign to completion, "he had a clear vision and tirelessly articulated it." She said Dr. Moniba "wanted to provide a leadership that is selfless, inclusive, and exemplary," adding, "He cared about Liberia and had a passion for putting national interest above his own."

She recalled that her father was "unwavering in his commitment to peace and respect for rule of law – a commitment which his few critics took for weakness, although many of his supporters and admirers see his non-violent stance as strength."
She said the Moniba Family and true friends believe that his dedication to a peaceful change was a major stabilizing factor in the successful creation of the multi-party system which today forms the basis for violence-free competitive elections even in post-war Liberia.
"In his home going, he did not only leave behind a lasting memory of a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother, he also left a legacy of national leadership with honesty and integrity which is to be admired and emulated. Part of his ever lasting legacy will be the shining example he set for his fellow citizens in that hard work, dedication and love for a country will drive a man to do great things, and, thus, a nation to do great things," she noted.
Mrs. Moniba demonstrated unwavering gratitude to friends of the Moniba family by saying, "I want to sincerely thank all those who have continued to identify with us during and after our period of bereavement. Your overwhelming outpouring of concerns and affections continues to remind us of the positive impact that Dr. Moniba made in the lives of those around him as well as in national and foreign affairs."
She concluded, "I want to ask that you join us in keeping Dr. Moniba's leadership vision alive in the years ahead by working to make our great country of Liberia a place where democracy, freedom of speech, and the liberty of its citizens exist for the greater good of all Liberians."

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

ULAA Inauguration Continues to Pull Big Names

...NEKTAA, SIS Boss accepts Kesselly invitation
...Who will be left out?

Philadelphia, 3/11/09 (SIS) - The National President of the New Krutown Association in the Americas (NEKTAA), Mr. Jay Nagbe Sloh, has received and subsequently accepted an invitation from the President of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA), Mr. Anthony Varfilay Kesselly, to attend the Union's inaugural festivities scheduled for this weekend in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In his official invitation to President Sloh on March 7, 2009, President Kesselly said "This comes as a formal invitation to you and your Organization, the New Krutown Association in the Americas, to attend the Inaugural Dinner Ball of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas, slated to take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, March 14, 2009."

President Kesselly informed President Sloh that he and his corps of officers were elected by ULAA's 34th National General Assembly held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 4, 2008, and that they were duly sworn into office in Chicago, Illinois, on November 15, 2008, in keeping with the Union's Elections Timetable. Now comes the inaugural ball, to which we humbly request the honor of your presence," President Kesselly noted.

In his official letter of acceptance to President Kesselly yesterday, President Sloh , who is also managing editor of the internationally acclaimed Sloh Information Service, said: “We present our compliments, and have the honor to officially acknowledge receipt of, and respond to, your invitation for us to attend the Union's inaugural Ball scheduled for March 14, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.”

He added: “NEKTAA notes, with thanks and appreciation, your track record of supporting its programs over the years. We also note, with interest, your assurance that our patronage of your program will assist foster some of your service delivery objectives. Additionally, we are gratified by the fact that your National Treasurer, Honorable Emmanuel Nimely Togba, is our own National Secretary-general.”

President Sloh further informed President Kesselly, “Based on the above, we gladly accept your invitation and will do everything within our powers and resources not only to attend this program, but mainly to ensure the overall success of your Administration.”

Sloh said NEKTAA, as a Liberian organization, looks forward to a productive partnership with ULAA in the two organizations' service delivery objectives.

“We wish you success, and avail our personal and official support as you begin the difficult task of rebuilding a ULAA that is much more responsive to the needs and aspirations of the Liberian people,” he concluded.