By ALLISON LORD – Caribbean

From the time I was able to vote in America, everyone who knows me knows that I have always longed for a young, intelligent, energetic and vibrant President. I would take good looks too.

Bill Clinton came close. He was my sweetheart for years! Oh, how I fantasized about that sexy man holding his cigar. Anyway, sidetracked!…I really didn’t care about race or gender, but I was certainly tired of the stream of old men making out-of-touch decisions that affected everyday Americans.

When Barack Obama threw his hat into the ring for Elections 2008 my prayers were finally answered. I was ecstatic. But, with just one year into office, I can’t believe there are already some grumblings about his performance. People are blaming him for the lack of change, unfulfilled promises, unemployment, recession and starvation, yes, even starvation – in India! (more…)

By Guest Blogger: SANDRA GLUSCHANKOFF – Argentinian

We all have our preferences on how to spend our free time. Some of us take naps; others watch movies or go shopping. Mine is bookstores. There’s something about them that puts my mind in gear and turns my free time into a magical experience.

Ever since work, motherhood and my new BFF, “RECESSION,” have occupied most of my time and mind, I haven’t been able to embark on my favorite expedition, for what seems like an eternity.

However, last week, I was finally able to snap out of my daily routine, put on my intellectual hat and walk into my neighborhood franchise bookstore. I strolled through the aisles, excited after my long absence. And just like that, I (more…)

By Guest Blogger: JASMINE RAFATI – Iran

When I was in France couple of years ago, I got very sick and had to spend some time in the hospital. The French healthcare system, a complex mix of private and public financing is reputed to be one of the most effective systems in the world. (In the last global rankings by the World Health Organization [WHO] on healthcare, France was ranked #1, Iran #93, and the U.S., #37.)

However, my experience wasn’t great to say the least…although I went to two of the biggest hospitals in Paris. Beds and pillows were covered in plastic. A cotton sheet was laid over the plastic, but it wasn’t enough to stop me from sweating and as a result, I felt sicker and even more nauseous. They couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me and so many doctors and residents examined me, I felt like a lab object.  When I flew back to the U.S., I was still sick and went to the hospital immediately. I (more…)

By Guest Blogger:  KAZ MATAMURA – Japanese

When I was 13, I was involved with a theatre company, turned into a night owl and stopped going to school. I came home at 1 AM, then stayed up reading and watching old movies, and around 5 AM, turned the TV on to watch “I Love Lucy”, where I learned English from Lucy and Ricky. Then I stayed up for CBS Evening News with Dan Rather.  Well, because of the time difference, the evening here was the morning in Japan.

At first, Dan Rather was speaking to me in Japanese.

There was a time that instead of saying, “That’s the way it is” – he signed off by saying just one word: “Courage.” That was it. “Courage.” The Japanese didn’t know how to translate it, so the Japanese voice just said “KA-RAIJI”. (more…)

By Guest Blogger: Dr. MELODY JACKSON – American

Let me start by saying that this foray into a public expression of my not-so-P.C. ideas and ideals is different for me.  I was hesitant to write this blog because I very much dislike arguing, and I don’t care what most people think anyway, so why bother?  However, when someone starts talking trash about America or messing with my rights and my money, then I do get a bit riled up.

As I listened to the rhetoric of this year’s State Of The Union address filled with great ideas and catch phrases that could very appropriately be painted on a bouquet of Mylar helium balloons at a Tony Robbins seminar, I figured it was a good time for me to exercise my First Amendment right in this public venue. (more…)

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We are sisters who are passionate about the issues, but do not always share the same viewpoints. As American citizens who grew up in the Caribbean, we express our opinions from a unique point of view. We look forward to discussing everything that impacts living in the good ‘ole USA, with a touch of humor and Caribbean fire! Some of our friends will be blogging here as well. We also welcome your spirited comments. You may disagree with us, and feel free to tell us so, but do keep your responses civil. Just let’s have great discussion and agree to disagree – so fire away!!