Dreams of My Father, A Story of Race and Inheritance

January 20, 2009 signifies the making of history in the United States almost 25 years after the assasination of Rights Activist Leader, Martin Luther King. In this great moment also translates the unsetimental and compelling memoir in his book, Dreams if My Father by Barack Obama.

The son of a black African father and an american mother searches for a workable meaning to his life as a black American with Asian roots from Indonesia, Kenya and Hawaii. Dreams of my father starts from the story when Barack loss his father through a car accident. This then leads to a emotional odyssey in a small town in Kansas to the family's migration to Hawaii, Kenya where he reconciles his divided inheritance.

Eventually we know that Barack Obama was elected 44th President of the Unites States on November 4, 2008 and is known for his bestselling books, "The Audacity of Hope" and "Dreams of My Father".

In page 51 of his book, Dreams of My Father he remembers coming across the pictures of a black man in Life magazine who tried to peel off his skin. Today starts a new era in race, gender and ethicity towards equality and freedom in America.

Hopefully, in the coming days there will be indeed changes to a once deeply racially moticated society towards free enterprise and market capitalism. May this be the start to signal that even the poor, under privilege nobodies, small businesses, disabled and ethic minorities have a right to be treated fairly in this new era.

As the new President takes over a deep chaotic financial mess may this dreams of his father lead him in making the right decisions towards prosperity.

Macworld convention in San Francisco without Mr. Apple

After meeting some friends today for the Macworld convention we have all were amazed first on the real cold winter breeze coincides with the not so unusual crowd drawing people even at nearby hotels near the convention center.

In the fast years, this convention was really some spectacular event which droves a lot of hotel lobbies, bars and restaurants to be a real busy meeting area. Since the predominance of Apple and Steve Jobs aura is no longer felt, I guess the sudden chilly weather became more a talking point as it has never been this cold since 1999 when the stock market collapse 10 years ago during a recession.

Well, maybe will just have to wait on what the turn out exactly would be and if there will still be new tech toys to expect in the few days on a more quiet MACWORLD conference,

How do you celebrate X'mas during a recession?

How do you celebrate X'mas during a recession?

It's chilly on christmas winter with last minute shoppers trying to buy their last minute presents. Yet, it still sparks the question of how one will survive for tomorrow in a day and age of online technology yet broke and penny pinching each day.

As we celebrate Christmas 2008, there are so many mixed feelings about life nowadays. One common question we hear is what happen? How did we get to this ordeal of hardship? Yet, on another angle we celebrate life on what blessings we have and face the common reality of economic uncertainty.

With barely a month for the 44th President of the United States to be inducted into office facing one of the greatest economic challenges of our era, let us remember that life after all is not just about material wealth, it is something to be cherish and let us asked ourselves why we continue to live day by day.

Each of us have different economic situations right now but generally everyone's finances is tight. But perhaps we have to face the reality and accept this reality that we have to give courage, hope, love and inspiration which is the entire meaning of life.

To all our readers who have constantly followed us online through the years, our loyal customers who have always continued buying our books and products at ADLE International, many thanks and warmest X'mas blessings.

Warmest regards,

Alex Esguerra
Best Selling Author: How do you integrate success in a small business.
CEO, ADLE International

Size 10 Shoe Throwing Incident and Cultural Diversity

As the headlines recently reported about the shoe throwing incident in Iraq to a foreigh leader made a lot of headlines. But nevertheless, we have to understand somehow that people have different cultures, backgrounds, beliefs and up bringing.

As such international incident gave a spotlight yet a concern for the security of the most powerful man in the world, we should also try to understand why people do such things sometimes because of the different adversities they go through and sometimes times are such so tough that we foget the consequences of our actions.

As the global economic recession get's deeper in the light of an incoming administration hopefully we can acknowledge that we have to be more sensitive to the issues at hand. Though, there is a lot of the plate of a new leader, maybe it is a sign of the times that we remember that people have lives, feelings and hopes.

I still need to see more younger generation of young entrepreneurs and leaders with new ideas that should be heard than the typical political experiences. But regardless, how an incident is understood, we still have to respect that a foreign leader still deserves the respect and dignity.

As we age in life we learned from a lot of our mistakes as it is not a perfect world. The reality is how to learn from these mistakes and likewise understand the cultural beliefs and diversity of people.

FYI, Mr. President Elect - Choose Your People Wisely

FYI, Mr. President Elect - Choose Your People Wisely

It might be overwhelming because of the so much huge expectations before inauguration with the new bailwicks in Washington but as you said at the end of the day you have to take responsibility.

Like the so many of us who were really fighting for change all this time during your campaign yet we know we are going to be be forgotten again when you are finally in power. All we ask is that you remain cautious as you have done so before and at least always stick to the main goal.

The temptations of the politicians will always be there, the power of the rich and powerful and the so called corporate smarts. But just remember, change was about identifying people who are unheard with but has the qualifications because they have been there once and sufferred from the very same capitalism.

I remember in November 1997 during the APEC Economic Leaders Summit then President Bill Clinton was very open to the recommendations of the youth component, women and other minorities. He knew that it has been proven before that only through acknowledging the small laymen and citizens were the basic ingredient of having a surplus to live behind. The Asian Financial crisis was just starting then prior to the Stock market collapse of 1999 but the key for investors was belief in the administration and the chain of command.

The last eight years became the opposite when wrong decisions were made and stuhbornness started.

We are hopeful that you have still the youthful reluctance of becoming really idealistic yet realistic as to why who have won so much respect in all sectors and arena.

So Mr. President Elect yet we may not be even qualified to be in your list on your induction, at least show us the sign that you will remain the same.

The Holiday Season - A new Hope with a new President

Christmas 2008 is here finally. A new story begins having elected a new President for Change in America while the Global economy succumbed with fear of job losses, foreclosures and bankruptcies.

As we look forward on what 2009 will bring, let us reflect on a more positive outlook. The elections and campaigning are over. Gone are the Joe the Plumber anecdotes and trickles of terror attacks are on the other side of the world. Come to think of it all of this chaos is simply cause by the disastrous effects of a global recession and poverty.

Although it is good to be current on world events, painting the picture towards hope is a challenge for each and everyone of us. As we survive each day thankful that we are still alive, perhaps a little optimism will help us go through each day.

We might not be heard and even be forgotten by the new Washington politicians waiting to check out their offices in Washington come January 2009. But the fact is we have done our part to elicit change and pave the way for the new direction needed.

As we celebrate a new season of change and joy, let us not forget that having hope is a necessary part of living our lives.


www.alex-esguerra.com
www.lifeandtimesofalexesguerra.com
https://adleinternational.wordpress.com
www.bestcarparkingapp.com

It is done, Change is here to come, God Bless America

It is done, Change is here to come, God Bless America

History has been made with millions of us over the months of fighting for change. As in any political campaign, we know that when it is said and done we are back to being nobodies, powerless, and low income.

However, let us not forget that all of us had done this to make a change. All we can do is give the chance to a younger president hopefully a president for the people. Let us pat each and everyone's back for letting history unfold as the 44th President elect Barack Obama starts a new phase of history in America.

For years, I personally just kept silent as we all know how dirty the world of poltiics is all about. However, suddenly it felt it was so overwhelming anymore and I just felt if I don't say anything even though it will not good for me anyways, I felt and perhaps I a lot of you did then "change" will never come true.

There are two important things that are components in this election, the power of the youth, our future leaders of tomorrow which I have been fighting for personally and the new era of technology in installing this president.

Let us rejoice, be happy and hope with little expectations that our efforts might be forgotten in the crazy world of poltiics. But, we done our part, powerlesss, nobodies, low income just wanting a change in our lives. THE Economy is the number one task right now.

Former APEC Youth Representative, Alex Esguerra

Best Selling Author: How do u integrate success in a small business.....ISBN no. 978-14348-07595

My father votes at 80 years old for change, that's how bad it is

My father votes at 80 years old for change, that's how bad it is

Yes, the rumor is right, one vote for "BARACK". How come, Hillary said so.

This is how bad the economy is and how much change is needed, how bad the last 8 years has been with the best of the worst mavericks in Washington. My father, a US Army Filipino World War II Veteran even without the adequate recognition like the rest of the remaining and alive American Citizen Filipino World War II Veterans
surviving today - he gets to vote to express support for "CHANGE". The Audacity of Hope perhaps I don't know but this is how bad and angry people are.

9 Websites That Help With Everyday Budgeting, does it include "How do unitegrate success in a small business"

Right now, small businesses are the ones the needs the bail outOne silver lining to these tough economic times: a slew of new free online tools and services that help consumers save money and manage it wisely. Whether you're looking to track your credit score, find a better savings rate or finally balance that monthly budget, these nine sites can help:

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Who will bail me out now, sound familiar

It's easy to say cut the bleeding by lessening your debts says the finance wizards but - Who will bail me out now, sound familiar?

The reality is it's easier said than done. What if someone is doing their best, I can help but be amaze that finance wizards are talking about debt consolidation or even bankruptcy, is that a good financial education?

I guess the geniuses needs to add fresh content in their writings so they would advice everything they can create to still have popularity and ratings. However, unless you live like us that are the ones trying to survive, how dare can they understand one's situation.

Was it a reality check that this were the same people saying to people that one should not take out their 401K's and this was just an economy correction and not recession? This very people are also the same now in saying that this is just a recession and not the great depression. When people cannot hardly eat healthy meals daily then for them it is still ok just because they are still ok with there enormous fortunes and cash.

This is reality time and no longer a time for predatory gimmicks as people are starving, anxious and helpless. What such great finance experts and whiz should do is at least admit the reality that every middle and low income class in having a hard time. Do what you can to be responsible to honor and pay our commitments while still on survival mode for ourselves and our families.

Instead, the emphasis should be on our individual physical, emotional and spiritual health. After all if we get sick then we do not have the chance to get by and co-exist. People are angry on what is going on but they are also admittedly recognizing the uncertainty. But the last thing they need to get more croppy ill educated advice from so called experts who are good in enriching their ownselves.

Hello, let us wake up and be more real so that people can get more confident that there is hope.

ADLE International

The solution to the greatest financial crisis, a book - Mavericks, Hockey Moms, Palin crisis, SNL Tina Faye

With the onset of the greatest economic depression disaster since 1931 in America in time for the Presidential elections where Mavericks and Hockey moms were made instant superstar, a book on how to integrate success in a small business might be the way to solve the financial disaster of all times. A book written by a small business owner tested.

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Think this is the end? Write yourself a new beginning - I am really jealous you have a positive balance, I don't

Saw this article in the MSN Money blog: "Not that long ago I had about $130 to my name. I was struggling to balance a handful of part-time jobs with re-entry into college after 30 years away from higher ed.Going back to school terrified me. But my life was already turned upside down: I'd left a long-term marriage and run through most of my savings to support myself"Boy, I am very jealous she has at least a positive balance because as far as I am concerns and perhaps thousands out there or even millions are in "NEGATIVE". What a life this Economic crisis has done to simple lives to get to be "DISASTROUS" lives now!

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www.alex-esguerra.com

Warning: Blog the truth about the american recession and you will block as Spam

Warning: Blog the truth about the american recession and you will block as Spam

Yes, the title is correct, just because we got so much hits and traffic that our blog administrator servers almost crush the last two days talking about the american economic recession had we be been labelled as spammer.

I have been blogging for the last two years about low income, limited income affordability and now suddenly after starting a new blog "What Portfolio are you talking about" been labelled and locked as a spammer. The problem is that "REALITY" is hard to accept but TV is now doing segments on one buck meals.

So, this is the freedom of expression in America as its' best example when we are simply stating the facts. So if you don't wan't to be classified as non-human nowadays, do even blog or say something bad and just keep telling the lies that "everything" is cool and alright.

We had been fighting for "Affordability" for a long time now and stating the facts of capitalism and this is what we get in return. It's hard what to say anymore because when you simply reinvigorate the true scenarios then you get penalize.

As a small online third party independent bookseller a year ago I remember when we were "DING" from a so called "ALLIANCE" of a major internet site just because we don't scratch this major sites so called policies politics? A lot of consumers does not really know that small online third party sellers are actually the ones delivering their orders. What happens is that when they make an order and their credit card is charge, they do not have the slightest idea that the money they just paid does not actually go to the small online seller. It goes to the major site owner who also earns fees and commissions in addition. The small seller get the money maybe a week or two weeks after when the major sites have already used that said credit card charge to finance their operations and stocks "portfolio's".

Through all these years, I always stay silent and just merely keep quiet but this is the time the public should know about the true realities in this industries. Unless, you are buying directly from our website and shopping cart then that is the only time you are actually giving the small seller the money. But guess what, when you complain that you did not not yet receive the order or there is a delay who get's the blame --- the small seller ---who actually had been financing the buying cycle all the time. And on top of these commissions, fees and holding on to the money, there is even a monthly subscription charge we have to pay just to be listed in this major online internet sites.

A lot of small sellers understand that the big guys have to pay employees and do advertising, etc.., but most of us are also doing our own campaigns. We are also paying for these such things and the fact that your reading this blog also signifies that we are doing our part as well.

Someone needs to say something and small sellers like us are just sick and tired of not being able to voice out the realities. Yes, ladies and gentlemen of the online community these are the true realities. So warning, just keep your mouth shut and keep those hands from typing the realities of life!

www.alex-esguerra.com
www.lifeandtimesofalexesguerra.com
https://adleinternational.wordpress.com
www.bestcarparkingapp.com

The Iraq War - Where is the money?

The Iraq War – Where is the money?

On a recent Vice-Presidential debate between Gov. Sarah Palin ® and Sen. Joe Biden (Dem) , Sen. Biden reiterated how six years of spending in Afghanistan equates to only three (3) weeks that the United States spends on the Iraq War. Of course if the United States is spending $1M US Dollars a day in Iraq one would reconcile while the hardest recession in the American Economy was brought about. Of course, there are so many reasons that a leading economists can given but the truth is that an average Joe or soccer mom as Palin said is the one who ultimately suffers.

The debate goes on with the lessons of morality in preserving the democratic ideals of the greatest superpower on earth after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. But knowing the American way of life, was there ever a day that Americans did not complain about things. In fact, was this not a way of getting what people wanted by way of complaining about things. Then now, when poverty sets in as a cost when is complaining about enough in the ideological American way of thinking.

We can perhaps go all over the excuses of why the money run out through Iraq but the truth is Americans did allow such events to unfold. The reality is that it will take years before a complete total troop’s withdrawal is finally made and meantime what happens to the America?

There had been so many countless books written about this war, Rumsfeld, Colin Powell, the Commanding Generals of the US Army and the contracts awarded to big companies yet there seems to be not a lot information of the specifics of how, when, where and actual disbursements were made. Of course, one should expect the Bush administrations response of “for national security” specifics cannot be elaborated but when the pointing fingers is done it’s seems to be down to the penny

As the economic recession worsens, the expects will greatly impact the next generations to come as without knowing they are already in so much trillions of dollars in debt. History will be written in many generations about the War on Terror, Iraq War or the George Bush War on Saddam Hussein. I guess, one of the hardest part of writing books is stating the truths and facts while thinking how people will be psychologically affected on what a writer writes about.
We all know where the money went but the average Joe does not know how it was spent, how much spending on a day, a week, a month (in true facts) but we do know that the money is gone, and we do know that what has happen cannot be undone

The Demise of America, From Superpower to Powerless Economy

The Demise of America, From Superpower to Powerless Economy

Since the turn of the 19th century, immigrants from different parts of the world had turn to America as one of the greatest and wealthiest nation on Earth. Poverty stricken from third world and developing countries, the United States presented itself as a land where dreams come true and that one can prosper by working hard.

From the industrial to the technological ages, immigrants risk so much of what they have left just to come to America. From attracting the best of the best skilled labor, professionals, artist and entrepreneurs, it has been said that America brings so much hope that life will go on.

Enter the summer of 2007, it all started from a housing crisis where foreclosures were climbing in outnumbered quantities. This was followed by a weak US dollar where investors confidence seem to question what happens to the $1M US dollars spent of the Iraq war since 9/11. At first, the US government simply stated that this was a correction that happens once in three-five years so that economic prosperity can be achieved.

In Wall Street, stocks were starting to decline but financial institutions kept on saying that this was just a normal course of the American Economy. The media centered on the upcoming Presidential elections focusing on the presidential candidates for the democratic and republican parties. Right in the middle was Pres. George W. Bush had the worst approval rating of any sitting US President since the Watergate scandal of Richard Nixon.

The focus was more on the Paparazzi chasing Britney Spears, the American Idol and the newly installed majority ruling of the a democratic controlled US House of Representative. Some economists and online bloggers were already apprehensive of an impending American depression and recession but politics came in first that this was not so.

As the events start to unfold, consumer spending became frail, gasoline prices started climbing, the foreclosures started to rising with unemployment showing signs of an impending crisis.

Small business owners always are the first to feel the challenges but big companies seem to create more advertising that the economy is sound and everything is normal. All of a second, credit card interest and finance charges are climbing while being frenzied that the inflation has something to do with what the political climate is going through.

The presidential primaries came; one by one the fore-runners of both political parties start to unfold. By June 2008, Hillary Clinton suspended her presidential campaign and conceded to Sen. Barack Obama. Meantime, the gloomy economic picture has gradually shifted from bad to worst and the White House still would not admit that America is in recession. Only until Sept. 2008 when a Federal bail out had to be presented in the US House of Congress for $710 B to alleviate the crisis did Pres. Bush admitted that there was a problem.
ADLE Internationall

Where Do We Go From Here

Where do we go from here?
The Iraq war, disaster after disaster, the great depression of the century, a clamor for change and a president able.
Welcome to the new America, where dreams come true and hope has to be reinforced. So as we hope for a better future everyone does not know what lies beneath. But we have to have the courage to endure, the willingness to live and hope that things will turn around.
Rather than capitalizing on chaos every single day, perhaps this is the time to ask how can help so that things get better as in the end we are all affected.
As we face the reality of survival, housing foreclosures, credit crunch crisis, no money, and barely living we can meditate and think what do we do now and where do we go from here?
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 The Bible.
www.alexesguerra.com
Bestselling author: How do u integrate success in a small business. 2008.

Federal Money Bailout not for the People's Interest

If you have been mostly at home today and had been watching the News, you might have heard about the bad Debts and Bad loans bailout of the Federal goverment for the bank who are in trouble.

However, the telephone rings every five minutes by the asset recovery and outside collections that these troubled banks had hired making treacherous calls to people like us with no jobs, sick, frail, old, disabled intimidating that if we do not pay what we owe the bank we will be sued and they will get a judgement even after explaining that there is simply no money and as a matter of fact the family only eats once a day as they dont have money to buy for food.

The calls were brought about by bank charges,, onverdrawn account feee, non-sufficient feee charges and where not the cause of the collapse from the hundreds of thousand losses from the foreclosure crisis.

So as average people we are still the victims even with the goverment rescuing these banks as they are trying to get money from us which was not the main cause of the problem.

Is goverment is just sleeping that they don't see this impact that the bank are doing to us? You are saving the banks behind but they are attacking us, don't you think there is a a real problme here.

The truth about doing business today - Money, People or Conscience, which comes first?

With the challenges in today's economic hard times businesses either big, small or micro enterprises are facing the hard times they never had in decades.

The truth is really to face today as what really has happened when every business wants to salvage their dreams, their employees, their ideals and survival. If big institutions like Lehman Brothers are on the brink of collapse, what can more small independent small business be like.

For the $10 sale if someone is lucky for today's sale, it we not been enough for the huge bank overdfraft fees, and non-sufficienr charges that the banks and lenders will have to imposed to these entrepreneurs having the $10 sale of the day.

Yet, the above subject matters can be lenthily discussed and argue but I would like to deviate on the impact on the employee morale, insecurities, and customer disatisfaction from long time patriontic customers.

Lately, indiustries like hospitality has had really big challenges on brands being franchise. Consistently in service, brand and guest experiences

Franchised Full service hotel brands have to cut or lay of high and middle level managers and have their family fill in this positions. The service standards comes a bit shaken as there are missing parts of the sturcture. The importance of not having a Human Resurces Dept. team and strategies makes the systems more vulnerable to a lot of issues.

Turn over, training, personal interest, and who has the clout is now affected by almost a family owned entreprise. It would have not been bad if it was a growing company but not a company with a full service known brand.

I guess the bottom line question is "Can full service hotel properties" be operated like a family owned economy lodging to save on cost but at the same tiem deliver the same standards and service expected by the guests who patronize the reknowned brand.

Another is also affects not just the kind of guests we attract but also the employees that we are trying to hire to work for us while helping us promote and market the business as they feel great on being a part of the team.

I guess, enterpreneuers have different goals. Some are pro-money whatever it takes, some are money and taking caring of the guests but not too emplyee focus, and yet some are money, employees and guest focus.

A lot of people say that only big companies who have the financial resources can do the great balance of the money, employees and customers. But I guess, no mater if we are selling hotdogs on the streets, a newspaper venedor or a small cafe, it still starts from the entrepreneur on why did he/she went into business.

Personally, I would rather do the right things and fail or closed shop but at least have that feeling that I did my best to be fair. Than, be holding the world of greed, lying down with so much money but still on the back of our mind have some kind of myth of conscience or karma.

So if you are an entrepreneur, which do you want to become?

Is the Economy Getting Better in America at all?

Is the Economy getting getting better at all?

25% of the emails we normally received on a daily basis from our readers seem to be on the same subject yesterday.

This week was nothing but different when we first blog about the increasing number of unemployed in the country today.

It is really amazing as normally when September comes back and kids go back to school, life seems to be starting again in shopping malls. However, today we spend the whole day going to several shopping malls but traffic was indeed slow than the usual September traffic we have seen since 9/11.

Yes, some people needed a spot to cool down and read a book but the typical shopping rush are no longer there.

Entertainment seem to be busy as people wanted to eat, drink or be merry for a while to take their minds out of the agony of thinking of problems.

Groceries had lines but not not with shopping carts but people with few items even handcarried or on self served counters.

Hence, what does this all mean?

It's kinda annoying to keep hearing the stories being repeated on where's the money or we did not have much?

Still, our role to be optimistic and tell our readers that it is going to be ok.

Just think, that we just have to think of the positive outlook and things will improve in due time.

However, it will be a shame if we did not admit that majority of the people are feeling the crunch of the bad economy in North America.

All we can do is "HOPE".

What is the True State of the Economy? No B.S.

What is the true state of the economy? No. B.S. PLEASE!

Walking along the tourist downtown area of a big city like San Francisco today is very interesting.
Can't help hearing some tourist saying that they have never seen so many homeless people asking for money? I heard someone say he has never seen so many beggars today. Then, for a while I thought did he include counting me.
The truth is that this is one of the hardest time in people's lives to survive. As an average struggling joe, the truth is that we are sufferring and let's not make illusions that this is just a few people's experiences.
We can make all the cutting in our livelihood, insurances, and expenses but still it is not enough.
As we go through such hardships, let us not forget to hope, pray and continue on. Sometimes, it is hard for the ego to accept that we have to what we have to do like taking odd jobs or ask for help.
But we have to survive, we have to exist and hope that this nightmare passes through.
We commend all the people that support the small business community in these times of crisis. If the big guys are feeling the pain, what is it more to be when you are the small and poor.
The stock market bounce a little high today but the oil and gass prices remains on the same expensive level.
As we acknowledge the truth, we need to be also responsive and supportive that it is the average working middle class and the low income poor that has the most challenges.
Nevertheless, let us continue with life and hope for the best. After all, we are on the land where dreams gets' fulfilled.
God Bless America!





Alex Esguerra