Marco writes: "Whenever time do me justice, I watch the show “Crossing Over with John Edward” and I’m always skeptic about the truthfulness of his ability to communicate with those that have passed away because there is always room for deception when dealing with humans. What John is doing is also something I’ve always heard from people talking of voodoo priests or people who are part of a freemason lodge to have the same ability. Whether there are facts or fiction is a mystery to me and being the skeptic, I always have my doubts and since you’ve written before that you have seen things and also a believer, my questions are. How factual or how much of a myth to your knowledge are any of those claims or if any of those rituals ever take place? And if they do, are there for real or are there any form of hypnosis used during them to make people who are seeking to communicate with love ones beyond the grave, a believer?"

Marco writes: "Miami Herald is running this article about a 107 year old Haitian living in Fort-Lauderdale, Fl., and father of 20, grand-father of 185 dreams of remarrying at his age for the third time. His name is Vilius Vilsaint and like his father and few other Haitians, he has beaten the odds and double the life expectancy which is 53 years. The article talks about his long and by no means easy life, his marriages, beliefs, secret for longevity and vitality and also his family. It is a very pleasant article to read and this time one that is on the positive side about one of our Haitian brother. May Vilius Vilsaint wish come true and live as long as his father who lived 110 years; if not even more!"

Marco writes: "UHHP has this great article written by Maryse A. Nelson about how and why most Haitians Businesses tend to fail. It was a great read and in my honest opinion, she touched a few good points and right on the money.
I’ve always thought that most of our demises as a people are our lack of structure, discipline and the inability to work collectively but at the same time I find most of us simply like it that way (sad). We tend to point the fingers at outsiders for our failures and refuse to look in the mirror to accept our faults which we do so well at ignoring and denying. We don’t trust one another and we treat each other in the worst way possible. We never appreciate when few try to do something right, the ethical way, and as Maryse wrote in her article, it is an unfortunate reality for them because they constantly have to go the extra mile to prove that they are different. But the real unfortunate reality is that the majority of us don’t like it different not even a bit, it has to be raw. By reading her experience at that small business office from the article and going by some of my experiences with Haitian Businesses, I believe we will not get out of the rabbit hole we are in and it will only get deeper and deeper until we revise and make some changes on the way we live, the way we think and the way we treat one another."

Marco writes: "Science Daily reports that Professor William Martin of the University of Dusseldorf and Dr Michael Russell of the Scottish Environmental Research Centre in Glasgow have a new highly controversial theory about the origins of life. The theory briefly states that inorganic cells were first, then living systems evolved inside these incubators which allowed enough rich micro-environment. The small compartments would have been formed in iron sulphide rocks near hot, hydrothermal vents on the sea floor, not in the atmosphere.

What do you think of this new theory? Do any of you follow or believe in those findings/theories or are you strictly a believer in the Bible (Genesis) version of origin of life?"

Theblackknight writes: ""Stop renting space in your heart and mind to unqualified tenants."
-Author Unknown

How true are those words of wisdom! As we approach the close of 2002, I'm thanking the Creator for all the life-altering events that have occurred in my life this year. I'm also praying that 2003 will be much, much better and will allow a measure of peace and contentment previously unknown! Yes, I do know that nothing in life happens hazardly each and every person who enters our life is there for a reason. The problem, I think, is that some of us have not learned to prune our trees.
The point I'm making is that sometimes we outgrow people, like a tree that has been pruned, it usually grows stronger, healthier and faster. Just like a tree, we need to prune our branches and focus on those relationships that encourage, motivate, support and push us to offer the best of what we have not only to each other, but to the world. I've learned that not everyone who enters your life means you well and is a friend. I've learned quick, fast and in a hurry the fundamental differences between my friends and casual associates. My grandma used to say, "If you ain't never had no rain in your life, keep on living son and it'll come." Trust me, I've had plenty of "rain" and when it comes again (and I know it will), I want the support and guidance of friends."

Marco writes: "According to few studies, here are 10 type of foods that can help protect your teeth and gums.

1. Celery
Celery protects your teeth in two ways, says Lana Rozenberg, D.D.S., a holistic dentist and founder of Rozenberg Dental Day Spa in New York City. The extra chewing it requires produces plenty of saliva, which neutralizes the bacteria Streptococcus mutans that causes cavities. Additionally, chomping on naturally abrasive foods massages gums and cleans between teeth.
Try This: Snack on a handful of raw celery or carrots once a day.

2. Cheese
Studies from the last decade show that cheese, with its low carbohydrate and high calcium and phosphate content, provides several benefits for your teeth. It helps balance your mouth's pH (an acidic pH encourages the growth of cavity-causing bacteria). Cheese also preserves and rebuilds tooth enamel and produces saliva, which kills the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.
Try This: Enjoy a 1-inch cube (about 1/2 ounce) of cheese after dinner instead of a sweet dessert.

3. Green Tea
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) contains substances called catechins that kill the bacteria in your mouth that turn sugar into plaque (a sticky mass of bacteria, sugars, proteins, and fats that produces cavity-causing acid when it comes in contact with sugary or starchy foods). Catechins also wipe out the bacteria that cause bad breath.
Try This: Drink 2 to 5 cups of green tea (regular or decaffeinated) a day, says Mindy Green, director of research at the Herb Research Foundation in Boulder, Colo. Consider making a thermos of green tea to drink at work. The night before, steep 3 to 4 green tea bags in 4 cups of boiling-hot water in a covered thermos for three to five minutes. Remove the bags. Serve the tea the next day over ice or after reheating it."

A very well written and interesting article by Woodring Saint Preux of Fouye.com.

"There is a Gentleman in the Haitian Community who, for many years, has caused nothing but trouble. This Gentleman has NO FACE, He's never been seen by anyone, but he has the ability to spread news and gossip faster than the National Inquirer He is only known as "YO"... He does NOT have a last name... He has no family... and... No one seems to know where he came from I doubt if he is even Haitian!

"YO" is everywhere... (YO tou patou)
"YO" is in Haiti... (YO Ayiti)
"YO" is in every Haitian Community... (YO nan tout zòn)
"YO" knows everybody's business (YO konnen zafè tout moun)
"YO" badmouths everybody (YO pale moun mal)
"YO" always sticks his nose where it doesn't belong... (YO toujou antre bouch li nan sa ki pa regade-l)
"YO" is the main reason Haitians cannot get along.
"YO" is the main reason Haitians cannot trust each other.