P.S.: Pictures these and many other pictures can be viewed in an album (Kimballton Limestone Mine) on my primary website.
Monday, November 7, 2011
#153: HOAES (7)
This past Wednesday, I had the opportunity to go to the Kimballton underground mine in Giles County for one of my mining classes; this mine is overseered by Lhoist North America. It was such a wonderful experience, and also my first time going to an underground mine. The primary production in this mine is limestone. Honestly on my way heading there I had no expectations but just curiousity, so I wouldn't really say it was what I expected or not. I could write all day about it, but I'll just state a few observations/comments for the sake of time, and I need to go to bed soon.
Before heading there, our professor warned us to dress warm since it's an underground mine and the possibility of it being cold is high. Fortunately for my group, it was not very cold so I had no need for my jacket and was content with just a sweater. Also, we were told to bring hard boots if we did not have the proper steel-toe boots, but for some weird reason, I could not find my hard boots that morning; so I decided to wear my uggs and was given a toe shield (I forgot what the technical name is), in order to protect my shoes. Being that its an underground mine, I never thought about the lighting but I was quite amazed by how dark it was in there. Honestly if I was lacking excitement for the tour and sleepy, I could have slept throughout the tour, because it was very dark and cool in there, and the ride was very long; I think our tour guide (Wes) mentioned that the mine is 2300 ft deep, don't quote me on that.
Overall, I had a good time touring the mine and getting to learn a lot. Although I do not have experience as yet in underground or surface mining, I'm looking towards underground right but of course that's a bias preference because that is all I am conversant with at the moment. Something that amazed about the mine though is how after going underground, one completely forgets about time because the difference between day and night cannot be distinguished but time in a way stands still. Like I said, I enjoyed the experience and I think this is because I'm more of a practical person rather than theoretical because to be honest, I am currently not enjoying some of my lectures but I can proudly say that my Rock Mechanics lab is my favorite class because everything is very hands-on, and I am sure you all remember in a few posts ago of how I lamented tirelessly about how much fun I'm having in it.
Rather than saying much, I've posted numerous pictures I took; actually, I did not take as much as I wanted because my camera's picture quality was really poor due to the lighting and such. While browsing the pictures, you will notice that I took a picture of the women's bathroom. This is because I requested to use the bathroom: (1) because I needed to use it, due to the fact that I drink a lot of water, (2) I wanted to know how progressive of a company it was. One of my friends who's an engineer once told me that she interned for a company that none of the men employees knew where the women's bathroom was located and this is because they rarely had women visit and there were no women employees. So in my case, this mine passes my test and I hope they are an equal opportunity establishment, even though I did not see any women miners during the entire tour.
P.S.: Pictures these and many other pictures can be viewed in an album (Kimballton Limestone Mine) on my primary website.
P.S.: Pictures these and many other pictures can be viewed in an album (Kimballton Limestone Mine) on my primary website.
#152: SLSC - Day 45
Day 45: Methodist Girls' High
Background story:
This post is very dear to my heart because it is about one of my alma maters, Methodist Girls' High School. Although I attended this school for just a year, JSS 1 (Junior Secondary School) or Form 1, I still had an unforgettable experience there and gained some friendships that still continue. One of the reasons why the school was dear to me is because it gave me a different perspective on life, and that is because it was the first public school I ever attended in my life. Having grown up in Sierra Leone and Nigeria, all my nursery and primary schools were private, and I shared similar cultures and status with them. However, MGHS was quite different in a good way and very diverse.
Following the trend of private schools could have continued for my secondary education, however, I attended the school due to family traditions because most of my aunts attended the school. My family is very big on tradition, and that includes alma mater. I won't say my experience at the school was always jolly because at that time (I do not know the current status), public schools paid teachers poorly and some would strike and not teach the students. Strikes were something I was not used to, so I definitely disliked going to school certain times knowing that I may not get taught, because I've always been eager for knowledge and used to getting that each day. I'll assume it was not the case when my aunts and cousins attended the school, because I know my grandmother would not have let me attend there at all.
P.S.: I absolutely loved the uniform and beret. I was really looking forward to get to wear the felt hats after reaching SSS (Senior Secondary School) level but like I said I only attended the school for one academic year; JSS is Forms 1-3, and SSS is Forms 4-6. Also, I loved my House color (Fenton), which was for yellow. House colors were designated for Sports events that were done annually.
Fun fact: I think another reason why I liked the school a lot is because I was first place in getting into the school on the national level (NPSE) and was made the prefect of my class. However, the disadvantage to that responsibility was that I was one of the youngest and smallest girls in the class, so some of the girls did not respect me certain times. However, me being the iron lady that I am, I found ways to enforce the laws of the school and our class teacher :)
About MGHS:
The Methodist Girls' High School, founded in 1880, has in the 131 years of its existence sought to reduce the gender disparity in education, and promote the access of young girls of Sierra Leone to secondary education. The school's vision is to pursue high quality education and contribute to high standards, by training well-motivated pupils who should achieve their full potential in all aspects of life
The Methodist Girls' High School has contributed to the lives of thousands of women, who have during their time there gained academic excellence and afterwards pursued distinction and now are prominent in religious, legal, social, medical financial, educational, secretarial, political and administrative fields in Africa, Europe and America .
To know more about this prestigious school, visit their website.
Background story:
This post is very dear to my heart because it is about one of my alma maters, Methodist Girls' High School. Although I attended this school for just a year, JSS 1 (Junior Secondary School) or Form 1, I still had an unforgettable experience there and gained some friendships that still continue. One of the reasons why the school was dear to me is because it gave me a different perspective on life, and that is because it was the first public school I ever attended in my life. Having grown up in Sierra Leone and Nigeria, all my nursery and primary schools were private, and I shared similar cultures and status with them. However, MGHS was quite different in a good way and very diverse.
Following the trend of private schools could have continued for my secondary education, however, I attended the school due to family traditions because most of my aunts attended the school. My family is very big on tradition, and that includes alma mater. I won't say my experience at the school was always jolly because at that time (I do not know the current status), public schools paid teachers poorly and some would strike and not teach the students. Strikes were something I was not used to, so I definitely disliked going to school certain times knowing that I may not get taught, because I've always been eager for knowledge and used to getting that each day. I'll assume it was not the case when my aunts and cousins attended the school, because I know my grandmother would not have let me attend there at all.
P.S.: I absolutely loved the uniform and beret. I was really looking forward to get to wear the felt hats after reaching SSS (Senior Secondary School) level but like I said I only attended the school for one academic year; JSS is Forms 1-3, and SSS is Forms 4-6. Also, I loved my House color (Fenton), which was for yellow. House colors were designated for Sports events that were done annually.
Fun fact: I think another reason why I liked the school a lot is because I was first place in getting into the school on the national level (NPSE) and was made the prefect of my class. However, the disadvantage to that responsibility was that I was one of the youngest and smallest girls in the class, so some of the girls did not respect me certain times. However, me being the iron lady that I am, I found ways to enforce the laws of the school and our class teacher :)
About MGHS:
The Methodist Girls' High School, founded in 1880, has in the 131 years of its existence sought to reduce the gender disparity in education, and promote the access of young girls of Sierra Leone to secondary education. The school's vision is to pursue high quality education and contribute to high standards, by training well-motivated pupils who should achieve their full potential in all aspects of life
The Methodist Girls' High School has contributed to the lives of thousands of women, who have during their time there gained academic excellence and afterwards pursued distinction and now are prominent in religious, legal, social, medical financial, educational, secretarial, political and administrative fields in Africa, Europe and America .
To know more about this prestigious school, visit their website.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
#150: SLSC - Day 44
Day 44: JayArr
JayArr is a reggae singer/songwriter born in Sierra Leone and has been residing in the US since 1989. While attending high school in Silver Spring MD, he joined a reggae band where he honed his skills. During a vacation to Sierra Leone in 2004, JayArr recorded two songs “Rise Up Salone" and "Gonna Miss You" featuring the Jungle Leaders, a talented group of guys with conscious reggae vibes. These two songs were featured on Jungle Leader’s "Same Soup" Album released in 2005. JayArr then went on to record "Back Stabber" featuring Jungle Leaders' own Funky Freddy – a song inspired by his struggle with dealing with disappointments from his trusted and close friends.
JayArr has performed at sold out venues in Sierra Leone, the UK and in the USA. He released his new album “Here 2 Stay” to a sold out audience in one of Washington DC’s premiere night clubs Zanzibar on The Waterfront on 28 March 2009. JayArr performed with Maxi Priest and Beniton the Menace at the same venue to a sold out audience on Oct. 3 2009. JayArr also performed with the late Gregory Isaacs “The Cool Ruler” on July 3, 2010 at Zanzibar on The Waterfront.
JayArr's debut album "Born Sierra Leonean" has sold over 10,000 copies through his self managed production and distribution company LYOA Incorporated. Songs on the album, Born Sierra Leonean, relay messages relating to the 10 years of political strife and brutality endured by Sierra Leoneans and also focuses on the continual corrupt practices of the powers that be, lending to the ominous sufferings of innocent men, women and children in Sierra Leone. His second album “Here 2 Stay”, featuring the highly anticipated singles “Here 2 Stay”, “Black Rose”, “Turn Me Loose” and “Call Me JayArr”, was released on 28 March 2009. Both albums are currently available in stores and can be downloaded from iTunes, napster, rhapsody, Verizon, Amazon, etc. Albums and singles can also be purchased online from his official website www.jayarr.com.
He is currently back from the studio working on his third album “African Child); which debuts October 21, 2011. The album features the singles “Rumors Feat. Funky Freddy”, “Secret Lover Feat Angie Morrison”, ”I Really Love U”-A remake of Bunny Mack’s smashing hit in the 60’s and 70’s and of course the album title “African Child”.
Official Websitewww.jayarr.com
Inspirations JayArr is inspired musically by Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, Doctor Oloh, Luciano, Beres Hammond to name a few. JayArr is also inspired by people like Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Marcus Garvey, Nelson Mandela…people who are steadfast in their beliefs JayArr’s
Networking Sites
Facebook Fan Page
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jayarr_reggae
Myspace: www.myspace.com/jayarr-reggaemusic
AlbumsBorn Sierra Leonean (2006)
Here 2 Stay (2009)
African Child (2011)
Hit Singles“Rain Drops”, “I Really Love U Ft. Bunny Mack”, “Secret Lover Feat. Angie Morrison”, “Call Me JayArr”, “Black Rose”, “Turn Me Loose Feat. Blakka-P”, “Here 2 Stay Feat. EJ”, “Rumors Feat. Funky Freddy” and “Born Sierra Leonean Feat. AmzardLinx”.”
Philanthropic workJayArr is the President/CEO of his non-profit organization “The JayArr Foundation” which is geared towards fostering computer literacy for Secondary School-aged children and adults in Sierra Leone.
JayArr is a reggae singer/songwriter born in Sierra Leone and has been residing in the US since 1989. While attending high school in Silver Spring MD, he joined a reggae band where he honed his skills. During a vacation to Sierra Leone in 2004, JayArr recorded two songs “Rise Up Salone" and "Gonna Miss You" featuring the Jungle Leaders, a talented group of guys with conscious reggae vibes. These two songs were featured on Jungle Leader’s "Same Soup" Album released in 2005. JayArr then went on to record "Back Stabber" featuring Jungle Leaders' own Funky Freddy – a song inspired by his struggle with dealing with disappointments from his trusted and close friends.
JayArr has performed at sold out venues in Sierra Leone, the UK and in the USA. He released his new album “Here 2 Stay” to a sold out audience in one of Washington DC’s premiere night clubs Zanzibar on The Waterfront on 28 March 2009. JayArr performed with Maxi Priest and Beniton the Menace at the same venue to a sold out audience on Oct. 3 2009. JayArr also performed with the late Gregory Isaacs “The Cool Ruler” on July 3, 2010 at Zanzibar on The Waterfront.
JayArr's debut album "Born Sierra Leonean" has sold over 10,000 copies through his self managed production and distribution company LYOA Incorporated. Songs on the album, Born Sierra Leonean, relay messages relating to the 10 years of political strife and brutality endured by Sierra Leoneans and also focuses on the continual corrupt practices of the powers that be, lending to the ominous sufferings of innocent men, women and children in Sierra Leone. His second album “Here 2 Stay”, featuring the highly anticipated singles “Here 2 Stay”, “Black Rose”, “Turn Me Loose” and “Call Me JayArr”, was released on 28 March 2009. Both albums are currently available in stores and can be downloaded from iTunes, napster, rhapsody, Verizon, Amazon, etc. Albums and singles can also be purchased online from his official website www.jayarr.com.
He is currently back from the studio working on his third album “African Child); which debuts October 21, 2011. The album features the singles “Rumors Feat. Funky Freddy”, “Secret Lover Feat Angie Morrison”, ”I Really Love U”-A remake of Bunny Mack’s smashing hit in the 60’s and 70’s and of course the album title “African Child”.
Official Websitewww.jayarr.com
Inspirations JayArr is inspired musically by Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, Doctor Oloh, Luciano, Beres Hammond to name a few. JayArr is also inspired by people like Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Marcus Garvey, Nelson Mandela…people who are steadfast in their beliefs JayArr’s
Networking Sites
Facebook Fan Page
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jayarr_reggae
Myspace: www.myspace.com/jayarr-reggaemusic
AlbumsBorn Sierra Leonean (2006)
Here 2 Stay (2009)
African Child (2011)
Hit Singles“Rain Drops”, “I Really Love U Ft. Bunny Mack”, “Secret Lover Feat. Angie Morrison”, “Call Me JayArr”, “Black Rose”, “Turn Me Loose Feat. Blakka-P”, “Here 2 Stay Feat. EJ”, “Rumors Feat. Funky Freddy” and “Born Sierra Leonean Feat. AmzardLinx”.”
Philanthropic workJayArr is the President/CEO of his non-profit organization “The JayArr Foundation” which is geared towards fostering computer literacy for Secondary School-aged children and adults in Sierra Leone.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
#149: SLSC - Day 43
Day 43: Ms. Swadu Natasha Beckley
Born in Freetown in 1987, Swadu attended the Leone Preparatory Primary School in Freetown under the care of late Aunty Bertha, and continued her studies at the Brook House Elementary School in Langata, when her family moved to Nairobi, Kenya in 1996. In the United States, Tasha continued her education graduating from Wakefield High School class of 2005 in Arlington, VA.
Titles:
Miss Sierra Leone World 2011
Miss Africa USA 1st Princess 2010
Miss University of Virginia's College at Wise 2009
Miss Sierra Leone Washington DC 2009
Swadu Natasha Beckley, a 24-year-old poet (with over 300 poems in her name) and a senior majoring in foreign studies at the University of Virginia’s college at Wise is the current Miss Sierra Leone World 2011 and First Runner-Up of Miss Africa USA 2010. Unassuming Tasha as she is fondly called, is a finalist representing Sierra Leone at the Miss World 2011 to be held in London, UK in November this year.
When once asked by a colleague about her fula first name and krio surname, she had this to say: “I am a proud and strong Sierra Leonean woman of mixed blood. I walk with the style and grace of a Mandingo princess; blessed with the smile and the radiance of a Fula tribe; my bluntness and manipulative ways was inherited through my Temne side; while my sharp curves , my round hips, my sweet words and thin lips were granted to me by ancestors of the Krio tribe. These are cultures united to create a strong black woman full of West African, Sierra Leonean pride”.
“Whether working with elderly women, school age girls, or the young mothers, I saw gorgeous, striking women in Sierra Leone. Not only did they have the qualities, but also they were pure in heart, and good spirited. I was so proud to be a Sierra Leonean woman. I will not say that I am prettier than the women from Sierra Leone, or that they were as pretty as me, because beauty is defined by one’s character. As women, our personalities make us glow from within. After experiencing this I am delighted to say that “SALONE,” women are not only stunning, they are hardworking, and good hearted, now that is what makes us so beautiful. I believe I have what it takes and humbled by this opportunity to represent Sierra Leone and Africa so proudly”.
Vote and encourage your colleagues and families to vote for Ms. Swadu at
http://missworld.com/allcontestant2011.html.
Read more about Ms. Swadu on her website.
Facebook Page
Miss World
Miss Sierra Leone World 2011
Miss Africa USA 1st Princess 2010
Miss University of Virginia's College at Wise 2009
Miss Sierra Leone Washington DC 2009
http://missworld.com/allcontestant2011.html.
Facebook Page
Miss World
Tune in to SLMTV Radio right now, call in, and make donations to send our extraordinary, intelligent, passionate, beautiful, and talented Ms. Swadu Natasha Beckley to Miss World 2011 as Miss Sierra Leone 2011
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