Bishop Joseph Cistone in a homily at St. Barnabas Church the other day, told the story of a woman who went to buy medicine for her sick child. She unfortunately, locked her car keys in the car. The woman called the baby sitter to explain her situation and the baby sitter encouraged her to be calm and look around for a hanger to pry open the car door. She indeed found a hanger nearby but was unable to open the door. She prayed fervently to God to help her. And she looked up to see a rusty old car driving up to her and a rustier looking guy behind the wheel. “You need help?” The person asked. She explained her problem.  The person proceeded to open the door in no time. She profusely thanked him and proclaimed him an angel. The guy said he was no angel because he was just released from prison the previous week for breaking into cars. The woman fell on her knees and thanked God for sending a professional. Ha ha
 It is that time of the year. Thanksgiving, Christmas (which are past), and New Year. A lot of asking, giving and getting.  If you got what you asked for, will you know? Will you be satisfied?  A child wishes Santa (spelled parents or benefactor) to give him a bicycle. He receives it. The first part of our question is answered. He knows. The second part is will he be satisfied. The boy takes a ride with the bike, he’s knocked down by a vehicle and became paralyzed from his waist down!  Ten years later, he still wonders why he asked for a bike, why he got his wish and how it has turned into his nightmare. A big regret!!
The year 2008 has ended, it is time to add and subtract. What will you ask for, what plans and resolutions do you have for the New Year? To me, asking, even of myself is a big thing. Will it stand the test of time? That is why we should always pray and ask for inspiration and wisdom.

My friends, as we thank God for guarding and guiding us through 2008, we invite Chief Priest Bacchus to offer libation on our behalf.
“I the one and only Creole boy, the youngest living old man, the prophet and Chief Priest, in the words of Adenuga and by the powers conferred on me;

Whereas fish abandon water, and birds stray from their nests,
May our guiding spirits never forsake us. Amen.

The pigeon brings good things to its house with its two wings,
May nothing prevent us from becoming successful in 2009. Amen

Children of the land, elders of the land, men, women, young, old and all lovers of Funtimes Magazine, May we not travel when the road is thirsty for blood. Amen

No one prevents the monkey from sitting on the branch of a tree,
Nobody kills a dog because it barks,
Nobody kills the he goat because it sexes its mother,
May nobody’s rib crack from laughter because of reading Funtimes Magazine. Amen

We affirm the Year 2009 as a year of fulfillment! Yes, we can!! May we achieve these in Jesus’ Name. Amen”

Open your eyes, we thank you Chief Bacchus for the Prayers. May you live forever.

Our cover is President Barack Obama. Besides a great campaign strategy, one writer in a Philadelphia daily mentioned what Obama needed to do to win: remaining scandal free and in the good books of Oprah Winfrey. He did both and won.  Like a good salesperson, Oprah sold Obama to the nation. Obama has become another icon on the crowded marquee of “products” which Oprah has successfully marketed. She effectively morphed the fairy tale of his presidential run into a reality.

But unlike recommending a book to her book club or selling a mascara, Obama is the president of the United States. And unlike merchandise sitting on countertops, Obama will be making decisions which may run counter to Oprah’s interests. Does she lose sleep on the prospect of this potential sacrifice or her creation of a possible monster? For example, the much-touted Obama’s economic policy if implemented may be rummaging in Oprah’s pockets and robbing her of millions.
Even then, this enigma called Oprah Winfrey has eschewed chest thumping as a kingmaker but retreated into the shadows of seeming disinterested look. What do you think is Oprah’s mantra.. I guess “Yes, I am”, she would say.
 Congratulations to President Obama and kudos to King Maker Oprah Winfrey.

My dear ones, this edition is special. Savor it. Tell us how to please you, bond with you and make you enjoy Funtimes Magazine. Send in your letters, opinion, questions for Aunty Mamie and true-life confessions. Support us by advertising your business in our magazine. Give us the opportunity to create mementoes from your celebrations, graduations, birthdays, weddings, christening, anniversaries etc.
Briefly, our couple of the month is Mr and Mrs Philip Tuayemie. Until five months ago when he had a stroke, Philip was the sole breadwinner of his home. Philip thus lost some mobility, his job, his apartment and his car. Thankfully, he has held tightly to his God and his wife. Judith, his wife has stood by him in steadfast love. Congratulations. Did you hear that no person is “an innocent victim of a drive-through feeding?” You must read the health awareness column.

Talking about bonding, our editorial beauty is Tina Bond of Imported Bride fame. She urges you to join Funtimes Family. If we displease you, tell us and if we please you, tell others and us. Funtimes Magazine is your best bet for relaxation. Enjoy!