Women sue over popular birth control patch

Lawsuits claim contraceptive caused serious illness and at least one death - Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO - More than 40 women sued the makers of a popular birth-control patch Wednesday, claiming the contraceptive caused serious illnesses and at least one death. One lawsuit alleges that 43 women suffered from blood clots and other health ailments after taking Ortho Evra, one of the fastest-growing forms of contraception in the U.S. A second complaint claims that 25-year-old Kelly Bracken of Elk Ridge, Md., died of severe blood clots in her lungs and legs after she started wearing the skin patch. See: Women sue over birth-control patch

El-Tsadeek Ben Baruch - The next Tiger Woods???

Flowers High team scores well at county championships
Thursday, Oct. 26, 2006
by Ted Black, The Gazette - Staff Writer

"Flowers’ Geoffrey Napper shot an 83 at the county championships last week at Enterprise Golf Course in Mitchellville. It was the lowest male score."

Prince George’s County placed three girls among the top 10 in the state in this week’s state high school championships at the University of Maryland. Among county boys participating at the state tournament, Roosevelt senior Alex Mihalik (158) shot consecutive rounds of 79 to finish among the top 30. Mihalik was 16 strokes behind South River’s Josh Eure (142). Flowers junior Geoffery Napper (166) also had a respectable showing on rounds of 81 Monday and 85 on Wednesday...Sweet was the top female player and was the lowest junior. Napper (83) and Roosevelt’s Matt Zaiger (86) were the top male juniors. Nicole West (85) won the sophomore crown, followed closely by Bowie’s Rob Wiemann (88) and Flowers’ sophomore Gavin Thompson (88). Bowie’s Steven Hyre (87) recorded the lowest round among freshmen, six strokes better than Roosevelt’s Jake Park.

OIL AND GAS DISCOVERED IN ZAMBIA - Part 2

Zambia has announced its first discoveries of oil and gas reserves.
Submitted by Herta Malita Shikapwashya - KNN Staff-International Geopolitics Reporter

The discoveries were made in western Zambia, near the border with Angola, already a major oil exporter. President Levy Mwanawasa said that samples from 12 sites have proved positive in tests conducted in Germany. Exploration had been carried out for the past two years, as part of efforts to diversify the economy away from copper exports.

'Strengthen the economy'
Mr Mwanawasa said the government would now appoint a special cabinet committee to select foreign oil firms to conduct comprehensive exploration. "These results confirm the presence of oil and gas in the sub-surface of the two districts of Chavuma and Zambezi," he said. He said he hoped they could also look for oil in other parts of the country. "It is hoped that the country will see more exploration and extraction activities for oil and gas in different parts that would strengthen the country's economy," said Mr Mwanawasa. The president won a second term in office in September, having campaigned on his economic record. Western donors have praised him for boosting economic growth above 5% and attracting foreign investments, helped by his anti-corruption campaign. Yet Mr Mwanawasa's main rival for the presidency, Michael Sata, alleged that he was cheated of victory.

Britain seeks ‘bold’ climate action, hires Gore

Report by senior economist says it's cheaper to fight than let it happen
MSNBC News Services

LONDON - Unchecked global warming will devastate the global economy on the scale of the world wars and the Great Depression, according to a major British report released Monday that seeks to quantify the costs and benefits of action as well as inaction. British Treasury chief Gordon Brown, who commissioned the report and who could very well become Britain's next prime minister when Tony Blair steps down next year, said former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, who has dedicated himself to warning about global warming, would advise the British government on climate change.

Introducing the report, Blair said unabated climate change would eventually cost the world between 5 percent and 20 percent of global gross domestic product each year...He called for “bold and decisive action” to cut carbon dioxide emissions and stem the worst of the temperature rise. And Blair called the report “the most important document on the future” that he had read since becoming prime minister...Blair emphasized that the scientific community agrees that the world is warming, and that greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels are largely to blame. “It is not in doubt that if the science is right, the consequences for our planet are literally disastrous,” he said. “This disaster is not set to happen in some science fiction future many years ahead, but in our lifetime. Unless we act now ... these consequences, disastrous as they are, will be irreversible,” he added. See Article: UK issues warming warning, hires Gore

OIL AND GAS DISCOVERED IN ZAMBIA

Is this a blessing? Who is to blame for Africa’s misfortunes?

Submitted by Herta Malita Shikapwashya
KNN Staff-International Geopolitics Reporter

In celebration of Zambia’s 42nd Independence day, October 24, 2006.

Part 1

Where is Zambia? Formerly known as Northern Rhodesia, The Republic of Zambia, a peaceful landlocked country is located in South Central Africa and surrounded by 8 neighbors: Angola on the West, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Namibia to the South, Malawi on the East, Tanzania on the North-East and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the North. Zambia is named after the Zambezi River. Zambia, a country lightly larger than Texas, the 39th largest country in the world (after Chile) is divided into nine provinces, and an appointed deputy minister performs the duties of a governor. Each province is subdivided into districts with a total of 72 districts in the country and 72 Bantu speaking tribes. The Provinces are: Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka, Northern, North-Western, Southern and Western. The capital city of Zambia is Lusaka.

So why are the blessings of discovering oil, in an unknown landlocked country making the news? In order to understand the reasoning readers must have some knowledge of Zambian history.

Zambia a former British colony got her independence on October 24, 1964 under the leadership of Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda. The liberation (struggle for) independence took a great toll on Zambians and its economy. Despite its considerable mineral wealth (copper), there were many challenges as Zambia’s neighbors, Zimbabwe (formerly Southern Rhodesia) and the Portuguese colonies (Mozambique and Angola) were under colonial rule. Additionally, Zambia shared a border with Namibia (formerly South-West Africa) which was under the control of White South Africa. To better understand the price of liberation, Zambia hosted the ANC (African National Congress) to liberate South Africa, Swapo (South-West Africa People’s Organization) to liberate Namibia, Zanu (Zimbabwe African People’s Union) and allied parties to liberate Zimbabwe, MPLA (Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola translation: The Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola) and Unita (União Nacional para a Independência Total de Angola translation: National Union for Total Independence of Angola) to liberate Angola. Today, Zambia continues to host and attempt to stabilize other African Countries. Resources that were meant for the local people were utilized not only to support the struggle for liberation, but to also host many refugees that migrated to Zambia to look for a peaceful home. In addition, Zambia has hosted exiled leaders such as the late Milton Obote who died in Lusaka, Zambia (1985-2006). Since independence, Zambia has had other Presidents, Dr. Frederick Titus Chiluba and the current President, Patrick Levy Mwanawasa, sc. Zambia’s prized possessions are peace, and its motto: One Zambia, One Nation.

Zambia has always understood that its independence was incomplete unless her neighbors were equally independent of external interference. Therefore, Zambia positioned herself to champion the liberation of other countries and the result of that was, a number of countries from east and west Africa joining in towards the struggle of independence for Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and today, South Africa. A stable Southern Africa is born.

The discovery of Oil
While discovering oil in a landlocked country could bring employment to many of Zambia’s poor people, one must not forget what has already happened in Africa. Zambia has always valued peace and has welcomed many people from all walks of life. But the one thing that Zambians must do is safe guard the peace that most African countries can only wish for. History has demonstrated that wherever there is oil, gold, or diamonds in Africa: there is a war or instability.

So who can be blamed for Africa’s misfortunes? The beautiful thing about African’s is that we are a forgiving people. We continue to forgive despite the fact that we have been raped time and time again. If you are wondering about the who’s, why’s and when’s then all you have to do is read books such as ­–Confessions of an Economic Hitman, by John Perkins, and if you are not satisfied, then look at some of the richest companies in the world, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Firestone, Monsanto and Ford Automobile. Once you conduct your research, you will find that it is not a coincidence that the rest of the world is trying to help Africa. It is not by accident that some of the richest men and women are in Africa conducting “charity work”. The likes of Jay-Z holding concerts; BET’s Bob Johnson’s $30 million dollar donation and consortium; and Bill Gates/Rupert Murdock philanthropy demonstrates high motivation to possibly help. It simply comes down to exploitation of people, exploitation of resources, and exploitation of generosity. Nothing that is going on in Africa is a coincidence or happenstance. The rest of the world owes Africa and her children, and owes them enormously.

If you have any question please use the comments link below.

SCLC to Play Global Peacekeeping Role

by George E. Curry - NNPA Editor-in-Chief
BlackPressUSA.Com

DAYTON, Ohio (NNPA) – With a conflict resolution center already established in Israel and a direct line of communication to Hamas, one of Israel’s most ardent foes, SCLC President Charles W. Steele Jr. says Dr. Martin Luther King’s old organization is poised to play a key role in defusing tensions around the world.Steele, a former Alabama state senator, made that observation Sunday in his keynote address opening the group’s 48th annual convention here.“In a world of prejudice, violence, poverty and ignorance, the message of SCLC is to teach and apply Martin Luther King Jr.’s principles of non-violence and conflict resolution,” Steele said.

One of SCLC’s goals, he said, is: “To bring peace, security and hope to the afflicted people in the South, throughout America and around the world.” Steele said that mission was crystallized in a conversation he had in December 2004 with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his chief of staff.“I was in Israel talking with the chief of staff and the prime minister and he [the chief of staff] said, ‘You all can bring about world peace. You all have been through the Trans-Atlantic African slave trade and you got lynched, you were murdered, your women were raped and killed, but you didn’t turn out to be terrorists. You didn’t strap yourselves with a bomb, you don’t have any blood on your hands.’“I said, ‘What are you saying Mr. Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister?’ He said, ‘Charles, what I am saying is you can stop the war.’” Steele said representatives of Hamas have recently gotten in touch with him, urging SCLC to help diffuse tension in the Middle East. And Steele says he plans to do just that. For Complete Article See: SCLC to Play Global Peacekeeping Role

USVI reparations leader says Danes altered UN Resolution

KNN-ST JOHN, USVI
by Susan Mann
Caribbean Net News St Thomas-St John Correspondent

ST JOHN, USVI: The St Croix, US Virgin Islands-based African Caribbean Reparations and Resettlement Alliance president, Shelley Moorhead, has accused the UN Danish Mission of "backpedaling at the United Nations." In a letter dated October 20, written to Danish Consul General Soren Blak, Moorhead explained that a UN Resolution passed in June of 2006, has been modified by the Danish Mission, and now excludes a significant reference to reparations activities between the USVI and Denmark, as well as statements of endorsements by the United Nations. The UN Resolution is entitled "Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples." The original document, dated June 9, 2006, included the following statement; "Noting the ongoing cooperation between the territorial Government and Denmark on the reparation of artefacts and archives, and the agreement between the Danish Human Rights Institute and the African Caribbean Reparations and Resettlement Alliance, a non-governmental organization based in the Territory, to examine the question of reparations between the people of Denmark and the people of the United States Virgin Islands with respect to the institution of slavery..."

Moorhead has announced that last week, before the document was to reach the General Assembly for vote, "the Danish Mission used its 'diplomatic muscle' to procure an amendment to the resolution," editing the latter paragraph and also "removing the UN recognition, endorsement, and acknowledgment of the USVI/Denmark shared past with respect to the institution of slavery." A representative from the office of USVI Delegate to Congress, Donna M. Christensen, said Christensen could not comment on the matter because she had not reviewed the current UN document. Moorhead issued the following statement to Caribbean Net News: "The abrupt withdrawal at the United Nations level arouses great concern that Denmark might be continuing along its historically traveled path to denying its role and responsibility in the tragic slave history of its former colony." The ACRRA President told the Consul General, " If the Danish Foreign Ministry can do nothing positive to influence the agreement between the Danes and Virgin Islanders with respect to our shared history and the restoration of our collective humanity, then perhaps it may be advisable that they do nothing at all until they are prepared to accept the reality of Denmark's history and its impact on her former colony."

There are currently several joint endeavors underway between the USVI and Denmark, all of which were spearheaded by ACRRA. In addition, during the month of July, a USVI delegation traveled by official invitation to Ghana where they participated in a reparations-related healing ceremony. Caribbean Net News will report any further developments concerning the final content of the United Nations document following a General Assembly vote.

Preliminary Research Links Cell Phone Use, Weakened Fertility

By K.C. Jones, TechWeb Technology News

Cell phone use could affect sperm and it may be linked to a decline in fertility, according to recent findings. The number of hours men use cell phones each day was linked to sperm counts and quality, according to findings announced Monday and presented at the 62nd annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). The findings are preliminary and have not been confirmed. Researchers in Cleveland, Mumbai and New Orleans observed 364 men, who were divided according to cell phone use. Those who did not use cell phones at all had sperm counts of 86 million per milliliter, with 68 percent motility (ability to move) and 40 percent normal shape and form.

Men who used cell phones more than four hours a day had a sperm count of 66 million per milliliter, with 48 percent motility and 21 percent normal shape and form. That is a significant reduction, according to the ASRM. The World Health Organization states that normal sperm count is at least 20 million per milliliter, with normal at least 50 percent motility and 30 percent normal shape and form. Researchers believe the effect of cell phones on sperm may be due to electromagnetic radiation or to the heat cell phones generate. They noted that more study is needed to identify the mechanism involved in the reduction of sperm quality due to cell phones. Also see: Cell Phone Use May Reduce Sperm Count

The End of an Era?

With Farrakhan Ill, the Nation of Islam Prepares for Change
By Darryl Fears and Hamil R. Harris - Washington Post Staff Writers

Nearly 30 years after Louis Farrakhan seized control of the Nation of Islam, the organization is preparing for a change at the top. The controversial minister is battling what he has described as a "life-threatening" illness -- painful swelling of the prostate that has left him more than 30 pounds underweight, dehydrated, anemic and unwilling to eat. Farrakhan, 73, recently relinquished his duties and turned control over to an executive panel of trusted lieutenants, exhorting them to move the Nation of Islam forward and prove that it is more than the charisma and influence of one man. See Complete Article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/21/AR2006102100337.html

Kindergartners get sex ed classes

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CLEVELAND - City schools will expand sex education curriculum to include age-appropriate lessons that begin as early as kindergarten, officials said. The initiative comes as Cleveland's teen birth rates are high but dropping - about 40 of every 1,000 girls ages 15-19 become pregnant every year, according to state data - and rates of some sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, are rising. Cases of chlamydia, the most common STD, rose 30 percent over the past five years while HIV, rarely diagnosed in adolescents, turned up in 19 Cuyahoga County teens.

"One-third of all the HIV/AIDS cases in Ohio are in Cleveland," said Lita Townsend, responsible sexual behavior coordinator for the district. "Really, the best weapon we have right now is education." Cleveland schools already offer sex education to many of their middle- and high-school students. The schools also are required to teach HIV prevention. The new classes, which begin soon, will address self-esteem and peer pressure as well as biology. Children in grades K-3 will learn about how viruses work and appropriate and inappropriate touching. Grades 4-6 will start learning about menstruation and other aspects of reproductive health.

In grades 7-12, the discussion shifts to interpersonal relationships, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, teen pregnancy and respect for sexual orientation. Abortion will be explained and defined but not promoted, said Townsend, adding that she's unaware of other programs in the state that target every grade level.

Middle class America living on the edge?

Could your family absorb the financial strain of a job loss or medical emergency? By Debora Vrana - MSN Money

The middle class today is less prepared for an economic emergency, such as losing a job or visiting an emergency room, than at any time since the late 1970s, concludes a new study from a political think tank in Washington, D.C., that's funded by Democrats.

"Middle Class in Turmoil," produced by the Center for American Progress and the Service Employees International Union, mines data from the Federal Reserve, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, census records and other sources to paint a picture of increasing peril for those in the middle 60% of income distribution, about $18,000 to $88,000.

"People are incredibly anxious, and families are stressed out. We're seeing too many families passing like ships in the nights in the driveway," said Andy Stern, the head of the Service Employees International Union, the largest and fastest-growing union in the United States. "The rising tide is not raising all boats -- only luxury liners. It's not building the kind of America that any of us want." To see complete click Here: Middle class living on the edge?

Being overweight tied to poor memory

Substance produced by fat cells may affect the brain, study suggests-Reuters News Service

NEW YORK - Overweight middle-aged adults tend to score more poorly on tests of memory, attention and learning ability than their thinner peers do, researchers reported Monday. The findings, they say, suggest that a heavier weight in middle age may mean a higher risk of dementia later in life. Reporting in the journal Neurology, the researchers speculate that higher rates of cardiovascular disease or diabetes might help explain the link. But it’s also possible that substances produced by fat cells, such as the hormone leptin, have direct effects on the brain. See: Fat tied to poor memory

Bad drug reactions send 700,000 to ER yearly

Accidental overdoses, allergies to common medicines cause most problems-Associated Press

CHICAGO - Harmful reactions to some of the most widely used medicines — from insulin to a common antibiotic — sent more than 700,000 Americans to emergency rooms each year, landmark government research shows. Accidental overdoses and allergic reactions to prescription drugs were the most frequent cause of serious illnesses, according to the study, the first to reveal the nationwide scope of the problem. People over 65 faced the greatest risks.

“This is an important study because it reinforces the really substantial risks that there are in everyday use of drugs,” said patient safety specialist Bruce Lambert, a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago’s college of pharmacy. See:Drug reactions send 700,000 to ER yearly

Our Greatest Fear

Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech

Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,but that we are powerful beyond measure.It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?Actually, who are you not to be?You are a child of God.Your playing small does not serve the world.There is nothing enlightened about shrinkingso that other people won't feel insecure around you.We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.It is not just in some; it is in everyone.And, as we let our own light shine,we consciously give other people permission to do the same.As we are liberated from our fear,our presence automatically liberates others.

Reflections on what is a CFF

by A. Yaheerah e. S. Ahdeev-KNN Dimona

Shalom to all you C.F.F. out there, far and near, whom have dedicated your lives to the greatest endeavor now being undertaken on the face of the earth – the building and expansion of the Kingdom of Yah. Yah Chai!!!

We humbly invite you to turn your attention to a topic which should be a focus of constant meditation, reflection and introspection for all of us who have been channeled into one of the largest, most vibrant and powerful entities in the Kingdom of Yah, the Chosen First Fruit. The central question for us in this season: “What is a C.F.F.?”

At first glance, it may seem that the answer to this question is obvious. A. C.F.F. is a young adult Saint from the age of coming-in to approximately 40 years of age right? If you think so, think again. Does a person automatically become a soldier because he’s reached the age to enlist in the army? Does he not have to meet and maintain a set of requirements before he can be called a soldier? Furthermore, if he does not fulfill the requirements, will you feel secure if you know that he’s the one who will be defending and representing you, just because he falls into the same age group as the other soldiers who have proven themselves? Of course not! We must view the C.F.F. in the same manner if we are to meet the requirements of the 7th year of the Marriage Realm. So we pose the question again: “What is a C.F.F.?”

For our direction, let us consider the following scripture:

“Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them,
When you are come into the land which I give you, and
Shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf
Of the first fruits of your harvest unto the priest…

Even unto the next day after the seventh Sabbath shall
Ye number fifty days: and ye shall offer a new meal
Offering unto the Lord. Ye shall bring out of your
Habitations two wave loaves of two tenth parts; they
Shall be of fine flour; thwy shall be baked with leaven;
They are the first fruits unto the Lord…”

Leviticus 23: 10, 16-17

At your convenience, please study Leviticus 23:9-22 in order to see the full scriptural foundation specific to the C.F.F. given in this book as a part of the High Holy Day requirements.

We have narrowed our focus upon the verses above in order to highlight the significance of two words written in the original Hebrew text – ראשית and בכורים. In English, they are both translated as “first fruits”. We will extract the eternal idea from these two words via Hebraic thought, in order to round out our understanding of our purpose as C.F.F. in the Kingdom of Yah.

The root letters of the word ראשית are ראש. This is a word which means “head” or “beginning”. The first is the beginning. All things must begin in dedication unto the creator of Yah. This is what sanctifies them, placing all things (actions, cultural expressions, etc.) in the context of holiness and divinity. It properly orientates the mind, i.e. maintains our focus and respect unto the Creator as the author of all things. In this manner, we express thanks unto Yah, the source of our increase/harvest.

The word בכורים means “chosen by Yah; early crop.” The season spoken of in the scripture above is the High Holy season of Shavuote – a season of harvest. Every harvest begins with a sower – one who plants and cultivates in anticipation of the harvest. In order to be chosen or preferred by Yah, a C.F.F. must be as the early crop – ripe for harvesting. This means that a C.F.F. must be in a state of readiness that the sower may reap those things which bring benefit unto him. This is the essence of service unto Yah- rendering unto him those activities and cultural expressions which are representative of that which serves his interests, with an eye always toward productivity (fruitfulness) and expansion of Kingdom interests. Hence, our motto: Total Performance!

Shavuote is the season of lifting up a living savior. The Holy Messiah has taught us that we are the offering, the harvest that must be rendered unto Yah. We must seek to harmonize our thoughts, actions and cultural expressions with what we know to be pleasing unto the Messiah (Yah’s representative). We’ve been taught so we don’t have to guess about those things that bring pleasure unto Him and those things that do not. By keeping ourselves in cycle, we acknowledge the earthly covenant between Yah and man: We will serve Yah via following the instructions of Yah’s anointed/image/representative, the Holy Messiah.

Finally, Shavuote follows Passover – a time of cleansing, purging. We should arrive at this season in a state of purity and with a high level of focus. We should be able to present ourselves before Yah without blemish, i.e. free of the thought patterns, behaviors and cultural influences of the anti-Yah world system. Harvesting season is the culmination of a season of hard work and preparation. If there has been no preparation, there can be no harvest.

Rising tide of sewage threatens world’s oceans, endangering human health, wildlife

United Nations

While good progress has been made in curbing oil and chemical pollution, a rising tide of sewage is threatening the world’s seas and oceans, endangering human health, wildlife and livelihoods ranging from fisheries to tourism, according to a new United Nations report published today.
“An estimated 80 per cent of marine pollution originates from the land and this could rise significantly by 2050 if, as expected, coastal populations double in just over 40 years time and action to combat pollution is not accelerated,” UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Achim Steiner warned.

“We have a long way to go politically, technically and financially if we are to hand over healthy and productive seas and oceans to the next generation,” he said, with $56 billion needed annually just to address the waste water problem. Compounded by rising coastal populations, inadequate treatment infrastructure and waste handling facilities, up to nearly 90 per cent of sewage entering coastal zones in many developing countries is estimated to be raw and untreated, according to the UNEP study, the State of the Marine Environment report. See: Click here: Rising tide of sewage threatens world’s oceans, endangering human health, wildlife – UN

Powerful earthquake strikes Hawaii

Numerous aftershocks follow temblor; power out, but no tsunami alert
ASSOCIATED PRESS

HONOLULU - A strong earthquake shook Hawaii early Sunday, causing a landslide that blocked a major highway on Hawaii Island and knocking out power across the state, authorities said. The state Civil Defense had unconfirmed reports of injuries, but communication problems prevented more definite reports. People were also trapped in elevators in Oahu, authorities said. The quake occurred at 7:07 a.m. local time, 10 miles north-northwest of Kailua Kona, a town on the west coast of the Big Island, said Don Blakeman, a geophysicist at the National Earthquake Information Center, part of the U.S. Geological Survey.
The Pacific Tsunami Center reported a preliminary magnitude of 6.5, while the U.S. Geological Survey gave a preliminary magnitude of 6.3. It was followed by several strong aftershocks, including one measuring a magnitude of 5.8, the Geological Survey said. See : 6.3 earthquake strikes Hawaii

CFF-Tallahassee-On the Move!!!!

Tallahassee opens the KOY’s 3rd Soul Vegetarian Restaurant on Wheels! A Kingdom Success Story!

Article submitted by Ahk Ahmahtsiyah-KNN Tallahassee

On Wednesday October 4, 2006, the saints of the Tallahassee, Florida mission opened the KOY’s third Soul Vegetarian Restaurant on wheels. And the report is awesome! Shortly after the Tallahassee Brotherhood set up the food trailer the first group of customers excitedly approached the counter and placed their orders while exclaiming their appreciation for being able to get Soul Vegetarian’s delicious cuisine during the evening hours (Monday thru Friday, 5pm to 10pm). As the evening progressed, the Tallahassee Sisterhood served scores of customers as they continued to come until just minutes before closing. At the end of the first night of business, the new food trailer’s performance had met and exceeded all expectations. Prior to the opening of this new location, Soul Vegetarian on Wheels had only been operating during the lunchtime hours (Monday thru Friday, 11am to 4pm). This latest expansion will now provide the extremely loyal Soul Vegetarian customer base with greater access to our cuisine!

To give some background, Soul Vegetarian Restaurant on wheels began back in 1995 as an idea of Prince Rahm Ben Yehudah (Southern Region Representative and Holy Council member of the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem) and made its initial appearance in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta Georgia. During the Olympic Games the KOY and partners successfully operated three food trailers and served multitudes of people. Then in October of 1997, after learning that Prince Rahm was offering two of the food trailers for sale on behalf of the KOY, the young saints of the Tallahassee, Florida mission purchased one of the food trailers and began operating on Florida A&M Universities campus. The food trailers still currently operate on the campus today. The original team of saints consisted of Ahmahtsiyah, Nehehmahnyah, Zacoor, Daniella, Zohariah, Emah Hotirah and Prahkeet. Several months later as they recognized the great potential of the food trailers, the saints purchased the second food trailer in January of 1998. It currently operates in the heart of downtown Tallahassee on Kleman Plaza (200 N. Duval St) which the saints have aptly renamed Kingdom Court.

The new food trailer sits just off the corner of Gaines Street and Railroad Avenue in a well populated area just blocks from downtown Tallahassee. The two major universities in town: Florida A&M (FAMU) and Florida State (FSU) are within walking distance of the new food trailer. The location is also home to a very well developed artist community and there is a 300 room Residence Inn by Marriott near completion on the corner adjacent to the food trailer.

The look of the new food trailer is totally different from the two existing trailers. The first and most astounding aspect of the new trailer is that the Divine Jerusalem Brotherhood in the Southern Region, again inspired by and under the direction of Prince Rahm, conceptualized, designed and then piece by piece built the new food trailer. You see, the original food trailers are stainless steel and were purchased “ready made” from a company in New Jersey. But Prince Rahm envisioned that the KOY could build a trailer with all of the desired custom features and at the same time save money doing it! And the results are awe inspiring! The exterior of the trailer is made from the finest marine lumber that has been stained and coated with 3 layers of poly urethane seal. This process protects the wood and gives it a high gloss shine. Also, the new food trailer design is 2 to 3 feet taller than most mobile units, a feature that harmonizes with the distinguished manner in which the KOY implements all its expansion projects. Surely all heads turn when viewing this perfectly functional design of skill and craftsmanship. The interior has all the amenities that one needs to prepare and serve delicious Soul Vegetarian cuisine including a refrigerator/freezer, steam table, counter top stove, blenders, 3 compartment sink, cabinet space and electricity. The menu consists of all the Soul Vegetarian favorites (Bar-b-que tofu, mac & cheese, kale-bone, Garvey burgers, soy beam ice cream, sweet potato pie, live/raw platters, etc.) as well as a few regional selections.

Respect and continued encouragement is given not only to the saints of the Tallahassee mission, but to all saints near and far who unify under the KOY platform of the divine order of all things in common to bring about expansion. The current team of saints consists of Ahmahtsiyah, Anahv, Ahmdiel, Aveeazer, Daniella, D’Gahnyah, Prahkeet, sister Candy, sister Simone and sister Renee. This great expansion is evidence of the great advancements taking place on the earth within the framework of the KOY paradigm. It demonstrates once again that there is no need to look “outside” for the answers; for it has been revealed to us that the Living Yah dwells in the midst of us and therefore so does all of the answers to life’s blessings! Halleluyah! Yah Khai! And thanks and praises to His Excellency Ben Ammi Ben Israel, the Living Yah, for the power that He has given us in this season!

Dining Out: Soul Vegetarian South

KNN Staff

PETA pal John Feldmann, lead singer of the punk band Goldfinger, raves: “Soul Vegetarian has the most awesome vegan lasagna and vegan gyro sandwiches ever!”John’s not the only one singing the praises of the Soul Vegetarian restaurants. PETA’s elephant specialist, Jane Garrison, says, “When you walk into Soul Vegetarian South, the aroma of the food carries you (running) down the hall to the dining room. The people who run the restaurant always greet you as if you are entering their home—after the second visit, we were greeted with hugs!“My favorite dish is the ‘bar-b-que twist’—absolutely incredible fib ‘ribs.’ The texture is amazing—not too mushy and not too tough. The homemade sauce is so delicious, you will find yourself trying to lick every bit off your fork! This dish is served with the best vegan potato salad I have ever had and some yummy Southern-style greens.

Every meal at Soul Vegetarian for me is followed by my favorite dessert: sweet potato pie topped with vegan vanilla ‘ice cream.’ The crust of the pie is so sweet and delicious, you feel like you are eating a pie that has been placed on a cookie!“Other amazing dishes include the lasagna, baked tofu, pasta casserole, divine protein salad (mock chicken salad)—and anything else they are serving as the special for the night! “The food, the people, the price: Soul Vegetarian can’t be beat!”

Philosophy: For more than a decade, Soul Vegetarian has been the place where vegetarians and nonvegetarians come to enjoy a more healthful way of eating without concern for loss of flavor or the joy of eating. Colorful and delicious dishes, exotic décor, and superb staff combine to create a completely vegan dining adventure that must be experienced to be believed. See: KingdomOfYah.com/SV.htm

Spiritual Foundation of the Chosen First Fruit

By Bikeeah B. Israel-KNN Dimona

The spiritual foundation of the CFF is rooted in the Divine Cycles of Yah. In agricultural terms, the “First Fruits” or “Harvest” of one’s labor in the field was a great blessing. The first fruit was the increase (blessing) of the farmer’s hard labor and toil in the field. Yah worked and created the heavens and the earth – the fruit of Yah’s creative life-giving spirit. This creation was termed “Genesis” or “Berasheet” in Hebrew which means “in a beginning” or a new birth of the consciousness of Yah in the minds of men.

“Rasheet” ראשית, a derivative of “Berasheet”, means choice of First Fruits indicating that Yah set into motion his choicest work. In this New World Order (new birth of the consciousness of Yah in the minds of men today), we, the Chosen First Fruit, stand as Yah’s choices work: the First Fruits of this New World Order.