The contributions of women in warfare have often been overlooked.  This has been the case with female samurai.  One such "Lady Samurai" was Nakano Takeko, born into the Aizu Clan in Edo, Japan in 1847.  She grew into a master of arms such as the naginata (a Japanese polearm), the use of which she taught to numerous other women samurai.  She would later lead this force in support of the Shogun during the Boshin War.  In 1868, during battle against the numerically superior forces of the Meiji Emperor, she was shot and killed after fighting like a demon.  Rather than have her head claimed as a war trophy Takeko's sister, Yuko, cut it off and took it to a temple for proper burial.  If you have seen the movie "The Last Samurai" you will have an idea of the time period and the forces involved.  Nakano Takeko is honored to this day in her homeland for her courage,, bravery and honor.

 

 

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I say if weed is good enough for a United States President then it's good enough for the masses.  Here is a list of 11 U.S.Presidents who smoked herb.  Take a look -- Some of the names may surprise you.  #FreeTheWeed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Santee Sioux of South Dakota plan to open the nation's first weed-friendly resort on its reservation.  The experiment could open up money-making ventures for Native American tribes nationwide. Tribal leaders plan to grow and sell their own marijuana on a property with a smoking lounge, a nightclub, arcade games, bar and food service; and eventually slot machines and an outdoor music venue.  The project, once up and running, is expected to generate upwards of $2 million per month.  The 400 member Santee Sioux tribe have had success in business before:  They currently run a 120 room hotel and a sizeable buffalo ranch.  CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The U.S. Justice Department just announced that it will instruct all U.S. attorneys to no longer prevent any Native American tribe from growing or selling marijuana on reservation land.  Law enforcement efforts will be forcused on preventing things like distribution to minors, or distribution across state borders into lands where pot is illegal, or utilizing public lands for marijuana growth or use.  To read more on the issue CLICK HERE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The U.S. is pleased and looking forward to a closer relationship with Japan after that country's parliament recently passed legislation to expand the role of the military.  The new laws will give Japan the leeway to act in international conflicts -- even when Japan hasn't been attacked -- for the first time since World War II when a constitution was adopted that restricted military action.  The move, which is meant to allow flexibility in supporting allies, has incited protest in Japan and elicited caution from China.  It should be remembered that China is engaged in a military building program, and has its own designs for the region.  CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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New York City's first medical marijuana dispensary is scheduled to open in January of 2016.  It will be located in Manhattan.  The dispensary will be run by Columbia Care, a NYC-based company that was awarded one of New York's five medicinal marijuana licenses.  Click Here To Read More!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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For years many people have held a sterotypically racist view of Africa.  Not only is the continent rich in history, culture and untapped minerals; Africa is rich in modern innovation.  These people who supposedly live in the jungle - swinging from trees --are producing world-class modern automobiles.  If you're in the market for a car you might want to look at Ghana, Uganda or Nigeria for your next ride.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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THE FIRST

 

The First

To open my heart to deep love

The First

To hear my future hopes and dreams

The First

Woman I couldn't breathe without

The First

To show me unbridled passion

The First

To expose me to unrestrained euphoria

The First

To have me mind, body and soul

The First

To be seen as my future wife

The First

To have an eternal place in my heart

The First

To leave a permanent mark on that heart

 

As time marches on

And life adds

Experiences and memories

The First

Will always be

The First

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mansa Musa (1280-1337) was the "King of Kings" or "Emperor" of the wealthy West African empire of Mali.  He was known by many names including Musa I of Mali, Mansa Gonga Musa, Musa Keita, Kankan Musa, and many others.  He came to the throne in 1307, and in 1324 began a pilgrimage -- or hajj -- that would awaken the world to the vast wealth of his kingdom.  Traveling from his capital Niani on the upper Niger River to Mauritania, then on to Algeria, before reaching Cairo, Egypt and ultimately Mecca.  Mansa Musa led an impressive caravan of 60,000 men, including 12,000 slaves, all dressed in brocade and Persian silk.  The Emperor himself rode a horse and was preceded by 500 slaves, each carrying a gold-adorned staff.  He had a baggage train of 100 camels, each carrying 300 pounds of gold.  He was so generous and lavish in his spending that he flooded the Cairo gold market (the world's largest gold market), and caused a decline in its value that was felt for over a decade. Impacting the world's largest market for this precious metal impacted the world's market!  The wealth of Mali had such and effect on the world, that by the end of the 14th Century, 2/3 of the gold in Europe was from there!

 

After conquering the Kingdom of Songhai he made one of its cities, Timbuktu, a major trade hub.  It had caravans connected to Cairo and all other major commercial centers in North Africa.  Aside from commerce, Mansa Musa was concerned with education.  Learning received royal patronage and scholars flooded in from far and wide to make the mosque of Sankore a teaching institution; an institution which laid the foundations of the University of Sankore.  He died in 1337.

References:

Wikipedia 
Blackpast.org
Black History Pages  
Encyclopedia Britannica

 

 

 

 

 

 

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