As you read this, we need your prayers, well wishes and positive thoughts. Yes, we live in Mississippi, on the Gulf Coast, and Gustav is coming at us. I’m writing this on Saturday because I don’t know when I will be able to write anything again.  While that may sound bad, we have to prepare for the worst because people died last time hurricane (Katrina) preparation was taken lightly.

I think the worst part about this whole thing for me is I have to take my two-week old daughter and wife to my sister’s house; my job forces me to shelter unless the hurricane is a 4 or higher.  Being away from them is going to be torture, but I must be smart and cautious with their safety.  Man, I’m going to miss them while we are apart.

As of Friday, the preparations on the Gulf Coast seemed to be minimal.  I saw one building being boarded up and that was basically it.  Wouldn’t you think more would be going on after what happened with Katrina?  I wasn’t here then, but I would have thought people would have been moving about getting ready with a little more urgency.  I was able to go into the grocery store and get supplies easily – traffic in the store was normal.  I found this odd.

When I woke up this morning (Saturday) Gustav had gained a little steam.  I’m hoping it turns left/west.  I don’t want to wish something like this on anyone, but the people of the Gulf Coast and New Orleans haven’t nearly recovered from Katrina.

Damage from Katrina is still easy to see both physically and emotionally.  Buildings and businesses are just starting to really come back strong, but it will still take years to get things back to what they used to be.  If you didn’t know, this is really a nice place to be, minus hurricane season.  Within the last month there was a ground-breaking for a new plaza that really had local residents upbeat about the future.  Now this.  I have mentioned the emotional tone in previous posts, but to talk to someone who was here during the last storm is something else.  I just found out this week that a co-worker lost everything in the storm; I have been working with her for almost a year and never knew.  On the other hand, some people will make that part of their introduction (I’m exaggerating slightly).

I’m worried for the safety of my family and feel sorry for those going through this again.  Think about us…pray for us.

Things like this proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the world is full of bad people! A 25-year-old woman and her married boyfriend tried to sell her 5-year-old daughter, as a sex slave, for a used car and an apartment. Oh, and for good measure, she was going to throw in her 10-month-old baby girl! Sounds unbelievable, huh? Well, listen for yourself (as reported on CNN):

I’m speechless! What about you? Any thoughts…….

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the issue of weight is being talked about more and more in the news. Of course, we are constantly being bombarded with images of models and celebrities who are, sometimes, overly skinny. And as a society (women especially), we aspire to look like those models and/or actresses that are thin. I mean, if we’re really honest here, clothes seem to hang better on a smaller/thinner frame, right?

Based on the constant images of skinny women flooding the fashion magazines and celebrity TV shows (e.g. Entertainment Tonight, Inside Edition, etc.), one would think that obesity/overweight individuals are few and far between right? WRONG!!!! A few weeks ago, a list of the most obese states was released to the public. And once again, Mississippi was #1 on the list, for the 3rd year in a row. Now, I live in the Mississippi area and I can attest to the fact that, well, we definitely like to eat our Southern food! Unfortunately, this desire for macaroni and cheese, collard greens, bar-b-que, fried chicken, etc. does not help our weight situation. But I digress.

Alabama is the third state on the list of obese states. Due to this, the state of Alabama has given its 37,527 employees a year to start getting fit — or they’ll pay $25 a month for insurance that otherwise is free. In fact, Alabama will be the first state to charge overweight state workers who don’t work on slimming down, while a handful of other states reward employees who adopt healthy behaviors.

Now, to me, this just sounds like a way for the state government in Alabama to make a little bit of money off of their overweight employees. How fair is this? Isn’t this just Alabama taking advantage of a dire situation? How long will it take before other states follow suit?  I’d like to hear your thoughts on this subject…….

If you didn’t know why Hillary Clinton has a huge following, now you do!  That woman proved to all the naysayers why she has such a vast fan base and why she should’ve been Obama’s pick for Vice-President.  I’m just saying!  Did you hear her speech last night at the Democratic National Convention (DNC)?  Talk about an eloquent and charismatic speaker.  Go Hillary!  She had some nice little zingers in her speech aimed at John McCain:  “No way.  No how.  No McCain.”  or “We don’t need four more years of the last eight years.”  But the best zinger was when she said, “With an agenda like that, it makes sense that George Bush and John McCain will be together next week in the Twin Cities, Because they’re awfully hard to tell apart.”  How true, my dear Hillary, how true!

Now, I’m not saying that Joe Biden is not a good pick for Obama, but Hillary and Obama would’ve just took America to another level, don’t you think?  Anyway, maybe Hillary was just giving everyone a little taste of what she’s going to do/say in the presidential race in 2012.  I’m just saying…..

What is it with critics who have nothing better to do than pass judgment on how something is done? Of course, this “expert” opinion is given from the sidelines – those critics talk a big game but are never willing to truly get in the game.

On the other hand there are critics who either give opinion based on what they have done or are doing. I think this group adds value however harsh it may be and hard to accept. This is really expert opinion – without the sarcasm.

What I’ve learned (again) recently is the world is full of people willing to tell someone how to do something, but people who are willing to get involved, wholeheartedly involved, are few and far between.

I chalk it up to fear for the most part. Like starting a new job, quitting a secure job (a job you don’t like) or meeting new people.  Some individuals are just afraid to really put themselves out there and try something new so they have to sound off when someone else does.

Damned If You Do

No matter what I do, I’m wrong.  Have you ever thought that about yourself?  If you have had some of those days, you aren’t alone, although some would make you believe life is a bowl of cherries – not the case at all.  Right now, I’m feeling like things are coming at me from too many directions and I’m trying to dodge some bullets – figuratively of course.  Not too good, but this too will pass.  Please don’t get me wrong and think I’m only referring to 7daybuzz because that is not the case.

It is almost that “crabs in the barrel” mentality where when you try to get out the other crabs just try to pull you back down in the barrel with them.  Instead, they could just say, “He did it this way and I’m going to try that.”  Or, more importantly, they could just say congratulations or leave a positive word.  I also associate it with someone criticizing you of “wasting” your money playing the lottery, but would be the first one to help you spend it.  Uh, no thanks.

“Back then you didn’t want me, now I’m hot you’re all up on me” Mike Jones

You’re this, you’re that, we should do this, we shouldn’t do that, why did you do that, you only did this because of that.  Hold on!  The last time I checked, I’m just one man and this is a free country.  If someone doesn’t like how you do something, they have ample opportunity to give it a try.  Of course, I’m still talking about those people on the sidelines.

Damned if I do.

Damned If I Don’t

One life, that’s all we have.  We have one shot to make things happen, whatever those “things” may be and if we don’t follow our hearts and do what it is we want to do the one thing we are almost certainly going to gain is regret.  We have already determined trying to make everyone else happy is fruitless because everyone will never be happy about everything.  We have to try what it is we want to try – by the rules (legally and within reason) we set for ourselves regardless of what someone else thinks we should do.  Why listen to a coward?

Damned If I Don’t

When I first started this blog, Tyna from Dreamcatcher was a positive influence on me.  I would ask some rookie questions and she would tell me, “You can do it” or “Good job.”  Some things she talks about on her site aren’t just applicable to blogging – that would be so narrow-minded and she is anything but that.  Tyna posts some lists that are good for life.  That is the expert opinion I’m going to listen to.

I have a friend Sam who used to kick my butt – figuratively – all the time.  But he could put into practice what he was telling me to do and over time I’ve become appreciative of that.  Expert criticism.

My last example happened last year when I was looking for a car.  I looked at several cars and had this one particular car that I was in love with.  Right before making my decision, I went to test drive another car, primarily because it was cheaper while supposedly offering just as much.  During the test drive my wife told me to get the other car because she knew where my heart was.  She knew the other car would be a cheaper price, but without as much satisfaction.  She knew how I would feel if I didn’t get the car I really wanted – damned if you don’t.

Our one and only journey should be as enjoyable as possible.  You can do what I did and try your best to absorb so many points of view before deciding the direction your journey will take you.  Once the decision is made, do what I plan on doing: go for it.

I’ve listened.  I’ve made my decision.  Welcome to the new Buzz!

I’ve held the belief for quite some time that as soon as Obama takes office there will be people out there trying to kill him.  Notice I didn’t say if, because I pray America doesn’t make the same mistake again (and again).

Well, after reading this article I think some (more) people may have already been plotting to kill him off.  I guess it is finally hitting home and some people are seeing him as a real threat.

Good News

The good news is America is at the very least willing to consider someone based on what they bring to the table instead of what the color or their skin, sex or religion is.  It should be a proud moment for our country to finally arrive at this time.

I’m glad to have seen this happen in my lifetime – I see this as a victory no matter what happens in November.  I hope others share the same feeling because this is something special.

Sad News

There is actually two pieces of sad news.  First, we knew it would happen, but even for the implication to be out there that somebody might be trying to kill Obama already is sad.  This is clearly something passed on from generation to generation because kids aren’t born hating someone that looks different than them.  This behavior and these feelings are taught and that is the saddest part of all.  There are people out there who really think less of someone because they are not the same color.  Why?

The other thing going on that is sad and ironic centers around the children of Martin Luther King Jr.  Bernice King and Martin Luther King III are suing their brother Dexter King for allegedly taking “substantial funds” out of Coretta Scott King’s estate and “wrongfully appropriated” money from their father’s estate.  Read more here.

Wow!  Isn’t this the wrong time for this?  All of this?

You no doubt invested a relatively large sum of money for your computer and I’m sure you want it to run as fast as possible – within reason of course.  Today, let’s discuss what many may be familiar with while others don’t understand: RAM.

Random Access Memory (RAM) provides space for your computer to read and write data to be accesseed by your computer – actually the central processing unit (CPU), but that is another discussion.  When computer memory is mentioned, RAM is specifically what it being talked about.

A computer hard disk/drive spins on a platter and it takes time for your computer to read this – a hard drive is actually one of the bottlenecks that slow a computer down, but at this time it is not cost effective to do anything about this.  Adding RAM to a computer reduces the number of times a CPU must read data from the hard drive – information is stored temporarily in RAM – which results in a faster computing experience.  RAM is volatile meaning data stored in RAM is erased when computer power is turned off.

So RAM is faster than a hard drive and since information is temporarily stored on RAM, having more RAM would improve the computing experience.  Now I mentioned computing experience previously and I want to explain.  Looking at raw horsepower in one area doesn’t necessarily equate to a computer seeming faster to the user overall.  Certain bottlenecks will cause a fast processor or fast-spinning hard drive to be a waste.  As a user you are interested in how fast your computer seems to you right?  That is why I like to talk about the computing experience.  Video cards play a role too, but right now we are talking about RAM.

How much RAM is enough?

I knew you would ask that and this is where I let technology take over.  There are far too many types of RAM, but crucial.com is a site that will do the work for you.  After navigating to the site there is a icon called “Scan My System” that will tell you exactly how much RAM your computer will take, an idea of how it will improve your performance (think improved computing experience) and even how much it will cost if you choose to purchase it from Crucial.  If you don’t want to purchase from Crucial be sure to write down what type of RAM they are recommending. 

Installing the RAM

First and foremost, don’t be intimidated.  It is not above your skill level to install RAM in your desktop and surprisingly even easier for your laptop.  He most important thing is not to have a static charge – you remember dragging your feet on shaq carpet and zapping someone – on your body.  Oh, and disconnect the computer from power too.  Keep in mind, there is no way I can guarantee you will not mess something up, but what I’m telling you is simple and will save yourself some money in the long run.  Businesses will charge you more for memory than you can purchase it online and they will charge you a good amount to install it.  The primary difference between them doing it and you is they are more comfortable doing it because it is something they do on a regular basis.  Hey, I’m uncomfortable in the kitchen, but that doesn’ t mean it is hard to cook everything.  Go for it!

I have included a video and I will say up front some things about this video (only worry about DIMM modules) are outdated, but I chose this video because it is short and there is no way to cover every case and manufacturer out there.  The important thing is opening your computer and installing the memory (on the motherboard) in the right place.

I think I’m going to be talking about re-installing operating systems next week.  Again, something businesses charge way too much for.

What is it with us and negative historical events?

For some twisted, sadistic, reason our country enjoys basking in negative events and treats them with some sick reverence. I don’t mean to minimize certain tragedies, but America has this infatuation with using these events to profit, as a crutch, as a time reference or to create a buzz. You may be wondering where this is coming from and I am more than happy to explain.

The Profit

I was just watching TV and a commercial came on for some kind of silver $20 bar – similar to a commorative coin set or something. The value of this bar is $20, so instead of having $20 on it, they had what adds up to $20: “9″ and “11.” According to the commercial, this bar has been produced like this to commemorate the 7th anniversary of 9/11. Did I miss something and a 7th anniversary means something special? 30 years from now will we pull out a silver bar and tell our great-grandchildren that we have this keepsake to let us remember what 9/11 felt like? Stupid.

Don’t get me wrong and think I’m not patrotic or I don’t care about those impacted (all of us). I think something this monumentally tragic shouldn’t be made to feel special. I especially feel this way with our young men and women fighting abroad while some company is pushing a silver bar. Good job. We need to remember this incident was more than a way to make money. This event changed our lives forever and there is still someone out there with a debt to pay for it.

The Crutch

How many of you have heard something like, “Since 9/11……” You can fill in the blank with “I didn’t do this”, “Such and such hasn’t been the same” or whatever someone can think up. Why do we have to use this as a crutch and associate it with things that don’t even have anything to do with it? It is a big fat cop out and we need to re-evaluate or moral system and do better. Yes, it is an issue of morals to me. If your dog died because you let him off his leash and he got hit by a truck, don’t go telling your neighbor, “Traffic hasn’t been the same in the neighborhood since 9/11.” All the ills of our society have not been caused by 9/11!

The Time Reference and Buzz

I currently live in Mississippi and the other day someone asked me how long I’ve been here. When I told them the response was, “So you got here after Katrina.” While I don’t think it is horrible, can’t we use something different as a reference point for time? It says something about what is at the forefront of people’s minds. To make matters even worse, hurricane season is now sensationalized.

I wish you could all see a weather forcast or just have casual conversation with someone from this area. Hurricanes are nothing to play with – Katrina made this obvious. But they aren’t anything to get excited about (in a good way) either. If I didn’t know any better, from listening to some people around here I would think Hurricane season was some great big party from June to November each year. I’m all for giving the season the respect it is due and planning accordingly, but it isn’t something to look forward to.

The Solution

The solution is simple: we must remember past events, but keep them in perspective. I could make excuses because of the color of my skin, the fact that I’m a male, the small town I’m from, how much money we had growing up or anything else I can imagine. But when it boils all down to it we have to do what it is we do to move on – pray, mourn, grieve, etc. – for our own good. I’m not saying we should forget, I’m just saying we have complicated things in life so much so that we can’t afford to be marking time and using these things as we wish/out of context.

If I walk into my 14 yr old niece’s bedroom, first thing in the morning while she is still lying in bed, and she is listening to her favorite CD, why not Thirsty?  If a song is destined to remain on the charts week after week after week, why not be a spirit lifting, help me make it through, encouraging gospel powerhouse Never Would Have Made It?  If a singer of epic proportions is going to delight the airwaves and be one of the most played gospel artists of 2008, why not Pastor Marvin Sapp!

Marvin Sapp was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan and began singing in church at age four. He spent his teenage years singing with a number of Gospel groups and ensembles before being invited by Gospel singer Fred Hammond to sing with Commissioned.  Sapp debuted with Commissioned in the early ’90s after Keith Staten left for solo work.  He recorded the Commissioned albums Number 7 and Matters of the Heart with members Fred Hammond, Mitchell Jones, Mike Williams and Karl Reid.  After Hammond and Williams left as well, Sapp recorded the group’s final album, 1996′s Irreplaceable Love.  By that time Sapp had signed a solo contract too, and March 1996 saw the release of his self-titled debut on Word Records.  The album reunited him with former Commissioned mate Fred Hammond (who produced the LP), and featured the gospel hits “Calling Me” and “In His Presence.” Sapp’s sophomore effort, Grace & Mercy, appeared in May 1997, followed two years later by Nothing Else Matters. After a short absence from the music scene, he reappeared under contract at Versity Records and released the song “I Believe” on the Wow Gospel 2002 album. ~ John Bush, All Music

Marvin Sapp is Founder and Senior pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  According to marvinsapp.com, as senior pastor and leader, Pastor Sapp is a passionate orator and biblical teacher, whose desire is to be a living epistle glorifying our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ both in word and in deed.  Many say his voice is instantly recognizable.  Characteristically raspy ringing with power and authority as he masterfully illustrates with excellence the word of God.  Not only is his delivery exemplary, his knowledge of the historical text brings to life the message of hope and healing.  Pastor Sapp has been described as:  Not a singer that happens to preach but a Preacher called by God who is gifted to sing.

Pastor Sapp has shared the stage with many gospel notables and his gift is celebrated across music genres.  While he has enjoyed a decorated music ministry receiving Stellar Awards, Gospel Music Excellence Award, as well as Grammy, Soul Train Music and Dove Award nominations, he has also been honored in his hometown of Grand Rapids Michigan.

Recognized for his professional and philanthropic efforts, he has received the city’s highest African American honor, a Giants Award, as well as the Frederick Douglas award from the National Association of Negro and Professional Women’s Club.

Not  complacent, yet pressing towards the mark, Sapp pastors one of the fastest growing churches in Western Michigan:  Lighthouse Full Life Center Church.  He is innovative in his approach to winning the lost and edifying the believer.  As a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Pastor Marvin is committed to his community and enjoys taking the message to the masses.  In his inaugural year, the ministry has initiated a Full Life approach with an emphasis of addressing the spiritual, physical, and mental needs of the body.

Sapp is married to Malinda Sapp, a local college professor, psychologist, and who serves as the Administrative Pastor at Lighthouse Full Life Center Church. They have three children: Marvin II, Mikaila, and Madisson.

Pastor Sapp’s solo albums include:
• 1996: Marvin Sapp
• 1997: Grace and Mercy
• 1999: Nothing Else Matter
• 2001: I Believe
• 2003: Diary of Psalmist
• 2005: Be Exalted
• 2007: Thirsty

Sapp has recorded seven albums. Recently, Sapp has achieved crossover fame with the release of “Never Would Have Made It” from the album Thirsty. It has peaked at #14 on the on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and #82 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

I don’t know about you, but I feel blessed every time I hear so many of Pastor Sapp’s songs.  Although I have only heard him deliver brief words of encourage and testimony, I have heard his preaching is as awesome as his singing!  I must admit, until Thirsty, I haven’t been as addicted to Pastor Sapp as others I know.  My sisters are avid Marvin Sapp junkies.  I think they own every album he has recorded.  As I close, I implore you, if you don’t own any of Pastor Sapp’s CDs, please run quick and at least buy Thirsty.  My favorites songs are (in this order):  Never Would Have Made It, Thirsty, Rivers Flow, Worshipper In Me, Place of Worship, Praise Him in Advance.  Shoot!  I love ‘em all!  Tell me your favorites and what you think about Pastor Marvin Sapp!