03/14/2006

Okay, thanks
By the way, I've been keeping up with your website, good job and keep up
the good work. When are you going to announce my WEDDING :-)?

Maima Gibson

02/28/2006

Stanford,

Thanks for the mark of distinction my brother. With God’s help, we will continue to give a helping hand to our less fortunate brothers and sisters both in Liberia and in the United States. As I have said on numerous occasions, service to humanity is certainly the rent with pay on this our temporary home.

Thank you, and continue the great work.

Rufus Berry

Sun, 12 Feb 2006 22:20:48 EST

Stanford,

Your headline on the Bush Chicken states that the PR Committee was appointed 3 months after the installation. Please be reminded that the installation took place on December 18, 2005. Also, even though the confirmation was yesterday, the appointment was earlier. I trust that in the interest of journalistic ethics, you will correct your erroneous headline and make a decent effort in the future to be accurate. Yesterday's event was not an appointment. Rather, it was a confirmation.

Best regards,

Kerper Dwanyen

02/11/2006

Kerper,

Thanks for the correction. The headline has been corrected. I will make a decent effort next time, and I hope I will get the cooperation of the OLM.

This effort is not to malign the character of the OLM, but as my mission statement shows, to bring OLM to the people. As long as I am seen as detrimental to the well being of the OLM, and when calls are not answered or answered with no comments, then we have to get information and review it for correction to provide to the Liberian community.

The Bushchicken is a journal of activities of the Liberian community, its government and social life and I will endeavor to journalize these activities to the best of my abilities.

If the OLM has press releases or information that it wishes to communicate to the public, I will be glad to do so. Otherwise, I will follow the information, make informed analysis and have the Liberian public ask questions.

I am not an enemy of the OLM, I do not intend to be. I will not allow myself to be perceived as one either.

Thanks

Stanford Peabody

02/03/2006

Hi Stanford,

Thanks for your concern and hard work in our community. I have been trying to send you an e-mail to commend you for your efforts in bringing pertinent information to the community. (Scholarships, grants Information etc.) I applaud you for your hard work and would like to encourage you to continue your good information ethics. However, Please be advised that the OLM administration is doing its best by devising strategies that gear towards establishing the various committees that would handle issues of vital interest to us. The board in conjunction with the president has been meeting and I believe OLM diagram is presently under scrutiny. OLM has been here for thirty years and yet has no input in our community. I reason that this administration and its board will do a better job for the first time in history following its plans to formulate the various committees that would be assigned to carry out some community work since its inception. It should and must be construed that this administration’s efforts in bringing up new ideas in our community ensures success in the near future.

You mentioned in your recent release “And so, where is the (OLM? Organization of Liberians in Minnesota) what are you asking about here? Are you triggering something or really want to know where OLM is? You do not know where OLM is, but you communicated with some board members and other officials including the president. I am convinced you will agree with me that for the first time OLM has established an office where almost all the officials including other community members have been going to work on a voluntary basis. You do not know where OLM is, but you attended the TPS meeting that was put together by its officials. Are you really serious about these concerns? What seems troubling in our Liberian community is our panache to be impatience, which sometimes steers to misconception, and the intolerance that leads us to expect too much too soon. We need to take a deep breath with positive perception so that it brings encouragement in our mist.

“Why are we visible during elections and then become so invisible afterwards? ‘ Yes, Mr. Peabody, OLM officials and its board members are so visible during campaign because they have to go out and engage people to vote for them; invisible after election for the reason that they have to form committees, organize office, and be prepared for better work aptitude. “Why are we visible during elections and then become so invisible afterwards? That the public needs to know the projects and programs, they need to see a schedule of events and prepare to contribute or identify with. Attending programs and events are just too old and will not work.” Now, why the public at this early stage is not considering the fact that other important things are going on here? OlM is for the first time in history has put forward a plan to be a non profit organization. Under that same token some people have gone for trainings already which requires volunteering one’s times and efforts. Does not this seem important for OLM and our community? Do we expect OLM to send us flyers on every meeting that is held or on plans that are pending, but not yet finalized? I believe sir; we as a public have the right to make a proposal to our community leaders whenever we feel our expectation is not met. It will encourage the fitness to be focus and fulfill the adequacy for a better work in our community. If we only wait to see what is or may be wrong and not thinking about what has been done or already in the making, then of course, we will be exhausting our efforts. It would make us to feel a pessimism that could drag us slowly to a failure and not build the sanguinity we need to progress to a higher heights; OLM’s failure may become our malfunction as well as a community. When the war started in Liberia, it was initiated by just a few persons. When talking about the war today, people usually say why Liberians are killing each other in this manner. No one asks as to why the few persons who started the war are killing the innocent people in this manner? Now, it is all the Liberians who are taking the blame, because the war failed all of us.

I must admonish you Brother Stanford for your good work done in our community once again. It takes times and efforts to get what you have already attained. However, please take this parable as my advice. “Do not be like the good old lady who used her skills, time and efforts to cook a modern delicious meal for her guest, but excessively seasoned the food with hot pepper. People may envision her cooking styles as being excellent, but at times no one wants to really deal with the aftermath of sustaining hot pepper burns after an intake. Understand here that your website would drive people away if its effort in our community will focus mostly on censuring the identical people it serves.

There is only one OLM for the Liberian community in Minnesota and there has never been a divided political group. We need to set good examples amongst ourselves by promoting, defending, and encouraging one another so that those we may count on for assistance in the future will not see us as a divided group. It is a good idea to be critical, but as constructively so as to avoid the practice of undermining each other in our community. OLM COMPRISES ALL OF US YAH!!!! Thanks.


G. Augustus Wrayee

02/01/2006

Mr. Peabody.

I was hoping that you would have written the whole story. You did call me to ask me if there was a problem within OLM. I answered you but it did not form part of your opinion in the article, "Is OLM asleep".

I would hope that you balance you writings so that the readers can have a fair chance to digest the contents.

Jackson George, Jr. Vice President-OLM

01/26/2006

Stanford,

Thank you for giving the College a chance to respond. I appreciate you timeliness and assistance in this matter.

Your Partner in building strong communities for all.

Scott Redd
Director of Multicultural and Student Affairs
Anoka Technical College
763.576.4773

January 9, 2006 7:04 AM

Stanford,

I see you are doing your part to inform the Liberians about what is
going on here and at home. Thanks. Your good work will make the Saints
shine as usual.

Sam

Dear Mr. Peabody,

We appreciate your concern, but as far as we know, the issue between LIHEDE and the OLM Administration has been resolved. However, we are still awaiting further clarification from Dr. Syluwreh Somah, Executive Director of LIHEDE with regards to the exact role of the Organinzation of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM) on the proposed committee that was set up to work in Minnesota. Until then, the OLM Administration will make no further comment on this issue. Thank you once again for your concern.

Writhers Nyenie-Wea
General Secretary, OLM

January 19, 2006 7:39 AM

Thanks!

Your magazine is informative and worth reading.A Please continue your contribution to the Liberian people. We appreciate your effort!

Mariah

Monday, January 9, 2006 3:57 PM

Stanford,

This is great, congratulations and good luck.

Aunty Margaret

Sat, 14 Jan 2006 11:36:18 EST

Hi Stanford.

My initial feedback is......... I am proud of you and this initiative. I will read the site, and provide feedback if applicable.

Thanks,,
Wokie (Parker)

Mr. Peabody,

Could you kindly add our site www.callliberia.com to your links page. We are the premier directory listing of Liberian businesses.

Thanks,

Musumani Woods

03/14/2006

My people!

Good day to all of you! I trust that all is well with you and yours.

There is a teacher here in Nashville, TN who has become quite interested in Liberian culture, especially since the inauguration of Ellen. She is an African American who has obtained two Masters in Education from Vanderbilt University (Nashville) - one on special education and the other in community development. Her focus is on children and she wants to do something for the children of Liberia. She wants to write an alphabet book using letters of the alphabet to highlight items, food, places, celebrations, etc. that are uniquely Liberian (e.g. F - Fufu, or P - Palava, B - Bassa). With each entry, she will include a description that the children can understand. The books will be published in the U.S. and sent to Liberia to be used by schools and other education entities (if permitted by the Ministry of Education). It may also become an international literary piece. A percentage of sale proceeds will be contributed to programs and agencies focused on securing a good education for the Liberian children.

I told her I would send this e-mail to my fellow Liberians. So, here we go! Send your entry along with a description to my e-mail address (tjrainsbury@hotmail.com). I will keep you posted on the progress of the project.

Also, give your opinion about this project, and feel free to express any questions or concerns you may have. I will forward them to her.

Blessings to you!

Thomas J. Rainsbury, Jr.

03/07/2006

Hello Mr. Peabody,

I am T. Fred Johnson's daughter, who ships
containerized personal effects to Monrovia, Liberia.
Trying to recollect if you are you the same gentleman
from Atlanta, whom I met at Daniel Draper's house in
Worcester with Mr. Emmanuel Gardiner?

All is well. How are you?

Interesting and workable thoughts around Liberian
Diaspora collective efforts in the recovery process at
home.

Thanks,

Frederlyn Eva Johnson
Matarsa Group / Johnson International
1586 Columbus Ave
Boston, Ma 02119

Tel. (617) 427-3300
Fax. (617) 427-3301

Dear Bushchicken,

I am from Liberia and attending a local college and would like the input of your readers. I would like their input on the significance of names and examples of some of the names. I have given examples below.

During the Civil War, rebels and the government soldiers or armies tended to give battles different names. Thus the battle fought for the barracks was called the “last attack.” Many other battles were referred to by their dates, for example the Camp Johnson Road battle referred to as, September 13th or 18th.

Babies' names are also a serious issue. It is so significant that people sometimes spend weeks or months before the birth of a baby thinking of a name. Sometimes, the baby is given the name of a grandparent, uncle, aunt, boss or some other relative that is admired or whose characteristics or personality it is hoped the child will emulate while growing up. Sometimes whether the baby is born in the day, night, or whether it is first born or second will dictate the name automatically. I know this kid by the name of SKD, he was born 1981.

That is the reason why it is very difficult to see a person with the name; Lucifer, Satan or other negative names. Acquired names do not fit the meaning of this article. Acquired names like the above names are names people append to themselves for various reasons. Stars have screen names like Satan, and rebels also have horrible names like devil baby, or shoot to kill, etc. Nobody will give their child those names.

Baby names are not the only areas where the significance has an impact. Have you ever heard of a neighbor’s dog name “mind you Muff”, or “jealous neighbor” or a bar called “sweet baby” or a town called “smell no taste”?

There are many of these all over the world. People give names to objects, teams, people, buildings and other physical or inanimate objects to prove a point.

Katrina will forever be remembered for its force and anger. Would you name your daughter Katrina? Or, maybe name your dog, Katrina?

The atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was dropped from a plane called Enola Gay. I rarely hear any reference to that plane anymore. It is still memorialized though and you can read about it at http://www.theenolagay.com/plane.html

Oh, my first car, I named Jemima. She was so dependable and helpful. She took me out to functions and served as a taxi bringing in food money every day. Ironically, Jemima is the name of the other Uncle Ben’s rice.

And then, we had the various descriptions of things in Liberia:

Sundun rice………Rice so hard to cook, some got cooked and other grains remained in the initial state

Bor bor John……..Hardy and leafy creeping plant eaten excessively during the war

Street Stroller…….Also fit the description above

Holy, holy………..Bus description since people stopping or flagging it says, hold it, hold it.

Pah pah…………...May be part of certain Liberian languages but refers to slippers or flip flops.

Do you know some of these descriptive names? Please send me your input thru the bushchicken.

02/10/2006

Mr. Peabody,

I just wanted to make two corrections on some recent articles.

1. The Story on Mr. Fahnbuleh's appointment. You described Mr.
Fahnbulleh as as the opposition candidate in the last OLM elections. He was
one of the Presidential candidates.

2. The story on the Scretary general of OLM. The mayor of Saint Paul is
Chris Coleman and not Randy Kelly. Chris Coleman defeated Randy at the
last elections in November of last year and he was sworn into office in
January 2006.

Thanks.
Patrick Kugmeh

January 28 2006

Dear Bro. Stanford

I just want to say Happy Happy New Year to you and your family. I sincerely hope the years ahead will bring you blessings and peace.

If you have time please call me or stop by our church (Joy World Church) to visit. You know I will be glad to meet you.

By the way I have been reading some of your articles on the net. You are very good and have some great thoughts.

God bless.
--
Rev. Sam Vansiea

Peabody,

I am impressed.

Jackson George

January 9, 2006 2:14 PM

Antoinette,

Is the below respond just a side comment just for me or do you really want a response
from the Website? Let me know if you want me to forward it for a response or some
insight from those who interviewed Fahnbulleh.
Thanks,

JE

January 9, 2006 2:14 PM

Hi there,

Can someone explain to me, (someone who does not know much about the parties) why it would be of importance that Mr... Fahnbulleh would be going to Liberia, is he a treat to Mrs... Sirleaf and the inauguration or is he expect to stir up some resistance, causing further separation in Liberia.
Thanks

Antoinette Essa
Co-Anchor/Entertainment Reporter
WWBT NBC 12

January 8, 2006 8:23 PM

Stanford,

Congrats on launching the Website. Our community sorely needs more services like this.

Regards,
Patrick

Mon, 16 Jan 2006 20:06:52 -0800

Cool site.
Congrats!!

Precious

Wed, 11 Jan 2006 14:41:38 -0500

Stan,

I'm glad I could contribute to your project in some way. I see you have already incorporated some of changes. good job.

Thanks

Noble

Sat, 7 Jan 2006 00:42:27 EST

Stanford,

Omari here.

Just visited your site and t hought was nice to send you a note of it.
Take care.

Omari

03/13/2006

Stanford,

I will now call you “Chicken Crow’” Jeffrey Beslow and Gregory Nat used to call Bob Hugh Chicken Crow. You have now taken Bob Hugh mantle with that name

Chicken Crow----coco-le coooooooooooooooooooooooo. (laugh)

Emmett

02/21/2006

Hi Stanford,

I know what it requires for anyone to be on top of current issues as has been in your situation. I appreciate your move and would encourage you to continue your good work for our community. However, here is a question for you. Is the taste of bush chicken really going to be different ? If so, we shall all hunt for the bush chicken then. Good work Stanford! good luck!

G. Augustus Wrayee

02/08/2006

ROBERT SAYON MORRIS:

At this crucial time in the history of OLM, The President and Officers of OLM should embark on the following immediately to save the community from disgrace:

(1) Meet with the Secretary of State of Minnesota and inform her of a new Liberian leadership in the community to establish rapport; present OLM Action;

(2) Meet with the Governor and inform him a new Liberian leadership in the community to also establish rapport; present OLM's Plan of Action;

(3) Meet with other African community leaders in the Twin Cities and establish diplomatic relations;

(4) Utilize the experience of Liberian PR Experts to embark on an aggressive Public relations campaign to promote the aims, objectives and philosophy of the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota and its activities in the Diaspora;

(5) publish a monthly newsletter and construct a first-class Website to disseminate information about OLM's activities;

(6) The OLM President and Officers should STOP attending community programs 45 minutes late. This is a BAD practice. It was observed on more than two occasions when OLM President and her entourage arrived at community programs more then 45 minutes!

(7) The OLM President should by NOW name heads of all her cabinets (Heads of Committees); and

(8) OLM should speak with ONE VOICE!

These are my suggestions to help invigorate OLM.

Sincerely,

Robert Sayon Morris
Community Activist

02/04/2006

Mr. Peabody:

Your site is a must read! Your articles are original, direct, honest, factual, and thought provoking. Continue with this new lease of bravery and optimism for the voiceless. Your character is one that cannot be bought by the highest or lowest bidder. Keep it up Mr. Bushchicken.com!

Dr. Mariah Y. Seton

Sunday, January 15, 2006 8:00 PM

Hey Stan

I would love a weekly column on the bushchicken to discuss current issues in MN and Liberia called "The Flip Side." Basically, there are two sides to every story. While remaining objective, we intend to present the other side - which will usually be the unpopular, politically incorrect, yet intriguing and logical.
If you think you can find a spot let me know so that I can edit the first copy to post.

Sam G. Kpahn

Sunday, January 15, 2006 11:59 AM

Stanford,

I just received this about "Bushchicken," the new online website based in
Minnesota. Is there a way you could link us, www.theliberiandialogue.org, The
Liberian Dialogue, so that we can do the same for you?

Let me hear from you asap.
Editor, The Liberian Dialogue

Wednesday, January 11, 2006 10:56 PM

DEAR MR. PEABODY,

THIS IS MY SECOND TIME WRITING ON THIS SUBJECT MATTER. I STRONGLY FEEL THAT PEOPLE SHOULD BE SELECTIVE WHEN USING THE LIS-SERVE. I DON'T THINK EVERY BODY SHOULD BE ALLOW TO JUST COPY ANY BODY E-MAIL ADDRESS AND SEND THEN STUFF, THAT IS WHY A LOT OF PEOPLE GET FRUSTRATED ABOUT THE NUMEROUS E-MAIL THEY RECEIVE FROM PEOPLE THEY DON'T KNOW OR ISSUES THEY HAVE NO INTEREST IN, AND IT'S HARD TO UNSUBSCRIBE. MOREOVER, SOME OR MANY OF US WORK FOR COMPANIES AND ARE MONITOR ON THESE ISSUES. I THINK A NEW GUIDELINE BE SET ON THIS SUBJECT.

THANKS FOR YOUR USUAL COOPERATION AND I HOPE THIS MATTER BE GIVEN SOME THOUGHT.

Ronald Pennoh

Stanford,

Congratulations, Mr. Peabody, you are quite an entrepreneur and editor. You have gotten into the global information marketplace providing news and information to your fellow Minnesotans and the rest of the world.
Just curious, how did you arrive at “Bushchicken” for a title?

Everett

Mon, 9 Jan 2006 20:33:34

Hi Stanford,

Greetings from an old schoolmate.
I got your email address from one of J.E. regular emails.
So, I decided to drop you a note and salute you on your webpage.
Anyway, it was good seeing your photo and reading your articles.
Take care.

Alston Wolo